Category Archives: Builder

1930 - 1949, 1950 - 1969, 2020 - 2029, All, Builder, Male

William “Bill” Kirby

From ships to sticks, William ‘Bill’ Kirby has crafted a Collingwood legacy by weaving his career   in shipbuilding with his love of hockey while generously helping others. He devoted most of his   life to the development of young hockey players on the ice and was one of the founding members of Collingwood Minor Hockey in the 1940s. A dedicated Collingwood shipyards worker, Bill found  a unique way to give back to his community by mending broken hockey sticks for the town’s minor hockey players.

With care and craftsmanship, the expert woodworker would repair the damaged sticks discarded by junior and senior hockey teams, ensuring that local kids always had the equipment they needed to continue playing the game they loved. He repaired 200 to 300 hockey sticks per year and provided them free of charge to Collingwood’s young hockey players. Bill’s simple yet meaningful contribution not only supported young athletes but also demonstrated the spirit of generosity and resourcefulness in our close-knit community. His quiet efforts helped foster a love of hockey in Collingwood, leaving a lasting impact on both the players and the town. In the early 1960s, the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association initiated the Bill Kirby Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player who combines sportsmanship, hockey ability, citizenship and proficiency at school and at home.

Hockey is in the blood of the Kirby family. Bill was the father of Albert and Morrill Kirby, two well-known and respected hockey players, and was the uncle of a trio of Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame’s honoured members: Barney Walmsley, Albert Walmsley, and Alan Morrill.  His son, Albert, a true gentleman on and off the ice during his prolific junior, intermediate, and senior hockey days, has also been inducted into the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame.

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomed William “Bill” Kirby as an enshrined member of Collingwood sporting history.

1970 - 1989, 2020 - 2029, All, Builder, Male

William “Bill” Redick

Bill Redick is recognized for his leadership in championship hockey team through his formula of building a community based hockey teams supported by a winning culture for 3 decades.

Throughout the 1960’s, Bill was an Executive for the Collingwood Shipbuilders OHA Senior & Intermediate teams & Collingwood Kings. In 1969, Bill alongside future Collingwood Sports Hall of Famers Jeep Jackson and Don Jeffrey successfully negotiated the return of OHA Junior B Hockey to Collingwood. This rebirth of the Collingwood Blues based on strong foundational relationships with corporate sponsors, fans and players allowed hockey to return to a town with hockey roots dating back to 1894.

A recognized leader during the club’s formative years in the 1970’s, Bill Redick was President for 5 years in the Junior B circuit and again when the team entered Tier 2 Junior ‘A’. The club benefitted by the combined skills of Redick’s business acumen and Jackson’s coaching to the established winning culture culminating in four (4) League Championships before moving to Junior A. In 1974, the team’s Game 7 home loss to the St. Mary’s Lincolns for the Sutherland Cup remains a lasting memory for local fans after an undefeated home record throughout the Ontario playoffs.

A multi-sport athlete, Bill enjoyed playing hockey, slo-pitch and golf and proudly represented the Town in these pursuits. A successful business owner, W.D. Redick & Associates, Bill has earned multiple national rewards for his sales and town support acting as a past Chairman of the Collingwood General Marine Hospital’s major gift game and catalyst behind the Georgian Triangle Humane Society alongside his company’s continued sponsorship of minor hockey and baseball teams.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Bill Redick as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.

1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, 2020 - 2029, All, Browse by Category, Builder, Male

Fern St. Onge

Fern St. Onge spent 30+ years (1964-1996) involved in playing, coaching or managing every level of Collingwood hockey. During this time, he was instrumental in building the lives, the livelihoods and character of many a player (Collingwood Minor Hockey, Junior A & C, Intermediate A and Senior A) who walked through the doors of the Eddie Bush Arena.

Fern was recruited by fellow HOF member Dr. Don Paul in 1964 to play for the Collingwood Shipbuilders after 2 years playing with the OHA Jr. A Peterborough Petes under the renowned coach Scotty Bowman.

In 1973, Fern volunteered to coach the Collingwood Juvenile Lions. A team desperately looking for a coach to ice a team. Without any previous coaching experience, Fern fell back on his observations from the excellent coaching he received as a player. His believe that a “team” outweighs the sum of the parts was introduced and reinforced to an eclectic mix of challenging 17-18 year olds throughout the season. It worked . . . as the Juveniles captured the OHA Championship after 5 challenging play-off rounds. After 20 years of playing/coaching in the Intermediate, coaching Senior and Junior C, Fern retired from Sr. hockey. There was, however, a desire to share his knowledge to youngsters, many of who couldn’t skate. Not surprisingly, Fern returned to the arena in 1988 to coach Tyke and Novice House League teams to emphasize the fun and wonder of the hockey.

In 1999, Fern was presented with the 3M Coaching Recognition Reward from the CMHA. Upon Fern’s nomination, the Hall of Fame received heartfelt recommendations from players, fellow coaches and parents that retold stories of his friendly and enthusiastic manner that built self-esteem and knowledge for hockey techniques.

Away from the ice, Fern served on the Collingwood Parks, Recreation and Culture Board from 1988-1990.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Fern St. Onge as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.

1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, 2020 - 2029, All, Builder, Male

Harvey Pearen

Harvey ‘Harv’ Pearen’s commitment to Collingwood sports spans six decades in his beloved hometown, helping to build a solid foundation for youth hockey and baseball to thrive in the community.

As a builder, Harvey coached various hockey teams during the 1960s, including the
Collingwood Legionnaires Midgets, Georgian Bay Champions in 1967-68 and perennial strong competitors on the ice. The Legionnaires capped off the ‘67-68 season with tournament victories in Wingham and Orillia.

In 1966-67, his I.O.O.F. team went to the OMHA finals. Among the many players he coached during his tenure were two Collingwood-born NHL’ers, Randy Osburn (Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers) and Paul Shakes (California Golden Seals). Harvey moved up the ranks to Junior hockey during the 1970s, as the Manager of the OHA’s Collingwood Blues. He added hockey referee and baseball umpire to his extensive sports resume.

Harvey’s longevity as an athlete in hockey and baseball included being a member of Flash’s All-Stars hockey team, the league champion Shell team, Beaver Lumber Sunday Morning Risers, and 2000 Senior Winter Games Silver Medalists. His first championship in hockey was in the 1950s with the South End Rangers. John Hill, member and proponent of the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame, was his coach.

He was a talented fastball catcher with the Co-operators Insurance, Brown’s Lumber Kings, Gurney Sports, Fisher Electric and LOF Glass. He bravely caught hard-throwing pitcher Jim McAllister (Inducted into Hall of Fame – 2008). Among his teams’ achievements was winning the Jack Hammill Memorial Trophy in the Blue Mountain Softball League.

On Saturday, May 23, 2023, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Harvey Pearen to its enshrined membership.

1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, 2010 - 2019, 2020 - 2029, All, Builder, Female

Patty Federer

Patty is and has been a lifelong volunteer in sport. Over 40+ years, her endeavors have allowed thousands of athletes, coaches and officials to compete across the globe. Patti has built multiple sports teams/programs for Special Olympics and Para Olympics and represented our community, province and country as an organizer, technical advisor, coach and official.

Patty leads by example and can be found at every event to be mentoring coaches, volunteers and officials.  The respect for Patty’s dedication is reflected in her role as the only female and Canadian Alpine official at Special Olympic World Winter Games for the past 23 years.

In 1997, Patty founded the Blue Mountain Alpine Special Olympics program serving as Head Coach and Sport Technical lead for 10 years. She was selected as Head Coach for Alpine at 3 Special Olympics National Games. Her continued passion for ensuring people with intellectual disabilities had quality coaching drove Patty to be a classroom facilitator for numerous world-wide sport technical clinics. In 2000, she added the National Coach Certification Program to her long list of facilitations.

Through her success in creating the Alpine Ski Program, she founded the Special Olympic Blue Mountain Golf program serving as Head Coach for 10 years.

The Special Olympics proudly state, “Many people teach but few are as highly popular and moreover respected as Patty Federer.  Special Olympics has recognized Patty as both Coach of the Year and Presidents Award for all she has given during her tenure.

Patty has participated in hundreds of local, provincial, national and international events including six (6) Special Olympics International World Winter Games in Collingwood, Alaska, Japan, Idaho, South Korea and Austria; Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and three (3) Nor-Am Alpine.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Patty Federer as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.

