Inductees

Builder - TSN Sportscaster 

Kate is inducted as a builder of sport for her outstanding media career as a sports broadcaster. Born and raised in Port Perry, Kate pursued a career in sports broadcasting, joining TSN in 2014 where she was paired with Natasha Staniszewski, forming the networks first female anchor team on TSN’s flagship program SportsCentre. Kate has hosted many marquee sports events, including TSN Olympic Morning in 2012, CBC Olympic hockey in PyeongChang in 2018, NCAA March Madness, the NBA Draft and the Grey Cup. She is the host of the CFL and Toronto Raptors broadcasts on TSN.

In 2019, her work on the FIFA Women’s World Cup earned her a nomination for a Canadian Screen Award for best sports host.

On March 24, 2021, she was part of NBA history hosting the first ever all female broadcast for the Raptors.

In addition to her broadcasting career, Kate founded and hosted the first HER MARK Summit in July 2017; a gathering of speakers, athletes and educational panels for 200 hand-picked Canadian female high school students. HER MARK aims to empower the next generation of female leaders. For her outstanding work as a Canadian television sportscaster and her dedication as a role model to inspire the next generation of female leaders, she was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by her alma mater, the University of Ontario Institute Of Technology.

Athletes - Equestrian           

A family devoted to the sport of equestrianism, Ian Roberts, his wife Kelly Plitz and their son Waylon are individually inducted having represented Canada in multiple international equestrian competitions. 

In 1982, Ian was named Canadian Intermediate Champion and was first long-listed to the Canadian Team. A Level III coach since 1987, Ian was voted the 1989 Ontario Horse Trials Association's Coach of the Year and was named both Male Rider and Male Coach of the Year by the Ontario Equestrian Federation in 1995.In 1996, Ian won both the Canadian Advanced Championships and the Canadian Intermediate Championships, making Ian the only rider to win both titles in the same year. Ian competed as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and the 2006 World Championships in Germany. Ian celebrated a bronze medal win at the Central American games in 2013 as a coach for the Costa Rican Eventing team.

In 1982, Kelly Plitz joined the Canadian Equestrian Team and that meant she and her horse, Dialadream, got the chance to compete in the world equestrian championships. Kelly's success continued as an eventing rider at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles where she was top Canadian in eventing. 

Waylon first represented Canada at the age of 14 at the 2002 FEI Children’s Final for Show Jumping in Brazil. He then went on to compete at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in eventing on five separate occasions. Waylon is a 7-time winner of the Royal Winter Fair Indoor Eventing Challenge in Toronto, in addition to representing Canada at the Pan Am games in 2007 winning a team silver medal, and the 2017 Pan Am games winning a team bronze medal.

Team - Coaching

From 1972 through 1989 a team of teachers from RH Cornish Public School gave township youth a love for sports. This team, created under the leadership of principal John Hogg is inducted in recognition of their longevity in coaching. John Hinch was a part-time physical education teacher and vice-principal who coached multiple sports and was a founding member of Durham Elementary Athletic Association (DEAA). Reg Philip began teaching at Cornish in '72 and coached curling. Reg created the year end MUDCAT spiel drawn from the heritage of mudcat fishing in Lake Scugog. Reg fostered a life-long love of curling for many students. Clive Roane was instrumental in coaching gymnastics, track and field and soccer throughout the 70’s and 80’s both at Cornish and in the township with the Scugog Soccer Association. Rob Smart was a key team member, starting in the early 70’s and continuing throughout the 80’s coaching track and field, basketball, and volleyball. Darla Thomas (Sells) joined the team of teachers in 1973 to coach gymnastics, cross country running, volleyball and basketball. Darla was instrumental in creating evening gymnastics programs for township youth to participate in and organized skating at the old arena downtown. 

Ken Smart was recruited from Epsom Public School in 1979 to join his brother Rob at Cornish coaching basketball, volleyball, track and field and softball. As the school population grew, Wayne Addison joined Jim Justynski, Graham Hewitt and Dave Brownson in the 1980’s to coach multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, track and field and cross country running.

In the 70’s and 80’s there was a saying in DEAA that if you wanted to know how good your team or athlete was you needed to “go through the north”. This team of teachers have many winning banners hung in the gymnasium of RH Cornish Public School; however, their ultimate success is fostering a love of sport for many children in the 70’s and 80’s that continues for generations.

Builder - Softball 

Carolyn Best was described as a trailblazer by fellow minor softball organizers. She put her heart and soul into promoting minor softball. Carolyn served as president of Port Perry and District Minor Softball from 1986-1991 and was important to the growth of softball in Port Perry by strongly advocated for additional diamonds to meet the growing demand young softball players in in Port Perry.

During her tenure with the Association, registered players exceeded 500 players, and under her leadership, new diamonds and backstops were installed at R.H. Cornish Public School, Prince Albert Public School, S. A. Cawker Public School and a three-diamond complex built behind the arena.

Best worked collaboratively with Scugog Township, pledging financial support from Port Perry and District Minor Softball for the completion of the diamonds. So committed was she to fundraising, often she’d sell chocolate bars out of her trunk!

The complex was dedicated in June 1998 in her honour, as the Carolyn Best Memorial Diamonds. Without her hard work and determination, they may never have been built.

Best blazed a trail for women, becoming one of the first three female executives on the York-Durham Rep Softball Association, and was instrumental in allowing female rep teams to join the league. At the time, the men on the committee did not want to allow female teams to join.

Through persistence and persuasion, Best succeeded in illustrating to the league the potential for growth by permitting women. She became the first woman elected to the Executive of the Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) and served as secretary from 1994-1996.

