2020 Brian MacFarlane Award:
Special Award
On March 9th, 2019, the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame hosted a "Lorraine Lalonde Benefit Night & Dance" in the Brian Orser Hall to assist the family with expenses that have arisen due to her recent and unexpected medical condition.
Pictured above with Larry and Lorraine are PSHOF board members, Trent Maracle, Ken Quesnelle, President David Dupuis, Bert Mason and Bob Bald. who visited them on March 20th to present a cheque for $10,000 that was raised from the proceeds of the dance.
Photo by: Mark Harrison
Pictured above with Larry and Lorraine are PSHOF board members, Trent Maracle, Ken Quesnelle, President David Dupuis, Bert Mason and Bob Bald. who visited them on March 20th to present a cheque for $10,000 that was raised from the proceeds of the dance.
Photo by: Mark Harrison
N.B. All items purchased at the Silent Auction will be by CASH or CHEQUE only.
2017 PSHOF Induction Dinner
Pierre Pilote Celebration of Life at the Hall
Public Announcement
RE: PILOTE, Pierre Paul
It is with great sadness the family of Pierre Pilote announce his passing surrounded by family st the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre on Saturday September 9, 2017 at the age of 85. Beloved husband of the late Anne Pilote (Greshchyshyn) and companion of June Gerdes-Beard. Cherished father of Denise Pilote (Doug Worsley), Pierre Jr. (Anita Tobin), Renee Pilote (William Bateman) and David (Charlene Summerfield).
A long-time captain of the NHL Chicago Blackhawks, he won the Stanley Cup in 1961 and was awarded three Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975 and his #3 jersey was retired by the Blackhawks in 2008. In 2012, he was made an Honourary Ambassador of the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame.
A Celebration of Life and tribute was held at the Liberty North Event Facility, 100 Caplan Avenue, Barrie, Ontario on Sunday October 15, 2017 from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. A second celebration of life will be held at the Brain Orser Hall, Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre, 61 Maria Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario on Sunday November 12, 2017 from 1:00 – 4:00p.m.
If desired, memorial donations to the local hospital of your choice, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, The Canadian Cancer Society or the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame would be appreciated. Donations to the PSHOF can be made via: PSHOF/Pierre Pilote, Toronto-Dominion Bank, (#3408) Penetanguishene Account #: 0000327.
Unfortunately, the PSHOF is not able to issue any income tax receipts for donations submitted.
A long-time captain of the NHL Chicago Blackhawks, he won the Stanley Cup in 1961 and was awarded three Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975 and his #3 jersey was retired by the Blackhawks in 2008. In 2012, he was made an Honourary Ambassador of the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame.
A Celebration of Life and tribute was held at the Liberty North Event Facility, 100 Caplan Avenue, Barrie, Ontario on Sunday October 15, 2017 from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. A second celebration of life will be held at the Brain Orser Hall, Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre, 61 Maria Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario on Sunday November 12, 2017 from 1:00 – 4:00p.m.
If desired, memorial donations to the local hospital of your choice, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, The Canadian Cancer Society or the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame would be appreciated. Donations to the PSHOF can be made via: PSHOF/Pierre Pilote, Toronto-Dominion Bank, (#3408) Penetanguishene Account #: 0000327.
Unfortunately, the PSHOF is not able to issue any income tax receipts for donations submitted.
CLASS OF 2017 NAMED
JULY 1st, 2017 – PENETANGUISHENE - The Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame is very pleased to announce its five newest nominees chosen to be enshrined at its 2017 Induction Dinner and Ceremony slated for Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Brian Orser Hall. This year will be dubbed “The Builders Year” as all five inductees have shown incredible dedication behind the scenes ensuring our athletes and teams have the best possible sport facilities, environment and coaching. Their successes speak for their efforts.

1. J. T. Payette, nominated by Bert Mason and Paul Solmes – Along with being Mayor of Penetanguishene between 1921-23, John Thomas Payette, born in Penetanguishene in 1884, was a successful businessman and owner of the Payette Foundry in town but most importantly, he was an avid sportsman who built the best half-mile harness racing track in Ontario here in Penetanguishene, located near PSS between Robert and Edward Streets. A legend in provincial horse racing circles, his stable of winning trotters included ‘Cream of Tartar’, ‘Lucy L’ and ‘Simcoe Harvester,’ who won races here and province-wide. A legendary sportsman, he and his race track put Penetanguishene on the horse racing map between 1910 and 1940 in a big way.

2. Harvey Stevens, nominated by Jade McIntosh – born and raised in Windsor, Harvey worked for Weber Tool there. When the company relocated to Penetanguishene in 1967. Harvey and his wife Jean moved here with it. When the Penetanguishene Youth Bowling Council was formed in the early 1970s at the Knight Haven Bowling Lanes, Harvey was a keen volunteer whose career spanned between 1974 and 2012 – 38 years! He soon became the Program Director which at its peak saw over 100 children bowling all six lanes over several seasons at one time. While also a Zone Director and avid coach, his teams would win over 15 zone championships and two of his bowlers would win Canadian championships.

