Niagara Sports Virtual Sports Wall of Fame

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Niagara Sports Virtual Sports Wall of Fame

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  • Clancy's Restaurant and Bar Sponsor Award at the 2011 Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony
    located at 5233 Stanley Avenue Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
  • Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall Of Fame - Tim and Terry Masterson Builders - Hockey 1991- Present Era
    Inducted at the 19th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 18, 2008
  • Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall Of Fame - Steven (Steve) John Atkinson Athlete - Hockey 1900 - 1970 Era
    Inducted at the 19th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 18, 2008
  • Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall Of Fame - Stamford C.V.I. Senior Football Teams 1966, 1967, 1968 1900 - 1970 Era
    Inducted at the 19th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 18, 2008
  • Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall Of Fame - Dan O’Connor Builder - Soccer 1971-1990 Era
    Inducted at the 19th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 18, 2008
  • Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall Of Fame - Clare C.“Jada” Dahmer Builder - Hockey 1900 - 1970 Era
    Inducted at the 19th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 18, 2008
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall Of Fame - Michael Pisano Athlete - Martial Arts 1991 - Present Era
    Inducted at the 19th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 18, 2008
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Tabitha Stavrou Athlete Intercollegiate Wrestling 1991 - present era
    On Friday, March 4, 2005, Tabitha Stavrou made history, becoming the first Niagara Falls female high school wrestler to win a Provincial Championship. The following month, Tabitha Stavrou captured the National title winning the 90-kilogram Juvenile National Wrestling Championship in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In only her second year of wrestling, Tabitha has won at both O.F.S.A.A. and at the National levels - the two toughest wrestling tournaments in Canada. A former Stamford Collegiate student, Tabitha is a national champion in two sports - wrestling and rugby. She has won three National Rugby Championships: in 2004, she won the Under-17 National Rugby Championship and in both 2005 and 2006, the Under-19 National Rugby Championships. She was also named the prestigious “Player of the Match”, after playing rugby for Canada in 2006. Tabitha notes that her signature wrestling move, a double leg attack, is similar to the method she uses to make tackles on a rugby pitch. Her skills have led her to play on five different rugby teams: Stamford Collegiate, St. Catharines Tigers’ Women’s Rugby Club Team, the Under-17 Ontario Team, the Under-19 Ontario Team, and the Canadian Under-19 Team.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Valerie Hall Athlete Hockey 1991 - present era
    Valerie Hall had only played hockey one year before coming to Niagara Falls. Previously, she played ringette for two years and continued playing ringette for a few more years after arriving in Niagara Falls. Valerie’s hockey career began in Niagara Falls with the newly formed Niagara District Hockey Association. As a travel player, she played in numerous tournaments and provincial playoffs as well as the Ontario Winter Games held in Peterborough. In 1999, Valerie was chosen to play for Team Ontario. She participated in the Canada Winter Games held in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland and the team won the Gold Medal. The team also included Louise Pietrangelo, another Niagara Falls player. Valerie was offered both an athletic and academic scholarship at Niagara University and was accepted into a four year Criminology Program. During her hockey career at Niagara University, Valerie was awarded Team Rookie of the Year, All-time Leading scorer, M.V.P., Student Athlete of the year, and 100 Point Milestone Award. Valerie was Assistant Captain and Captain in her last two years on the team and in Valerie’s third year, her team advanced to the Frozen Four (top four teams in N.C.A.A. Division 1) and her team placed third. In Valerie’s last year she received College Hockey America’s following awards: Player of the Year, Student Athlete of the Year and First Team All Conference Player. At graduation, Valerie was awarded Niagara University’s Female Athlete of the Year. In 2003, Valerie travelled to Germany to compete with Team Canada’s Under 22 team. The team won the Gold Medal and Valerie was the leading scorer of the competition. Valerie was awarded M.V.P. of the final game. After graduation, Valerie ventured to Switzerland to play hockey for one year. She now plays hockey in the National Women’s Hockey League for the Oakville ICE and is employed by the Niagara Regional Police Service. ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Stamford CVI Senior Boys (Hornets) Basketball Team 1975 era 1971 - 1990
    Front Row L-R : Bill Bray, Francis Moccio, Ken Todd, Lee Buckborough, Kevan Smith, Vito DiMartino Back Row L-R: Mr. R. Coull, Coach, Rick Herkimer, Jeff Fear, Mike Moroz, John Kulik, John Nicol, John Brettle, Emil Breuer, Tino Sherbo ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Brian Mulligan Builder Basketball era 1971 - 1990
    Brian Mulligan’s coaching career began at the age of 13, when he coached the St. Patrick’s Minor Bantam Girls in the Niagara Church League. Thus began a lifetime of coaching and inspiring numerous youth throughout Niagara. As a player, Brian’s passion for the game was fueled by his coach at N.F.C.V.I, Mr. Jim Rose. Mr. Rose led N.F.C.V.I. to five senior Ontario basketball championships and helped guide Brian to Brock University. After completing teacher’s college, Brian began his teaching career and was asked by Doug Aitchison to coach the Midget team at N.F.C.V.I, in 1972-73. In 1973, Brian coached the N.F.C.V.I. Red Raiders to the semi-finals of O.F.S.A.A. Brian has coached the Niagara Selects Travel Team that included talented players like Jay Triano, Tom Heslip, Steve Atkin, Brian Bleich and Allen MacDougall. An Assistant Coach at Brock University, Brian has led the team to three appearances at the C.I.S. National Tournament, winning the Championship in the 91-92 season. Brian has excelled as a coach at the elementary, secondary and university levels. For the past 20 years, Brian has spent every Saturday morning refereeing the Niagara Falls Minor Basketball League, a league which he started with Les Potapczyk and Bruce Stiefelmeyer. And for the past 35 years, he has coached at the Brock University Summer Basketball Camp. In 2005, Brian was named the first recipient of the Jimmy Rose Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the sport of basketball in Niagara. Brian has dedicated his life to helping local youth develop their basketball skills. For this reason and for all his other accomplishments, Brian Mulligan is a worthy addition to the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Don Wesley Johnson Builder Recreational Sports era 1971 - 1990
    It all began in 1976 on Don Johnson’s 20 acre farm field located along the south side of Beaverdams Road, west of Kalar Road. It is here that Mr. Johnson, with the help of a number of volunteers, built his “Field of Dreams.” In his love for baseball and recognizing a need for a place for men over 40 years of age to play ball, a baseball diamond was constructed. The first pitch was thrown out in 1977. The original league consisted of 4 teams. After a few years there were concerns raised regarding liability insurance and Mr. Johnson met with Bob Sones of the City’s Parks & Recreation Department in 1982 to investigate the cost. Bob Sones suggested the relocation of the diamond to the former Memorial School grounds owned by the City. It was later in 1982 that City crews removed the back stop, bleachers, storage shed from the Johnson property and relocated the diamond to the former school grounds off Spring Street that was named A.C. McCallum Park. The park was developed with two diamonds with the help of financial donations and work of volunteers. Over the years there has been improvements made to the park with perimeter berms, tree planting and installation of boundary fencing, benches and washroom facility. The improvements were carried through donations by Mr. Johnson and Molsons Canada through their Local Heroes Program.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Carlee M Cardwell Athlete Soccer era 1971 - 1990
    Niagara Falls native Carlee Cardwell-Alderson has spent almost 20 years of her life playing soccer. She has proved herself to be an exceptional athlete, rising through the ranks of minor soccer before playing for Stamford Collegiate, the University of Toronto, and the Ontario Provincial Team. At the age of 17, Carlee trained with the Senior Women’s National Soccer Team. At the time, there was only one division for National Women’s Soccer, which was the Senior Team. While at high school, with Carlee contributing her athletic abilities, the 1987 and 1988 Stamford Senior Girls Soccer Teams became the reining Zone champions, S.O.S.S.A. champions and 1988 O.F.S.A.A. semi-finalists and 1987 bronze medalists. In 1987, Carlee received the Most Valuable Player Award for the Senior Girls Soccer Team. An outstanding athlete, Carlee also played on the girls hockey team, the senior girls basketball team, badminton team and Stamford’s track and field team, receiving many honours. After high school, Carlee attended the University of Toronto and she joined the University of Toronto’s Varsity Blues women’s soccer team and spent four seasons playing soccer. During her four years as a physical education student, she was one of the most influential players in the country. Carlee was instrumental in the team’s success, with an Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association (O.W.I.A.A.) bronze medal in 1989 and a silver medal in 1990. She also guided the team to gold and silver finishes at the prestigious Big Four Tournament. Named an all-star by both the O.W.I.A.A. and C.I.A.U. in each of her four seasons. In 1989, Carlee was the only rookie recognized as an All-Canadian. In June 2005, Carlee became the first woman soccer player to be inducted into the illustrious University of Toronto’s Sports Hall of Fame. The achievements of Carlee Cardwell have made her a worthy addition to the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Don MacArthur Athlete Auto Racing era 1900 - 1970
