Category: News Releases

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – The Board of Directors of the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame would like to advise the deadline for nominations for the 2019 Induction banquet is Friday, November 30^th at 5:00 PM. The 2019 banquet is scheduled for Saturday, April 27^th, 2019 in the Ches Leach Lounge adjacent to the Sports Hall of Fame.

Nominations are being sought in the four categories:

• Team
• Athlete
• Builder
• Meritorious Service

Nomination packages are available on the Hall’s website. You can make a nomination here. This website lists all prior inductees and gives comprehensive information on the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame.

Nominations may be made by an individual, club or association and must be signed by the nominator. Nominations should outline as much factual information as possible, giving details of the accomplishments of the nominees. Where possible, the claimed details of the accomplishments or service record should be supported by documentary evidence.

Nominations will be reviewed by the PASHOF Nomination Review Committee. If the nomination does not meet the required criteria, the nominator will be notified. If the nomination is accepted but not chosen for induction that particular year, the nominator will be notified and the file reviewed the following year.

 

For More Information:

Ellen Grewcock, PASHOF President – 306-980-6242

Bruce Vance, PASHOF Vice President – 306-961-4621

Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame

27^th Annual PASHOF Banquet April 29^th, 2017

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Winter sports involvement dominates the slate of inductees for the 27^th Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame banquet April 29^th, 2017. The event will take place in the Ches Leach Lounge which is adjacent to the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame on the second floor of the Art Hauser Centre.

The back to back Telus Cup champions Prince Albert Mintos from 2005-06 & 2006-07 will be inducted in the team category. Ken Morrison, for his involvement in hockey will be inducted as an athlete and builder. Deanna Rindal, an internationally renowned official in the sport of curling will be inducted as a builder. Douglas Primeau for his exploits in bowling, fastball and baseball will go in as an athlete. For Meritorious Service, Chris Lair will be inducted for his contributions in the sport of karate. The Sport Organization of the Year is the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association.

As protocol, to make room for the new slate of inductees, those inducted during the 2003 ceremony will have their citations presented to them and they will join the section of the Hall for the retired citations.

2017 Inductees

Chris Lair – Meritorious Service

Karate is a sport of discipline, strength and skill that has been nurtured in Prince Albert since 1983 by Chris Lair. Lair is a 5^th degree black belt (5^th dan) and is a licensed instructor, judge and examiner with numerous black belt students. Lair also has started up dojos (training centres) in LaRonge, Saskatoon and Onion Lake.

Lair has developed the Prince Albert Budokai Karate Club to include over 50 students ranging in age from 6 to 60. He is a Provincial Class B referee and National Class C instructor and rank examiner (he can grade up to Brown Belt). Lair has served as the Vice-President of the Saskatchewan Shotokan Karate Association, which holds 3 events annually.

Douglas Primeau – Athlete

The late Doug Primeau was a highly successful participant in bowling, fastball and baseball through the 1970’s and 80’s. A successful athlete, Doug also gave back to the sports he was involved with as a coach and mentor.

Bowling saw Primeau excel on lanes across Canada based out of Minto Bowl in Prince Albert. His prowess started in 1966 when he won the Senior Boys Singles Saskatchewan title, representing the province at Nationals in Agincourt, Ontario. That would start a string of 13 Provincial titles for Primeau in singles bowling. He also won 4 provincial crowns on teams: 1978, 1979 and 1981 on the PA Men’s team and in 1983 as part of the PA Mixed team. The ’78 Men’s team went on to win the National championship with a 12-6 won/loss record at the Nationals in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The 1983 PA Mixed team also won the Canadian Title, again hosted in Thunder Bay.

Primeau has previously been inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the ‘78 Canadian Men’s team and also is in the PA Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the ’78 team and the ‘83 Canadian Champion Mixed team.

His legacy at Minto Bowl was being called “Mr. Quick Fix”. He would study bowlers and be able to give them advise on how to improve their game. These tips more often than not, improved the bowlers’ games.

In fastball, Doug Primeau was the king of the Hot Corner, playing 3^rd base for decades. In 1972 he led the Social Services team to the Sportsman League title and was named league MVP and all-star 3^rd baseman. 7 times Primeau played in Canadian Native Fastball championship tournaments for the PA Tribesmen (1978), SMDC Native Sons (1980, 1981, 1983), and as a playing coach for the Friendship Centre (1983, 1984, 1985). The British Columbia Arrows were the team Primeau-led teams couldn’t get by, twice losing to them in finals of big tournaments: in 1983 they lost 12-6 to the Arrows in an International tournament in Norman, Oklahoma, and in 1985 they lost 3-2 to the Arrows in the final of the Canadian finals hosting in PA. In 1976 Primeau was named the 2^nd team all-star 3^rd baseman at the North American Native Championship in Gallup, New Mexico.

Primeau also was a mainstay on the 1978 and 1979 Prince Albert Bohs Baseball team. They won the Provincial championship both years. In 1978 they went on to win the Western Canadian title in Thompson, Manitoba. In 1979 they represented the province at the Westerns in Edmonton, Alberta.

Doug Primeau also was involved with football and basketball during his high school days at PACI, going on to play in the PA Senior Mens Basketball League. He also was an avid golfer at Kachurs.

Doug Primeau passed away in 2003 at the age of 55.

 

Deanna (Hemstad) Rindal – Builder

A life-long love of the sport of curling has given Deanna (Hemstad) Rindal the opportunity to travel the world and be a part of many national and international events. She has become one of Canada’s top on-ice officials in the sport.

It started at an early age for Deanna as her mother Muriel, father Knute and older siblings all were active curlers. Deanna took up the sport in high school making it to the provincial Junior finals in 1983. From there she has become a fixture at the Prince Albert Golf & Curling Club as not only a player, but an organizer and administrator for many leagues and committees. She completed her Level II Coaching in 1990 and became a Level III Official in 1994, and her proficiency as an official was rewarded.

She has been the Head Official and Alternate Head Official at numerous local competitions, as well as officiating at various Northern and Provincial Championships. From this the Canadian Curling Association recognized Deanna and she has worked at 8 Canadian and 6 International events.

In 2015 Deanna was an official at the World Ladies Championships in Japan and the Continental Cup in Las Vegas. In 2016 the World Ladies Championship was hosted in Swift Current, and again Deanna was selected as an official.

On the ice, Deanna has a professional approach that has made her a top official in the country in the sport of curling. This mixed with her personable nature off the ice, makes Deanna Rindal a person Prince Albert can be proud of.

 

Ken Morrison – Athlete/Builder

Ken Morrison’s outstanding hockey career set him up to become an exceptional coach and mentor not only in the sport of hockey, but also in senior high school basketball. As a result, he is inducted both as an athlete and a builder.

As an athlete Morrison played right wing for the Prince Albert Raiders from 1982 to 1985. He was a key contributor to the organization’s development to win the Memorial Cup in 1985, a season in which Morrison scored 51 goals and 108 points in the regular season. He was one of 6 players who was with the Raiders from the beginning of their inaugural season in the WHL through 3 seasons to the Memorial Cup Championship in ‘85. In the following 1985-86 season, Morrison was traded to the Kamloops Blazers where he put up 150 points including 83 goals (1st in goals scored, 3^rd in the league in points), then another 37 playoff points (2^nd in the league), leading the Blazers to the WHL Championship Title- his 2^nd straight trip to the Memorial Cup. Morrison won the WHL’s Most Gentlemanly-Like Player Award and was named a WHL 1^st Team All-Star for the West Division in ’85-86. Morrison would finish his WHL career with 179 goals, 212 assists for 391 points in 268 games played.

Morrison would take his scoring prowess to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Men’s Hockey team for the next 4 seasons. In his first season, in 1987, he helped lead the Huskies to a Canada West Championship and to the National Championship final game. He has the Huskie record for most points in a season – 69 on 40 goals and 29 assists in 1988. He holds the Huskie record for most goals in a season at 40 and most career goals at 116. He is 1 point shy of holding the Huskie all-time leading scorer record, however, he played one full season less than the player who holds it. Morrison was a 2 time Canada West All- Star and 2 time All-Canadian while playing with the Huskies. He was also named to the Huskie’s All- Millennium Team in 2000.

Hockey Canada took notice of Morrison and he was on Team Canada in 1987 that won the gold medal at the Spengler Cup Tournament in Davos, Switzerland. Canada beat Russia in the final in a shootout and Morrison scored one of the shoot-out goals for Canada.

