Category Archives: 2000 – 2009

1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, 2010 - 2019, 2020 - 2029, All, Male

Don Thorne

In the fast-paced and competitive world of basketball, few individuals possess the skill, composure, and expertise required to officiate at every level of the game. Don Thorne has risen through the ranks, establishing himself as a highly respected referee across local, provincial, national, and international courts. With a career spanning most of his adult life, he has not only honed his craft in gyms and arenas around the world, but has also become a trusted figure in the basketball community. As the current president of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO), Don leads the world’s largest organization dedicated to the education and development of basketball officials, representing over 13,000 members. His journey from officiating local games to the international stage reflects his deep knowledge of basketball and his dedication to fostering a new generation of referees. Through his leadership, the IAABO continues to set the standard for excellence and integrity in basketball officiating worldwide.

Don has been deeply immersed in basketball for more than 40 years. During this time, he has been a member of the Ontario Association of Basketball Officials (OABA) and in 2010 received the OABA Award of Merit. Nationally, Don was the recipient of the Canada Basketball ‘Wink Willox Award’ in 2022. Being a good floor official is the basis for both awards, as well as registering significant a length of service to the sport of basketball. Don is a FIBA-certified Shot Clock Operator, currently working the clock for Raptors905 and the NCAA’s Naismith Classic.

As a mentor, Don’s expertise and knowledge have influenced and guided officials at the highest levels of high school, college, and university basketball. He has supervised OFSSA, OCAA, and OUA tournaments. There are countless officials at these levels of basketball who Don has had a positive effect. His dedication to shaping and supporting the next generation of officials has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues worldwide, solidifying his role as a key figure in the growth and development of basketball officiating

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomed Don Thorne as an enshrined member of Collingwood sporting history.

2000 - 2009, 2010 - 2019, 2020 - 2029, All, Female, Hockey

Andrea Ironside

Andrea Ironside is a remarkable hockey player whose leadership and competitive spirit have left a lasting impact on women’s hockey, contributing to her team’s national championship success. Her journey began in minor hockey at the age of six in Collingwood and continued as she honed her skills at Jean Vanier C.H.S. After capturing a provincial OFSAA championship in 2004, Andrea made her mark at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) as a standout player in Varsity hockey. A talented right winger, she excelled at every level: minor, high school, University, and women’s hockey.

Upon enrolling at WLU in 2005, Andrea quickly became a key player for the Golden Hawks. As team captain, she led with distinction, earning accolades as a four-time OUA All-Star, an All-Canadian, and a three-time CIS Championship All-Star. Her career highlights include an impressive five consecutive OUA Championships. Over her 128 games with the Golden Hawks, Andrea tallied 58 goals and 64 assists, totaling 122 points, and she claimed the OUA scoring title during the 2008-2009 season.

On the international stage, Andrea showcased her leadership as a member of Team Canada at the 2009 Winter Universiade in Harbin, China, and as team captain in 2011 in Erzurum, Turkey. Under her guidance, Canada secured two gold medals, reflecting her vital role in the team’s achievements. “Wearing the maple leaf is a dream come true. It was exciting and an honor to represent Canada,” she shared with Collingwood Today.

Throughout her tenure at Laurier, Andrea received three Laurier Athlete of the Week honors, two CIS championship tournament All-Star selections, and one CIS Second Team All-Canadian nod. After graduating with a degree in Kinesiology, she continued her hockey journey with the Brampton Thunder in the CWHL for two seasons (2010-2012).

Today, Andrea lives in Guelph, Ontario, where she has dedicated the past nine years to serving in Toronto Paramedic Services. Her personal life is equally inspiring; she is married to Cindy Eadie, a celebrated Hall of Fame hockey goaltender.

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomed Andrea Ironside as an enshrined member of Collingwood sporting history.

2000 - 2009, 2020 - 2029, All, Female, Hockey

Andrea Bevan

Andrea Bevan is a distinguished hockey player with a remarkable career that includes two international gold medals and a national championship, all beginning in Collingwood. She was a pivotal member of Collingwood Collegiate Institute’s inaugural hockey team and excelled in soccer and basketball, but hockey ignited her passion. Her outstanding performance in the sport earned her the junior and senior Athlete of the Year honors at CCI.

Continuing her hockey journey, Andrea played defense at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), where she was instrumental in leading the Golden Hawks to five consecutive OUA championships. Her accolades at Laurier include being named Laurier Athlete of the Year twice, a four-time OUA All-Star, a three-time All-Canadian, and the OUA Player of the Year for the 2008-09 season. Over her 137 games with the Golden Hawks, she recorded 33 goals and 79 assists, totaling 112 points. Notably, during the 2008-09 season, she led all OUA defensemen with eight goals and 18 assists, ranking third among all OUA players in assists.

Andrea’s international achievements feature gold medals at the 2007 U22 European Cup and the 2009 FISU Games in Harbin, China. After completing her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education, she balanced a successful career as a high school teacher and coach while playing in the CWHL. This marks Andrea’s third Hall of Fame ceremony, having previously been inducted into Collingwood Collegiate Institute’s Black and Gold Sports Hall of Fame and the Wilfrid Laurier Hall of Fame in 2014.

Before returning to Collingwood to launch a hockey development program with her husband, Andrea spent a season in the Finnish Women’s League, where she excelled as team MVP, accumulating 56 points (21 goals and 35 assists) in just 24 games and earning All-Star recognition. Andrea’s legacy in hockey is deeply rooted in her family’s history; her late father,   Ray, moved to Collingwood over 50 years ago to play junior hockey with the Blues.

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomed Andrea Bevan as an enshrined member of Collingwood sporting history.

2000 - 2009, 2020 - 2029, Championship Teams, Hockey

2003-04 Jean Vanier C.H.S. Girls Hockey Team

Back Row: Jeanine Murphy, Mariska Vermeer, Justine Burgess, Tara Skalecki, Liz Payton (Coach), Natasha Yeates, Andrea Ironside, Jasper Thomson, Caitlyn Stever, Alex Findley, Amy Aarden
Front Row: Kim Bauer, Vicki Bendus, Michelle Green, Dana Murphy

This exceptional team achieved remarkable success at the provincial level by winning the OFSAA ‘AA’ gold medal in 2004. As champions of the 2003-2004 Georgian Bay league regular season, their dedication and teamwork were exemplary, and their victory continues to serve as a source of inspiration for young athletes in the community, particularly aspiring female hockey players.

The Jean Vanier Girls’ OFSAA triumph showcased their extraordinary talent and perseverance. Their dominance began in Georgian Bay competition. They swept through the season, conquering every opponent and securing the coveted Georgian Bay Championship title. The true test arrived at the provincial stage, the OFSAA ‘AA’ Hockey Tournament.

Carrying the momentum from their excellent regular season, the Jean Vanier Girls continued their phenomenal streak. Going into the provincial championship, Vanier was ranked fourth in Ontario. They battled their way through every opponent in the tournament, never faltering under pressure. There were 16 teams from around Ontario and Jean Vanier outscored their opponents 22-4 on the way to the golden championship.

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.

2000 - 2009, 2010 - 2019, 2020 - 2029, All, Athlete, Hockey, Male

Raymond Sheffield

Described as a fierce and determined competitor with a thorough mix of talent and hard work, Collingwood’s Ray Sheffield is one of the most universally respected and beloved personalities in the history of Australian ice hockey.

A five-time national hockey champion with the Newcastle Northstars of the Australian Ice Hockey League, Ray played minor and junior hockey in Collingwood before hoisting the Goodall Cup as captain of his team ‘Down Under’. He was a foundation player with the club when they entered the Australian Ice Hockey League in 2002.

Ray became club captain in 2003 and led the North Stars to their first championship that year. Three more Cups followed in 2005, ’06 and ’08. He played in a total of 259 games for Newcastle, including 9 finals over 13 straight seasons — 2002 to ’14 — with 11 as captain. In that time, he averaged 0.64 points per game and captained more games than any other player in AIHL history.

In 2015, the club retired Number 19 and raised his jersey at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium before a capacity crowd. A well-rounded, multi-sport athlete, Ray returned to the North Stars in 2016 as an Assistant Coach and won his fifth Goodall Cup. In 2017, he was still coach of the Club’s Mites program. He married Belinda Callaway in 2007 and they have three children — Isaiah, Nathaniel and Monique

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomed Raymond Sheffield 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.

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.