Category Archives: Sport

1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, All, Hockey, Male

LINDSAY MIDDLEBROOK

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Lindsay was born in Collingwood, Ontario on September 7, 1955, the youngest of six children. He began skating at age three on an outside rink at Wasaga  Beach, Ontario.

In the summer of 1962, Lindsay moved with his family toToronto. In the fall of 1962 at age seven Lindsay began his hockey career by joining the Bert Robinson Minor Hockey League at the tyke level.

He played in this league until 1964. After winning the league championship the
first year, he played a second year of Tyke house league hockey for Bert Robinson and a third Tyke year for the Bert Robinson “Hornets”. In 1965, he switched to the George Bell Hockey Association where he played for their M.T.H.L. representative for the next three years of Minor Atom, Atom, and Pee Wee level hockey. Over the next three years, these three teams accounted for three Metropolitan Toronto Hockey League
Championships, three Ontario Minor Hockey Association Championships, a Silver Stick Hockey Championship (Port Huron, Michigan) and a Quebec Pee Wee “AA” Championships (Quebec City).

In 1968, Lindsay transferred to St Michael’s College Arena to play Minor Bantam for Toronto Olympics (M.T.H.L.) the following year playing for Foster Firebirds (M.T.H.L.) in the Bantam division. Lindsay was selected as the Toronto Telegram’s All-Star Goalie in the M.T.H.L. Lindsay enjoyed two successful seasons of Junior “B” hockey, including selection as the Western Division’s All-Star Goalie in the Junior “B” All-Star game and the All Ontario Junior “B” Championships.

In 1977, Lindsay signed as a ‘free-agent” with the New York Rangers. He split his 1st year of professional hockey between the New Haven “Nighthawks” of the American League and Toledo “Goaldiggers” of the International Hockey League, leading the “Goaldiggers” to the Turner Cup International Hockey League Championship while being voted First All Star Goalie.

The second year (1978-79) Lindsay led the New  Haven “Nighthawks” to the Southern Division Championship of the American Hockey League.

The following six years of professional hockey involved being drafted second by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1979 N.H.L. expansion draft. He split his time between the Jets and their central Hockey League Farm Team, the Tulsa Oilers. In 1981 Lindsay was names second All Star Team Goalie in the C.H.L. and in 1982 first All Star Team Goalie. Lindsay played for the Minnesota North Stars, New Jersey Devils and the Edmonton Oilers.

1980 - 1989, All, Builder, Male

RON RALPH

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When Ron Ralph moved with his family from Kentucky to take over managership of the Canadian Mist Distillers in Collingwood in 1968, he had two things in mind.

He was going to see that his firm would become a good corporate citizen and that
he, himself, would be an active private citizen in the town of his adoption.

Interested in all phases of sport in his native Kentucky, he continued to dominate the sports scene in the a Collingwood as a competitor and an organizer.

Ron was the driving force behind the organization of the Georgian Bay Slo-Pitch Softball League, now one of the longest and best in Ontario. He served as President of the League in 1973 and 1974 and become the first chairman of the infamous Collingwood Summerfest Slo-Pitch tournament, an annual event which attracted fifty teams from all parts of Ontario, including a couple of clubs from the USA.

Ron played basketball in the Kentucky Little League up through high school. His team later won the junior district title and the regional championship in the senior ranks.

He played baseball for the 504 Paratroop Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and later played senior baseball in the Kentucky Tri-County League for the Beals Red Sox.

He organized a Babe Ruth League in Owensboro,  Kentucky. Ron coached a team, built the playing field, umpired and rustled up the team sponsors. For this project, Ron received the Kentucky Colonel Award. When he moved to Collingwood, Ron played fastball in the Blue Mountain League.

He found that fastball in Collingwood was as good as the US but preferred slo-pitch as it seemed more like baseball strategy and more all-around action.