Morrison completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry at the U of S and began a 3 year professional hockey career overseas. He played two seasons of professional hockey for Aalborg and one with Herning in the Danish Elite League from 1990-93. Morrison worked on his second degree, a Bachelor of Education degree, while home between hockey seasons and completed it in ’93. After his playing career concluded, Morrison became an educator and taught the senior sciences at Birch Hills School for 10 years and 1 year at Carlton before becoming an administrator at Carlton.

As part of his first teaching job in Birch Hills, Morrison was asked to coach the Senior Girls Basketball team and developed a passion for a game that he never played. He led his team, 8 out of 10 seasons, to the provincial final fours (HOOPLA) where they won provincial gold in 2001, and numerous silver and bronze medals. Morrison then went on to coach the Carlton Crusaders Senior Girls basketball teams for 7 seasons, qualifying for the Provincial Hoopla tournament in all 7 and winning the Small Cities Championship in 2005 and a 4A Provincial Championship in 2010 along with some silver and bronze finishes. He also was recognized as SHSAA Male Coach of the year in 2009.

After 17 years of coaching basketball, hockey remained a strong passion and he got the opportunity to coach with the Prince Albert Mintos in 2011 as an assistant. Morrison had also coached IP, Atom and Novice hockey teams in Prince Albert for 7 years while coaching basketball. After just one year as head coach, Morrison led the Prince Albert Mintos to the 2014 Telus Cup Championship with an historic 4-3 overtime win over the Chateauguay Grenadiers of Quebec in a game that went into the third overtime in Moose Jaw.

 

Prince Albert Mintos 2005/06 & 2006/07 – Team

Developmental hockey in Prince Albert has featured the Mintos of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA League as the top minor hockey-associated team. In the mid-2000’s, the Mintos reach a new level of excellence, winning back to back national Telus Cup Championships in 2005-06 and 2006-07, the first time in the 29-year history this had happened.

The Mintos would finish 2^nd in the SMAAHL during the regular season in 2005-06 with a 31-9-1 record. They then won the league playoffs, including sweeping regular season champion Saskatoon Blazers 3 games to 0 in the final to advance to the Western Regionals in Tisdale. The Mintos then went undefeated at Regionals, including a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Thrashers in the final to qualify for the 2006 Telus Cup National Midget Championships in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

At the 2006 Telus Cup, the Mintos breezed through the round robin with a 5-0 record. In the semis they rolled over Chateaguay, Quebec 8-0 to advance to the final against the Calgary Buffaloes. Captain Ron Meyers scored in the third overtime period to give the Mintos a 5-4 victory over the Buffaloes, whose roster included Jordan Eberle. Prince Albert Minor Hockey product Matthew Robertson, who won the league scoring title that year, was named the top forward at the Telus Cup after scoring 12 goals, to break a record previously held by Sidney Crosby.

With four players returning (Tommy Brown, Curtis Kulchar, Jadon Potter and Owen Roschuk), the 2006-07 Mintos had a new look on the ice. But off the ice lead by President Zenon Markowsky, Manager Mike Mazurek, Coach Tim Leonard, Assistant Coaches Maurice Lemire and Wally Lynds, Trainer Quentin Halcro, Equipment Manager Dan (Cobra Taylor) and Executive member Rick Willie, the expectation remained high. And the team delivered.

The Mintos cruised through the SMAAAHL regular season with a record of 35-7-1-1 to win the title. The playoffs saw the Mintos defeat the Notre Dame Hounds in the final to advance to the Western Regionals in Brandon, Manitoba. Once again the Mintos went through the Regionals unscathed, including a 4-3 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings in the final to advance to their second straight Telus Cup, this time in Red Deer, Alberta.

Minto Magic at the Telus Cup continued as they would run their winning streak to 14 games in 2007, sweeping the round robin, defeating St-Francois Blizzard of Quebec 4-2 in the Semi Final, then defeated the host Red Deer Optimist Rebels 3-2 in double overtime in the final. Ryan Fox scored the OT winner for the Mintos to stun the home crowd, who saw Prince Albert end a 29 game home-ice winning streak in the round robin of the tournament.

Tyler Fiddler was awarded the top forward, Lewis Laczko the top defenceman and Carson Chubak the top goalie at the Telus Cup.

 

Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association – Sports Organization

Prince Albert Minor Hockey began in 1957 as Prince Albert Kinsmen Minor Hockey, it operated under that name until 1989 when it officially became Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association.

Over the course of the almost 60 year history of the Association PAMHA has produced over 40 provincial champions, 4 Western Region Champions, 2 Western Canadian Champions and 3 National Champions.

PAMHA has produced literally dozens of graduates who have gone on to play Professionally in either North America or Europe, and still more who have played at higher levels such as Major Junior or Junior “A” and CIS or NCAA Hockey.

Prince Albert Minor Hockey has also hosted numerous Provincial Final series and Provincial Championship Tournaments. PAMHA has hosted a Western Regional Midget AAA championship, the Purolater Cup Western Canadian Bantam Championship and the Air Canada Cup National Midget Championship.

PAMHA has historically averaged around 1000 players per year. Currently there are over 900 players in PAMHA with 700 being Pee Wee age or younger, there are also 400 volunteers in the role of Coach, Manager, etc. Prince Albert also boasts one of the most vibrant Female Divisions anywhere with almost 150 players and 20 Coaches being female.

In the past few years PAMHA has become known across the country for its innovation in programming, policy creation and new initiatives. PAMHA has become a provincial leader in Coach Mentorship, Grass roots development and training.

PAMHA has continually worked towards improving quality of programming for both players and Coaches while continuing to keep the game accessible. Ice time, training and affordability has been PAMHA’s credo.

 

 

Inducted in 2005, citations to be presented to inductees:

David Dalziel

Erin Hammett

Dave Manson  

Tom Wormworth

Paul Ashby

Eldon Bell

1961, 1962, 1963 Prince Albert Anavets Senior Hockey Team

1978, 1980, 1984 Molson Canadian’s Senior Men’s Basketball

                                           

The Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame would like to welcome the Novus Law Group as sponsor for the Team Category this year. They join PA Photocopier (Athlete), Crown Vacuum (Builder) and Duane Braaten Advantage Realty (Meritorious Service) as sponsors of the Hall of Fame induction banquet. Big Drum Media is the Video Sponsor.

Tickets for the 2017 Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, April 29^th are $50 each and available at Community Services in City Hall. Corporate tables of 8 are $500 each which includes sponsorship of the event.

 

For More Information:

Ellen Grewcock, PASHOF President – 306-980-6242

Blair Hoffman, PASHOF Vice President – 306-764-3285

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – The Board of Directors of the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame would like to advise the deadline for nominations for the 2016 Induction banquet is Monday, November 30^th at 5:00 PM. The 2016 banquet is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2016 in the Ches Leach Lounge adjacent to the Sports Hall of Fame.

Nominations are being sought in the four categories:

• Team
• Athlete
• Builder
• Meritorious Service

Information and to request a nomination package go to www.pasportshalloffame.ca. You can request a nomination under the Hall of Fame tab. This website lists all prior inductees and gives comprehensive information on the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame.

Nominations may be made by an individual, club or association and must be signed by the nominator. Nominations should outline as much factual information as possible, giving details of the accomplishments of the nominees. Where possible, the claimed details of the accomplishments or service record should be supported by documentary evidence.

Nominations will be reviewed by the PASHOF Nomination Review Committee. If the nomination does not meet the required criteria, the nominator will be notified. If the nomination is accepted but not chosen for induction that particular year, the nominator will be notified and the file reviewed the following year.

For More Information:

Ellen Grewcock, PASHOF President – 306-763-6563

Derek Smith, PASHOF Vice President – 306-922-0057

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Two athletes, three builders, one for meritorious service and one team will be inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, April 25th, 2015 during a banquet in the Ches Leach Lounge adjacent to the Sports Hall of Fame in the Art Hauser Centre.

Also, the Board is pleased to announce that the Prince Albert Mintos have been named the Sports Association of the Year. This category was introduced in 2013 to recognize outstanding contributions by associations to sports in our community.

As protocol, to make room for the new slate of inductees, those inducted during the 2003 ceremony will have their citations presented to them and they will join the section of the Hall for the retired citations.

 

2015 Inductees

Carlton Crusaders Senior Girls Volleyball 1993 & 1994 – Team

Carlton Comprehensive High School’s Senior girls volleyball teams were dominant on the court during 1993 and 1994 winning back to back provincial titles led by Coach Leslie Foss. The Crusaders won the Saskatchewan 5A title in 1993 followed by the 4A crown the following year.

