John Smits was born in Port Colborne in 1955. He lived just outside the border in Wainfleet for most of his life until moving into Port Colborne in the 1970s. John played hockey in the Port Colborne / Wainfleet Minor Hockey Association until the age of 15. At 15 years of age, he started his 45-year long career as an Ontario Minor Hockey/Port Colborne Minor Hockey referee and linesman, and at age 20 had achieved his Level 4 referee status with Hockey Canada.
During his career with the OMHA, John acted as both a referee and linesman for all age groups and many international tournaments throughout Ontario. John was also a linesman in the Air Canada Cup 2 and an Ontario Minor Hockey Referee Supervisor for 10 years. John was involved in the OHA/OHL for all categories of Jr Hockey (including Major Jr. A) as well as Intermediate A and Senior A (including the Port Colborne Sailors and Welland Steelers). He was also a 3-time Linesman for the All-Ontario Championships Jr. B and Intermediate A. John also was selected as a referee and linesman for the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) for both the Ontario and Canadian Championships. His officiating career was highlighted working for 2 seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) as a linesman for the St. Catharine’s Saints. 

Anna Tykoliz (nee Interisano) is a 1954 baby boomer baby born and raised in the City of Port Colborne. Anna is a product of the softball, swimming, tennis, skating and gymnastics municipal sporting programs offered by the City of Port Colborne during the 1960’s. Anna and her high school sweetheart (and husband), Wally’s, passion for cycling started on their bicycle built for two and progressed to competitive cycling disciplines of mountain biking, cyclocross racing, individual road cycling time trials, road racing, criterium racing and Esports Virtual Racing.
As a proud Team Canada Member, Anna represented Canada at the Union Cycliste Internationale’s (UCI) World Master Championships in Denmark, Slovenia, France and earned a Silver Medal in Canada. In 2021, Anna achieved historic acclaim by winning 3 Gold Medals at the Canadian Cycling Championships for Individual Time Trial, the Road Race and the Criterium at Victoriaville, Quebec. Anna topped off 2021 by winning her 4th Gold Medal at the Canadian National Esports Championships. And for an encore performance, Anna repeated her historic cycling feat in 2022 by winning 3 Gold Medals at Canadian Cycling Championships for Individual Time Trial, the Road Race and the Criterium at Victoriaville, Quebec. Quite a feat for sure, a total of 7 Canadian National Championships for Anna.
Anna’s dedication to athleticism is quite evident but what is most outstanding is Anna’s devotion and dedication to her community through volunteerism at her church and the many minor sporting organizations her children Janet and Jay attended and participated in through the years. 

Harry was one of the founders of trampolining in Ontario and Canada being a trampolinist, coach and the Chairman for Trampolining with the Ontario Gymnastic Federation. Harry competed in gymnastics representing Port Colborne High School at local Zone and SOSSA competitions from 1969 until 1972. In 1970 he began coaching for the Port Colborne Gymnastic Club founded by Art Stead while continuing to compete for Port High and also representing the PC Gym Club. In 1972 Harry in his first Canadian Championships captured his first national title winning the Canadian Individual Junior level. In 1974 Harry captured the Canadian Senior Men’s Individual title and went on to represent Canada at the World Trampolining Championships in South Africa where he placed a respectable 10th. In 1975 Harry and his synchro partner Dave Levionnois placed first in the Senior Synchronized level at the provincial and national Trampolining Championships. In 1976 Harry again qualified for the Canadian World Trampoline Team and placed 12th in the individual trampoline event and 6th in the double mini trampoline event. In 1978 at the Canadian Trampolining Championships Harry placed 3rd in Senior Individual and Synchro Men’s events and at the 1979 Canadian Championships he placed 3rd in Senior Mixed Synchro event. While Harry was competing, he was also coaching, managing the Port Colborne Gymnastic Club and held the position of the Chairperson for Trampolining with the Ontario Gymnastic Federation. In the Trampolining off season Harry was active in motorcycling, competing in motocross and enduro racing events, and getting sponsored by Suzuki in 1979 and earning the Ontario Junior Enduro Champion title in 1983. Out of the Port Colborne Gymnastic Club, Harry developed a number of provincial, national and international caliber trampolinists that went on to the podium at many championships. Harry retired from Trampolining and Gymnastics in 1980 but continued representing Port Colborne in events like the Man-a-Mile. 

The Golden Puck Hockey Committee was formed in 1964 to host their 1st annual hockey tournament at the Westside Arena in 1964 with 8 Peewee Novice Allstar teams from various towns in Ontario. It is now the longest running minor hockey tournament operating in our community. The out-of-town players were billeted with Port Colborne families for the 3-day tournament. Since 1964 the tournament has grown in leaps and bounds these past 58 years with the last tournament having a novice and an atom and a peewee division with over 40 teams using 5 ice pads. It is hoped that the tradition continues for the next 58 years.

The original members of the Committee were Wray Benner Sr., Fred Butler, Colin Filson, Jack Longfellow, Archie Roy, Don Simmons and Rene Smits. Some long-time members included Gary Benner, Bill Burgess, Ken Burke, Al Buzzi, Art Hamilton, Harry Mahaffey, Norm Martel, and Martin Van Gool. The annual Golden Puck tournament is named in Van Gool’s honour. 

Port Colborne Youth Basketball (PCYB) recognizes Lou Nieuwland as the organization’s “founding father” as he was key to the development of thousands of kids who participated in our organization. Kids who have come back and are now coaching or watching their kids play basketball. Port Colborne High School and Lakeshore Catholic High School have both enjoyed the benefits that our organization brought to their basketball teams over the years. All because of what Lou started years ago.
Lou Nieuwland was the Inaugural President of the PC Optimist Club Minor Basketball League (now known as PCYB) in 1986. Together with a wonderful group of parents and volunteers, he helped start a house league for minor players in the city and was integral in building the league from 100 to 300 players within the first few years. Soon after its inception, he helped create a travel component that saw Port Colborne players successfully competing at a regional, provincial, and national level.
Lou remained involved with the league for 16 years, coaching, refereeing, and volunteering throughout all four of his children’s participating years and beyond.
In 2014 he was awarded the Jimmy Rose Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution for helping grow the game of basketball in Port Colborne and within the Niagara Region. Lou and his wife Maribeth still reside in Port Colborne, operating their family business Whisky Run Golf Club. 

Martel resides in Port Colborne, and stands as one of the legitimate scoring machines in NCAA hockey history, and lettered as a hard-throwing righthander on the Northeastern Huskies varsity baseball team. He is the University's all-time leading hockey scorer, and with over 200 career points belongs to an elite membership in college hockey's sniper ranks. Martel finished his four year reign of terror over Division I goaltenders with an aggregate of 93 goals and 117 assists for 210 points. The only Husky to ever eclipse 200 points and one of five with over 100 assists, Martel was part of one of the most potent lines in the history of college hockey. His linemates were Charlie Huck and Dave Sherlock, and the trio combined for 258 goals. As a baseball player, he was an ace pitcher and went on to play semi-pro ball in his native Canada, and pitched for the 1982 Canadian National Squad that defeated the United States and finished fourth in the World Championships in Seoul, Korea.

Following a 16-19-35 freshman season, his march towards stardom was inexorable, as he executed an 18-28-46 season as a sophomore. Martel crossed the line from good player to great as a junior, when he notched four hat tricks and scored the winning goal in the RPI Tournament, the nation's oldest collegiate hockey tournament. He capped a brilliant career with a 66-point senior season. His famed line was the highest scoring line in the nation. After NU, Martel spent two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization before concentrating on a business career in the insurance industry. 

Jonathan (PJ) Bolger is a Port Colborne native and was first introduced to the Special Olympics in 1990 at the age of 13 when he joined the swim team. He has continued to enjoy participating and competing in several S.O. sports.
Beginning in 1996, he has represented our region in swimming at 4 Provincial Spring Games and advanced to the National Summer Games 3 times. He has also competed at Provincial Games in basketball, bocce, and curling.
In 2013 golf was introduced as an official sport and at the Provincial Summer Games held that year in York, he won the gold medal in division one- thereafter proudly laying claim to be the inaugural top golfer in Ontario! He has since gone on to represent Ontario in Golf at National Summer Games in Vancouver and Antigonish.
Over the years he has been selected to be a member of Team Canada at the Special Olympics North American Golf Championships, held in Atlantic City, Hilton Head, Port St. Lucie, Seattle, and most recently Nashville. In 2016 he was thrilled to be selected as 1 of 3 Special Olympian Canadians to participate in the PGA Quicken Loans-Tiger Woods Foundation Pro-Am in Washington DC. In 2017 and 2018 PJ Also had the honour of being 1 of 2 Canadian athletes invited to compete in the Special Olympics Macau Golf Masters.
At the local level, PJ continues to enjoy training and competing in swimming, golf, 10 pin bowling, and bocce. He has attended athlete leadership workshops and looks forward to peer coaching and helping Port Colborne Special Olympics continue to thrive.
For 30 years he has proudly represented our city, province, and country. 

In 1936, Robert Smith qualified as a recipient of the Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion. Because he was concerned that there were no swimming classes available at this time in Port Colborne, Robert Smith (Bob) decided to take it upon himself to start them in 1946 at Nickel Beach with a class of 15 boys. Subsequently, the classes grew in size and it became an annual summer event. Bob proudly presented a trophy for the most improved girl (donated by S.M. Young Jewelers), and another for the most improved boy (provided by Rossman’s Clothing), which was presented at the end of the classes in late August of each summer. Official swimming exams were conducted via the Canadian Red Cross test representative with awards earned for Junior Swimmer, Intermediate, and Senior Swimmer, depending on the age and experiences for the test held in the Welland Canal at the 3rd Ferry, a popular swimming area at that time.
Years later the Port Colborne Jaycees became the official sponsor of the swimming classes. Over the years, many volunteers assisted Bob as the interest for swimming lessons continued to grow. The first volunteer, John O. (Jack) Burghardt (pictured above with Smith) who later in life became a TV news commentator with news station channel 11 CHCH. Undoubtedly, these swimming classes provided an important skill and paved the way for the successful swimming lessons offered to Port Colborne youth at Centennial Pool and now within the Vale Health & Wellness Centre. 

George Shepherd was born April 23, 1938 in Port Colborne. He excelled in team sports and athletics at Port Colborne High School holding numerous records in track and field. George enrolled at Western University where he participated in Football and Track & Field. In 1995, George was inducted into the Western Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Canadian track and field team in the 1958 and 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in the 440-yard hurdles. From 1958-1963, George held the Canadian record in hurdles and finished 6th at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Wales.
In 1960, George proudly represented his country as a member of the Canadian Olympic Team and participated in the Summer Games that took place in Rome, Italy. He competed in the 400m hurdles and placed 4th in Heat 2. George also worked on the Toronto Telegram, then Toronto Star Indoor Games, and was instrumental in helping set up
the indoor meets that spun off from the Toronto Games to Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Ottawa. 

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Bette Kalailieff 

Born in Welland, Ontario in 1931, Bette moved to Port Colborne in 1951.  She was heavily involved in the Port Colborne community and sports - starting both the Port Colborne Minor Girls Softball Association and the Port Colborne Comettes Ladies Fastball Team.  She has been a player, manager, and coach through her years as well as serving on the board of directors for several organizations locally, provincially, and nationally. 

Bette has been inducted into the Softball Canada and Provincial Women’s Softball Hall of Fames and has served on the Olympic Committee to have softball added as an Olympic sport.  Recipient of the prestigious Rolf Lund Jule Nisse Award, she received in recognition for her contribution as a volunteer from the “Playground to Podium” initiative. 

Bette served as the Ontario Commissioner for Softball Canada.  She was the first woman ever elected Vice President of Softball Canada and was also the Chairman of the officiating committee for Softball Canada.  Bette was a fully certified national coach and volunteered for numerous teams making a positive impact on Port Colborne youth, winning numerous provincial titles along the way.

Bette has received numerous awards and recognition for her years in sport and giving back to her community.  Fittingly, the Provincial Women’s Softball Association “Volunteer of the Year” trophy is named the Bette Kalailieff Volunteer of the Year, and in 1988 Bette was the first recipient. 

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Joe Fabiani was born in Italy on April 29, 1950.  His family immigrated to Canada in 1952 and settled in Port Colborne.  At PCHS, Joe was an all-star athlete – talented in several sports, but his real love was football. While at PCHS, Joe was instrumental as quarterback leading the Bears to the Southern Ontario Secondary Association Zone 3 semi-finals for 3 seasons.  During this time, Joe was scouted by several Universities in both Canada and the United States.  Even though Joe was offered a full athletic scholarship to attend Ohio’s Bowling Green University, he ultimately chose the University of Western Ontario with his academic career in mind, to obtain a degree in Physical Education.  

Joe’s football career flourished at Western.  He quarterbacked the Western Mustangs to their first ever Vanier Cup win in 1971, in what was then called the College Bowl. His 97-yard pass and run play is still a Vanier Cup record. Joe was voted Captain of the Mustangs for two consecutive seasons (72&73) and he won the George McCullagh trophy - awarded as MVP for the 72-73 season.  In 1972, Joe was contacted by 6 of the 9 teams in the CFL in preparation for the ’73 Draft.  He was drafted by the BC Lions in the ’73 Draft. 