In the summer of 1970, he was able to get a group of men to play challenge slo-pitch games and the following year organized the first Slo-Pitch Industrial League with the able assistance of John Hill and Tommy Murray. He continued direct involvement in the league until 1978, during which time he built the Canadian Mist team to championship caliber in the newly formed Ontario Slo-Pitch Association.

Along with Frank Smalley, Ron started the Collingwood Minor Baseball League in 1972. He coached several teams in the league for a couple of years before he was elected president of the league in 1974. The league grew by leaps and bounds and Collingwood hosted the All Ontario Bantam tournament in 1975.

A Collingwood team won the provincial title in 1979.

1970 - 1979, All, Builder, Male

LOU STAPLETON

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The Builders section of a Sports Hall of Fame is reserved for men and women who have contributed time, talent and leadership to the organization and
development of sports.

Generally, these dedicated men rarely hear the plaudits of the crowd; never see their names in headlines and most often are forgotten entirely.

Such a man was the late Lou Stapleton, the beloved former principal and physical education teacher at the Collingwood Collegiate. He is the one man who definitely had left his mark in the development of every phase of high school athletics in the Georgian Bay District. You of this generation, who never know Lou Stapleton, were deprived of the influence of this very special man.

He possessed the gift that enabled him to bring out the most and the best in every
athlete. His keen sense of sportsmanship and fair play left a lasting impression on every student fortunate enough to come under his guidance on a football field, a baseball diamond, the gymnasium or in track and field competition.

He drilled his junior and senior football teams in after school sessions that lasted until after dark and then he had them back at night for blackboard talks.

He was the man responsible for the formation of the Georgian Bay Secondary Schools
Athletic Association and he became its first president. When Stapes first came to Collingwood, football was only two bucks and a kick. But in less than two years he had his players away ahead of Barrie, Owen Sound, Midland and Orillia in the fine points
of the modern game.

His best football team was built around Jack Portland in 1929 and the squad won the
Ontario Secondary Schools championship. His track team brought national acclaim when he brought a small squad of ten jumpers and runners of the C.N.E. Intercollegiate title.

Lou Stapleton was a giant in the athletic field but he died all too soon. His untimely death took place in 1938 at the height of his brilliant career.

1970 - 1979, All, Builder, Male

WILLIAM “SCOTTY” CARMICHAEL

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Scotty Carmichael became the 25th member of the Sports Hall of Fame. He was nominated and inducted by his fellow members of the selection committee, without his knowledge, at the first induction ceremonies.

He is credited with the establishment of the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame.

A sports reporter for various daily newspapers, radio and television stations, he
has been connected with many sports organizations for fifty-five years.

During this time he served as president of the Collingwood Senior Hockey League, the
Collingwood District Fastball League, Collingwood Junior Football League and
served as secretary and on and on the executive of Collingwood Intermediate and
Junior O.H.A. teams and the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association. He also
coached junior baseball teams and was actively engaged in long distance running
back in the mid-twenties.

1900 - 1929, 1930 - 1949, 1950 - 1969, 1980 - 1989, All, Athlete, Male

VICTOR “VIC” ELLIS

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At age ninety, Vic Ellis is the oldest living member in the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame.

A lifetime of competition in many branches of sport, especially in golf and curling, has filled his home with so many cups and trophies that it now appears he has a corner on the silver market.

Born in Kimberly, Ont., Vic starred on baseball and soccer team before baseball and soccer teams in 1911, winners of the Grey County soccer cup.

Vic played on Collingwood baseball and softball teams for thirty years and was a member of the Collingwood senior baseball team of 1922, O.A.B.A. finalists and champions of the Georgian Bay League.

A school teacher in Collingwood for twenty years, Vic was the driving force behind the organization of the one-hundred member Tuxis Boys and Trail Rangers in the 1920’s.

A member of the old Collingwood Golf and Country Club and the Blue Mountain Golf Club for the past fifty-five years, he has been a perennial member of the Men’ Golf team and fifteen years ago won the Blue Mountain Handicap Trophy. In July 1943, he shot a hole in one for the first and last time in his golfing career.

However, this versatile athlete gained most of his fame as a expert exponent of the game of curling.

A past president of the Collingwood Curling Club, Vic has dominated the “roaring game” for sixty years.

Just two years ago he skipped the winning rink in the Markdale Mixed Curling tournament and in 1979 led a Creemore rink to the Quebec International Bonspiel Championship and the Marc-Hellaire Trophy.

This is a major curling feat at any time, but at eighty-seven, it was nothing short of a phenomenon.

Back in 1936 he skipped a rink in the Ontario Tankard competition and during his lifetime of curling won at least thirty trophies, including the Norman Rule Cup, the Currie Cup, the C.S.L. Trophy, the Enterprise-Bulletin Shield and the Chamber of Commerce Cup.

In 1956 he skipped the first Collingwood rink to ever score an eight end. It was a mixed team with Mary Colling, Evelyn Kean and Johnny Walker.

A lifelong member of the Smokey Island Hunt Club, Vic never missed a deer hunt in six decades.

His involvement in service clubs, charitable organization and the Masonic Order is legend. He has the distinction of presiding over all three branches of the Masonic Order in Collingwood. W Master of the Manito Lodge, “Z” of the Manitou Chapter and was first President of the Manito Shrine Club. Vic also served as president of the Collingwood Progress Club, chairman of the Victoria Order of Nurse, president of the Collingwood Curling Club, director on the General and Marine Hospital Board and a moving force behind the development of the Senior Citizen Club and the Meals on Wheels service.

His contribution to society was finally recognized two years ago when he was selected as the Citizen of the Year. His induction into the Sports Hall of Fame was delayed because of the rule that no person is eligible until after retirement. We had to waive that rule in the case of Victor A. Ellis – he is never going to retire.

2000 - 2009, All, Builder, Male

WAYNE HUNWICKS

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As a teacher at Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI) from 1968 – 1999, Wayne Hunwicks spent his time divided between the classroom and the football field throughout his 31 year career.

Coach Hunwicks has been involved in football for almost 50 years.  He began his career in 1961 as a player at Royal York Collegiate. Upon his arrival to Collingwood in 1968, he quickly became involved in the school’s football program.

Through the years, fifteen local students have carried on their careers at the
collegiate level in the OUAA and other Canadian University Conferences.

Across the country, the “Fighting Owls” continue to fill the rosters of many Canadian
universities such as Queen’s, University of Western Ontario, Wilfred Laurier, Guelph, York and Acadia. Hunwicks coached three players who achieved All-Canadian status at the university level in Todd MacKay, Reinhardt Kellar and most recently Nick Comly.   Both MacKay and Kellar have won the Vanier Cup.

Awaiting his arrival, two existing Hall of Fame members Ryan Potter and Scott Lecky cut their football teeth playing for Coach Hunwicks at CCI and enjoyed successful professional football careers in the Canadian Football League (CFL).  Both players experienced the ultimate goal as participants in Canada’s ultimate football prize, the Grey Cup.

Over the years, it is estimated 1,000+ former students played under his leadership.
Many of these players have grown to become influential citizens as police officers, firefighters, business owners, skilled trades people, lawyers, accountants, school superintendants and teachers, several of whom coach high school football!

Unquestionably, it is the reverence of former players for Coach Hunwicks that has contributed to the success of the Fighting Owls Football Alumni program through their continued support. As per usual, he would deflect all praise for the success of
the Fighting Owls Football Alumni however it is his hand that is the driving force behind its of social fundraising initiatives.

Following his retirement in 1999, Wayne became a volunteer Coach for special teams and the offensive line. The 2008 season will mark Wayne’s 40th year involved in the CCI football program.

1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, 2000 - 2009, All, Male, Other

KEN MILLER

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Ken Miller was born in Sarnia, Ontario in 1947 where he began his weightlifting career. In his hometown, he was a member of the Turcotte Athletic Club from 1970-1977.A career business decision brought him to the Collingwood area in 1977 resulting in Ken founding the Blue Mountain Weightlifting Club.