Besides winning the 1993 Provincial Championship 5A tournament, the Crusaders also were victorious in the Mount Royal Invitational, Campbell Invitational and their own event. They won silver at Edmonton’s Harry Ainlay Invitational and were fourth at the Yorkton Invitational.

Lindsay Richardson was named to the All-Star team at the Carlton and Ainlay tournaments and was the MVP at the Mount Royal tournament. Lori Bebenek was named to the All-Star team at the Ainlay and Mount Royal tournaments and the MVP of the Carlton and Campbell events. Shauna Fiest was named to the All Star team at the Carlton Tournament and won the Spike Accuracy Competition at Mount Royal assisted by setter Rachel Simpson who was an All Star at Mount Royal and named league MVP.

In 1994 the Crusaders had half a dozen new faces in the lineup but Coach Foss would mould the team into another Saskatchewan Champion taking the 4A title. The team fashioned a 47-9 won/loss record in their matches winning the Regina Campbell tournament, a bronze from Watson and fourth place finish at Mount Royal.

Jennifer Attig, Lori Bebenek, Staci Hoffman, Christine Wright, Meagan Hawkins and Carlee Thorsen were on both the ’93 and ’94 rosters. Shauna Fiest, Rachel Simpson, Stacey Green, Lindsay Richardson, Dalyce Bannerman and Lindsay Dalziel as well as manager Novalee Chubak were on the roster of the ’93 Champs.

Jennifer Stephen, Kendra McCrae, Kirstie Tycholiz, Kirsten Baird, Amy Edwards and Janna Switzer were also on the ’94 Crusaders.

All tolled players from these teams would go on to compete on Team Sask (20 years), University of Saskatchewan (5 years) and University of South Carolina (5 years).

 

Denis Pederson – Athlete

One of Prince Albert’s more decorated hockey players, Denis Pederson took up skating at age 3 and was playing hockey by age 5. One of his first championships was as a member of the Carlton Park Mustangs who won the City Atom A title in 1984-85. From there Denis Pederson’s hockey career took off!

He would go on to star for the Midget Raider/Mintos from 1990 to 1992. In his first season he was named the team’s rookie of the year and top forward. In the 1991-92 Pederson was named the Saskatchewan League’s Best Forward, the Mintos top scorer and MVP, as well as being named to the Mac’s Tournament All-Star team and to Sask First’s Zone 8 team.

As a member of his hometown Western Hockey League Raiders from 1991-95, Pederson exploded onto the national and international hockey scene. After playing 10 games as a 15 year-old at the end of the 1991-92 season, he was named the teams rookie of the year, appearing in all 72 games in 92-93 notching 73 points. In his second full year he hit the 50 goal plateau (53) and was named WHL East Division 2nd team All-Star. In 1994-95 Pederson was a member of Team Canada at the World Juniors as well as being named the Raiders Hardest Working Player, Best Defensive Forward and Playoff MVP.

Pederson was a first round NHL Draft pick in 1993 by the New Jersey Devils. He would play 453 games in the NHL from 1995-2003 for New Jersey, Vancouver, Phoenix and Nashville totaling 57 goals and 71 assists.

He then had an outstanding career overseas, mainly in Germany with the Berlin Polar Bears (Eisbaren) where he played from 2003-2013. Berlin won the DEL league championship six times during Pederson’s time there. He played in the DEL league All Star game in 2007 and 2009 and was named the top centre in that league in 2008-09 and 2009-10. He was the Captain of Team Canada at the Deutchland Cup in 2003 and was(take out was) played for Berlin in the Spengler Cup in 2005-06 and 2006-07. He capped his career in 2010 winning the Champions Hockey League European Cup with Berlin.

 

Herb Goldhawk – Athlete

A lifelong competitor and coach in the sport of judo, Herb Goldhawk learned mostly from his mentor Jim O’Sullivan of Prince Albert. A 1st degree Black Belt in the sport, Goldhawk won his first gold medal at a meet in Prince Albert in 1969 through competing at the Saskatchewan Open at age 50.

Goldhawk competed at the Saskatchewan championships on numerous occasions and also took part in the Canadian Championships in Hamilton, Ontario and is a lifetime member of the World Judo Athletes. Through the 1970’s and 80’s Goldhawk captured numerous gold medals at meets across Western Canada.

He was quick to pass along what made him successful on the mat to others as a coach and at numerous clinics. Goldhawk has been to the home of judo – the Kodokan Institute in Tokyo, Japan where he was awarded the Kodokan badge. He also attended the Mitsu Kamura Judo School in San Francisco, Judo Schools in Havana, Cuba, San Jose, Costa Rica and Veredero, Cuba. Goldhawk also has been a long time instructor at the Prince Albert Judo Club, Aurora Mixed Martial Arts School in Prince Albert, Kenshukan PA Judo School as well as with clubs in Battleford and Lloydminster. He also made a contribution as a referee, score keeper and statistician at many events including the Canadian Championships.

 

Jim Flynn – Meritorious Service

Originally from Birtle, Manitoba, Jim Flynn has carved a legacy in softball, hockey and curling in Prince Albert. As a resident of the city since 1984, Flynn has transformed his skill in sport into a support system that involves officiating, coaching and mentoring.

In softball Jim Flynn is one of Saskatchewan’s most decorated umpires. Starting in 1990, Flynn has been a mainstay for the PA Umpires Association as a key Executive member. He not only worked calling balls and strikes but was a key assignor for the Fastball and Softball Associations adding Minor Softball to his duties in 2008. He is the Umpire in Chief (UIC) for Zone 8 of Softball Saskatchewan since 2000, teaching at clinics, assigning umpires for Provincial and Western Canadians and assisting other zones. From 1993-2014 Flynn has worked at no less than 10 Western Canadian Championships as an umpire and for some as UIC and DUIC. From 1997-2014 he worked as an umpire at 14 Canadian Championships including 6 in Prince Albert. Internationally he has worked some exhibition games with touring national teams.

Jim Flynn has coached minor hockey since 1995. An active member of the Carlton Park Community Club, he has assisted PA Minor hockey as an evaluator and board member and in 2007 was presented with the “Fred Schmidt Memorial Award” for his dedication to the Association. One of the driving forces behind female hockey in the city, Flynn has coached the Midget AA team since 2008 and is a committee member of PA’s Annual female tournament, one of the largest in the province.

In curling, Flynn made his mark helping to run curling at the Penitentiary in the late 1980’s, receiving an “Award of Appreciation” from the Solicitor General in 1989. In 2008 he was an official at the Senior National Curling Championships in PA.

The “work hard/play hard” mentality has provided Jim Flynn with a very active and rewarding life.

Harvey Lavigne – Builder

The sport of Olympic Air Pistol became popular in Prince Albert and around the province of Saskatchewan through the dedication and hard work of Harvey Lavigne. Lavigne was instrumental in the formation of the Prince Albert Pistol and Air Rifle Club (PAPRC) and has served as a major official at many provincial and national events.

He started with the PAPRC in the early 1970’s and became a keen competitor. He was an active volunteer with the club from the beginning, assisting in building the club facilities and participating in fundraising events. He was a board member, including time as President, for over 30 years. When Olympic Air Pistol was introduced as a Saskatchewan Winter Games sport he was instrumental in the formation of a junior program. Lavigne’s administration and coaching with that group resulted in a number of athletes taking up the sport and competing provincially and nationally.

Lavigne was a member of the board of the Saskatchewan Handgun Association from 1982 to 2013 including 4 years as President and many years as Chief Range Officer. As Chief Range Office he organized and officiated at matches, provided training to officials and coached and mentored less experienced officials. He was the Pistol Sport Technical Liaison for the Saskatchewan Winter Games from its inception through the 2014 games in Prince Albert.

He has been the Chief Range Officer for the Canadian National Pistol Championships for 16 years including in Prince Albert in 2002, 2005 and 2007, events he was instrumental in bringing to the city. As Chair of the National Officials Development Committee for the Shooting Federation of Canada, Lavigne also officiated at the Canada Winter Games in New Brunswick (2003), the Yukon (2007) and Nova Scotia (2011).

Internationally Lavigne officiated at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, BC in 1994 and the Pan Am Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1997. These two events allowed him to qualify for an International “B” Level Officials License which qualifies him to officiate at World Cup and Olympic events.

 

Jackie Packet – Builder

A lifelong educator, Jackie Packet has been a staple on the Prince Albert sports scene for 30 years. She has instructed numerous people to become basketball and volleyball instructors and officials in P4A and the North Central District. In addition to officiating thousands of games, she has scheduled as many and often is a last-minute fill in for vacancies. She was an official at the 1992 Saskatchewan Summer Games in basketball and volleyball and at the 1999 Western Canada Summer Games in Volleyball. She has also officiated at Hoopla, Saskatchewan High School’s Provincial Championships.