Unfortunately, injuries in the Lions’ pre-season, ended his football career, but Joe turned to pursue his other passion as an educator. For 31 years, Joe was a dedicated teacher in the Niagara Region and his passion to coach students in all sports both at school and within the community was exemplary. 

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Nancy Gruhl

 Born and raised in Port Colborne Nancy began her early skating career as a young girl. After a few years of training she ventured out with her brother to train under the likes of the well renowned Toronto Cricket & Curling Club, The Buffalo Skating Club, and The Tam O'Shanter Club. From there Nancy and her brother Rick proceeded to the Canadian Championships in 1970 while (Nancy being only 12 years of age) captured a Silver medal in Novice Pairs. In 1971 & 1973 Nancy and Rick were crowned Bronze Medalists in Junior Pairs. After a successful career in pair skating, 20 year old Nancy ventured out east to Newfoundland coaching figure skating. One year turned into five. From there Nancy tipped her toe into power skating and the rest is history.

Nancy has taught not hundreds but thousands upon thousands of skaters over the years. Many minor hockey players have benefitted from her teachings, and she has even trained many NHLers including Patrick Kane, Dan Girardi, Paul Bissonnette, Matt Ellis, Dan Paille, and many more. When a dinner meeting turned into a coaching partnership, Gallardi & Gruhl Power Skating was formed. Twelve years later they are still going strong following their motto, “can’t skate, can’t play”. For over 40 years (and counting), Nancy has touched the lives of countless skaters young and old and has been recognized as a very successful and effective skating coach. Nancy is proud to call Port Colborne home, and can regularly be found at Vale Health & Wellness Centre providing group and private lessons.

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Danny Olesevich 

After attending the Detroit Red Wings training camp in the fall of 1957, he was assigned to the Edmonton Oil Kings for his last season of junior eligibility.  Olesevich earned league MVP honours.  He also appeared in pre-season games as well as two regular season matches with the Wings’ Western Hockey League affiliate, the Edmonton Flyers. 

After retiring he assumed duties as an assistant trainer and equipment manager, as well as an emergency backup goalie for all the Wings home games.  On October 21, 1962 he was called upon to replace the injured New York Rangers goalie. Olesevich, playing against his own Red Wings teammates, allowed two goals in a 4-4 tie.  Within minutes of skating off the ice in a Rangers sweater, he was back in the Wings dressing room, packing their gear for a road trip.

Brent A. Kovach – Volunteer 

Since he was a young boy, sports have been his mainstay and joy.  Whether it was the old Westside Arena or the former Teeder Kennedy Youth arena, Brent has been a constant figure for over 30 years at any playing field or minor sport fundraiser in our community.  Brent has coached, convened, and served on the boards as an executive of the Minor Hockey, Minor Baseball, and Minor Girls Softball.

He has been a dedicated helper at the annual Port Colborne Lions Carnival and a long-time mainstay at the bingo hall helping the Minor Baseball, Minor Girls Softball and Team Port Colborne (Jr. B Hockey Club).

For many years Brent has been a timekeeper and scorekeeper for Minor Hockey and Junior B Hockey; all for the youth and our community.  If there was a playing field that needed lining, Brent was on the way with his bike and trailer in tow loaded with the manual liner, measuring taps, and bags of field marking material.  It was not uncommon for Brent to do 8 playing fields in one day, and he would ride from one field to the next on either side of the canal. 

This Port Colborne born and raised man is the composite volunteer and did it all without the fanfare or limelight.  In 2009, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce.  A fitting tribute to a dedicated volunteer.

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Front Row L to R - Bill Hurst, Dean Tedesco, Bill McDonald, Terry Albano, Tony Grano, Bryan Elliott

Second Row L to R – Mike Sesto, Scott Gruhl, Coleman Bagu, Paul Conn (Coach), Peter Lee, David Uguccioni, Cam Sutherland

Back Row L to R – Tony Albano (Coach), Steve Anderson, Dan Porter, Darryl Gruhl, Dennis Deschamps, Guy Lacroix, Bob Alcott (Coach)