1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, 2010 - 2019, Builder, Male

Michel Le Goaix

In 1981, Michel Le Goaix decided he was going to introduce first time riders and encourage competitive cycling with the creation of the Collingwood Cycling Club – CCC.

From May through October, Michel would coordinate 3 weekly rides including a Tuesday short ride, Thursday criterium, and a 80-100km route on Saturdays. He would map and organize the rides, track the results and always rode with the last person on Saturday to ensure they made it home! When contacted, many riders commented on Michel’s unselfishness as he would ride in front of new riders to block the wind.

As president, he organized the first ever cycling race in 1982 as part of Summerfest. This event was held annually for the next 5 years attracting cyclists from across the province. As President, he led the CCC as  host of the Ontario Hill Climbing Senior Championships. These events established the CCC and allowed Michel to work alongside other clubs to hold interclub races.

Many locals credit Michel with introducing cycling to their healthy lifestyle. One particular local, two-time Olympian, Sue Palmer credits Michel in sharing his infectious passion. Working her way up from local to interclub to provincial to National Champion, Sue has participated in 13 Road World Championships.

Outside of cycling, Michel coached Minor Soccer throughout 1970 & 80, marshalled ski races at Duntroon Highlands Cross Country and volunteered for the 1997 World Special Olympics hosted in our region.

As a competitor, Michel was an accomplished cyclist. In his age group, he competed in a 45km race finishing 6th in the 1985 World Masters Games.

Currently, there is a very healthy cycling scene in Collingwood. Unquestionably, Michel’s early efforts can be attributed to its burgeoning success.

On Sarturday, October 27, 2018,  the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Michel Le Goaix as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.

1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, 2010 - 2019, All, Builder, Male

Harold Horner

Born and raised in Collingwood, Harold Horner is widely recognized as a successful athlete migrating his talents, knowledge and personality to become a championship 2 sport coach from the 1990’s through the 2000’s.

As a youth through his teenage years, Harold excelled in playing hockey and baseball/fastball in both Collingwood Minor Sports Associations. He was widely acknowledged as an ‘above average’ athlete. Harold was drafted by the Kitchener Rangers in 1970, playing with their farm team, the Guelph CMC’s, Welland Sabres and Streetsville Derbys. During the offseason, Harold played 7 seasons with the Collingwood Cavemen and 3 seasons in Stayner winning the 1986 Ontario Senior B Championship.

In the late 80’s, Harold began to coach minor hockey alongside Tom Colley (Hall of Fame – 2010). Their  Atom “BB” team won the 90-91 OHHA Championship and Atom “A” North American Silver Stick. Following the hockey season, he coached some of the same athletes to the 1990 OBA Mosquito “B” finals and back to back – 1991 & 1992 OBA Championships.

In the mid 90’s, Harold coached Novice House League leading another group of players to the 96-97 Pee Wee “B” OMHA championship. Of note, this team lost 1 game through its 60 game season.  After losing the 1997-98 Bantam “BB” team OMHA finals, his team returned to capture the 1998-99 OMHA Championship. In the 2000’s when his former players began to coach an Atom “BB” team, Harold became the ultimate mentor acting as Manager. In 2006, they won the regional Silver Stick championship tournament.

Away from the ball diamonds and arenas, Harold was also an Executive Member of the Collingwood Clippers swim team and volunteer meet timer.

The combination of Harold’s leadership and coaching knowledge generated many athletic achievements. It was however, his caring nature that instilled the importance of hard work and team work that lead many of his players to their career successes in later life. Harold was instrumental in the development of many Collingwood athletes who excelled in their respective careers including Kevin Colley (New York Islanders – NHL). His players have become successful professionals including doctors, firefighters, police and military officers.

On Saturday, October 27, 2018,  the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Harold Horner as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.

1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 2010 - 2019, Builder, Male

Don Pollard

In every community, there are personalities that can be counted to get it done! In Collingwood, throughout the 1960’s & 70’s, Don Pollard was a familiar sight at the Eddie Bush Arena or baseball diamonds as a coach, sponsor and proud father.

