Category Archives: 1950 – 1969

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.

1950 - 1969, 2020 - 2029, All, Male, Skiing

David Christie

In 1945, David Christie began his skiing career on the slopes of Blue Mountain. After 6 winters, Dave had progressed from his self-proclaimed high speed downhill adventures due to a lack of turns to entering his first race in 1951. 

David’s ascent to the podium quickly outpaced his downhill career. In 1953, David was crowned as the Province’s top skier in the Ontario Junior Alpine Championships. He promptly reclaimed his title in the 1954 Ontario Junior Championships a result of his 1st place Slalom, 3rd place downhill finishes.  This result qualified him for the 1954 Canadian Junior Championships at the Fort William Ski Club in Lakehead where he took home a Top 20 national ranking.

After his successful ski racing career, David turned his attention towards supporting the Blue Mountain Ski Club in recognition of their past support for his career. As President and racing member, David participated in a number of agreements resulting in the acquisition of lands and building of the Collingwood Ski Club (CSC). David recognizes Jim Russell, Sonny Foley, Don Mason, Jack McMurchy, Greg Titus, Alex Stevens, Bev Willis, Grant Michel and Garth Paton for their invaluable work in the construction of the clubhouse.

During the 1970’s, the CSC flourished as its membership worked alongside Blue Mountain to host the 1972 Benson & Hedges Pro-Am races that attracted world class racers such as Spider Sabich and Jean Claude Killy (3x Olympic medalist). Today, the Collingwood Ski Club maintains a strong and active membership at the north end of Blue Mountain Resort.

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes David Christie 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.

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.

1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, 2010 - 2019, All, Builder, Male

Dave Chandler

On the ice, Dave Chandler has seen it all throughout his career having officiated 5000+ hockey games during his 37 year career.2014 - Dave Chandler

His career started as a 15 year old a the Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto. Dave moved to Collingwood to teach at Collingwood Collegiate Institute in the late 60’s at which time he became a fixture across the region.  In 1972, Dave was invited to the first World Hockey Association (WHA) officials camp.

During his career, he was invited to referee at International Silver Stick Tournaments, Quebec International PeeWee Tournament (1973) and officiated 11 International OMHA games featuring teams from Finland, Norway and Sweden. Dave instructed at the National Canadian Hockey Association referee certification program for 6 years.

His talents allowed for him to become the OMHA Supervisor of officials from 1983-1986.

The greatest compliment to Dave is obvious by the sheer number of referees that reference Dave’s valued mentorship in their early careers.

On Saturday, October 25, Dave Chandler was welcomed as an enshrined member of the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame.