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Hall of Fame
Volunteer Recognition Awards
Volunteer Recognition Awards - Complete List
Provincial Builders
Provincial Builders are the highest honour a volunteer may recieve within the Ontario Ringette Association. It is given to those who distinguish themselves while promoting or supporting Ringette within Ontario. With it comes life membership.
Gordon Bell
A founder of the Central Ontario Ringette League, Gordon Bell has served a variety of positions.
He was a coach, but he was also the President of the Oshawa Association from 1977 to 1980.He served as the Games and Tournament co-ordinator from 1987 to 1989, and also acted as a regional director.
Bell was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder for his achievements in 1993.
Jo Anne Benedict
When Jo Anne Benedict began as a player at the age of 17 she had just learned to skate, and was determined not to allow herself to be outdone by the teammates she termed “young punks.”
She played every position including goalie, for her home association and helped her team win medals at Intermediate and Masters level competitions. She became a part of the Thunder Bay Ringette Association in the 1981 to 1982 season. By the time she was inducted into the Hall of Fame she had served more than 13 years on the local board, including three as president. She increased her involvement in Ringette as regional director of the Northwest Region, until 1996 when she was elected to the Ontario Ringette Association board.
Two years later Benedict became president.
She promoted the sport throughout Northwestern Ontario for years, as a player, executive member, and a tournament organizer.
Benedict coached all levels, from novice to open, from recreational to competitive, including the Northwest Ontario Winter Games team and the Thunder Bay Petite A team.
In 2002 she gained recognition for her accomplishments through Provincial Builder and induction into the Hall of Fame.
Dave Bennett
Dave has been involved with ringette in Ontario for 20 years. The Gloucester-Cumberland Ringette Association, Eastern Region, Ontario Ringette and Ringette Canada have benefited from Dave’s coaching, administrative and committee help.
Dave has coached for 20 years, starting at the Bunny level with Gloucester-Cumberland, and he continued through to the U19 Belle AA level. He has been Vice President House League, Vice President Administration, President, Tournament Chair and Tournament Ice Scheduler. Dave has been a part of their Coaching Selection Committees and organized ringette publicity campaigns. He has also been the ice scheduler for GAARA Silver Spoon Tournament.
Dave has been the Eastern Region Chair, Eastern Region Vice Chair and member of the Ontario Ringette Association Board. His knowledge, fairness and professionalism were an asset. His ability to review information, formulate opinions and help make an educated and informed decision that would benefit the majority of the ORA members was a valued asset. Dave has been a member of tribunal panels, scholarship committees and working groups at the Local, Regional, Provincial and National levels
Dave has been active in the University Ringette movement and been instrumental in promoting University Ringette in Ontario through publicity campaigns. He has been the University Challenge Cup Registrar, helped develop policies and procedures for the University Challenge Cup and currently coaches the University of Ottawa Ringette Team.
As a well-respected person in the Ringette Community Dave was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011
Ruth Bennett
One of the pioneers of Ringette, Ruth Bennett turned to the new sport because she felt there was a need for a girls’ winter sport, and was unable to convince enough parents to send their daughters to girls’ hockey.
In 1968, she managed to find enough players to form two teams of 12 players; most of them were former figure skaters. She coached them herself, and two years later had enough players to form a traveling team in the tween division.
She made each girl’s uniform out of a blue tracksuit. This was the first Ringette uniform not formed from hockey gear.
Though she faced criticism from parents for sending the girls on tournaments to come back with 20-1 losses, she continued to do so on the belief that in order for them to improve they had to be exposed to a higher competitive level. Her team kept losing, but the players kept returning until there were 65 players in 1974.
Bennett was the Ontario Ringette Association’s first historian and advisor.
Bennett died from cancer at the age of 51The following year the Ajax Legion Belles, a team she helped create, won the first National Championships held for Ringette.
In 1979, she was posthumously honoured for her contributions with an induction into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder.
Dale Boyce
While in the area, Dale Boyce brought Ringette to the surrounding municipalities of Dollard Des Ormeaux, to Pierrefonds, and Pointe Claire.
By the time he left in 1972, he had increased membership tenfold.
Boyce moved to Ajax, where he was a founding member of the Town of Ajax Ringette Association, and drafted their constitution.
That same year, he became a coach, and joined the Ontario Ringette Association Board.
He was one of the first to promote Ringette, and he was amongst the first to be honoured for this task in 1979 when he was awarded Provincial Builder status and a place in the Ringette Hall of Fame.
Jane Casson
Jane Casson started her involvement in Ringette in 1992 with Jordan Ringette.
She received her coaching qualifications, and was a member of her local’s executive. Her work at the provincial level started when she became Southern Region membership services co-ordinator.