Carolyn Best made significant contributions to the growth of softball in Port Perry, the York-Durham area and Ontario. Her posthumous induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 celebrates this incredible woman.

Casey Vanschagen is a homegrown talent who began his career in Port Perry Minor Hockey, where he won the Eastern Ontario Championships with the Pearce Auctions’ team in 1986 (coached by Bob Spencer), and the All-Ontario Peewee Championship with the Legionnaires in 1992 (coached by Gary Geer). He earned the title of Rookie of the Year with the Mojacks in 1997, along with the Dan Slugget Award that same year.

Vanschagen has played in four leagues over his career for: the Cobourg Cougars in the Ontario Provincial Jr. Hockey League for two years; the Weyburn Red Wings in the Saskatchewan Jr. Hockey League for a season; the Missouri River Otters in the Professional United Hockey League for a year; and Tilburg Trappers (nine seasons) and Eindhoven Kemphanen (one year) in the Professional Netherlands Elite League.

Affectionately referred to as “Shags,” Vanschagen won a championship with the Weyburn Red Wings in 2001, and earned a spot in the Royal Bank Cup in Flin Flon, Man. The right-winger helped the Tilburg Trappers win the Dutch Cup (known as the Beker or “Bekercompetitie”) three times between 2006 and 2011, as well as the Dutch Championships in 2007 and 2008. He also played on the Netherlands Men’s National Team from 2004 – 2011, competing in Austria, China, Estonia and Hungary.

After concluding his playing career, Vanschagen has entered coaching, beginning with the Dutch National Under-16 and the Tilburg Trappers team for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Shags returned to the Blackstock area and became instrumental with the Port Perry Minor Hockey as a convener who helped create development programs, including a Youth Hockey Exchange between Port Perry Minor Bantam and the Tilburg Trappers in 2014.

From 2013 – 2015, Vanschagen served as assistant coach with the Mojacks, and has served as a coach mentor for the Whitby Wildcats Minor Hockey organization for the past four seasons.

The Scugog Sports Hall of Fame is proud to induct both a great hockey player and great person who gives back to the community that launched his career. Congratulations to Casey Vanschagen on his induction into the 2019 Scugog Sports Hall of Fame.

The Port Perry rink of Garnet Warriner (skip), Bill Cornish (vice), Peter Warren (second) and Bob Leach (lead) were respected by many in men’s curling circles while they were competing and winning many bonspiels locally and throughout Ontario.

Each was an accomplished curler in their own right, but Cornish and Warriner had competed at provincials several times as part of various foursomes including a very successful mixed foursome. Warren was part of a Canadian national team and Leach competed at legion finals when curling out of Barrie, Ont.

Team Warriner began playing together in 2001, travelling throughout Ontario proudly representing both the Port Perry Curling Club and the Royal Canadian Legion, Port Perry Branch 419. Their winning records at the senior level are all the more impressive since they were all over 60 and their competitors were usually in their 50s. Such was their reputation that, if they didn’t enter a tournament, other teams would often thank them for not showing up, grateful for an improved chance of winning! 

In 2004, they found themselves in a three-way tie for the over-60 Ontario Masters, after amassing a 6 – 1 record. The three teams entered into a shootout, each team throwing one stone, attempting to be closest to the button. They were off by “an inch,” says Warriner, and had to settle for second place.

By winning their zone and district championships in 2005, they qualified for the Ontario Legion Curling Provincials. While many teams pick up “ringers” to insert into their lineups, Team Warriner represented Port Perry as a familiar foursome.

They defeated the Hespeler, Ont. team 6 – 2, earning themselves the Provincial title in the Senior Men’s Division. They had a near-perfect record of 21 – 1 through zone, district and provincials, advancing as Ontario’s team in the Dominion Playdowns with a chance to become the national champions!

This was the first appearance at the national level for Warriner, Cornish and Leach. Hosted in Sault Ste. Marie, they played nine games, finishing with a 4 – 5 record. Three of those losses came by only one point. They finished fourth in the nationals.

The team continued to win zone finals in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011. The Scugog Sports Hall of Fame recognizes Team Warriner for their decade of winning and proudly representing Port Perry.

1994-1995 All-Ontario Junior “A” Ringette Champions 

Front Row: (left to right) Laurie Senyk (manager), Shona Moase, Lisa Bonser, Cara VanderSlagt, Kat Senyk, Diane Vanderligt, Laura Hooker, Dana Hooker

Back Row: (left to right) Brian Shanley (assistant coach), Jennifer Elliot, Brooke Shanley, Janine Hammond, Janna Senyk, Bonni-Jo Norton, Natasha Burgess, Walter Senyk (coach), Dianne Hooker (assistant coach)

The Port Perry IGA Juniors ringette team earned a reputation as “the tough little team from Port Perry.” They were 13 Port Perry girls who were involved in local activities and attended local schools, and competed against teams from throughout Ontario.

Seven teams descended upon Sudbury, Ont. to compete in the 1995 Provincial Championships. Port Perry was set to face the best from Hamilton, Keewatin, Pembroke, Sault Ste. Marie, Seaforth, and Valley East (Ottawa).

Port Perry stumbled in their opening game, dominated by Pembroke (who’d only lost a single game that season) by a score of 7 – 5. Game 2 was versus Seaforth (the singular team that defeated Pembroke) who took a commanding 8 – 1 lead, before Port Perry clawed back to make the score 8 – 4. After two defeats, Port Perry’s roster recalled their slogan: We do not quit. To succeed, they’d have to make a comeback.