In 1950, Don arrived in Collingwood to play for the legendary Collingwood Greenshirts (OHA’s Junior C Team of the Century) following his junior career with the OHA – Oshawa Generals. Don was an integral member of the 1951 & 1952 Greenshirts for two of their 3 three-peat OHA championships.

In the formative years of the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), Don enrolled in Hockey Canada’s newly created “National Coaching Certification Program” to become a “rep” coach. He worked diligently to earn Level 3 classification. This ranking was rare and earned by very few due to its time and learning requirements. Additionally, Don was an organizer and member of the founding committee. He is credited with implementing the tournament format of today’s Huronia Tournament through his tournament experience as a coach. Don ended his career in minor hockey as a referee.

A year-round sportsman, Don loved baseball. He coached for many years, leading Collingwood to the 1970 York Simcoe Hardball Championship.

Don’s temperament and discipline was respected by his players and parents. As a businessman, his sponsorship of Don Pollard Plumbing hockey and baseball is legendary! He was also a member of the Kinsmen Club who built the existing ballpark at the intersection Second and Spruce Streets.

On Saturday, October 27, 2018, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Don Pollard as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.

1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 2010 - 2019, Builder, Male

John Stephenson

2016-john-stephensonJohn Stephenson was a familiar sight behind the players’ bench and on the ice during the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, at the regal Eddie Bush Memorial Arena on Hurontario Street.

For twenty-six winter seasons, Stephenson coached the fundamentals of hockey to Collingwood’s youngest players. Thousands of hours of dedication and commitment to his teams and the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association were recognized with a 1986 Special Award of Merit, presented in recognition of his generous donation of time and knowledge and promoting minor hockey for the benefit of kids from Collingwood and surrounding area.

Stephenson’s hockey coaching career started in 1960 with a Collingwood local league team. He remained as head coach of local league teams before starting in the ‘rep’ loop in 1967. He remained in rep hockey until 1986. His teams earned international, provincial, regional, and league championships.

The 1972-73 McKean and MacLean Major Novice ‘A’s were a powerhouse team with a stellar list of accomplishments and tournament victories. The Novices were North American and Regional Silver Stick Champions, and won the league title, the Peterborough Invitational, Regional Little NHL, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association championship, and the Georgian Bays. They were also provincial Little NHL finalists.

Stephenson was a Level 2-certified coach through the auspices of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association’s National Program. He was a key organizer and founder of Collingwood Minor Hockey’s annual Huronia Tournament parade of teams.

During summer months, Stephenson hit the baseball diamond as a Collingwood Baseball manager and Collingwood Slo-Pitch player and manager. He was the 1992 Legionnaire of the Year, receiving the John MacPherson Memorial Award and has worked 30 years at the Collingwood Legion, where he is a Life Member.

On October 22, 2016, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomed John Stephenson as an enshrined member of Collingwood’s sporting history.

1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, 2010 - 2019, 2010 - 2019, Builder, Male

Peter Kemp

2016-peter-kempPeter Kemp’s ‘field of dreams’ was built in the 1970s with the formation of the upstart Georgian Bay and District Slo Pitch League, one of the province’s oldest and most established slo-pitch organizations. Along with Collingwood Sports Hall of Famer Ron Ralph, he helped construct the foundation for slo pitch in the community and served as an early and dedicated president of the league.

The 72-year-old Toronto-born dentist planted roots in Collingwood during the 1960s and since then has influenced multiple sports –- in addition to slo pitch –- including golf, hockey, and curling as a competitor, leader, and key organizer. He competed provincially and won Ontario Slo Pitch crowns several times as a member of Canadian Mist and Christie’s squads. He competed in the Ontario Winter Games on four occasions. Locally, ‘Kemper’ was active in the popular Summerfest tournaments held each year to celebrate the sport of slo pitch.

An avid golfer, Kemp was President of the Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club in 1974 and during the late ‘70s was deeply involved in the organization’s Junior Development Program. He captained the Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club’s Senior Men’s Division for seven years.

During cold Georgian Bay winters on the ice indoors, Kemp’s other sports loves were hockey and curling. As a lifelong hockey player, he was a central figure in the development of old timers hockey in Collingwood and organized at least 10 Beaver Lumber Tournaments.

Kemp was an active member of the Collingwood Curling Club, instructing Juniors, as well as new and existing adult curlers.