Over his career, he has competed at Local, Provincial, National and International Levels since 1970 – winning numerous local, Gold, Silver & Bronze medals.  Ken has held the title of the Ontario Open Champion – multiple times alongside scores of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

A member of the Ontario Weightlifting Team since 1970, Ken has earned a Bronze Medal at the Canadian National Championship. In his early competitive years, Ken reached the National standards to compete at the National Championships. Incredibly, Ken has been a 6-time Gold Medalist 6 times at the Canadian Masters Championship (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000).

On the International Scene, Ken has participated in events around the globe as a member of the Canadian Masters Weightlifting Team from 1990 through today.  His medalist accomplishments include:
Pan American Masters Championships – Gold, Silver, Bronze medalist (Competitors
from North & South America and Caribbean Islands) – about 7 competitions

World Masters Games –BrisbaneAustralia – Silver Medal

World Masters Championships – Bronze Medalist – representing Canada against competitors from all over the world.

Ken has set or still holds Ontario, Canadian, Pan American and British Commonwealth Masters records.

Understandably, there are few “honours “available after this list of incredible achievements. However, the the Ontario Weightlifting Association recently recognized his 25 continuous years within the sport. He has competed, coached and administrated in the sport of weightlifting for 35+ years.

He has also participated in baseball, fastball, slo-pitch, golf and hockey.

Ken has continued to follow his own competitive path as an athlete and also acted as an ambassador for the sport of weightlifting in the community and also for Collingwood in the International weightlifting arena.  Ken has been an inspiration, coach and mentor to many younger athletes over the years.

Some of the more prominent ones would include:

1)  Former President & Treasurer – Ontario Weightlifting Association

2)  Former Chairman of Canadian Master Weightlifting Association

3)  Level 1 coach – Coach with Blue Mountain Weightlifting Club (25 years)

4)  Chairman – Canadian Master Weightlifting Championships – Collingwood 1993

5)  Co-chair of World Master Weightlifting Championships – Collingwood 1996

6)  Co-chair of Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championships – Collingwood 1999

7) Co–chair Canadian Weightlifting Championships- Collingwood 2001

8) Representative for Canada at World Masters Congress

9) Co-chair of annual Collingwood Open Weightlifting Championships- 8+ times

10)  Representative of Collingwood on the Provincial, National and International weightlifting scene

The Town of Collingwood could not have a better ambassador for the community and sport.  Ken has always demonstrated a desire for sportsmanship, a trait that he willingly imparts to fellow competitors during competition.  Ken is truly recognized as a gentleman within the weightlifting community, and eager and focused competitor but one that always ensures the experience is a joyous one for him and his fellow competitors.

This evening, April 21, 2007, the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame welcomes Ken Miller as an enshrined member for his Athletic achievements.

1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, 2000 - 2009, All, Hockey, Male

DON RICH

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Donald nicknamed “Richie” was born in Stayner, Ontario on Oct.29, 1938 moving to Collingwood in 1943. He is married to Sharon and have 3 children, Mark, Brad, and Lisa. Don was educated at Victoria Public School and Collingwood Collegiate Institute.

A summary of his hockey career is as follows:

1954-55 – Collingwood Midgets / OHA Midget B Finalists
1955-56 – Collingwood Juveniles / OHA Juvenile B Champions
1956-59 – Guelph Biltmores Junior A
1959-60 – New York Rovers Eastern Professional
1967-1968 – Collingwood Kings / OHA Senior A Provincial Finalists
1974 – 2000 – Numerous MVP Awards at Kinsmen/Oldtimer Tournaments
2000 – Collingwood Don Cherry’s Ontario Silver Medallist, Ontario Senior Winter Games-MVP Award

Incredibly, it was during the 2000 Senior Games that Don recorded 5 shutouts without taking gold! An overtime goal during the Gold Medal game was the only goal surrendered resulting in Collingwood taking home the Silver Medal.