    Born Donald Rhodes MacArthur (December 13, 1928 - January 25, 2006) in a little town outside of Sudbury called O’Donell that now no longer exists. Don MacArthur moved to the Niagara area when he was about three years old and lived in Chippawa for the rest of his life. In 1946, Don MacArthur married Carol (Willick) and together they raised their two children, Rick and Sue, and enjoyed the company of five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Don, known to many as “Mac”, worked for the Norton Company and the Bridge Commission before starting an apprenticeship with J Course Signs to learn the art of lettering signs. Mac later had his own business, MacArthur Signs, which he operated until 2005. In the 1960's, Mac started pinstriping, custom painting motorcycles, and designing and laying out of paint jobs on custom hot rods. In 1957, Mac and some of his good friends started the Satan’s Car Club. The club was formed to build a dragster for competition and to promote safety at the drag strip and on public roads. They even had an O.P.P. officer, Ewart Edlington, as an advisory member. The dragster, designed and driven by Mac, was built by all the members of the Satan’s Car Club. On their first time out to the drag strip, they broke the Canadian speed record for the quarter mile and over the next five years broke and reset it many more times. In the early 60's, Mac held many records in the U.S. and Canada, and won the Canadian championship twice. In 1961, Mac was invited to the “Dinner of Champions” by the Councils of the City of Niagara Falls, the Township of Stamford, and the Village of Chippawa, to be given official recognition for persons who had achieved outstanding awards in 1960. Mac enjoyed anything mechanical. He not only drove and designed a very competitive and safe dragster, but built many street rods, custom motorcycles, and even an airplane that was flown for 28 years. Forever #1.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - William (Bill) E. Smith Athlete Builder Hockey era 1900 - 1970
    Bill Smith was born in Montreal on September 11, 1877. His boyhood was spent in Lindsay, Ontario. In Lindsay, Bill’s athletic skills blossomed and grew in field lacrosse, hockey, baseball and boxing. His lacrosse skills were drawn to the attention of the Montreal Shamrocks with the result that he joined the team as it forged its way to a World Championship. Also an adept performer on the steel blades, he had opportunities to play hockey wherever or for whomever it pleased him. Through the good graces of the Shamrock Athletic Club he also participated in boxing matches as a welterweight. Knowing that he could not rely on sports for a livelihood, he acquired a stationary engineers certificate for the operation of steam and refrigeration systems. Refrigeration qualifications brought him to Hamilton and to a position at the Barton Street Arena. It was in Hamilton that he met Mabel Florence Powell. They were married in St. Catharines and settled in Mabel’s parent’s home in Stamford Township. In the City of Niagara Falls plans were under way for the construction of the artificial ice arena on Victoria Avenue. He would become the ice-maker. While the arena was under construction, Bill took on coaching responsibilities with a field lacrosse team whose home field was the Bridge Street Athletic Grounds at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Bridge Street. Eugene “Gene” Fraser, who would run like a deer, was a member of that team. Following an announcement on December 1, 1926 that an O.H.A. Junior Team would be formed, manager Bill Smith and coach Bill Cody selected sixteen players from twenty-one “tryouts”. A Junior Team was entered in a group that included either Grimsby and Port Colborne or Hamilton, Toronto, Brantford and Paris. Thus began Bill’s hockey coaching career involving junior teams. In the years from 1926 to 1937, some of the finest hockey players the area ever produced admitted that his coaching capabilities were beyond those of greater reputation.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - William (Bill) Manson Athlete Builder - Martial Arts era 1900 - 1970
    Inducted at the 18th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 21, 2007
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Sir Harry Oakes Benefactor 1900 - 1970 Era
    The Oakes name is perpetuated in Niagara Falls in numerous ways. Oakes Garden Theatre, Oakes Drive, Oak Hall and Oakes Park all serve as reminders of this noted family, and particularly of Sir Harry Oakes, its most prominent member. Harry Oakes was born in the small town of Sangerville, Maine on December 23, 1874. He graduated with a liberal arts degree from Bowdoin College in 1896. Harry Oakes came to Canada in 1911 as a gold prospector and mining engineer and eventually became a self-made millionaire. In 1912, he struck it rich with his discovery of gold resulting in the Lakeshore Mine near Kirkland Lake. In the 1920s, Harry Oakes and his family located in Niagara Falls until 1934, when the family moved to the Bahamas. In 1939, Sir Harry Oakes was knighted by King George VI of England ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Lucille Hilston Builder Senior Co-Ed Slo Pitch 1971 - 1990 Era