Packet organizes the Business Girls Golf League at Cooke Municipal Golf Course and is one of the key organizers of the Ladies Northern tournament held annually at Cooke. She was a major contributor to the 100th anniversary celebrations at Cooke in 2009.

She is also active in the sport of curling as a participant and official. She officiated at the 2014 Saskatchewan Winter Games.

In hockey, Jackie Packet has volunteered as a board member of the Prince Albert A & W Bears for 4 years contributing to making that organization one of the strongest female programs in the province.

 

Zenon Markowsky – Builder

The Prince Albert Mintos Midget AAA Hockey team has flourished since 1999 under the leadership of Zenon Markowsky. His vision of how to build and operate a sports organization resulted in unparalleled success for this organization that operates under the umbrella of the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association.

One of Markowsky’s trademark accomplishments was convincing the PAMHA to change it’s criteria for the composition of the Midget AAA team in our city. He campaigned so the Mintos could recruit out of town players. While Prince Albert players continue to be a big part of the squad, being able to add players from around the province took the Mintos to the next level and contributed to numerous championships.

Markowsky also spearheaded the Mintos construction of a $170,000 dressing room addition to the Art Hauser Centre exclusively for their hockey club to give the boys “their own space”. The City provided an interest free loan to the team that they were able to pay back in five years.

Assisted by a strong board of directors, that Markowsky calls the “heart and soul of the organization”, the Mintos won the Saskatchewan Midget AAA League, Western Regionals and the National Championship – Telus Cup in 2006 and 2007 marking the first time in the history of the National Midget Championship that the same team had won back-to-back titles. In 2014 Markowsky suffered a health set back but that did not stop him from being part of a Minto organization that hosted a very successful Western Regional Championship, won by the host team. The Mintos went on to win the 2014 Telus Cup in triple overtime.

Markowsky was also a founding member, and served for ten years on the Buckland Board and was instrumental in building a facility, currently known as the Northern Regional Recreational Centre. He served on the board of directors of the Prince Albert Raiders for four years as well as volunteering at many fastball and baseball tournaments in Prince Albert.

 

Prince Albert Mintos – Sports Organization

The Mintos name has been part of Prince Albert for over a century and in the more recent years has become a Midget AAA midget hockey team that put the city on the map on a national scale.

In 2005-06 the Mintos finished second in the Saskatchewan AAA League standings, but won their first league championship. They followed that up by winning the Western Regional Championships, then the Telus Cup, emblematic of supremacy in Midget AAA Hockey in Canada.

The following year the Mintos made history by doing it again! They won Saskatchewan, Western Regionals and the Telus Cup becoming the first team ever to win the Midget AAA title in back to back years.

In 2014 the Mintos hosted and won the Western Canadian Championships in spectacular fashion. They advanced to the Telus Cup, hosted in Moose Jaw where they would advance to the final against Chateauguay Grenadiers of Quebec, winning in triple overtime. The Mintos went through the 2006, 2007 and 2014 Telus Cups without losing a game and were involved in the longest Telus Cup game in history.

 

Inducted in 2003, citations to be presented to inductees:

Lloyd Culy
David Dice
Vic Dutka
Jim Leaderhouse
Janice Boucher
1953 Prince Albert Senior Jacks Softball Team
1963/65 Parkland Builders Softball Teams

Tickets for the 2015 Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, April 25th are $40 each and available at Community Services in City Hall. Corporate tables of 8 are $500 each which includes sponsorship of the event.

For More Information:
Ellen Grewcock, PASHOF President – 306-980-6242
Derek Smith, PASHOF Vice President – 306-980-6116

January 11, 2012

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Two people in the athlete’s category, two people as both athletes and builders, one team, one builder and one person for meritorious service will be inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, April 21^st, 2012 during a banquet in the Ches Leach Lounge adjacent to the Sports Hall of Fame in the Art Hauser Centre.

As protocol, to make room for the new slate of inductees, those inducted during the 2000 ceremony will have their citations presented to them and they will join the section of the Hall for the retired citations.

 

2012 Inductees

Athlete – Brad Bergen – Hockey

Brad Bergen had the opportunity to travel the world thanks to hockey, and then returned home to Prince Albert! Bergen played his entire minor hockey in PA with the West Hill Community Club, the Pee Wee A & W Bears, Bantam Imperial 400s and Midget Raiders.

The smooth skating defenseman would then go on to play four years, from 1983-87 with the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL. In Humboldt he would establish Bronco team records for: games played, goals and assists by a defenseman and saw his junior career come to an end losing the championship game of the Centennial Cup national championship to the Richmond, BC Sockeyes, who were coached by former Prince Albert Minto Orland Kurtenbach.

Bergen also played briefly in the Western Hockey League: 1 game for the Saskatoon Blades and 10 for the hometown Prince Albert Raiders before he was traded to the Regina Pats. Instead of reporting to the Pats, Bergen returned to Humboldt for his 20 year old season and a run at the Centennial Cup.

While in Humboldt, former coach Bernie Lynch assisted Bergen in getting in contact with the Professional league in Germany. In 1987 Bergen moved overseas to play 21 seasons with 9 different teams in the German Professional Loop.

Bergen would suit up for the German National Team from 1996-98 including the ’98 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan where he had 1 goal and 1 assist in 3 games. He also played in the 1996 World Championships and 1996 World Cup for Germany.

In 2008 at age 42, Bergen announced his retirement from the game and returned to Prince Albert with his wife Anja.

Immediately Bergen started giving back to the game, coaching within the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association and with the Prince Albert Mintos of the Saskatchewan Major Midget League.

 

Athlete – Roger Boucher – Swimming

Prince Albert was put on the Swimming map across the province and across the country by Roger Boucher who excelled in breast stroke, establishing many local records. An illustrious career in the pool made Roger an elite coach for the Sharks Swim Club.

Roger Boucher first entered the water in 1986 as a member of the Sprite Swim Club. Within two years Boucher was winning medals at meets and he would explode onto the provincial scene.

In 1995 Roger swam a perfect meet going 6 for 6, qualifying for the Junior Nationals. At the 1998 Chinook Swim Meet in Calgary, Boucher broke 5 Sharks Club records and won the 200m breast stroke.

1999 saw Roger win the Speedo Athlete merit Award and break provincial records in the 100m and 200m breast stroke.

In 2000 he became the first member of the Sharks Club to attend the Canadian Olympic Time Trials, establishing a new personal best. He then joined the University of Calgary Dinos Swim Team. At the CIS Championships in 2002 Boucher won a bronze medal in the 100m breast stroke establishing a new Saskatchewan provincial record.

Boucher also excelled in water polo as a member of the Bantam Provincial A team in 1996 and as a member of the Sask Elite team in 1998.

After his competitive career came to a conclusion, Roger Boucher became the Head Coach of the Prince Albert Sharks Swim Club.

 

Builder – Joe Bexson – Box Lacrosse

In the year 2000 Joe Bexson had a dream to bring the sport of Box Lacrosse to Prince Albert for his son Javan and others. With determination and hard work, he succeeded!

As with anything new there is a huge learning curve. Bexson would attend coaches and officials clinics in 2000 to learn the fine points of the game and would coach Prince Albert’s first ever Box Lacrosse team in the bantam/midget division to Provincials in Saskatoon.

By 2002 Bexson was organizing a Prince Albert Box Lacrosse league for a number of age divisions. He continued to take coaching and officiating courses and would pass that information on to others in the city league. He would then get involved at a Provincial level at the Saskatchewan Lacrosse AGM. He officiated at Bantam Provincials in 2002.

In 2003 Bexson had another dream – a Junior team in PA to compete in a province wide league. Again with hard work this became a reality. And again Bexson found himself as a key organizer of the PA Predators Junior Team and the Prairie Gold Junior Lacrosse League. He would serve the provincial association as Vice President of Marketing in 2005.

At the same time Bexson continued to be involved at the minor level, assisting to bid, host and execute Bantam Provincials in 2003 and Pee Wee Provincials in PA in 2004.

He was the Head Coach of the Junior Predators from 2004-07 leading them to the Provincial Tier II title in 2007.  

 

Athlete & Builder – Jim McLachlan – Football

Jim McLachlan had a tremendous career as a football player and then as a builder in the sport in Prince Albert.

On the field Jim excelled as a linebacker for the Tech Tigers from 1966 to 1970. He would move on to the Saskatoon Hilltops Junior football organization where he played from 1970 to 1971 which earned him a scholarship to attend school and play football at Bemidji State University, Minnesota. Jim also had a try-out with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League where he blew out his knee and ended his football career.