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Port Colborne Lions Club

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The Port Colborne Lions Club received it's charter from the International Association of Lions Club after their 1st meeting on July 14, 1922. In 1923, and then for almost the next 70 years sponsored and operated Minor Hockey in Port Colborne from beginners to Juvenile, house leagues and travelling teams.
The Charter Members and Offices
President: L.W. McDonald
1st Vice Preident: J.H. Rolph 2nd Vice President: T. Lannan Sr. 3rd Vice President: Dr. H.B. Rickard
Secretary: T.A. Lannan Treasurer: C.E. Steele
Tail Twister: G. Smith Macdonald Lion Tamer: W.H. Cowan Chaplain: Canon W.G. Davis (Honorary Member]
Directors: Dr. E.A. MacKenzie, H.J. Shore, John More, Capt. W.F. Howell, William Steed, G.D. Darte, H.W. Boneberg Members: John Kuntz, W.J. Saurin, B.H. Kepner, C.G. Branigan, J.P. Gibbons, H.H. Knoll, Dewitt Carter, D.H.Harvie,
George Reekie, O.L. Steele

Born on April 13, 1918, Umbo Concessi started playing Lions Minor Hockey in 1929. He was a member of the Port Colborne 1934/35 Junior team, (already an inductee of the Sports Wall of Fame as Ontario and Canadian Junior B Champions) was also a line mate of the great Teeder Kennedy during part of his Junior career. Together, Concessi and Kennedy often lead the Port Colborne Sailors attack picking up numerous points. Concessi was invited to attend the Boston Bruins training camp in Hersey, PA, in 1940. From there, he played SeniorHockey in Port Colborne until 1943.

Umbo was a well-rounded athlete who also played Senior baseball, andwas an avid golfer. Concessi also coached hockey for ten years, his fondest memories included coaching his team to five Ontario championships. He was quoted as saying, “the thrill of playing was never as good as the thrill I got from coaching kids”

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 Audrey Breton was born to Reginald and Marjorie Breton and raised in Port Colborne. Audrey played ball in her younger years then moved on to coaching where her passion is. She married the love of her life in 1971 and became Mrs. Audrey Garrett. Together they had four children, each of whom have played ball with Port Colborne Minor Baseball and Port Colborne Minor Girls Softball.

Her coaching career began in 1972 with Port Colborne Minor Baseball. In the early 1980’s she began coaching for Port Colborne Minor Girls Softball. Over the years, Audrey has volunteered in every position for the association including coach, convener and secretary. For over 15 years, she has assumed the roll of President. As President, with the assistance of only two volunteers, Audrey has performed all responsibilities required to keep the league operating by providing registration, scheduling, coaching, advertising, field maintenance and planning the season ending tournament and festivities.

Audrey’s love of the game and dedication have allowed countless girls in Port Colborne to enjoy their summers making new friends on the ball diamond. It is that same love and dedication that has kept Port Colborne Minor Girls Softball Association operating for over 50 years, the majority of which Audrey has been an integral part of.

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(b.1941-d.2007) together they had three children - Michael, Kevin, and Jason.

Schooley has been involved with the Ontario Special Olympics for 37 Years as a volunteer and coach
(1981 to October 2018). She has toured with Special Olympic athletes all over North America participating in various events and competitions. Her loyal dedication to these athletes, and years of devoted volunteer efforts have fostered the Special Olympics vision that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities, and create inclusive communities all across Canada. Schooley's community involvement has resulted in her receiving the Joan Baechler Volunteer Award from Community Living, and has also been recognized as the City of Port Colborne
Citizen of the Year.

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Born in Port Colborne, Ontario in 1959. Scott played his Minor Hockey in Port Colborne and attended Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts from 1976-1978. After University, Scott played in the OHL for Sudbury in 1978-79. Turning Pro in 1979. Scott went on to play fifteen (15) years in the IHL for the Saginaw Gears, Milwaukee, Kalamazoo, Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Fort Wayne Komets. In the IHL Scott won 4 Turner Cup Championships, 1 with Saginaw, 2 with Muskegon and one with Fort Wayne. He won the League’s Most Valuable Player Award in 1984-85 and was a 1st Team All Star in 1983-84 and 84-85 as well as a 2nd team All Star in 1979-80, 1985-86 and 1991-92. Scott holds the IHL record for most career goals with 596, most game winning goals in one season with 13 and all time playoff points leader with 155. Through his distinguished IHL Career. Scott had brief stints with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In 1994 Scott went on to play 2 more seasons in the East Coast League with the Richmond Renegades where he won two league championships and an All Star selection. Scott was named head coach of he Renegades on August 28th, 1996, a fitting capping to a distinguished hockey career.