    Lucille Hilston was involved in the sport of Baseball in Niagara for many years as a founding member, player and coach of Senior Co-ed Slo-Pitch leagues. Lucille was a member of the founding committee for the Niagara Falls Girls Minor Softball Association, in 1971. She coached a team the first year and was also an active supporter and spectator for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the years. In 1985, at the age of 66, Lucille organized the Co-ed 50 Years and Beyond “Half-Century Grandtimers” Slo-Pitch League. The league was strictly for fun and recreation, inviting Seniors in all levels of skill. As the league grew, it became more competitive. At the age of 71, Lucille started up the Co-ed 60 Years & Over “Grandtimers Slo-Pitch League. These leagues are believed to be the first in Canada. Lucille emphasized safety for the players by having an orange safebase on first, shorter base paths, softer baseballs, courteous runners and did not allow tagging. These “Grandtimers” won 8 trophies ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Louise Pietrangelo Athlete Women's Hockey 1991 - Present Era
    Louise Pietrangelo began skating at the age of four and quickly fell in love with the ice. Although she was a precocious member of the Stamford Skating Club, the solitary life of a figure skater did not excite Louise as much as the team-based sport of ice hockey. At the age of five, Louise enrolled in Instructional Hockey and from that point on she showed rapid growth in her skills. She was chosen at the age of seven to play on an All Star Team and soon after that at the age of nine she captained the boys “AA” Travel Hockey Team that went on to play at the All Ontario Finals of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. At the age of fifteen, Louise continued to play boy’s house league hockey to keep her skills competitive but also played girl’s hockey whose team won the Niagara District Championship in her first year. In Louise’s next season with the Niagara Rapids Girls Hockey Team, she represented Niagara Falls at the Ontario Winter Games as captain and won a silver medal. Louise went on to play for the Mississauga Junior Chiefs and during her 1998-1999 season, her team won second place in the league and Louise was awarded Best Defenseman. One of her greatest achievements as the starting defenseman that same year was when she was named to Team Ontario and won the Gold Medal at the Canada Winter Games. She advanced to the senior level and on to win a Bronze medal at the Provincial Championships. Louise went on to accepting a full four year scholarship to Dartmouth University where she was starter on a team that was ranked number one in the nation ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Vibe Junior Competitive Synchronized Skating Team - 1991 - Present Era
    L-R : Nicole Primeau, Alicia Lelievre, Kyla Schneider, Miranda D’Aiuto
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Tony Parisi Builder / Athlete Hockey 1900 - 1970 Era
    Tony Parisi was born in Niagara Falls on March 30, 1933. He proved to be an exceptional athlete and a true builder of sport. From 1947 - 1949, Tony played minor hockey and was a goalie for the Niagara Falls Junior “B” Hockey Team. In 1949, Tony was drafted by Galt of the Major Junior Ontario Hockey Association (O.H.A.). The following years he played Junior “A” hockey in Barrie, Kitchener and Belleville. After this experience, Tony went overseas where he played hockey for England, Sweden, Italy and Czechoslovakia. Upon returning home, Tony played in the International Hockey League (I.H.L.), the North American Hockey League (N.A.H.L.) and the American Hockey League (A.H.L.). In 1962, Tony was called up to play for the Pittsburgh Hornets hockey team. In 1965, the Pittsburgh Hornets team folded and Tony was hired by Mr. Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (N.F.L.) as the equipment manager. Having a keen eye, and knowledge of equipment, Tony ordered special non-slip shoes for the Pittsburgh Steelers for their 1975 Super Bowl game against Minnesota. He knew the weather would be bad, however, at the beginning of the game, only Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris wore the special shoes. After the first quarter, Tony had all the players change their shoes. The team players and Mr. Rooney indirectly credited Tony for winning the Super Bowl. Tony is the only person in Canada who has four Super Bowl rings. Tony Parisi has never forgotten his roots and he treats everyone who visits him from Niagara Falls, like royalty. Still a Canadian citizen, Tony has never changed and is now enjoying retirement ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Gina Pietrangelo Marotta Athlete 1971-1990 Era
    Following a record-breaking Cross Country, Track and Field, and Ice Hockey career at both Loretto High School and Saint Paul High School, Gina took her athletic abilities to new heights after receiving a full scholarship to Princeton University. In 1984, following an undefeated season, and winning the Women's Ice Hockey Ivy League Championship, Gina was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year. Displaying incredible diversity, Gina was named to the All-Ivy Team for both women's ice hockey and women's soccer in each of her four years at Princeton. It was during this time that Gina met her future husband, David Marotta, goalie and captain of Princeton's men's hockey team. In 1987, Gina combined an intense competitive spirit, fierce determination, stellar leadership, and unparalleled drive to create a spectacular senior year. She was elected captain of both the women's ice hockey team and the women's soccer team and was awarded the highest honour in North American women's ice hockey: ECAC Player of the Year. Gina's most cherished athletic accomplishment came later in 1987 when she earned the distinction of Outstanding Female Athlete at Princeton. Equally committed to excellence in academics, Gina graduated from the Princeton School of Engineering with a degree in Civil Engineering. She later received an Honours MBA in Finance from McMaster University. Gina continues to instill the values of good sportsmanship and commitment to sport in not only her five children, but in many others through her dedicated coaching ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Battery Sport Shop Midget Baseball Team Ontario Champions, 1954 - 1900 - 1970 Era