Returning to the tournament after a good night’s sleep, they entered their next match with renewed confidence, rebounding against Valley East with a convincing 8 – 2 win. They carried that momentum into their next game against a rough-and-tumble Hamilton team, who lived up to their reputation. Port Perry came out on top, 7 – 3.

The girls’ confidence was through the roof! They dominated the Sault Ste. Marie team by 13 – 1. Partway through their next match versus Keewatin, the score was close (5 – 4) as support from their bench rallied the team. The bench yelled “Who wants it!?” with the response “We do!” filling the arena. They embraced their identity as the Comeback Kids and won 11 – 7.

To reach the finals, they’d have to face the dreaded Seaforth team in a rematch (and on very little rest, just two hours after the Keewatin match). Both teams were brimming with confidence, but the Port Perry fans (all wearing team jackets) recharged the Port Perry girls. They were amazing, stunning the Seaforth team 7 – 4.

The final game was another rematch, this time against Pembroke. The coaches say there was no need for a pep talk – these girls were ready. The stressful, winner-takes-all game remained tied late into the final minutes, when Port Perry scored, to give themselves a small lead.

Pembroke responded by pulling their goalie in a last-ditch effort to tie the score, but Port Perry scored into the empty net, completing their amazing comeback after losing the opening two games of the tournament.

Congratulations to the players, coaches and all involved with the 1994-95 Port Perry IGA Ringette Team, for your induction into the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. You are a proud and confident winner.

1978-1979 O.M.H.A. “C” Tier II Champions 

Front Row: (l to r) Tim Parker, Glen Archibald, Joe Williams, Warren Nicholishen, Brad Hurst

Middle Row: (l to r) Grant Williams (trainer) Rob Scott, Dale Geer, Ron Rumford, Rowen Kennedy, Scott Sandison, Brian Dickson, Larry Page (coach)

Back Row: (l to r) Walt Sandison (mgr), Mark Jeffrey, Jim Kane, Brian Mikkelsen, Carl Durward, Tim Thompson, Colin Ball (sponsor)

Absent:  Steve Jones (coach), Don Hurst (coach)

The Midget B team sponsored by Colin Ball Motors finished 2nd in the Lakeshore league in 1978/79. One other interesting fact about the season was a couple young men in their 20’s gave up their time to coach the team halfway through the season. Steve Jones and Larry Page took this team, under the guidance of veteran Grant Williams (trainer) and Walt Sandison (manager), and guided them all the way to the Championships.  Port Perry in the playoffs first had to play the team that won the Lakeshore League, the rival Uxbridge team, which was heavily favored to win the All Ontario championship. The Colin Ball Motors team apparently didn’t worry about the odds and won the series 4-0.

In the Quarter Finals, the Midgets faced the Stirling Blue Jackets. Stirling had a strong Midget and Juvenile program as they had no Jr. C team so Port knew they were in for some stiff competition.  Stirling proved to not be up for the challenge as the boys swept them 3 straight. Port Perry’s defense of Brad Hurst, Carl Durward, Rowen Kennedy, Scott Sandison, Mark Jeffrey and Dale Geer proved to be too strong and kept the Stirling team away from the net and off the scoresheet for most of the series.

In the All-Ontario Semi Finals, the Colin Ball Motors team came up against Schomberg and won the first two games in the enemy barn to start the series. The boys finally lost their first game of the playoffs and unfortunately it happened to be at home in Game 3. The Port team then got the ball rolling in the right direction and won the next two to win the series 4 games to 1.

St. Marys was Port Perry’s opponent in the Finals, and the first game away was a barn burner. The score was tied 0-0 after 3 periods and the teams were headed into a 10 minute overtime. St. Mary’s scored around the 3 minute mark. However our boys stormed back led by the top line that had led the team though the entire playoffs. Brian Dickson tied the game up with a goal set up by Tim Thompson and Brian Mikelson. Timmy Thompson then scored the winning goal assisted by Mikkelson.  In Game 2, the boys led twice with each lead being taken away by St. Marys. Carl Durward got to be the hero this time getting the winning goal with helpers going to Jim Kane and Tim Parker. Back in Port for Game 3, the local boys came out on top 3-2. The game was followed by some fireworks in the hallway between the two teams after yet again another close match. This led to what the newspaper said was a “chippy” Game 4 with 27 minors and 1 major! Port won this tough battle, with the winning goal going to Tim Parker, to sweep St. Marys 4-0.

All the St. Marys’ games were close with Warren Nicholishen playing stellar in goal as he played almost every period of the playoffs. Warren’s strong play as well as excellent team defense and great scoring allowed the Colin Ball Motors team to go 15-1 on the way to earning the All-Ontario Midget B Championship.

1980-81 O.M.H.A. “CC” Champions

Front Row: (l to r) Rob Brown, Warren Geer, Darryl Leatherdale, Stacey Ballingall, Jamie Menzies, Brad Menzies, Mike Sorley   

Middle Row: (l to r) Brad Traves, Scott Feasby, Steve Connors, John Lally, Mark Barkey, Andrew Steele, Rob Jamieson                               

Back Row: (l to r) Dave Ballingall (trainer), Dave Barkey (coach), Bob Jamieson (manager)

The 1980-81 Malmont Farms Atom “A” Allstars team showed an ability and talent well beyond their young age.  They were able to execute the information and game plans provided by the coaching Staff and turn it into an extraordinary winning season.

The team of 10 and 11 year olds was strong at both ends of the rink with forechecking, backchecking and goal tending prowess well beyond their young ages.  They played 58 games during the season losing only 8 and tying 2!  This included 6 tournaments where they won 4 championships and 2 finalists.  The team scored 279 goals, gave up 97 for a goal against average of 167.