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Born in Port Colborne, Ontario, Amell started officiating when he was 21 and in his second year at the Durham College in Oshawa. Amell moved up the ranks pretty quick due to his size and calm demeanor on the ice and worked his first Ontario Hockey League (OHL) three years later at the age of 24. He worked the OHL for four years as a linesman.  On his fourth year, the Montreal Canadiens relocated their AHL team to Hamilton, Ontario creating a need for the AHL to form a staff of local linesmen in the area. Amell was selected along with five other Southern Ontario linesmen to work the games that year. He ended up working the OHL Finals and also got the chance to work the AHL Calder Cup Finals.  In the summer of 1997, the National Hockey League offered him a minor league contract (40-40) as a linesman splitting his duties between the AHL and the NHL. Amell worked his first NHL Regular Season game in Pittsburgh on October 11th, 1997 when the Carolina Hurricanes were in town to play the Penguins. His first playoff game came on April 18th, 2002 when the Montreal Canadiens visited the Boston Bruins at the Fleet Center Arena. Amell worked the 2011 NHL Winter Classic between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins played at the Pittsburgh Heinz Field on January 1st 2011 and also the 2017 Coors Light Stadium Series game in the same building in Pittsburgh between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Amell was a member of the officiating staff that went to Russia to work the 2014 Sochi Olympics and was selected to work the Gold medal game . His peers have voted him in the summer of 2017 to serve on the NHLOA Executive.

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 Born in Port Colborne, May 2, 1927, Ray contracted infantile paralysis (polio) in the epidemic of 1927. All through his childhood he faced many difficulties such as having to limp and needing a special pair of “boot shoes” one in size 5 with a lift, and the other in size 7 1/2, and yet never once complained. He loved the game of hockey and even though he ached to lace up a pair of skates, he never bemoaned the fact that he would never be able to do so. Instead he would hike down to White’s Arena and did what he could by becoming a member of the team as their stickboy, and held that and other positions with many teams during his youth. That love of hockey never waned and once the Westside Arena opened in January 1960, Ray became the trainer for the Port Colborne Intermediate Sailors which he held until the team disbanded in the late 1970's. In addition to being the trainer for the Sailors, Ray also operated the skate sharpening concession at the arena for many years.

Known as “Bricky” or “Uncle Bricky” to the youngsters, he loved kids and spent any spare minute he had at the Westside Arena. Bricky never turned down anyone who needed their skates sharpened regardless of whether or not they could pay. It was a pleasure and it made his day to see the smile on the face of that aspiring young hockey player.

Ray “Bricky” Leavere is the perfect example showing that we are capable of doing anything we put our minds to, as positive thinking is just another term for faith. Our mind does have a power that turns wishes into realities, and when the wishes are strong enough, nothing is impossible.

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Back Row: Left to Right
Brian Kilpatrick, Terry Roy, Gino Farinacci, Wayne Gallinger, Bryce Waters, Bernie Larochelle, Jean Latulippe, Steve Latinovich, Bob Goss, Mike Latinovich
Middle Row: Left to Right
Larry Leavere, Brent Goss, Bob Winn (Exec), Ross Poole (Exec), Al DeRuiter (Exec), John McPhee (Exec), Fraser Rice, Rick Sequin (Stick Boy), Bob Russell (Asst. Trainer)
Front Row: Left to Right
Craig Cook, Bill McGowan (Coach), Kent Kilpatrick, Rob Stewart, Robert Stewart, Mike Green,
Emedio Sergenese (Manager), Duane Rutley

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Gianni Gambi. During the era when the Canadian National Exhibit Marathon Swim was one of the Premier World Marathons, Sponder finished in the top three, a total four times. He passed away in December of 1986 at the age of 74. In 1993, the Sponder Family dedicated the Centennial Pool Lift for handicapped swimmers to the citizens of Port Colborne. With the decommissioning of Centennial Pool and building of Vale Health & Wellness Centre, the City and Sponder’s family wanted to ensure his memory lived on in Port Colborne. Introduced in 2017, the Isadore Sponder Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to a member of the Port Colborne Swim Team to honour Sponder. The recipient is to mirror the traits Sponder possessed in the water — a competitive spirit, dedicated to the sport, and always giving 110 per cent, win or lose.

Born in Sudbury in 1924, “Killer” is best remembered as the Captain Born in Sudbury in 1924, “Killer” is best remembered as the Captain and centre for the Sailors in the fifties and sixties up to his retirement as a player in 1963. He played on the Port Colborne Junior “B” team that won the Ontario Championship in 1942/43 and was a member of four (4) Sailor Intermediate “A” Championship Teams.

He also played Senior “A” Hockey for Owen Sound And Hamilton and spent a year in the E.H.L. with Johnstown, P.A. Over the years “Killer” was always remembered as having a “special” touch around the net.