    L - R front row: Ed Collins, Brian Mulligan, Insets: Jim Mulligan, Coach John Worrall, Coach Jack Sampson ; Middle row: Bob Chamberlain, Ritchie Weir, Dave Kemp, Sisto Amadio, Alex Rankin, Carl Minor ; Back row: Orm Black, Jim Ross, Ed Whipp, Gary Armstrong, Dusty Bodnar, Bryan Hart ; Missing from photo: Jim “Butch” Somerville ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Dino M. Serra Athlete Hockey - 1971 - 1990 Era
    Dino Serra grew up in Niagara Falls, playing in the Niagara Falls Minor hockey system. During his time here, he received numerous M.V.P. awards playing in the Peewee, Bantam, and midget Divisions. As a 16 year old, Dino played for the Fort Erie Meteors Junior “B” Team and led the league in scoring, with a record of 38 goals in 30 games. Dino played 23 games with the Niagara Falls Flyers in Major Junior “A” Hockey and followed this by playing one season with the Niagara Falls Flyers Tier II Team, of the Southern Ontario Hockey Association (S.O.H.A.), where he led the team in scoring with 86 points and was named to the League All-Star Team. In 1973, Dino was invited to participate in the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (N.H.L.) training camp. In 1975, he was invited to participate in the Montreal Canadiens (N.H.L.) training camp and his N.H.L. rights were picked up by the Montreal Canadiens. From 1973-1977, Dino played four seasons of N.C.A.A. (The National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I Hockey at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.) in Troy, New York. In 1974, he was named Rookie of the Year, and established the single season Rookie scoring record. In Dino’s Senior Year, he was Team Captain, Team Scoring Leader, and he finished number one in the nation with a 2.3 points per game average. From 1977-1979, Dino played professional hockey in Europe for Varese, Italy and Milan, Italy. He was the leading scorer for both teams, named first team All-Star centre, and named to the League All Star team. In 1979, Dino participated in the World Cup Championship in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Despite playing with a broken wrist, he was named Tournament All-Star. In 2001, Dino was inducted to the RPI Athletic Hall of Fame.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Elizabeth Lang Dempsey - Builder Girls Soccer League 1971 - 1990 Era
    It was 1972, and boys’ soccer was flourishing in Niagara Falls. During that season, it was discovered that a girl was playing on a boys’ team. This was something unheard of. The girl was allowed to play until the play-offs, but not in the play-offs. This caused quite a disturbance and many parents were annoyed. This was the spark for a determined Elizabeth (Betty) Dempsey to begin a girls’ soccer league. After contacting some friends and the Recreation Commission, the Niagara Falls Girls Minor Soccer Club was about to begin and grow into a phenomenal league. Elizabeth Dempsey was once quoted, “I have three sons and no daughters but I just felt there wasn’t enough for girls to do in this City and the women who had tried to organize a soccer league in the past had just not tried hard enough.” The first season, 200 girls registered and two divisions were formed. One division was for ages 7-10 and the other for 11-14 year olds. From humble beginnings Niagara Falls Girls Minor Soccer Club has grown significantly with each passing year. The Club now serves more than 1,600 girls and young women, in a sport that encourages excellence and leadership through teamwork. The City of Niagara Falls is proud to honour Elizabeth Dempsey for her commitment and dedication to sports in Niagara Falls. She will always be remembered as the founder of the Niagara Falls Girls Minor Soccer Club ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Jewel Steele - Figure skating - 1900 - 1970 era
    In 1950, at the age of eight, Jewel Steele began figure skating with the Stamford Skating Club. Years of practise, tests, performances and coaching culminated in 1960 when she became the first female skater in Niagara Falls to pass the Gold Level figure & freestyle skating requirements. Jewel competed and was very successful at many regional and provincial competitions. Eleven years later, in 1961, Jewel turned professional and performed with the Ice Capades where she enjoyed a ten-year career. She continued working with the Ice Capades for several more years as a Director and Coordinator of shows. After retiring, Jewel obtained her Master Level Coaching Certificate from the Professional Skating Association of the USA and began her career as a figure skating coach. Jewel continues to coach in Los Angeles, California. Her 30 years of teaching expertise have produced numerous skaters that have competed at Regional, Sectional and National competitions. She has also coached skaters in the Junior Olympics. Jewel has never forgotten her many wonderful years growing up in Niagara Falls.
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - William (Bill) Irvine Builder hockey era 1900 - 1970
    William (Bill) Irvine, a very dedicated sports enthusiast, devoted many years of his life to the game of ice hockey. His love for the sport began as an above average player, while performing with championship minor hockey teams in Stamford, Ontario. Hockey Icon, Jack Bell, was very impressed with Bill’s superb skating ability and vast knowledge of the sport. He introduced Bill as a referee in the Canadian Legion House leagues at the age of fourteen. After perfecting his officiating skills and being commended for it, Bill became a certified referee with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. Reliable and proficient service led him to a job with the Ontario Hockey Association, performing as a linesman and referee for many seasons. The other leagues which Bill plied his services were: Stamford Lions Midgets, Niagara Falls Industrial, Chippawa “No-Hit”, High School, and Western New York Senior. He also refereed in various tournaments and Niagara Ball Hockey. Bill’s exceptional work ethic and unrivaled dedication to the sport, was admired by his supervisors and set a very splendid example for future referees to follow. Bill treasured the many friendships that were acquired through hockey, thoroughly enjoying the countless cities and venues where his assignments took him. Bill Irvine was always a very proud ambassador of his hometown of Niagara Falls ;
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    In background L-R: Paul Campigotto
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    L-R: Sponsors in no particular order include Bright's Winery, Falls View Hose Brigade, Mick & Angelo's and Niagara Battery and Tire
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    L-R: MPP Kim Craitor, Miss Niagara Katy Laskowska, Mayor Ted Salci
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    L-R: MPP Kim Craitor, Barb Greenwood, Miss Niagara Katy Laskowska, Shirley Fisher
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    In background L-R: Paisley Janvary-Pool, Bill Irvine, Paul Campigotto
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    Mayor Ted Salci (right), Sports Wall Committe member Bill Irvine in background ;
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
    Paisley Janvary-Pool in background
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Chippawa Superchicks Basketball Team accepting their award
    Names in no particular order:Coach Al McRae, Judy McRae, Mary Boone, Pat Somerville, Lou Ann Martin, Gail Poupore, Marilyn Lawrence, Amy Olmstead, Debbie Willick, Lorraine Robinson, Wendy Orr, Sue Gabrielle, Nancy Cardwell, Michelle Stranges, Rosanne Federow ;
  • 16th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Chippawa Superchicks Basketball Team at the reception
    Names in no particular order:Coach Al McRae, Judy McRae, Mary Boone, Pat Somerville, Lou Ann Martin, Gail Poupore, Marilyn Lawrence, Amy Olmstead, Debbie Willick, Lorraine Robinson, Wendy Orr, Sue Gabrielle, Nancy Cardwell, Michelle Stranges, Rosanne Federow ;
  • 16th annual Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Gloria Sorley's Curling Team
    L-R; Paul Campigotto at the lectern, Gloria Sorley, Lynne Coull, Jackie Lococo, Marg Newton, Mayor Ted Salci
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Peter Fiorentino Hockey - 1971 - 1990 era
    colour digital image ; Image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Rick Morocco Hockey - 1971 - 1990 era
    colour digital image ; Image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Gloria Sorley's Curling Team - Era 1991 -
    GLORIA SORLEY MARG NEWTON JACKIE LOCOCO LYNNE COULL
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Carol Ann Biamonte Figure Skating - 1900-1970 Era
    colour digital image ; Image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Chippawa Superchicks Basketball Team
    JUDY MILLER MCRAE MARY MAILLOUX BOONE PAT RYAN SOMERVILLE LOU ANN MARTIN GAIL POUPORE MARILYN SHARKEY LAWRENCE AMY OLMSTEAD DEBBIE WILLICK AL LORRAINE STRAUGHAN ROBINSON WENDY BOSNAK ORR NANCY ANGLE CARDWELL MICHELLE HAUZER STRANGES ROSANNE BLACK FEDEROW sue gabrielli
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Bob Stewart Builder Hockey - 1971 - 1990 Era
    colour digital image ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Bob Stewart Builder Hockey - 1971 - 1990 Era
    colour digital image of a metal plaque ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Gloria Sorley's Curling Team - Era 1991 -
    GLORIA SORLEY MARG NEWTON JACKIE LOCOCO LYNNE COULL
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Carol Ann Biamonte Figure Skating - 1900-1970 Era