The team culminated the season by winning the Eastern Ontario O.M.H.A. “CC” Championship by sweeping Ernestown in 3 games. The support of our sponsors Neil and Noreen Malcolm, Port Perry Minor Hockey and of course the parents was second to none.

Congratulations to the members of the 1980/81 Malmont Farms Atom Eastern Ontario O.M.H.A. “CC” Champions on your induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame.

Builder

The Scugog Women’s League was established in September 2001, with 4 teams.  The league quickly expanded and by 2003 the SWL had 6 teams and additional ice available with the construction of the 2nd ice pad, in 2007 the Scugog Women’s Hockey League had 8 teams.   The league provides a fun and supportive atmosphere for ladies of all ages and skill levels to try something they may not have otherwise experienced and to form friendships, they may never have had.

It all began as Jill Baranowski and Rose McNally travelled back and forth from Port Perry to Uxbridge to play ladies hockey.  With a lot of “lady” hours and hard work, these ladies together with Angie Churchill and Deb Tarbotton secured ice times, lobbied for players, organized referees, timekeepers, purchased jerseys and secured sponsors.  Lastly, the league had to purchase goalie equipment as that was the only way to convince someone to stand in the net!  The only requirements for signing up to play was a registration cheque, hockey equipment and a good sense of humor. 

Over the years, the SWL have supported the Scugog Food Bank, Christmas Toy Drives, Scugog Arena 2nd Ice pad expansion, minor hockey and the Mojacks.  You will also see the SWL in community events including the Polar Plunge and a foundation very close to their hearts, the very successful “Sistoars” Dragon boat team which won both the top fundraising and top place finisher in various years thereby supporting our hospital, and our Cancer Centre as well as the Lake Stewards.

Congratulations Jill, Deb, Angie and Rose on your induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame for without your vision and commitment, the Scugog Women’s Hockey League and all that it embodies, would not exist today.

Builder

Neil was born and raised in North Nestleton in the Township of Scugog.  He married the love of his life Noreen, in 1945 and together they purchased a farm breeding and exporting cattle and in 1975 he began an auction service.  Neil’s in-depth knowledge of cattle and intelligence made him a very astute businessman.

Neil loved everything, sports.  He and Noreen were lifetime members of the Port Perry Curling Club and avid members of the Port Perry Lawn Bowling Club.  Neil was a member of the Blackstock United Church, a Brother in the Port Perry Fidelity Lodge, and a proud member of Holstein Canada for 60+ years. Together they also owned racehorses and raced at numerous tracks including Garden City, Woodbine and Mohawk Raceway where one of their champion horses, “Atomic Sabre” won 9 races in a row.

Neil loved watching the kids play sports.  He first sponsored the Cartwright Squirts where his son Jamie was the pitcher.  From there, Neil’s generosity spilled across many sports including the Port Perry Midget softball team and the famous “Nestleton Jets”.  Malmont Farms sponsored the Novice & Atom minor hockey teams for 29 years earning 5 Eastern Ontario championships and 2 Eastern Ontario finalist teams. Neil and Noreen would often drive players to the games when parents were unable to attend. The ultimate success for a Malmont Farm team over the 29 year sponsorship was the Ontario Champion Atoms of 1986-87.

What a wonderful legacy of support for kids, 29 years!  Thank you Neil for sharing your love of sports and generosity with countless youth, your legacy will live on forever. 

Eventing

Michele began her riding career at age 7 when she received her first horse, Rusty, for Christmas. He was boarded at a neighbouring farm and sold shortly before Michele’s parents bought a small 10 acre farm. Two horses were then purchased, Sandy & Starlight and were kept in a small steel lean-to shed.  Michele began her competitive riding at the Port Perry Fair each fall, and began amassing a large collection of ribbons, many of them firsts. Eventually the shed became a full blown stable with a number of stalls, a tack room, shower facility, and an indoor riding arena fully marked for dressage, and a number of jumps throughout. As well, the farm expanded to over 20 acres affording numerous paddocks for boarded horses, and an outdoor arena for fair weather riding. Michele was also training riders at the facility, named Cedar Valley Stables.

After going through a couple of rides, including Travieso, Michele was hooked up with Amistad, a Thoroughbred/ Belgian cross in the fall of 2004 and the 2 of them began competitive eventing the next year. Eventing is a horse’s version of the triathlon, including dressage, cross country, and show jumping for the disciplines. Attending various events through Ontario, Quebec, and the United States, Michele and Amistad got better and better rising up through the eventing category levels from Advanced to CCI 4 star. CCI (The Concours Complete International) is the rating for the equestrian sport of eventing, given by the international governing body for the sport, the FEI.

Highlights of Michele’s career include 1st at Hagyard  Midsouth 3 day event in 2006, named to the Canadian Eventing Team in 2007, 2nd at Wit’s End Ontario event 2008, 1st at Pine Top Spring Advanced HT in 2012. 

Aside from all this Michele also found the time to spend several years in community activity coaching  for the Durham Therapeutic Ride Association. She also attained coaching certificates for the Therapeutic Ride program and her Level II for Eventing.

Michele’s natural abilities, level of participation, and love for the sport of eventing have earned her an induction into this year’s Scugog Sports Hall of Fame. Congratulations Michele on your accomplishments and your placement in the Hall.