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 Born in Humberstone, Ontario in 1925. His many accomplishments as a Right Winger include the following:

- Lions Midget All Ontario Champions--Lions Juvenile Southern Ontario Champions
- Junior “B” All Ontario Champions--Junior “A” Port Colborne Recreation
- Junior “A” St. Catharines Falcons--Senior “A” North Sidney Vic’s

“Serge” also played senior hockey in Port Colborne, Welland and Niagara Falls
Overseas, “Serge” played two (2) years in Scotland, two (2) years
in Streatham, England and two (2) years in Wembley, England.
“Serge” and the Intermediate “A” Sailor Championship years of the 1960’s
are symbolic of one another. One of the true International Ambassadors of Hockey in Canada.

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 Jerry Leitch born on October 22, 1916 in Port Robinson, Ontario, went to Midland at the age of two. He began organized hockey at the age of 10 and his minor hockey was played in Midland. In early 1937, he went to Owen Sound to play with the Owen Sound Orphans. He spent the summer playing Intermediate O.B.A. Baseball. That fall, Bert Corbeau, coach of the Port Colborne Sailors called him to come and play Senior Hockey in Port Colborne. He came October 15th, 1937 and played here for 16 years. He played Senior, Intermediate and Industrial hockey here. He played on two Championship teams, the Intermediate “A” C.A.H.A. and Intermediate “A” O.H.A. 1948/49 season. One of the greatest nights of his life was the “Jerry Leitch Night” on February 28th, 1953. He was presented with a beautiful silver tea service and candelabra by the Citizens of Port Colborne.

It was just 14 years to the night, February 28th, 1967, that Jerry played his last game when he had a fatal heart attack and was carried off the ice for the last time. He will always be remembered by a great many loyal Port Colborne hockey fans.

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 Bill “Goonie” McGowan was born in Port Colborne in 1938. A product of Port Colborne Lions Minor Hockey. Bill played two (2) years of Junior Hockey in Welland before joining the Port Colborne Intermediate “A” Sailors for the 1960-61 Season, where Bill played the next 14 years. “Goonie” comes by his hockey ability naturally. A scrappy two way performer who made excellent use of his superb stick handling ability, a definite asset as centreman with high scoring wingers.

Bill served as the Sailors Captain for 5 years, MVP Award in 1961 and League Scoring Championship.
Bill played on 6 Intermediate “A” Championships with the Sailors and was their “playing coach”
from 1972 to 1975 where the Sailors under his helm went to the Eastern Canadian Finals.
A crafty centreman who ensured his wingers had ample chances with the composite Sailor.

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Born in Renfrew, Ontario, Muir came to Port Colborne in 1936. His playing career and coaching career spanned over thirty-five (35) years. As a nifty centreman, “Goonie” played nine (9) years for the
Hamilton Tigers Senior “A” team where he captured three (3) Senior “A” Championships and one (1) Senior “B” Championship. He was awarded the Allan Cup Medal in 1931. He played on the Port Colborne Sailors Senior “A” team from 1937 to 1941. After his playing career, he coached the Port Colborne Junior B’s in 1943, the Junior “A” Sailors in 1944 and 1945 and the Junior “C” Team until 1948.

In 1981 hockey buffs compared “Goonie” to the great Russian centreman Valery Kharlamov, their star centreman from 1972 Canada/Russia Summit Series.

Always a fan of the game, “Goonie” played, coached and loved the game for seven (7) decades.

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His commitment to the game was exemplified each time he played.

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O.H.A. CHAMPIONS 1948/49 ALL ONTARIO
Bottom Row: Left to Right
E. Lochead, O. Pine, J. Cochrane, J. Duff, (Sec. Treas.), J. Forbes,
T. Bates, (Mgr.), F. Kilpatrick, (Coach), J. Leitch, L. Minor, J. Dulaj
Top Row: Left to Right
K. Chambers, J. Gibson, G. Clarke, J. Krahulec, G. Guinter,
E. Jackson, (Trainer), T. Sergnese, E. Castle, L. Hewitt, G. Garner, B. Benner

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Back Row: Left to Right
Merv. Knisely, Umbo Concessi, Chuck Winger, “Squirt” Minor, Art Thompson Middle Row: Left to Right
Earl Brown, Dard Misener, Chas. W. Thompson, “Droomy” Hewitt, “Hobbel” Hoffman Front Row
“Jigg’s” Concessi, Doug Hebert, “Jakie” Forbes, “Mimi” Concessi, “Bullet Joe” King

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 Born in Dunganan, Ontario in 1904, Bill Mountain began his career in the early 1920s in Goderich, Ontario. In 1923, the nifty centreman became a stalwart with the Humberstone Juniors. Nicknamed the “Hopper”, Billy Mountain was described as being the “fastest man on the ice” during the O.H.A. Junior Playoffs of 1926 against Kitchener. A successful Junior career lifted the speedy centreman onto the Port Colborne Intermediate “A” team for the 1927-28 Season and in 1928 he formed part of a very talented team that won the O.H.A. Intermediate Championship.