As an executive member of the ORA, she performed the duties of vice-president of communications, technical, administrations, and headed the finance comittee. In 2004 Casson became president of the Ontario Ringette Association and served a four year term for the province.
She resides as the competitions chair for Ringette Canada.
In 2009 she was recognized for her contributions to Ringette as a Provincial Builder in the Hall of Fame.
Lucky Clark
A local executive, and a co-ordinator for the Western Region on the Ontario Ringette Coaching Committee, he held his position for two years before becoming regional chair for three more years.
When elected to the board of directors, Clark served five terms in the office, one as second vice-president, one as first vice-president, two as president, and then one term as past president.
During these years Clark gave his time and energy as freely as when he was a coach.
For 14 years Clark was involved in Ringette before he was honoured for his achievements through an induction into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
Paul Craig
Paul Craig started as an assistant coach in 1980, and from there his participation in Ringette snowballed.
The next year he was a fundraiser and a head coach, the latter position he would keep until 1996. In 1985 he was registered as a referee, and would continue to be until 1994.
Craig continued his participation at the local level until he became president of the Chatham Ringette Association in 1989, a position he would hold until 1994.
Occasionally overlapping jobs at the regional level, Craig served various positions within the Western Region executive staff including a four year stint as the second vice-chairman from 1987 to 1994. In that capacity he established the Western Ontario Regional League in 1988.
With the Ontario Ringette Association, he served in many positions on the board of directors, including vice-president of finance, vice-president technical, chairman of the Finance Committee, and chairman of the Shot Clock Rules Committee.
He has been recognized both as a Community Builder in 1990, and a Provincial Builder in 1998, earning himself two places in the Hall of Fame.
John Cross
John Cross became a referee in 1979, and has since been involved in Ringette as a student, coach, volunteer, and executive board member.
His success and commitment were evident when he worked with teams at all competitive levels, ages, and in six different associations. His experience spans two regions. He has served as a course conductor and evaluator for both the coaching and officiating programs, and later as referee-in-chief.
In the Southern Region, he was recognized as a dedicated volunteer who served many terms as coaching and officiating co-ordinator.
As an executive, Cross served as the Ontario Ringette Association chairman, vice-president, and treasurer for a period of years.
Cross was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 1997.
Bernie Cockburn
Bernie Cockburn first became involved in Ringette in the 1970s.
He would later serve as a coach, and serve on the Games and Tournaments Committee, and was honoured in 1982 for his service to Gloucester Ringette.
He trained many coaches, and was respected by referees, administrators, and fans.
In 1991 Cockburn was recognized as a Provincial Builder, and given a place in the Hall of Fame.
Julien Cormier
Julien Cormier was not only served as an accomplished coach, but also improved the sport of Ringette further by passing his education to other coaches.
Starting his involvement with Ringette in 1972 as a tween coach in the Waterloo Ringette Association, Cormier led teams to the Provincials, Nationals, and Winter Games.
Through coaching clinics in Ontario, Winnipeg, Quebec, and BC, he was able to take his experience and teach other coaches.
Cormier would eventually become head instructor at Wasaga Beach and the Quanahar Ringette Camps that have since closed in favour of Eagle Lake.
He won his place in the Hall of Fame in 1986.
Joanne Deardon
Joanne Deardon accomplished great things for the sport of Ringette through constant involvement in Ringette that persisted since 1993.
Dearden started at the provincial level, where she was treasurer of Eastern Region in 1993.
In 1996 she served as 1st vice-chairperson and sport development co-ordinator until 1998 when she became full chair. She would hold that position until 2000, when Deardon became the treasurer on the Provincials’ Organizing Committee.
When the Gloucester Ringette Association won Provincial Association of the Year, Deardon was their association’s president.
For a year she was vice-president of finance for the Ontario Ringette Association, and Ringette Canada.
For these accomplishments, Deardon was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 2002.
She has since been inducted the Ringette Canada Hall of Fame in 2009.
Barbara Evans
A habitual helper Barbara Evans was vital to the Ontario Ringette Association in a time of great difficulty.
She represented the Southern Region as a director before she served as president of the ORA, from 1995 to 1998.
In that position, Evans made difficult decisions that brought the ORA to a surplus when the budget was tight.
Though she distinguished herself as president, she also served at the local level as well. Bench staff member, a referee-in-chief, player rep, vice-president, president and past president, were all positions she held.
The surplus Evans created as president of the ORA was still present when she was inducted into the Hall of Fame and granted Provincial Builder status in 2000.
Rob Evans
Rob Evans is active in Ringette for Richmond Hill, Southern Region, and at the provincial level.
Evans had been an officiator since 1982 and has officiated numerous tournaments and several Provincial Championships.
Evans started as a coach in 1983 for his daughter’s team in Richmond Hill. When his daughter wanted to play at a more competitive level, she played for Etobicoke, and Evans went with her.