1976-77 O.M.H.A. All Ontario “C” Champions

Back: (L to R) Don Phinney, manager, Charlie Brown, Todd Wilbur, Mike Tobin, Rob Cannon, Doug  Potts, Wayne Robinson, Doug Scott, coach         

Middle Row:  (L to R) Scott Heard, Greg Kroonenberg, Clark Menzies, Dave Alexander, Lee Wilbur (stickboy)                                                 

Front Row: (L to R) George Burnett, Warren Nicholishen, Darrin Jobb, Dave Myers, Hal Storry 

Absent:  Jim Burnett, trainer

This year the 1976-77 Beare Motors Bantam team is being inducted into the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame. In reading the newspaper articles, many of them written by the players themselves, it was fun to see all the nicknames like Beans, Shultzie, Rookie, Boo, Pottsy and Little Hillis Wilbur. The articles also praise the strategies of their Head Coach Doug Scott, and the dedication of their manager Don Phinney and trainer Jim Burnett.

This Bantam team was a talented one that had many great players and at one point in the season went 13 wins in a row without a loss. They went to 5 tournaments that year reaching the Finals all 5 times. They came home champions in 3 winning their own Port Perry tournament, followed by the Uxbridge tournament and lastly the Oak Ridges tournament. George Burnett won the MVP at the Oak Ridges tournament and went on to score 106 goals for Beare Motors that year.

The team ended up in 1st in the Lakeshore League. They then went on to beat Uxbridge 4-0 to win the Lakeshore Championship. In the Quarter Finals, Port Perry came up against Oak Ridges, the previous year’s All-Ontario champions. They were no match for Port this year as the boys went on to win the series four straight. Next in the Semi-Finals, Port played Bancroft. After 11 days rest due to their previous series sweep, the boys were rusty and tied the 1st game and lost the 2nd. This was the team’s first loss against a Double ‘C’ team since November. The troops did rally and won the 5th and final ‘do or die’ game 7-3.

Finally, there were only 2 top teams left out of 50 Ontario ‘C’ Bantam teams, Port Perry and Mitchell. A Bantam team had not won it all since the 1972 Bantam team 5 years previous and this group of players had never won an All-Ontario championship. Port steam rolled Mitchell and won 3 games straight. Captain Darrin Jobb and assistant captains Hal Storry and George Burnett gladly accepted the All-Ontario Bantam championship trophy from the then PPMH President Jan Franssen. 

Congratulations to the members of the Beare Motors Bantam “CC” team on your induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame.

 Anniversary Recipient: Port Perry Angels - 25 Years

The Port Perry Angels, originally called Scugog Angels, was started by Don Hurst, with one intermediate women’s team competing as a member of the Provincial Women’s Softball Association (PWSA). In 1993, Rick Finlay joined the Angels organization and was named Club President. Over the past 25 years, the number of teams has grown to over a dozen in various age groups. Rick and his coaches have hosted many tournaments over the years bringing teams from across Ontario and Canada to the shores of Lake Scugog and they have taken teams as far away as Australia. The Angels have provided an excellent training ground for the development of female softball players in Scugog and surrounding areas. Many players have received college scholarships and have become successful in their chosen professions. In 2011, the Angels started teams in the younger age groups and this provided opportunity for more local girls to become Angels. In 2016 there were teams in Mite, Squirt, Novice, Bantam and Midget along with many alumni who played Senior Ladies and college softball. 

Congratulations and thank you to the players, coaches and volunteers for providing 25 years of female softball in Scugog. 

Builder 

Dave spent his youth playing multiple sports, softball, baseball, slo-pitch, hockey, and broomball from Udora and Uxbridge to Little Britain, Oshawa, Port Perry, and Blackstock.

He began playing Broomball in 1974 and became the team rep in the Port Perry Broomball Assoc., continuing to play for 34 seasons in the Port Perry and Cannington leagues, playing on 2 Provincial Gold teams and 1 Silver.

Dave began coaching T-ball in Port Perry in the early 1980s when his children started and continued to do so for 12 yrs. In 1990 he assumed the duties of Head Coach for the Mite rep team at the prodding of Carolyn Best & Alynne Jones and held that position for the next 8 years.

Dave has served sports at many levels locally, regionally, and provincially and his contributions to building these sports in Scugog makes him a worthy inductee to the Scugog Hall of Fame.

Individual Athletes 

Paula Zekl (Haugen) and Heather Cirone (McDougall), best friends from Kindergarten competed on school teams at R.H. Cornish and Port Perry High School in most sports offered. They spent their summers working as lifeguards and swimming instructors at Birdseye Pool.

Paula and Heather competed all across Ontario and nationally as well.  They won Gold at the Ontario Summer Games, and also captured Gold at the Canadian National Finals in the Junior Women’s division in Saskatoon in 1981.   They took Silver in an exciting, and controversial, National Finals race in Grand Mere, Quebec the following year.   In 1984 they travelled to Fredericton, New Brunswick and placed 4th in the over 18 Women’s Division.

They attribute much of their success to family support from Agnes Haugen, the team cheerleader, who provided encouragement, made lunches and packed necessities for the training and races, and Norm Haugen, who was the designated driver and ‘manager’. 

Heather and Paula join other remarkable athletes in the Scugog Hall of Fame for their successes in this lesser known sport and their contribution to our sports history. 