Upon retirement Jim McLachlan returned to Prince Albert and would be a big part of the Carlton Crusaders High School coaching staff for over 30 years. In 1995 he coached the Crusaders to the Provincial 3A final were they were edged 21-20 by North Battleford Vikings.

After the St. Mary High School football program folded in the mid 1990’s, McLachlan would organize a parent/alumni group at Carlton to keep football alive in Prince Albert. The group was successful in getting into the Saskatoon High School league that year.

He also was a key person in the start-up of the Kinsmen Minor Football program in the mid-2000’s, again rallying Carlton and high school alumni in the city to be organizers and coaches.

Another important facet of Jim’s contribution to the sport is the attaining of scholarships for a number of his high school athletes like Dane McArhur, Roy Charles, Rob Trebelcock and Ryan Molitwenik to name a few.

Jim was awarded the Outstanding Citizen of the Month Award by CKBI in January, 2000, for his involvement in Prince Albert Football. Also, in September, 2002, the Saskatchewan Roughriders presented Jim with an Appreciation Award for developing amateur football in Saskatchewan.

He also was involved with the Prince Albert Raiders Hockey Club as Strength and Conditioning coach under Terry Simpson.

 

Athlete & Builder – Garth Gariepy – Boxing

Garth Gariepy was a legend in Saskatchewan boxing, winning 12 consecutive provincial championships from 1968-79. He often would fight up in weight classes for more competition, with the biggest differential taking on boxers 70 pounds heavier, and winning!

He also won gold medals at the Saskatchewan Winter Games, Canada Winter Games, Northwest Boxing Championships in Whitehorse and Winnipeg, Western Canada Summer Games, Western Canadian Golden Gloves and at an Exchange with Newfoundland.

One of the more noteworthy fights for Gariepy was at the Provincial Championships in 1977 in Meadow Lake when he took on Dennis Lays from Weyburn, who weighed in 70 pounds greater. Gariepy knocked him out in the third round!

When his days as a competitor in the ring were complete, Gariepy would start the Tut Coombs Boxing Club in Prince Albert, named after his longtime coach who is also a member of the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame.

Gariepy’s biggest contribution back to boxing came as an official as he started refereeing in 1990. He would officiate at many prestigious events including: Western Canadians in Lloydminster (1994), Western Canadians in Kelowna (2002), North American Indigenous Games (2002), Western Canadians in Edmonton (2003), Head Official at Western Canadians in North Battleford (2004), National Senior Championships in Regina (2004), National Junior Championships in Brantford, Ontario (2005), Western Canadians in Whitehorse, Yukon (2006), National Juniors/Cadets in Edmonton (2008), Nationals in Windsor, Ontario (2008) and National Juniors in Edmonton (2009).

 

Meritorious Service – Braddock Koch – Boxing

Being named after a fighter – Irish-American James Braddock, Braddock Koch was destined to forge a life in the boxing ring. As a competitor in his home province of British Columbia, Koch would win Inland Empire Championships, Provincial and Western Canadian crowns and captured a Bronze at nationals. Upon moving to Prince Albert at the age of 20, Koch knew it was time to give back to the sport and become a coach.

Koch was more than a coach for his hundreds of athletes from the Tut Coombs Boxing Club and Wildcats Boxing Club for 22 years from 1989-2011. Koch understood many kids who take up boxing have life challenges just like he did when he got into the sport at age 11. Many come from broken families and turn to boxing as a sport and also a lifestyle. Koch would ensure, as much as he could, that that lifestyle was a positive one.

He would act as Uncle, Father, Grandfather as well as coach to many of his athletes. Besides training them in the technical skills of the sport, Koch would guide many through life on a day to day basis.

Koch would coach at 22 Saskatchewan Championships, bringing home Champions in 20 of those years. He also would be the Head Coach for the Zone 8 Boxing team for 8 years at Saskatchewan Winter Games. 3 times boxers under Koch’s tutelage would attend Canadian Championships with the best result being a silver medal.

One of Koch’s top accomplishments was as the Coach of Team Saskatchewan at the first ever North American Indigenous Games in Edmonton. The 11 boxers he took would bring home 4 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze medals.

In 2011 Koch’s life took a new direction as he retired from being a boxing coach to become a member of the clergy.

 

Team – 1958 PACI 6-man Football

The sport of football in Prince Albert started in the mid 1950’s. PACI, Riverside Collegiate and St.Mary all started 6-man programs with very little equipment. PACI would have a total of 6 helmets, of which 2 were leather, to share among players in the first days of the program. The Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association recognized the need for more protective equipment and made helmets and pads available to the schools.

PACI would play their first game at Riverside in 1957 with one of the teachers volunteering to be the referee. In subsequent games, former player Al Olander would volunteer to be the official and recruit others, to form the first referee’s association.

In ’57 the PACI team lost the two game total point provincial final to Yorkton. In 1958, eight players from that team were joined by 5 others to form a very strong Golden Bear team.

In the 2 game northern final they would take on Lloydminster, losing the first game 46-35, but would rally a week later for a convincing 47-6 win at PACI to advance to their second straight provincial final.

That final was played against Wynyard with PACI winning both games handily to give Prince Albert its first ever Football Title – the Saskatchewan 6-man High School crown!

The following year Prince Albert Schools changed to 8-man football and in 1961 converted to 12-man.

 

Inducted in 2000:

• PA Northern Bus Lines Midget Softball teams – 1995/96
• Tom Chad
• Lew Hobson
• Barkley Rocheleau
• John Odnokon
• Allan Olson
• Duncan Sinclair

Tickets for the 2012 Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, April 21 are $40 each and available at Community Services in City Hall. Corporate tables of 8 are $500 each which includes sponsorship of the event.

 

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For More Information:

Ellen Grewcock, PASHOF President – 922-3115 ext.251

Bruce Vance, PASHOF Vice President – 765-2824

September 11, 2014

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – The Board of Directors of the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame would like to advise the deadline for nominations for the 2015 Induction banquet is Friday, November 14^th at 5:00 PM. The 2015 banquet is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2015 in the Ches Leach Lounge adjacent to the Sports Hall of Fame.

The 2015 banquet will be the 25^th hosted by the Prince Albert Hall of Fame.

Nominations are being sought in the four categories:

• Team
• Athlete
• Builder
• Meritorious Service

Nomination forms can be found on the City of Prince Albert website, under the tab Visitors at www.citypa.ca or by calling Derek Blais, Board Member at 953-4818.

Nominations may be made by an individual, club or association and must be signed by the nominator. Nominations should outline as much factual information as possible, giving details of the accomplishments of the nominees. Where possible, the claimed details of the accomplishments or service record should be supported by documentary evidence.

Nominations will be reviewed by the PASHOF Nomination Review Committee. If the nomination does not meet the required criteria, the nominator will be notified. If the nomination is accepted but not chosen for induction that particular year, the nominator will be notified and the file reviewed the following year.

February 4, 2014

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Three athletes, two builders, one for meritorious service and one team will be inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, April 26^th, 2014 during a banquet in the Ches Leach Lounge adjacent to the Sports Hall of Fame in the Art Hauser Centre.

Also, the Board is pleased to announce that the Prince Albert Sports Council has been named the Sports Association of the Year. This category was introduced in 2013 to recognize outstanding contributions by associations to sports in our community.

As protocol, to make room for the new slate of inductees, those inducted during the 2002 ceremony will have their citations presented to them and they will join the section of the Hall for the retired citations.

 

2014 Inductees

 

Josef Tesar Jr.
Athlete – Wrestling

Born in Teplice, Czech Republic, Josef Tesar Jr. defected to Canada with his family at age 4. His father, Josef Tesar Sr. (inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame in 1996) was a decorated wrestler in the Czech Republic, having qualified for the Olympics, and it was only natural his son would follow in his footsteps in his new home country.

With his father as his primary coach Josef Jr. took up wrestling at age 7 and by the time he was 12 had captured his first Canadian Championship. With his father’s back ground as a Greco-Roman wrestler Josef Jr. was able to train and compete in both Greco-Roman and freestyle throughout his career.

Ten times Josef Tesar Jr. was the Saskatchewan champion, going on to win 4 times at the National level. He also won gold at meets in Montana and California, often wrestling up one or two weight classes for training and development purposes.

One of his greatest accomplishments was in 1998 when Tesar struck gold in the 61 kg .division at the CIAU (Canadian University) championships helping his University of Regina Cougars team to the overall championship at a meet at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. It was the U of R’s second straight CIAU crown and was part of that University’s successful push to get a new field house with a wrestling room as a major component. Tesar won silver at the 1999 CIAU’s and was an All Canadian three straight years at the U of R.