Evans has also served as an administrator, as the coaching co-ordinator from 1996 to 2000, and as the chair, and secretary of Southern Region. On the Ontario Ringette Association board, Rob has served as vice-president for the offices of administration, technical, and finance.
Evans was recognized as a Provincial Builder and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 while he was working with Ringette Canada as part of the coaching program.
Al Fletcher
The fruits of Al Fletcher’s labour are still felt by the ORA today.
Fletcher was instrumental to Ringette’s administrative structure at the provincial level where, as chair of the officiating committee, he set the current selection process and the code of conduct for officials.
For his efforts, 2003, Al Fletcher won a place in the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder. At that time he had been an on-ice official for more than twenty years.
Fletcher’s nomination form said he “was always passionate about sport and was always consistent in his principles and ethics, even if it caused some people to be offended.”
Fletcher continued to be recognized as being one of the best evaluators in the country because he provided feedback to officials on how officials could improve.
Debbie Fletcher
Debbie Fletcher’s involvement in Ringette predated the time she played.
She volunteered at the regional level before she anyone in her family participated in the sport. She even went as far as to take her manager’s course before she played.
She was the treasurer of the Southern Region, and participated at regional championships as a Games and Tournament member.
On the Games and Tournament Committee, she served as a co-ordinator for several years before moving to the board level where she was vice-president of communication and administration before she retired to have a family.
Fletcher’s nomination form called her “contagious,” and said she was a “valuable member of the Ringette community.”
For her tireless efforts, Fletcher was awarded Provincial Builder status within the Hall of Fame in 2003.
Bill Fryer
Bill Fryer coached several AA and AAA teams from the Sudbury and North East Region where he has been an inspiration to many.
As an organizer, he was chair of the Games and Tournaments Committee.
Even without any family involvement in Ringette, and though he lives outside Toronto, would make long tripsevery weekend to participate in games and practices.
When Fryer won the Provincial Builder Award in 2007, he had been coaching 24 years.
Jack Gough
Statistician, coach, and referee were some of the many varied positions Jack Gough’s accomplished to earn his place in the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 1983.
As a statistician, Gough complied every single player’s statistic and organized them according to each level of playdowns.
He was recognized by the Mayor of Waterloo at a volunteer banquet in 1980, where he won a Volunteer Recognition Award.
He was the executive vice-president at the local K-W Naval Veterans Association, and was able to convince his organization to sponsor the Waterloo Deb team.
Gough devoted no small amount of effort to the betterment of Ringette, or their players, and according to his daughter Cathie Gough, was always quick to help when someone was injured.
“Jack is quick to hop over the boards to see if the player needs first aid whether or not he is on the bench or in the stands,” she wrote in his nomination letter.
She also provided a poem she credited to Ron and Sharon Derbecker
We all know a man called JACK
He’s always going or just coming BACK
When someone is hurt we’re never afraid
Jack to the rescue: “The Human Band-aid”
Since his induction into the Hall of Fame Jack Gough was recognized for ten years of service to the sport of Ringette, he has been recognized for an additional thirty years of volunteer work for the Waterloo Ringette Association by the city of Waterloo in April of 2009. At the time he was still involved in Ringette.
George Gouthro
George’s involvement with Ringette began in 1970 in Gloucester, ON. He was mainly involved with coaching. He purchased goalie equipment for the league to cover the cost of a child’s registration fee. Next, George decided to get involved with Ringette on the political level. As the Vice President of Gloucester Ringette, he divided the league into A and B players so the kids could play according to their abilities. Also, when the first Regional Playdowns was hosted in Eastern Ontario, there happened to be conflict with the Township Recreation Director regarding the ice markings for Ringette. The original markings were made for hockey (square red crease). History was made and the Ringette markings were painted on the next day! As the President of the ORA, George had the name Ringette trademarked and all use of the name had to be by license. George also hosted a number of annual Gloucester Ringette tournaments. He was keen on delivering the statistics and winners to the papers late at night after tournaments. George also helped secure promotional games against the local radio station, CFRA, the Ottawa 67s and the Gloucester Rangers. Another of George’s accomplishments was that he helped establish the Ringette Hall of Fame.
Gerry Haarmeyer
Gerry Haarmeyer expanded Ringette in the Northeast Region.
As regional chairman in 1989, the Northeast Region grew by 10 member associations amidst Haarmeyer’s relentless promotion of the sport and programs.
He also turned the deficit plagued 55 player Valley East Ringette Association into a financially stable 105 player VERA in 1985.
Aside from his contributions as an administrator, he spent five years as a coach.
For his accomplishments, Haarmeyer was awarded a place in the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 1988.