1975 – 1976 O.M.H.A. All Ontario Midget “C” Champions 

Front: Rob Grenier, Steve Jones, Charlie Durward, Merle Schewaga, Robert Evans, Mark Lee, Phil Cochrane

Back: Stewart McQuade; Manager, Chap Jones; Coach, Stuart Cochrane, Mike McQuade, Gord Hintze, Mike Healey, Colin Wachett, Bill Bridge, Terry Flieler, Bill Haynes, Larry Lee; Manager, Jan Franssen; President PPMH                     

Absent: Terry Edwards; Manager 

During the 1975-76 season the Midget Toyota Wheels won the All Ontario Midget ‘C’ Championship.  This talented  team went undefeated during this season on their way to winning the Division. In the Quarter Finals the team faced Schomberg and for the first time that year faced some stiff competition. Port Perry finally did prevail and won the series 3-2. The “Wheels” quickly rolled through the semi-finals defeating Mitchell and winning the final game with a decisive 7-1 victory. In The All Ontario Finals against Lambeth, Port Perry swept them winning the 4th game at home in front of a huge crowd. The boys celebrated with a fire truck ride through the town. “Perhaps the last time they were allowed to do that,” recalled coach Chap Jones.

Congratulations to the members of the Toyota Wheels Midget “C” team on your induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame.

Athlete 

Dean's International rugby career is impressive. He represented Canada over 50 times and played on 6 continents over the course of his career. He earned his first cap and scored the first try against Japan in 2005, which won his country the Super Powers Cup. Dean played rugby for University of Western Ontario, winning a provincial title in 2004. He was also an integral part of Port Perry High School's provincial title in 1999 and was named the PPHS Male Athlete of The Year in 2002. Dean has also coached numerous teams along the way including Victoria, B.C's Velox Rugby/Football Club.

Congratulations on your induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame

Don's local career runs very deep indeed. Well over 50 years in fact. These are just a few highlights. He was a founding member of both the Port Perry Minor Hockey and Softball programs. He has been president of the local Junior C hockey club and the Minor Softball program. He was granted a lifetime membership in both the hockey and softball programs in Port Perry. Don coached the Port Perry Pee Wees to a Provincial "C" title in 1967 and was a playing coach on the Tripp Bulldozers, that won an All-Ontario Intermediate title in 1965. As a builder, Don was also heavily involved in the construction of the first two arenas in Port Perry, serving on the arena board.

Congratulations on your induction into the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame

Builder 

Rodd started playing softball as a teenager and always loved the game.  He managed and coached at many levels from minor ball to Senior “A” Fastball, the highest level world wide, with great success including the Intermediate “A” Ontario Championship in 1988.

He also coached and managed in Port Perry Minor Hockey and with the Senior O.R.H.A. Champion Greenbank Gamblers.

Rodd is well known throughout Durham Region as a great sportsman.  He stands out as a civic and community leader both in his home community of Greenbank, and throughout Scugog Township.

Rodd was always interested in sports and is an excellent athlete.  He grew up in Greenbank and has lived there all of his life.  His best friend from pre-school was always Murray Lee and they always played all their sports together.  In high school at Port Perry High School, Rodd had three major accomplishments.  First, he was the intermediate boy’s track & field champion.  Second he played on a famous “5 man” basketball team that won C.O.S.S.A for Port Perry High School with Rodd as the captain.  The other four players were Bob Williams, Willie Stone, Mac Christie and Grant McMillan.  Their coach, Fred Young, taught them an offense that worked and to play defence without fouling out.  When they beat Toronto Central Tech in an exhibition game with the “5 man team, it meant losing their coach the next season.  He was lured away by guess who ??  Central Tech.

Rodd’s third and by far greatest accomplishment was to begin dating Marie Wallace, now his beautiful wife of 60 years!

Rodd Foster was always a good ball player and as a young player he began his softball career with Brooklin, mainly as their 2nd baseman.  He played there for 4 seasons, but wanted to establish a more “local” team which became the Port Perry Merchants.

Roddy was the Manager, third baseman and third base coach with the Merchants.  This team, led by the likes of Bill Cornish, Garnet Warriner, Jack Owen and Walt Sarnanski reached the South Ontario Intermediate “B” finals, losing that series to Mount Hope.  Oh yeah, Knobby & I were also on that team.  What a great year!!

The Port Perry team played in the Oshawa City and District League from 1960 – 67, winning the League Championship once.  Under Rodd’s leadership, this group also relocated the games from the fairgrounds to the lakefront, where we built the first lakefront ball diamond.  The Merchants were also instrumental in the installation of Port Perry’s first ball field flood lights.

In 1981 Rodd organized and managed the Greenbank Gamblers Fastball Club.  The Gamblers began a hugely successful 17 year run in various O.A.S.A. divisions and leagues.  Here is a summary of their amazing accomplishments:

1981 – 85   Club joined the Oshawa City League and won the league championship 3 times over the years.

1986           Club won the O.A.S.A. Intermediate “C” Championship

1988           Club moved up and won the O.S.A.S.  Intermediate “A”

1991           Club moved up to the Sr. “A” division and represented Ontario

                    In the Canadian Sr. Men’s Tournament at Camrose Alberta

1992           The club joined the Peterborough City League and won the Championship

The gamblers won many important tournaments throughout Ontario over their 17 seasons and were invited to play at the C.N.E. Fastball tournament 3 times.  They were one of the best teams ever in Scugog.  

Rodd Foster also coached minor league ball in Greenbank from 1961 – 70, where many of the areas best players were developed, including some from his own family.

Rodd coached and managed hockey teams from house league and Pee Wee rep hockey in Port Perry (6 years in total) to another group of “gamblers” in Greenbank, the men’s team, which played in the O.R.H.A. for seven years, winning the O.R.H.A. Senior Ontario Championship in 1958 -59.

Rodd is also a lifetime member of the Port Perry Curling Club joining in 1959, the year the Club began.  He sat on the Executive for approx. 20 years holding the positions of Bonspiel Chairman for 6 years and President from 1972 – 74.