3. Larry Patenaude, nominated by Roy Patenaude and Mark Harrison – born in Penetanguishene in 1944, Larry participated in various sports as a teen and adult. Larry began volunteering around 1975 when he and others organized the minor ball program at nearby Toanche in Tiny Township, and developed and fundraised for the new ball fields there. He also helped organize the T-ball program for many years in Penetanguishene. As president of the Toanche Park Board, he organized, coached and scheduled the various teams, leagues and maintained the ball fields, a task he continues to do today. His teams have won innumerable provincial championships and he also sat on the executive of the Ontario Amateur Softball Association for many years.

4. John Desrochers, nominated by Bob Bald - Born and raised in Penetanguishene, John was an avid curler from a young age, even curling at the outdoor ice at the Mental Health Center in the 1960s. As President of the Penetanguishene Curling Association in 1973, which now curled part-time at the Penetanguishene Arena, John was one of the driving forces for the planning and fundraising for a new facility to be built at the waterfront park. With a large group of volunteers and tradesmen, John spearheaded the effort which saw the present facility open in 1973. John led the executive with fundraising to repay the town and expand the club’s activities, to make the facility widely used for year-round community functions. As a shoe designer by trade, he also invented ‘the slider’, a staple in today’s curling attire.

5. Bert Mason, nominated by Doug Mundy – Bert Mason born and raised here, had been involved in Penetanguishene as a coach, trainer, executive member and volunteer with the Penetanguishene Minor Hockey Association for over 40 years. He joined the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame Committee in 1991 and has been heavily involved in all aspects of the Hall’s functions and has served as its Vice-President for the past 10 years. Most importantly, Bert has spearheaded, along with the late John Desroches, the PSHOF bingo fundraising group which for the past 21 years has now raised more than $370,000 towards the Hall of Fame addition, displays and improvements. Bert has been indispensable to the successes of the PSHOF and helped make it what it is today..
With this year’s addition, the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame now numbers 76 Inductees; which includes 35 Athletes, 31 Builders, 10 Teams, 220 individuals involving 20 different sports.
25th Anniversary Celebration Bunn’s Kids
The PSHOF co-hosted the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Bunn’s Kids Dinner at the Brian Orser Hall on Sat. May 27, 2017 with nearly 200 people in attendance. Joining MC/Host Buzzy Deschamps were Celebrity Guests: Wayne King, Chris Kontos, Jiggs McDonald, Ric Nattress and Bryan Trottier.
Immediately following a beautiful meal prepared by ELM Catering, the President of Bunn’s Kids, Ms. Judy Larmand, presented three $4,000 cheques to representatives from Penetnguishene Minor Hockey, Midland Minor Hockey and the North Simcoe Girls Hockey Association. The monies raised by the Bunn’s Kids program was given to assist all those children within the various hockey programs who need help with registration and/or equipment costs in order to be able to participate. A grand total of $12,000 is indeed quite an impressive donation - well done Bunn’s Kids!
As part of the evening program, Ric Nattress skillfully moderated a “Hot Stove” panel that consisted of McDonald, Kontos and Trottier who were asked to field various personal questions about their NHL hockey experiences and opinions on the game today. The format was well received and enjoyed by all.
Following the formal part of the program autograph and picture sessions were the focus of the evening along with an opportunity for the special guests to socialize with those in attendance.
Immediately following a beautiful meal prepared by ELM Catering, the President of Bunn’s Kids, Ms. Judy Larmand, presented three $4,000 cheques to representatives from Penetnguishene Minor Hockey, Midland Minor Hockey and the North Simcoe Girls Hockey Association. The monies raised by the Bunn’s Kids program was given to assist all those children within the various hockey programs who need help with registration and/or equipment costs in order to be able to participate. A grand total of $12,000 is indeed quite an impressive donation - well done Bunn’s Kids!
As part of the evening program, Ric Nattress skillfully moderated a “Hot Stove” panel that consisted of McDonald, Kontos and Trottier who were asked to field various personal questions about their NHL hockey experiences and opinions on the game today. The format was well received and enjoyed by all.
Following the formal part of the program autograph and picture sessions were the focus of the evening along with an opportunity for the special guests to socialize with those in attendance.
J.T. Payette Race Track
This photo of the J.T. Payette Race Track was taken in 1947. The track was located on the south side of Robert Street East just a few hundred yards west of Dunlop Street. In its day, it was considered to be one of the finest race tracks in the country. The highlight race of the season was held on Dominion Day (i.e. Canada Day) and hundreds of residents would attend this event. The race track was eventually dismantled in the early 1960's and a housing subdivision now occupies that area. Street names reflect the track's legacy - Sulky Drive and Bridle Road. The PSHOF would like to develop a special exhibit to display photos and memorabilia from this era and so we are asking for your assistance.
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We would appreciate any photos, race tickets, programs or promotion banners, etc. that relates to the race track. Should you have anything to contribute or should you know of any source where we can obtain some additional material, please contact: Bert Mason at (705) 549-8995. Thank you.
Hockey Hall of Fame Legend Red Kelly and Family Visit the PSHOF.
Visit to the Hall from a special Guest
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell’s visit to the Penetanguishene Community Centre (Hall) when she came to town for the Official Opening of the 2016 Ontario Senior Games in August. David Dupuis gave her a brief tour of our Hall and she was extremely impressed with our displays and sporting history.
PSHOF Receives a Big Donation from the Penetanguishene Secondary School Reunion Committee.” Receiving the donation cheque on Tues. June 21/16 at PSS is Greg St. Amant, PSHOF Director, Waxy Gregoire, sports historian and PSS Sports Book Project, Bob Bald, PSHOF Treasurer, David Dupuis, PSHOF President, and Irene Lau, Co-Chair of the PSS Reunion Committee. The PSHOF would like to take this opportunity to formally thank the PSS Reunion Committee for their generous donation which will be applied to the PSHOF’s special project of documenting the sports history of PSS in a future book.
In the News
Newspaper Articles
THE MIRROR and MIDLAND FREE PRESS
Newspaper Articles
THE MIRROR and MIDLAND FREE PRESS
2015 FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE




2011
Kontos saw world thanks to hockey
Kontos saw world thanks to hockey
- The Barrie Advance
Penetanguishene resident and former NHL player Chris Kontos continues to give back to hockey by participating in instructional clinics. In October, Kontos will be one of four people inducted into the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame. ... - Ferguson Jenkins to attend induction ceremony
The Barrie Advance
Ferguson Jenkins, the most successful Canadian pitcher ever to play Major League Baseball, will be a special guest at the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner on Oct. 1. PENETANGUISHENE – Legendary Canadian athletes Ferguson Jenkins and ...
- LEGEND'S END Charlie Noquet wrote for the Free Press from the 1950s until 2004, making him possibly the most read writer this newspaper has ever had. He died last Tuesday. (March 10, 2010)
- Something Fishy about Hall of Fame Fundraiser (March 11, 2010)
- Deschamps, Garone among Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame inductees February 4, 2010 by MARK HERRMANN
Articles Written by PSHOF Members and Inductees
Dave Dupuis, author of Sawchuk, radio interview with Fred Wallace of 97.9 The Beach of Owen Sound after Martin Brodeur ties Sawchuk's 103 shutout record. (.mps file)
The Masked Man From Penetang... Article Written by Waxy Gregoire for local paper
Women's Hockey in Penetanguishene
The Veterans Return
The Masked Man From Penetang... Article Written by Waxy Gregoire for local paper
Women's Hockey in Penetanguishene
The Veterans Return
PAST NEWS...
It all started with Vince!
It all started with Vince!
When a group was formed in 1986 to examine starting a sports hall of fame for Penetanguishene, former mayor Vince Moreau was the logical choice to be the first chairman.
He had developed an early love of sports and had always been actively involved either as a participant, organizer, executive or spectator. He played on the Penetanguishene Juveniles in 1941-42 when they captured the All-Ontario Championship. From 1947 through to 1950, he was a member of the Spencer Foundry Rangers Intermediates. He was an avid and talented baseball player, curler and golfer where he often represented the Legion at local play downs. From 1964 to 1966, he was on the executive of the Penetanguishene Junior "C" hockey club. As Mayor, he spearheaded the drive to build our present curling facility built on the waterfront in 1975. |
Vince chaired the Sports Hall of Fame Committee for eight years from 1987 until 1996 and acted as MC and the main organizer for the first five Induction Dinner and Ceremonies. Our present Hall of Fame is a direct result of his inspiring vision and dedication. In honour of his efforts, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in the “Builder’s’ category in 1997.
Gerry Barbour interview clip from 2008
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.mps file or image???
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PSHOF offers a variety of products for sale. Please visit or click on image to view some of our products for sale.
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May 24th 2008
Don Tannahill visited the PSHOF on Saturday May 24th to be interviewed by Waxy Gregoire, Dave Dupuis and Tom Paradis and to talk about his experiences and achievements that made him a PSHOF inductee. Don was inducted into the hall in 1987. His videotaped interview will be part of the PSHOF video library and copies will be available for sale in the Gift Shop.
Don Tannahill visited the PSHOF on Saturday May 24th to be interviewed by Waxy Gregoire, Dave Dupuis and Tom Paradis and to talk about his experiences and achievements that made him a PSHOF inductee. Don was inducted into the hall in 1987. His videotaped interview will be part of the PSHOF video library and copies will be available for sale in the Gift Shop.