His success propelled Tesar to the World University Games in Ankara, Turkey in 2000 where he was defeated by the reigning World Junior Champion from Iran. Tesar would finish 7^th at the University Games.

Tesar received a Business Administration Degree from the U of R. He briefly coached a high school wrestling team in Yorkton before returning to be with his family in Prince Albert in 2003. He was named president of the Saskatchewan Amateur Wrestling Association for one year while assisting with the PA Wrestling Club. Under his leadership some athletes would strike gold at the Canadians in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

 

Ryan Roznowsky
Athlete – Special Olympics Swimming

 

Ryan Roznowsky was one of the key contributors to the success of Special Olympics in Prince Albert through the late 1990s and early 2000s. Although a multiple sport Special Olympian (Bowling, Floor Hockey, Golf, Softball, Snowshoe, Track & Field), he is recognized for his incredible accomplishments in Special Olympics Swimming.

 

Ryan was a competitor for Prince Albert Special Olympics from 1985-2006 when his family moved to Grande Prairie, Alberta where he continued to compete with added success. At Saskatchewan Provincial Special O swimming championships, Roznowsky garnered 16 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals at Provincial and Summer Games competitions. This included 3 gold at the 1997 Summer Games hosted in PA.

 

Prince Albert hosted the 2002 Canadian Special Olympic Summer Games where Roznowsky was one of the most decorated athletes winning 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze leading him to be named the 900 CKBI Kinsmen Athlete of the Year. All tolled he has won 5 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze medallions at Canadian Championships for Special Olympians or Swimmers with a Disability.

 

After moving to Grande Prairie, Roznowsky continued to dominate the waters in Alberta, with 6 gold, 3 silver and a bronze in 2 Special O Summer Games competitions. He also swam for Canada internationally at meets in Albufeira, Portugal; Taipei, Taiwan; Loano, Itay and Morelia, Mexico, winning 4 gold, 6 silver and a bronze against the best from around the world.

 

With a career spanning almost 20 years, Ryan Roznowsky has put Prince Albert on the map for Special Olympics competition, particularly swimming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Dunn
Athlete – Racquetball

 

For 20 years Amanda Dunn’s name was synonymous with the sport of racquetball in Prince Albert. She was one of the country’s elite players and also a coach in the sport for many years.

 

A member of the Prince Albert Racquetball Association from 1986-2005 as player and coach, Dunn qualified for provincial championships each year of her involvement. As a junior, Dunn was the Canadian Champion for five straight years, from 1993 to 1997 and a member of the National Junior Team from 1995 to 1997. Moving up to the women’s division in 1998, Dunn would secure a spot with the Canadian National team through to 2005. In 2000 and 2002 Dunn would strike gold in women’s doubles.

 

Internationally Dunn would dominate in the Junior Division, winning World titles from 1996 to 1997. At the World Championships in 2000 in San Luis Potos, Mexico Dunn would win silver in women’s doubles, silver with the women’s team and was part of the Canadian team that won the overall World Title.

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico would host the 2002 World Racquetball Championships where Dunn and the Canadian team would win silver overall, in the women’s division along with the PA girls’ silver medal performance in women’s doubles.

At Amanda Dunn’s final World Championships, in 2004 in Anyang, South Korea, her women’s doubles team would win bronze, with the Canadian women’s team taking silver and the Canadians overall also in the silver medal position.

 

Dunn was the Saskatchewan Athlete of the month during 1996 and was named the 1998 Prince Albert Sportswoman of the Year. Besides coaching racquetball Dunn, who is a certified Level 2 Coach, also coaches volleyball, basketball and badminton, sports she also participates in. As a mother, she also is very involved in her children’s activities including Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association and Timberland Bowbenders archery club.

 

Pat Regel
Builder – Skating Instructor

 

The skill of being able to skate is a complicated one. To teach this skill and to teach it well is an art and that art has been mastered by Pat Regel. From beginners who can’t stand on blades, to top National Figure Skaters to National Hockey League players, Pat Regel has taught them all, and with success.

 

Pat Regel’s love of skating and unlimited passion for teaching this love is contagious. She creates a fun, positive environment for skaters of al ages and skill levels. A trademark is the songs and games Pat will play with the youngest of Skaters in CanSkate to capture their attention and make the process of teaching proper skills fun and creative.

 

Regel’s students come from all skating disciplines-from figure skaters to hockey players to hockey officials. She works with each individual and makes them understand the process they need to go through to become a better skater and is with them every step of the way.

 

Bob Coffin
Builder-Football 

Bob grew up in Colonsay where he participated and excelled in a number of sports programs. From there, he moved to Saskatoon to attend the U of S where he was a member of the Huskie football program and track program for 5 years. He excelled at both and still holds a football record for most career interceptions. He completed his Physical Education and education degrees and received an award for excellence in university academics, athletics, and leadership.

Bob continued to receive many more awards after university and taught and coached in the Saskatoon system for a number of years. In 1999, Prince Albert, Carlton and the North Central District hit the lottery as Bob moved to Prince Albert to take the position of vice principal at Carlton.

 

While doing his administrative duties he coached football and track and field. He was part of organizing committees for provincial championships hosted by Carlton and worked with wrestling to organize tournaments and playoffs. He was a coach with both Carlton’s senior and junior football programs. He continued to be involved with Football Saskatchewan and was recognized by them for his dedication.

 

Upon retirement, community football in Prince Albert became his prime focus as he worked even more closely with the PA Minor Football Association and PA Officials’ group. The people he has worked with in Minor Football say he has been key to their program with the expertise and energy he brought to PA Minor Football and is the main reason they have been able to sustain and grow a program to include a spring 6 aside league and a prospering referees group. Bob has not only helped to build and revive a sustainable football program in a hockey town, but has built the morale of those clubs by making every player, coach and parent feel they are the ones most important to the organization’s success. He has been a builder of more than an organization as he has built confidence, perseverance and passion within the hearts of many young athletes in and around the Prince Albert area.

 

 

 

Ward Howat
Meritorious Service – Hockey Referee

 

Being a referee in the sport of hockey in Canada is a very difficult position as Canadians are passionate and knowledgeable about the sport and often question officials’ decisions. In Prince Albert that is multiplied as hockey is an integral interwoven part of the entire communities’ fabric. So for one person to survive, and thrive, as a hockey referee for 27 years is special – Ward Howat has done just that.

 

A passion for the game of hockey and the love of officiating resulted in a lengthy career for Howat in the striped uniform. He served in the Western Hockey League as a linesman for 15 years and called games at different levels for 25 years. Headlining all this is that Howat is the second longest serving member of the Saskatchewan Hockey Association Executive with 27 years of service in the volatile position of Coordinator of Officials.

 

On ice Howat was the Referee in Chief for the Saskatchewan Major Midget Hockey League from 2005 – 2010, worked over 20 years of Junior A, Junior B, Major Midget and Senior hockey throughout the province, including working over 40 provincial championships games. He also officiated 2 IIHF Exhibition games and was the Referee in Chief for the 2012 Allan Cup.

 

Off the ice as a supervisor and mentor, Howat worked as an official assignor from 1985 – 2010 including supervision of over 1500 games. He also had a high profile with Hockey Canada attending many officials seminars and workshops from 1985-2010 and was a Hockey Canada Officials Clinic Instructor from 1995 – 2005.

 

Ward Howat also was a successful Body Builder and Power Lifter achieving Finalist in both at the Provincial and Western Canadian levels. On the ball diamond, Howat was involved for 10 years with Hewitt Auction Senior B Men’s Slow Pitch team, winning 2 provincial titles and in fastball has been a sponsor, coach and part time player for R & W Custom Collision Pirates who were 4 time Sportsman League Champs.

 

 

 

1972 Bantam West Hill Flyers
Team

 

In an era before all-star teams or developmental teams, the 1972 Bantam West Hill Flyers was primarily made up of players from the West Hill neighbourhood of PA. The Prince Albert Kinsmen Minor Hockey Association did allow them 7 pick-up players from East Hill and Crescent Heights, but primarily this group from the West Hill would go 68-3 in the winter of 1971-72 including winning the Provincial Bantam AA Championship. That record was compiled in league games, exhibition, tournament and playoff games.

 

Coached by Tony Mihilewicz, assisted by Jim Penner along with trainer Ron Russell, the Flyers would win the City Bantam Title and Provincial playdown tournament.

