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.