As a member of the community, Don has been an Executive Member of the Kinsmen Club and a Past President for the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association. Founding member of Collingwood Beaver Lumber Oldtimer Hockey Club, Organizer of Collingwood Municipal Hockey Team/Tournaments,

This evening June 9, 2000 marks the induction of “Richie” into the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame in the Players’ category.


	

	
	




	
	

				

			1950 - 1969, 1970 - 1989, 1990 - 1999, All, Builder, Harness Racing, Male
		

		
ROBERT STEWART

		

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Robert Stewart, secretary-manager of the Canadian Standard bred Horse Society, died suddenly after collapsing while playing in an Oldtimers’ hockey game. He was 38.


A native of Collingwood, Stewart had a lifelong involvement in almost all facets

of harness racing and served as the Society’s chief executive officer for

almost 16 years.


In his early teens he trained horses owned by his parents, Ray and Edna Stewart,

including Spencer’s Pride, Muddy Heel, If, Success Curl and Trivia.  During the summer school breaks he worked as a groom at the raceways for Clarence Lockhart and Pat Crowe and also trained horses for Jack Smith and Russ Irwin. He was licensed as a driver in 1969 and drove primarily in races at “B” tracks such as Owen Sound and at fall fair meets in the Collingwood and Barrie area.


Stewart was also licensed as a starter and associate judge from 1970 to 1978 and

officiated in these capacities at various non-extended meetings. In recent years, his Adanac Farms co-owned such outstanding racehorses as Happy Little B, Mon View, Saunders Alpine Label and Trojan Leroy, all winners of more than $165,000.


Stewart was widely known and highly respected throughout the standard bred industry in both Canada and the U.S.  He was primarily responsible for making the

three horse sales conducted annually by the Society among the most successful

in North America and was a strong advocate of having all horses’ blood typed and foals identified by freeze branding to ensure their identity and to verify their parentage.


After receiving his early education in Collingwood, Stewart graduated in Business

Administration from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto and then from

the Akron School of Business Administration where he made the Dean’s List both

years.

	

	
	




	
	

				

			1900 - 1929, 1930 - 1949, 1970 - 1979, All, Hockey, Male
		

		
ARTIE CLARK

		

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His playing weight hovered around 150 pounds but he hit like a heavyweight and

stickhandled in the fashion of the legendary Rabbi Fryer. Artie Clark was a

forward but his body checking ability had just as much effect on opposing

players as a hitting defenseman. Defensemen stopped them at the blue line-Artie

dropped them at centre ice.


His athletic capabilities were not confined to hockey. He was equally adept in the games of baseball, softball and lacrosse and he even played creditable game of cricket. He pitched, caught and played the infield in baseball. We can recall many ball games back in the twenties when Artie caught the first four innings and then finished the game on the mound. He just turned fifteen when he made the Collingwood junior team in 1920. In 1921, he was a member of the exceptionally good Collingwood junior club that almost beat Howie Morenz and the Stratford Midgets in a sudden death semi-final game in the old Toronto Mutual Street Arena. Stratford went on to win the Dominion title.


He was still with Collingwood when they lost out in the O.H.A. semi-finals to Aura Lee and University of Toronto in 1922 and 1923. He moved up into the intermediate ranks with Collingwood the following year and then helped

the Grimsby Peach Kings win the Ontario title in 1925. That was the year the Peach Kings stunned the amateur hockey circles by beating the Soo Greyhounds in the first round of Allan Cup play. He stayed with the Peach Kings another year

and turned professional with the old Chicago Cardinals in 1927. In 1928, he was up with the leading scorers with the Kitchener Millionaires in the International League and had another good year with Teddy Oakes’ Toronto Millionaires in 1929.


The following year he signed with the Cleveland Barons where he teamed up with three other Collingwood born players, Reg Noble, Bern Brophy and Mike Brophy. Artie had a season with Syracuse and finished an eighteen-year in Oklahoma City in 1935.