 

Three of the Flyers – Dave Dubyk, Glenn Kulyk and Bruce Balicki, would go on to play with the Prince Albert Raiders of the SJHL and win a Centennial Cup title. Lorne Adams went on to the Estevan Bruins in the SJHL and Dwayne Melrose went on to play with the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL.

 

Members of the team included: Barry Mihilewicz (goaltender), Adams, Dubyk, Kulyk, Balicki, Melrose, Jim Weckworth, Mark Weckworth, Murray Guy, Jeff Smith, Warren Town, Dave Fisher, Jerry Harasyn, Dave Russell, Gerry Russell, Duane Rohachuk, Craig McLeod, Allan Merkowsky and Terry Strueby.

 

 

 

Sports Association of the Year
Prince Albert Sports Council

 

The Prince Albert Sports Council was formed in 1985 as a volunteer organization with a mission to assist sport organizations, teams, individuals and facilities with funding and to have a common voice for all sport groups.

 

Over the years, the Sports Council has provided support and funding for hundreds of teams, athletes and sport venues. Some projects the Sports Council has been involved with include:

 

• Bleachers and Score Board at Diamond #2 – Prime Minister’s Park
• Canoe & Kayak Boat House
• Horseshoe pits at the Exhibition Grounds
• Gymnastics & Soccer Centre
• Cross Country Ski Trails
• Margo Fournier Centre
• Summer Games Sports Centre
• Rotary Trail
• Skateboard Park
• 1992 Summer Games
• 1999 Western Canada Games
• 2002 Special Olympics
• Seniors’ Bowling
• Several outdoor rinks at Community Clubs
• St. Mary High School Gym
• Harry Jerome Track

 

And the list goes on – most recently the Sports Council donated to the fitness equipment fund for the new Carlton Physical Activity Complex. It would be difficult to find a sport or organization that the Sports Council has not supported or been involved with since its inception.

 

The Sports Hall of Fame welcomes the PA Sports Council as the Sports Association of the Year.

 

 

Inducted in 2002, citations to be presented to inductees:

• Brian Vickers
• Ryan Byrne
• Ron Stewart
• Cec Corrigal
• Marshall Johnston
• Zig Legins
• Prince Albert Crescent Celtic Boys Soccer Team 1973- 1980
• Prince Albert Celtic Girls Soccer Team 1993 – 1996

Tickets for the 2013 Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, April 20 are $40 each and available at Community Services in City Hall. Corporate tables of 8 are $500 each which includes sponsorship of the event.

February 5, 2013

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – One athlete, three builders, two for meritorious service and one team will be inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Saturday, April 20^th, 2013 during a banquet in the Ches Leach Lounge adjacent to the Sports Hall of Fame in the Art Hauser Centre.

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the formation of an “Association of the Year” category for the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame. As selected by the Board, Associations that have had a tradition of longevity and success may be recognized. The inaugural inductee in this category is the Prince Albert Minor Softball Association.

As protocol, to make room for the new slate of inductees, those inducted during the 2001 ceremony will have their citations presented to them and they will join the section of the Hall for the retired citations.

 

2013 Inductees

Athlete – Sherry Anderson – Curling

Picking up her first curling rock at the age of 9, Sherry Anderson started a career in the sport that has seen her become one of Saskatchewan’s most decorated members of the sport. She has curled out of the Northside, Christopher Lake, Prince Albert, Delisle and Saskatoon Curling clubs in her career and won titles at each rink, including 6 Prince Albert Ladies Bonspiels.

Sherry Anderson has skipped rinks at 20 Provincial Scott championships, finishing either first or second 11 times. She has won the Saskatchewan championship in 1994,1995, 2002 and 2004 advancing to the National Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

At the Canadian Championship bonspiels, the Anderson rinks have all shown very well. In 1994 in Kitchener Waterloo the Anderson rink was third, in 1995 in Calgary they finished with a record of 6-5, in Brandon in 2002 they were runners up and in Red Deer in 2003 they were eliminated in a tie breaker. Anderson also has twice won the Marj Mitchell Sportsmanship award at the Scotties. Anderson also was a 5^th player at the Scotties on two occasions.

Sherry Anderson has had her rink at each Olympic Trial since curling was made an official Olympic Sport. She was the runner up at the first ever trials in Regina in 2001 and also competed in Halifax in 2005 and Prince George in 2009.

Anderson has also been prevalent at many other noteworthy events. She has competed and won the TSN Skins Game, won the lucrative Husky Bonspiel in Saskatoon, competed on the World Curling tour since its inception, been the Players Championship winner and in three appearances at the Canada Cup has a 1^st and 2^nd place finish as well as an appearance in the quarter finals.

She also has given back to the sport of curling on many different levels. She started volunteering cooking rink burgers and pouring coffee when she was young up to being on many curling club executives and helping organize and run major events and junior activities as well as being a motivational speaker.

Sherry also is a successful golfer, winning the Prince Albert Business Girls championship and Ladies Lobstick in Waskesiu in 1993 and she was the prince Albert Sportswoman of the Year in 1994.

 

Builder – Barry Mihilewicz – Football

When Barry Mihilewicz took a football officials course from Ron Walsh in the early 1980s, a chord was struck for Barry that has turned into a life long passion to don the stripes on the grid iron. Barry has shared this passion to help form the Prince Albert Football Officials Association which is crucial to the growth of the sport in Prince Albert and area.

Barry has officiated games at the Kinsmen, 6 man, 9 man and 12 man levels ever since. Around 2005 the sport of football saw resurgence in the area, with St. Mary and PACI reviving their programs. Mihilewicz, along with Ken Belyea and Danny Nickel formed PAFOA anticipating the need for more officials. Barry was the president, treasurer and assignor of the association and helped attract officials, many whom had previously retired from refereeing the game.

Knowing the importance quality officiating is to the integrity of the sport, Barry has mentored and encouraged many to take their Levels 1, 2 and 3. This allows officials to work games right up to the CIS University level.

An indication of the success of Barry’s work to develop quality officials is that the Saskatoon High School Football league no longer sends officials from Saskatoon to work games in Prince Albert, allowing all-PAFOA crews to work the games.

With increased interest in surrounding communities and specifically in the north, Mihilewicz has travelled to many communities to work with not only officials, but also coaches and players to help them better understand the rules of the sport to add to their enjoyment of football.

In 2010 Mihilewicz was recognized by the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association with an Officials Service Award.

 

Builder – Dwight Bergstrom & Wayne Simpson – Skiing

Dwight Bergstrom & Wayne Simpson grew up together at the ski hill since the 1960’s when they joined the Prince Albert Ski Club coached by Ernie Birkham. They competed and coached together and helped develop a quality facility at Little Red River Park for the Prince Albert ski community.

Wayne Simpson competed for Saskatchewan at the 1967 Canada Winter Games in Quebec City and in 1971 in Saskatoon, where he was part of the silver medal Dual Slalom team. Dwight Bergstrom has been a life long coach, who along with Wayne coached two members of the Saskatchewan team and developed another for Team Albert for the 1975 Canada Winter Games.

In 1984 Dwight’s eldest daughter Reagan was 5 and Dwight, along with Elaine Conacher formed the Prince Albert Nancy Greene Ski League with 4 racers! The following year many more youngsters showed interest in the NGSL which prompted Dwight to contact Wayne Simpson. Wayne’s daughter Adrienne also became interested, which began a significant phase to improve ski racing in Prince Albert.

Dwight and Wayne continued as coaches and executives of the NGSL for many years until in 1989 both saw the need for improvements to Little Red as their association had over 150 members and they were constantly challenged with the lack of snow. Dwight and Wayne formed a group of volunteers to become the PA Ski Hill Development Inc. which raised in excess of $250,000. On December 1, 1990 the new Kinsmen Ski Centre opened at Little Red complete with snow making equipment.

For their efforts in 1991, they were named the Prince Albert Sportsmen of the Year.

Dwight Bergstrom continued his love of coaching for many years in ski racing with the support of his good friend Wayne Simpson.

 

Builder – Ron Horn – Cycling & Skiing

Ron Horn has had a significant influence on cycling and skiing in Prince Albert and District for many years.

His cycling involvement includes being a key organizer of an event for Cycle Canada surrounding the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. This event saw cyclists start from Victoria, BC in the West and St. John’s, Newfoundland in the East and cycle into Montreal to coincide with the opening of the Olympic Games. Ron was the key contact for the Western contingent coming through Saskatchewan. Once that leg was complete, Ron and his wife Shelly then joined the Eastern contingent in St. John’s and cycled to Montreal for their honeymoon.