    Digital image from a metal plaque ; Image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Peter Fiorentino Hockey - 1971 - 1990 era
    Digital image from a metal plaque ; Image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Rick Morocco Hockey - 1971 - 1990 era
    Digital image from a metal plaque ; Image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls, Parks, Recreation and Culture Department ; Inducted January 23rd 2005 ;
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Chippawa Superchicks Basketball Team
    JUDY MILLER MCRAE MARY MAILLOUX BOONE PAT RYAN SOMERVILLE LOU ANN MARTIN GAIL POUPORE MARILYN SHARKEY LAWRENCE AMY OLMSTEAD DEBBIE WILLICK AL LORRAINE STRAUGHAN ROBINSON WENDY BOSNAK ORR NANCY ANGLE CARDWELL MICHELLE HAUZER STRANGES ROSANNE BLACK FEDEROW sue gabrielli
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Jack (Johnny) Long Builder era 1951 - 1970
    TRACK FIELD STAMFORD COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL BASKETBALL COACH SOSSA OFSAA
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Jack (Johnny) Long Builder era 1951 - 1970
    TRACK FIELD STAMFORD COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL BASKETBALL COACH SOSSA OFSAA
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - McRae's Senior A Fastball Team 1974 era 1971 - 1990 era
    RICH CLIMENHAGE AL DANE REG WALL MIKE LALICICH GEORGE PEPPER MARTIN JOHN WATSON RICH PLATO RON SUNSTRUM NORM NEIDORF VIC DYCK ROB ROST JAKE NEUFELD CHRISTIE LARRY BOB MIKE COCKBURN WALT SZPILEWSKI ED JOKIE SUMMERS CLARKE FRANK FALCONER DAVE STEELE KEVIN MCRAE ED
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - McRae's Senior A Fastball Team 1974 era 1971 - 1990 era
    RICH CLIMENHAGE AL DANE REG WALL MIKE LALICICH GEORGE PEPPER MARTIN JOHN WATSON RICH PLATO RON SUNSTRUM NORM NEIDORF VIC DYCK ROB ROST JAKE NEUFELD CHRISTIE LARRY BOB MIKE COCKBURN WALT SZPILEWSKI ED JOKIE SUMMERS CLARKE FRANK FALCONER DAVE STEELE KEVIN MCRAE ED
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Robert (Bob) Manno athlete Hockey 1971 - 1990 era
    NIAGARA FALLS FLYERS JUNIOR A ST CATHARINES BLACK HAWKS NHL VANCOUVER CANUCKS TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS DETROIT RED WINGS
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Colonial Football Club 1912 era 1900 - 1950
    EFFRICK HOWARTH STOCKS MARHSALL HOLMES HARRISON FRED HOWARTH H LEAVER LEVER ALEX LUMSDEN BARNES BRADLEY BURNETT CLARKSON HARRY PEW JONES EVAN FRASER MACPHERSON GRAHAM HARPER HARRY WILSON FRASER LAFAYETTE ONTARIO WESTERN SULLIVAN CUP
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Colonial Football Club 1912 era 1900 - 1950
    EFFRICK HOWARTH STOCKS MARHSALL HOLMES HARRISON FRED HOWARTH H LEAVER LEVER ALEX LUMSDEN BARNES BRADLEY BURNETT CLARKSON HARRY PEW JONES EVAN FRASER MACPHERSON GRAHAM HARPER HARRY WILSON FRASER LAFAYETTE ONTARIO WESTERN SULLIVAN CUP
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Doug Walter Boston Athlete Hockey 1900 - 1950 era
    TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE MAILANDS PARKDALE OHA KIRKLAND LAKE BLUE DEVILS CATARACTS NIAGARA FALLS
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Doug Walter Boston Athlete Hockey 1900 - 1950 era
    TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE MAILANDS PARKDALE OHA KIRKLAND LAKE BLUE DEVILS CATARACTS NIAGARA FALLS
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Colonial Football Club 1910 era 1900 - 1950
    EFFRICK STOCKS MARSHALL HOWARTH MITCHELL WINCOTT DODGE LEVER BARNES REID ALEX MCPHERSON EVAN FRASER W JONES MAYOR DORES HARRISON HEELEY
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Colonial Football Club 1910 era 1900 - 1950
    EFFRICK STOCKS MARSHALL HOWARTH MITCHELL WINCOTT DODGE LEVER BARNES REID ALEX MCPHERSON EVAN FRASER W JONES MAYOR DORES HARRISON HEELEY
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Angelo Giajnorio Builder Hockey era 1951 - 1970
    HOCKEY MINOR ASSOCATION COACH ATOM NOVICE MIDGET AAA CANUCK JUNIOR B
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Angelo Giajnorio Builder Hockey era 1951 - 1970
    HOCKEY MINOR ASSOCATION COACH ATOM NOVICE MIDGET AAA CANUCK JUNIOR B
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Jim Bedard Athlete Hockey 1971 - 1990 era
    HOCKEY STAMFORD TOWNSHIP MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION SUDBURY WOLVES OHL WASHINGTON CAPITALS THUNDER NIAGARA FALLS DETROIT RED WINGS
  • William Edwin Ives Athlete Hockey
    HOCKEY JUNIOR B CHIPPAWA STAMFORD
  • Stamford Collegiate Institute Track & Field Team 1951
    DOMINION CHAMPIONS CHAMPION QUEBEC GEORGE MCGOWAN BILL FARRELL ART DARCH GLENN MARTIN JOHN LONG GREG SCOBIE DOUG RAPELJE WES WASHINGTON DEREK DOUGLAS BOB KILKENNY FRED RUISH
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Stamford Collegiate Institute Track & Field Team..