As a curler, Rodd was one of the better players at the club level, where he was a cunning and popular Skip.  His claim to fame in this sport was being a member of the Port Perry team that won the 50th Anniversary of the R.S. McLaughlin Bonspiel in 1994.  He also represented the club in many Bonspiels throughout Ontario over the years.

Rodd and Marie were also members of the Port Perry Lawn Bowling Club for about 10 years, 3 of which Rodd served on the Executive.

In golf, Rodd made sure he was the best player in the foursome he chose to play in but he claims he was not a great golfer. 

Throughout his life, Rodd Foster was willing to accept the challenges he faced in life whether at work in G.M. where he worked his way up to Plant Superintendent,  working for years with Ted Griffin and others to bring the best health care and a viable hospital to Port Perry and Scugog Township, or coaching and managing players to be their best.  What a wonderful player, team mate, mentor, coach, manager, family man, volunteer and sports builder!

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Rodd Foster.

1972 – 73 O.M.H.A. Bantam Champions 

Front Row:  Bill Evans, Jamie Malcolm, Dave Horton, Mark Jobb, Barry Heard  Middle Row: Charlie Bourgeois, Bill Beare, Phil Cochrane, Ed Olsen, Gord Scott, Larry Elson, Sean Taylor, Rob VanCamp, John Scott, Kevin Walker (stick boy) 

Back Row:  Larry Lee (manager), Wayne Venning (coach) Larry Page, Rick Taylor, Bill Bridge, Steve Jones, Barry Beare (trainer)

In 1972 the Beare Motors Bantam Team came together on a mission.  After losing the championship the year before by one goal they were determined to claim victory for themselves and for the town of Port Perry.

The team dominated the regular season with a devastating 20-0 record.  They out scored their opponents by a goal count of 150–20.  The team was never one to rely on one strong line.  Instead, each line contributed every time they stepped out onto the ice.  The players began to call themselves The Big Red Machine and this machine was going to drive all the way to the finals.

When the playoffs began the team faced the squad from West Rouge first.  This series ended with Port Perry scoring 14 goals to their 1.  They then went on to a 23 – 1 goal count in the quarter finals against Fort Henry.  The semi finals were played against Sundridge.  The team again put away their opponents by a goals scored count of 13 – 3.  Finally it was time for the O.M.H.A. finals against the also undefeated team from Dresden.

Game one saw the boys defeat the Dresden team 11-0.  Game two was once again an easy win with the final score being 18-3 for Port Perry.  The stage was not set for a victory on home ice.  The team’s loyal supporters had the cake baked and decorated and the local fire department was ready for the sirens blasting victory drive through town.  However, bad luck when shooting and “oversized goal posts” handed the boys their only loss of the season.  Dresden shocked everyone by pulling out a 4-3 win.  This forced the team to make the long drive back to Dresden, but there would not be a loss this time.  The final score of that championship winning season was Port Perry 7 and Desden 1.

Every player, parent and hockey fan involved with the Beare Motors team of 1972-73 would like to congratulate you on their well deserved induction into the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame.  You made Port Perry proud that day and for that the community thanks you. 

Curling 

Carol was born to be an athlete, starting with softball in her early years, growing up in the city of Oshawa. During this time she was also involved in synchronized swimming, being introduced to this sport in 1969, swimming with the Oshawa Aquatic Club for 5 years. The highlights of her swimming career were participating in 2 provincial championships and participation in the 1974 Ontario Winter Games at Lakehead University.

Carol’s family moved to Columbus in 1971, and the following year started playing softball with the Legion Ladies Juvenile “D” squad in Port Perry. The team would win silver in 1972 at the All Ontario Championships. She would continue to play softball for a number of years with the local “Blues” ladies team.

During her years at Port Perry High School between 1972-75 Carol’s athleticism showed as she participated in numerous sports; volleyball, gymnastics, and track & field, representing the school at the provincial level in the latter 2 sports. She was chosen Outstanding Female Athlete in 1973.

While attending Durham College from 1977-79 Carol participated in Varsity hockey and tennis. Playing doubles tennis with Lillian Cozzarni, they qualified in 1978 to represent the college at the Provincials held in Toronto. In 1979 more accolades as she was chosen Female Athlete of the year.  It was during her time at Durham that she was introduced to the sport of curling by fellow classmate Mort Cooper. Carol’s mother was also a curler and introduced her to the Port Perry Curling Club, to which she is still associated 34 years later.

Carol’s accomplishment in Local, Regional, and Provincial levels are too numerous to mention, but the following are some of her highlights with the different teams she has been involved with. OCA Trophy Women Provincial Champion 2003 & 2009, OCA Intermediate Women Provincial Champion 2007, 2009, 2010, & 2013, as well as the OCA Senior Mixed Provincial Champion in 2010. She has participated in a total of 9 Senior Women Provincials, 8 Intermediate Provincials, 3 Senior Mixed Provincials, 2 Trophy Women Provincials, 1 Women’s Challenge, and 1 Provincial Tankard, an impressive listing.

In 2011 she was presented with the OCA Honorary Life Membership.                                                                                                                                          

Carol is also giving back to the sport of curling by becoming involved in the aspect of teaching new curlers having achieved her level 2 Curl Ontario certification. She was involved in the “Little Rocks”, and she has teamed up with Carol Strachan for the “skills & drills” program as well as participating in “strategy of the game”.

Carol’s natural abilities, level of play, and love for the sport of curling have earned her an induction into this year’s Scugog Sports Hall of Fame. Congratulations Carol on your accomplishments and your placement in the Hall.