Horn was the Chairman of the Saskatchewan Cycling Association from 1977-81 and continued as an active member following. He received the President’s Award in 2004 for his contributions to that organization.

In 1987 Ron helped form the PA Cycling Club, which became the Rock ‘N Road Cycle Club in 1994. He continues to hold that position today, 26 years later.

In Skiing Ron has been a long time member of the Provincial Cross Country Ski Association which he was the Finance Director from 2000-04. He also was involved with the PA Ski Club for many years as President and Director. Ron and Shelley were recognized in 2007 when they jointly received the Christina Woodrow Memorial Award for many years of dedicated volunteer service.

Ron also is instrumental in the care and maintenance of the Cross Country Ski trails at Cooke Municipal Golf Course.

 

Meritorious Service – L. Darren Whitehead – Special Olympics

Involvement with Special Olympics since 1993 has resulted in Darren Whitehead travelling the globe in many capacities.

It all started in 1993 when Whitehead began volunteer with Special Olympics floor hockey team in Prince Albert as a coach and referee. Since 1995 he has been the Referee in Chief and Sport Technical Advisor for Floor Hockey for Saskatchewan Special Olympics including officiating in 15 provincial tournaments. He was the Referee in Chief for the Canadian Special Olympics National games in 2004 (Charlottetown, PEI), 2008 (Quebec City) and 2012 (St. Albert, Alberta). Whitehead also has been a referee at 3 World Special Olympics games: 2001 (Anchorage, Alaska) and 2008 (Boise, Idaho, USA).

As a Saskatchewan Special Olympics Floor Hockey Coach, Whitehead led his team to a Silver medal at Nationals in Edmonton in 1989. In 2013 he was an assistant coach for the Canadian Floor Hockey team at the World Games in Pyeong Chang, Korea.

Whitehead is also the co-chair of the Prince Albert Special Olympics Committee (since 2005), was a committee member for the 2011 Saskatchewan Special O Winter games in Prince Albert, Assistant coach in track and field for Team Saskatchewan at the Special O Canadian games in Vancouver (1990), on the Mission Staff for Special Olympics National Games in London, Ontario (2010) and a founding member of the Raider/Special Olympics Training for Life Power Breakfast fund raiser established in 2005.

Whitehead also has served as a coach and referee in the Prince Albert Minor Hockey Association and on the Board of Directors of the Prince Albert Raiders Hockey Club.

Whitehead has been named the Saskatchewan Special Olympics Male Coach of the Year (1993) and Prince Albert Sportsman of the Year (2010).

 

Meritorious Service – Malcolm Jenkins – Philanthropist

Malcolm Jenkins contributions to many recreational projects and sports teams and organizations in Prince Albert make him a “community pillar”. His underlying theme and motivation for this support of many projects was “let’s build it for the kids”. Jenkins has been successful in improving the quality of facilities and life in Prince Albert through his generous contributions.

He was the lead donor for the Alfred Jenkins Field House, which opened in 2011 and is named in honor of his late father. The AJF is a jewel on the recreational landscape of Prince Albert providing a quality indoor soccer facility, gymnasium, running track and many other areas for the community to use.

Jenkins was also instrumental in the fundraising and construction of the Kinsmen Skate Board Park. In 2012 he assisted the Friday Night Lights campaign in successfully lighting Prime Ministers Park football field.

He is a major contributor to many other sporting endeavors in the city including: Special Olympics, Western Canada Summer Games, Prince Albert Raiders, Prince Albert Mintos, Saskatchewan Summer Games, Rotary Trail and the Canadian Tire “Jump Start” project.

In December, 2011, Jenkins received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit from Lt.-Gov. Gordon Barnhart for his philanthropic support of the Prince Albert community.

Malcolm Jenkins personifies the best that Prince Albert has to offer and is an example to others of what an enthusiastic group of people can accomplish. Malcolm’s contributions go behind his financial generosity, his true gift is his ability to rally the community to accomplish great things.

 

Team – 1948 Royal Hilltops Fastball

The Prince Albert Men’s League champions of 1948 were the Royal Hilltops, who won the Fraser Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Riverside Royals in a game played at the Weldon diamond. Other teams competing in the league that year were Davis and Fenton.

The team was made up of players from Red Deer Hill, but Alan Young was their coach, so they changed their name to the Royal Hilltops. In the final they edged out their rivals, the Royals, who were coached by Robin Bibby who presented the trophy to Jim Brown, the oldest player on the Royal Hilltops.

Calvin Beddome pitched the entire game for the Royal Hilltops. In the 9^th inning with the score tied 1-1, Beddome came up and hit a double. Wilfred Poulin was the next batter and dramatic lofted a single over first base, scoring Beddome to give the Royal Hilltops the title!

Players for the Royal Hilltops included: Jim and Dwayne Brown, Wilfred and Ernie Pulin, Charlie Zaverganeitz, Eddie Hollick, Alex McMullen, Pete and Danny Kissel, Edgar Acorn, and Chester, Ed and Calvin Beddome.

Some of the umpires that helped out in the league were: Arnold Spence, Allie Logan and Geppy Corrigal.

 

Association of the Year – Prince Albert Softball

The first ever Association of the Year recognized by the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame board is Prince Albert Softball. Softball is one of the longest standing sports in Prince Albert dating back to the 1930s and has developed over the years with ups and downs, but continues to flourish, thanks to its roots.

Although there may have been some softball played in the 1920s, the first recorded involvement was in 1931 when Stan Pipes of Prince Albert was named to the first ever executive of the Saskatchewan Provincial Softball Association. George ‘Pop’ Jordan is credited with forming the first teams in the area. He was the principal of the Business College in the Hartfield Block and organized girls to play. Jordan, who was crippled, umpired games. Men’s, women’s and a church league were in existence. Cec Corrigal was the most feared pitcher of the day in men’s action.

Women’s fastball dominated the 1940s with games at Bohemian Park while practices were held at Dent Park. The Prince Albert Elkettes would win the first Provincial title by a PA team, led by Lil Tait. There also was a public school girls league beginning in 1944.

Four Prince Albert teams would win provincial titles in the 1950s including the Lumberjacks who won the 1951 juvenile men’s crown behind the pitching of the legendary Ollie Fiddler.

The 1960s may have been the prime softball time for Prince Albert as many leagues flourished, including two senior men’s leagues, a senior ladies and a very strong number at the minor level. The highlight may have come in 1963 when PA teams won both the Senior A and B men’s provincial crowns. The Key Realettes, led by Audrey Sandbeck would win the first women’s title in 1967.

The 1970s saw the Realettes change their name to the Browne Motors Dusters and they continued to dominate winning 3 commercial league titles from 1972-75. They also claimed the Provincial Senior B crown in 1978. Men’s ball was also strong with the Sportsman and Commercial Leagues flourishing. The A & W Playboys won the senior B title in 1970 and the Commercial league title in 1974 while the Prince Albert Clubs won the 1973 Intermediate crown.

In the 80s, the Sportsman League would become the only men’s softball league, while the ladies Carling O’Keefe league was 11 teams strong.1988 was the start of something as Prince Albert hosted the Western Canada Senior B men’s and women’s championships. Although the host teams did not place, a penchant for putting on major events had begun.

Although they had hosted a major event, the softball community, led by Softball Saskatchewan rep George Balon, began to lobby civic politicians to upgrade Prime Ministers Park. By the time the city hosted the 1996 Canadian Midget Boys championships, PMP shone thanks to a $50,000 face lift that included new bleachers, dugouts, fences, lights and a press box. PA’s Midget boys won national titles in 1995 (Ken-Gar Selects) and when they hosted in 1996 (Northern Bus Line Selects).The city also added quality softball diamonds in Crescent Acres to answer the demand for the sport.

With softball, especially for females, gaining popularity, PA Minor Softball had a strong decade in the 2000s. They hosted a number of major events including the 2001, 2007 and 2009 Midget Boys Canadians and the 2005 Pee Wee boys and girls Westerns. For their efforts in hosting the 2009 Midget Boys Canadians, PA Minor was named the Softball Association of the Year and Chairman Bruce Vance were named Volunteer of the Year by Softball Sask.

Prince Albert Minor Softball continues a strong tradition of success and hosting major events.

 

Inducted in 2001, citations to be retired:

• John Chad
• Ken Bird
• Danny Jutras
• John Holash
• Hubert Cooke
• Charlie Mathiason
• Betty Payton
• 1994 & 1995 Sherry Anderson Curling Rink

 

Tickets for the 2013 Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, April 20 are $40 each and available at Community Services in City Hall. Corporate tables of 8 are $500 each which includes sponsorship of the event.