    DOMINION CHAMPIONS CHAMPION QUEBEC GEORGE MCGOWAN BILL FARRELL ART DARCH GLENN MARTIN JOHN LONG GREG SCOBIE DOUG RAPELJE WES WASHINGTON DEREK DOUGLAS BOB KILKENNY FRED RUISH
  • Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen Bantam Baseball Team 1980
    STAMFORD CENTRE VOLUNTEER FIREMAN FIREMEN FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION TROY LEBRASSEUR ROB JOLLEY DEAN MAZZONE DARREN SHANNON GREGG DENINGTON SAL MANELLA DOUG CHIPMAN BARRY NOBLE JEFF DAVE BURNS RANDY BOB DAVE KERR MIKE JARRETT KYLE HART PAUL CAMPIGOTTO
  • Gord Singleton Athlete Cycling
    bike riding road racing gordon
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Peter Mancuso Builder 1971 - 1990 era
    BASEBALL SENIOR A HARDBALL FORDS CHAMPIONS BORDEN DAIRY INDUSTRIAL FASTBALL DAW'S SHEET METAL COACH COACHING MANAGER STAMFORD MINOR ASSOCIATION CANUCKS B
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Daw's Sheet Metal 1961 Provincial Champions ...Team
    SOFTBALL DAVE MCINTOSH CHICK DALCIN ERNIE RICHARDS BOBBY DESSON BILL JIGGER JENKINS BOBBY MANCUSO EARL SOUTHON CARM DAW HANK SOKOLOWSKI DOUG BEAUPIT PHIL MAZZONE PETE MANCUSO ANTHONY HORN MANCUSO ALEX RANKIN FRANK ANTONIO GEORGE BLACK
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Anthony "Jiggs" Rufrano Athlete Baseball 1900 - 1950 era
    owner cataract sheet metal baseball general brock furniture houck senior kerrio's kerrio seniors
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Jim (Butch) Somerville Athlete Baseball 1900 - 1950 era
    JUNIOR SENIOR BRIGHT'S A HOUCK PLAYER MANAGER KERRIO'S KERRIO PEE WEE JAMES
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Chippawa Midgets Baseball Team 1960 1951 - 1970 era
    GEORGE GALLEY AL COURNOYEA GLYN THOMAS BILL HEWITSON DON SOMERVILLE FRANK TUFTS RICH BYNON STEVE FELLINGER CHICK ROSE TED NAYLOR JAY MORRISON WALT GORCHYNSKI RICK SOMERVILLE DON MANN KEN PARLIAMENT MIKE GALLEY MIKE QUINN Gord Burrowes Eddie Thomas
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Caverly Dugouts Fastball Team 1971 - 1990 era
    MICHAEL PASCO STEVE ATKINSON GORD LOUNSBURY PHIL ROBERTO CLIVE NEWSON STEVE RUSSELL DENNIS AMELL HAROLD ROBERTSON GEORGE LASLO CARM CARLO ALLIE MCRAE KEN BAUZ BILL GLASHAN BOB CURRAN JOHN KELLEHER HOWARD MORINGSTAR KEN COROSKY RICH BEAUPIT
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Caverly Dugouts Fastball Team 1971 - 1990 era
    CRAIG MCCARTHY BOB CAMPBELL LOU GALLARDI BILL MCCARTHY TOBY PASCO PAT DEFOE CARM CARLO HAROLD ROBERTSON BILL GLAHAN STEVE ATKINSON KEN BAUZ ALLIE MCRAE RICK HEXIMER WINSTON AULD KEN COROSKY CURRAN Trevor Field Alec Rankin Robert Orr Nick Badovinca
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Caverly Dugouts Fastball Team 1971 - 1990 era
    CRAIG MCCARTHY BOB CAMPBELL LOU GALLARDI BILL MCCARTHY TOBY PASCO PAT DEFOE CARM CARLO HAROLD ROBERTSON BILL GLAHAN STEVE ATKINSON KEN BAUZ ALLIE MCRAE RICK HEXIMER WINSTON AULD KEN COROSKY CURRAN MICHAEL GORD LOUNSBURY PHIL ROBERTO STEVE RUSSELL
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Marty Dallman Athlete Hockey 1971 - 1990 era
    MINOR JUNIOR B CANUCKS FLYERS AMERICAN LEAGUE AHL NEW HAVEN BALTIMORE NEWMARKET OLYMICS OLYMPIAN COACH COACHING
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Stamford Kiwanis Juvenile Baseball Team 1974
    MIKE WINTER PAT FLYNN BRYAN WINTER RICK MIKE FITZGERALD VIC TESO STEVE KITNEY TED DIDEMUS DAN ANE RON MACE RICHARD QUAGLIARIELLO DON BOGAR KEVIN KITNEY PAT BURGESS VITO DIMARTINO JOHN SADLER Peter Aleo Wayne Englehart Tony Scaringi Mike Cross Al Longmuir Hal Walker
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Sam Long Builder Hockey era 1951 - 1970
    MINOR CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION ONTARIO ASSOCATION DEWY FARAVANTE AWARD
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - George Holmes Athlete Hockey 1951 - 1970 era
    HERMES LEGION LEAGUE JUNIOR B CATARACTS MONTREAL CANADIENS OHA FLYERS COACH COACHING
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - John (Johnny) Worrall Athlete Baseball & Bowling era 1931 - 1950
    GNBA BRIGHTS SENIOR TEAM BRIGHT'S HOUCK'S HOUCKS HOUCK A CATARACT LANES CANADIAN CHAMPION
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Athlete Eddie Mulligan Baseball Hockey & Basketball
    TERMINAL COFFEE SHOP INTERMEDIATE A BASEBALL TEAM FORDS SENIOR JUNIORS LOS ANGELES MONARCHS ST MICHAEL'S MAJORS SMITH FALLS RIDEAUS KERRIO SENIOR B KERRIOS'S SCOUT NHL DETROIT RED WINGS ST PATRICK'S MIDGET BOYS COACH
  • Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Bob Coull Builder 1951 - 1970 era
    PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS STAMFORD COLLEGIATE A N MYER FOOTBALL BASKETBALL WRESTLING TRACK FIELD CROSS COUNTRY BADMINTON VOLLEYBALL