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.