Later, he went on to play Senior “A” for Port Colborne and went to the finals in 1931 for the Allan Cup before losing to Hamilton. Severe injuries limited his play until 1935 when he returned to Coach and play with Vince Upper.

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 “Amby” McAvoy was born in 1893 in Owen Sound, Ontario. “Amby” attended the University of Western Ontario where, as a star player at the“Rover” position, he led the underdog Western hockey team to the provincial championship over undefeated Wiarton, and was named M.V.P. for the series. With the outbreak of WW1, “Amby” enlisted in the R.C.A.F.. After WW1, local hockey businessmen, Tommy Lannan and Harold Foote, recruited “Amby” to come to Port Colborne and play for the Sailors. In 1920-21, after “Amby” had retired as a player, he was Secretary/Treasurer of the Junior Hockey Club that became the O.H.A. Champions.

He settled in Port Colborne, married a local girl, Florence Amenthe Reeb and raised two sons, Kenneth Ambrose and Allen Vincent. He became Division Court Clerk in 1922 and began a successful insurance business which continues to operate to this day.

His love of hockey had “Amby” as coach of the Port Colborne Lions Provincial Midget Champions in 1940-41. This team included his son Allen and future NHL stars Don Gallinger (Boston Bruins) and Ted “Teeder” Kennedy (Toronto Maple Leafs). At this time he also served on the executive of the O.H.A. and O.M.H.A. He was 2nd Vice President of the O.M.H.A. at the time of his death in 1948.

In honour of “Amby” and his contributions to minor hockey, the O.M.H.A. annually presents their A.P McAvoy Memorial Trophy to the All Ontario Midget “D” Champions to compliment a true gentleman dedicated to youth, hockey and his community.

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“what’s the use of trying?” But not Mr. Marsh. He had a job he wanted to do and stuck to it.

For every door that was closed in his face, he opened a new one. For three years (3) Mr. Marsh volunteered his time into the building of the Arena until it opened in 1960. It was more than fitting that Mr. Marsh is the Chairman Of The Charter Board of Directors of the Arena. As it was said in 1960 and should be now “Thank you Ernie, thank you!”

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Born in Kingston, Ontario in 1912, Jim began his hockey career for the St. James Anglican Midgets in the Original Church league in Port Colborne and for Ridley College. While attending Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, Jim was a member of the Championship team in 1934 of the Quadrangular League (Hobey Baker Trophy), all Ivy League team including Yale, Harvard and Princeton. After University, Jim coached and managed the INCO Team to the King George 5th Jubilee Trophy in 1936/37. After WW2, Jim was very active in the Lions Minor Hockey Program. As the Hockey Convener, he managed several Juvenile Teams that won Ontario Championships, coached by Umbo Concessi.

In 1953 and 1955 he managed the Port Colborne Lions Midget Team to the O.M.H.A. Championship. Always keeping with the best interest of the youth, Jim worked tirelessly towards the construction of the Port Colborne-Humberstone Arena which opened in January 1960. As a Charter member of the Arena Board, Jim organized the original Oldtimers game in 1962 in a continued effort to ease the financial debentures of the new arena.

To this day, Jim has continued his “love” of the game of hockey, ensuring as he always did, that the players on the ice enjoy this great game!

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John M. Horvath 

Born in Crowland, Ontario in 1927, Johnny was a natural play maker throughout his Minor Hockey and Junior Career in Port Colborne. His pro career began with Portland of the P.C.H.L. in 1948 In 1949 as a member of the Grand Rapids Rockets of the E.H.L., Johnny was second in league scoring. The 1950/51 season saw this crafty centreman begin his longstanding career in the E.H.L. with the Johnstown Jets where he is second on their all time scoring list. At the completion of his Jet career in 1955, Johnny had over 350 points. Johnny also played in the A.H.L. for the Syracuse Warriors and the Cleveland Barons. The Jets recently honoured Johnny in the celebration of the team’s 50th Anniversary as an original Johnstown Jet even though he was always the last player out of the dressing room to start the game or the 2nd or the 3rd period. 

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