Clair played his entire minor hockey in Port Perry and was described as an outstanding skater, playmaker and scoring threat.  During the time he played minor hockey he had many notable accomplishments.  He was the leading scorer and was named MVP multiple years.   As a 10 year old he scored more than 100 goals while playing for the Malmont Farms Atom team.  He often played for teams above his age group.   As a 15 year old Clair played Midget hockey and was called up to play in several playoff games with the Jr C Mojacks.    Clair led several teams to OMHA championships during his minor hockey days. 

As a 16 year old, Clair was invited to several Jr B camps and signed with the Newmarket 87s playing left wing.  In that season he averaged about one point per game and helped the team win the Central Ontario Jr B league championship.  The following season he was selected in the 4th round by the Oshawa Generals as the 56th player taken overall by OHL teams.  In his first season in the OHL, Clair contributed 6 goals and 21 assists.  He contributed to the success of the Generals in defeating the Kitchener Rangers in double overtime to win the Memorial Cup Championship in 1990.

Clair returned to Port Perry to play with the Jr C Port Perry Mojacks for the 91-92 season.  Clair led the MoJacks in scoring that season with 26 goals and 42 assists and was instrumental in their victory over Little Britain claiming the Central Ontario Jr C league championship.   As Captain in his final season with the MoJacks Clair was voted MVP by the players and was awarded the Eleanor Gilliam Memorial Trophy as the league’s top scorer.

Clair has continued to be active in the hockey arena.  He has volunteered his time coaching minor hockey teams as well as serving as President of Port Perry Minor Hockey.   In 2013 he was an Assistant Coach for the MoJacks and in 2014 he took the position as Head Coach of the team. 

Congratulations, Clair on your induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame. 

As General Manager of the MoJack’s Jr C hockey club for the past 39 years, Murray has spent most Sundays at the Scugog arena and many other days of the week travelling to games and tournaments and driving to meetings around the province.

Along with his duties as GM and President of the team, Big Mur, is an active member of the MoJacks Board of Directors and has organized a number of fundraising events over the years. 

Murray played Junior D hockey and volunteered his time as a minor hockey coach in Cannington.   After moving to Port Perry, he spent some time as a referee for Port Perry Minor Hockey and he first joined the Port Perry Jr C team in 1974 as Trainer and Equipment Manager.

Murray served two years on the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Board of Directors.  He has been involved with various special rule committees for the OHA.  He advocated for the “overage rule” for Jr C leagues to allow players an additional year of competitive hockey in the OHA.   He dedicated many hours helping Clarington enter a much needed 6th team to the league.

Murray has worked tirelessly to preserve and develop Jr C hockey in Ontario.   As a result of his efforts, countless local youth have had the chance to play Jr C hockey in Scugog.   Murray has been a mentor and role model influencing and inspiring many Jr C players to later become involved in minor hockey as coaches, managers or team executives.  He has inspired others to serve their community and to promote local hockey. 

In 2009, the Ontario Hockey Association recognized Murray’s positive influence and commitment to Jr C hockey in Ontario by presenting him with the OHA Crystal Puck Award. 

The Scugog Sports Hall of Fame acknowledges Murray for his dedication and commitment in providing the opportunity for Scugog to continue to enjoy Jr C hockey. Congratulations Murray on your induction to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame.

Midget ‘C’ OMHA Champions 1970-71 

Team members: Dave Bourgeois (Captain),Bob Young, Ken Davidson, Larry Jackson, Rick Campbell, Ron Evans, Brent Heard, Glen McCoy, Steve Hillier,  Ken Nightingale, Shawn Lackie,  Dale Bronson, Wayne Dowson, Neil McLaughlin, Bill Van Camp, Bill Jeffrey, Cal Cochrane, Maurice Jeffrey (Manager) Bob Lee (Asst.  Coach), Jim McMaster (Trainer), Ivan Luke (Coach), Jon Bourgeois (Stick Boy)

The Mustangs had an outstanding season in 1970-71 beginning with an 8-1 win in their first game against the Stouffville team.  Fans were expecting an exciting season after that first game and they were not disappointed.  Weekly reports in the Port Perry Star gave detailed descriptions of the games played, goals and assists and penalty minutes reporting on wins against Brooklin, Stouffville, West Rouge, Pickering, Bay Ridges, and Uxbridge. 

The team won the first series of playoffs against Uxbridge with a 4-3 victory in game 4 to advance against Brooklin in the Lakeshore finals. They won the best of five series against Brooklin winning the Lakeshore league title.

The team advanced to the OMHA Semi-finals after beating Lakefield.  Defeating Unionville sent the team to the OMHA finals to face the Dresden Midgets.  Dresden was a formidable opponent with a season record of 32 wins, 16 losses and three tied games.

After losing their first game with a lopsided score of 12 -2 in Dresden, the Port Perry Mustangs came back strong and won the next three games to win the All Ontario Championship series three games to one.  They won the final three games with scores of 7-6, 7-3 and won the Ontario championship, in the Dresden arena, with a final score of 5-3.

The call was made shortly before 11pm that evening to inform the town of the win and the championship. When the fire truck arrived at the Arena about 100 fans had gathered with banners to welcome the champions.   A lunch of sandwiches, cakes and coffee was prepared for the winners and the many supporters who had travelled to Dresden to cheer the Port Perry team to victory.   It was just past 3:30am when the last carload of players arrived. At that point the team climbed aboard the fire truck and were driven through the village with sirens blaring followed by about 25 cars also blowing their horns in celebration.