Harry “The Legend” Hus: A Window Back to the 1978 CIAU Championship

In Montreal basketball circles, when you hear the words “the legend,” there’s no doubt who people are talking about. Harry Hus has long been more than just an official — he’s a symbol of dedication, integrity, and love for the game.

Harry’s story begins at Baron Byng High School, where his passion for sport first took root. After graduating with a Commerce degree from Loyola College in 1964 and a teaching diploma from McGill in 1968, Harry’s path led him to the soccer sidelines. There, he carved out a remarkable coaching career — eight conference banners, two national championships, and countless players who benefited from his guidance. By 1997, his name was etched into the Concordia Sports Hall of Fame as a builder.

But it was in basketball officiating where Harry truly built his legacy. After retiring from coaching in 1983, he dedicated himself fully to refereeing. His whistle traveled the world — from Thailand and Brazil to Wales and Japan — and he was even selected for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, an assignment lost only to history because of the boycott. Over six decades, including 40 years at the university level, Harry became the standard of excellence for officials across Canada. His trophy case tells the story — from the CBOC’s first-ever Individual Achievement Award to the Ted Early Memorial Award, the highest honour in Canadian officiating. Within the MMBRA, his impact runs so deep that our Official of the Year award now carries his name.

And yet, for all the accolades and all the stories told over the years, every now and then a piece of Harry’s history resurfaces — a reminder of just how long and how deeply he has been part of the game. Recently, thanks to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, we uncovered footage of Harry officiating the 1978 CIAU Men’s National Championship game. On March 11, 1978, in Halifax, the Saint Mary’s Huskies defeated the Acadia Axemen 99–91 in a high-scoring battle that has been preserved on film. And right there on the court — steady, composed, and sharp as ever — is Harry.

For those who know him only as “the legend,” this rare footage offers something special: a chance to see Harry in his prime, long before his name was attached to awards and halls of fame. It’s a living snapshot of the qualities that made him so respected — presence, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to the game.

Harry Hus has given a lifetime to sport, to officiating, and to the MMBRA community. Sharing this moment from 1978 is more than nostalgia — it’s a celebration of a man whose legacy continues to shape every official who picks up a whistle in Montreal today.

Step back in time and watch Harry Hus in action at the 1978 CIAU Men’s National Championship below.