Ken Harbottle
Ken Harbottle’s involvement in Ringette began in Nepean where his daughter played Ringette.
When he transferred to Oakville, he was approached to take over the position of vice-president finance for the Ontario Ringette Association.
He was active in the Mississauga Ringette Association when they hosted the Regional ‘B’ and ‘C’ Championships.
Through his efforts the ORA turned from a deficit to a persistant surplus.
In 2000 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for these and other efforts.
Fred Hasen
Fred Hasen was a leader and organizer for the Ontario Ringette Association.
He started his involvement in 1976 when he managed several teams over a four year period.
In 1981, he became a member of the host committee for the Provincial ‘A’ Championships, and would later serve as vice-president and president of Kitchener Ringette during some of their most flourishing years.
In 1987 he chaired the Canadian Ringette Championships, and vice-chaired the 1993 Canadian Ringette Championships.
As a provincial volunteer, he was asked to chair the Games and Tournament Committee, during a period of growth from 1987 to 1991 when the first World Championship was held, and Ringette became a member of the Canada Games family.
When Hasen was honoured with Provincial Builder status in 1994 and a place in the Hall of Fame, he still actively promoted Ringette wherever he went.
Shirley Holen
One of the first to be involved in the new sport of Ringette, Shirley Holden spread and administered the sport in Sudbury, Walden and throughout the rest of Northern Ontario.
Holden was a house league referee in 1965. The next year, she became president of Sudbury Ringette, and held that position for two years.
During her time in office, Holden coached, trained officials, and provided outreach within the city. She attended numerous council meetings to fight for ice time.
In 1970, she started Ringette in Walden. She was honoured for her efforts by the Mayor of Walden in 1979.
She continued to reach out within Sudbury where she introduced Ringette to their schools in 1975.
She led numerous officials’ clinics, and was assistant referee-in-chief for three years. She officiated at the first winter games in Sault Ste Marie, and she expanded Bob Sugden’s officials’ handbook.
Through it all, her cape with thousands of buttons was a familiar sight wherever Ringette was played.
Altogether, she had committed 16 years of service by the time she was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and within those years she spent 15 years officiating, 13 years coaching, and made invaluable contributions to the spread and administration of Ringette.
Sam Jacks
Without Sam Jacks to create the sport of Ringette, there would be no one in the Ontario Ringette Association’s Hall of Fame.
Jacks created Ringette after he recognized a need for a girls winter sport. In 1963, while a recreational director for North Bay, he finalized a set of rules for Ringette.
Though Jacks was one of the first inductees into the Ontario Ringette Association Hall of Fame in 1979, he did not live to witness this event, having died in 1975.
He was also inducted into Canada’s Hall of Fame posthumously in 2007.
Dewi Jones
From the beginning, Dewi Jones was an invaluable asset to Ringette.
Jones began as a coach and fund raising organizer in 1972. After serving on the Ajax Executive Committee in 1976, he was asked to become an Outreach co-ordinator in the Central-East Region.
He accepted that position and helped established several associations. He also wrote several texts as part of the outreach manual. Afterwards he would serve on the Ontario Ringette Association Board of Directors, as vice-president, president, and past president.
In 1979 he was recognized as a Provincial Builder, and took his place in the Hall of Fame.
Pat Jones
Pat Jones started her involvement in the Ontario Ringette Association through her daughter, and fifteen years later remained involved in the development of the game.
Over the course of her career, she was an all-star convener, a tournament chairman, a manager, the director of the central region games and the tournament director, the vice-president, the president, and the past president of the ORA. She was also the Ringette Canada Liason.
As past president, she spent hours rewriting the Ontario Ringette Policy Manual.
For 15 years of exemplary service, Jones was inducted into the Hall of Fame in
1985 as a Provincial Builder.
Peter Jowsey
Peter Jowsey started his involvement in Ringette with two daughters in the system.
He proceeded to become a coach, and later maintained interest in Ringette at a time when membership was dropping off.
He kept the Nickel Basin League active in the immediate local area, kept the regional playdowns going, and he built interest in Timmins and the northern areas through Outreach Programs.
Before he left Ringette, Jowsey moved up to the provincial level and represented the north. His most difficult task may have been maintaining the north’s interest in a provincial association that required they travel to the southern regions of Ontario
Over the years he eventually became president of the local association.
At the provincial level, he served on several Ontario Ringette Association committees, and played an important role in the 1995 Ontario Ringette Championships.
In 1999, he was awarded Provincial Builder status, and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Keith Kaiser
Keith Kaiser contributed to the sport of Ringette through his leadership, organizational skills, and ability as Ontario Ringette Association’s webmaster.
Kaiser began Ringette in 1985 as a tournament co-chair for Dorchester Ringette’s first tournament, later to serve as vice-president administration of the ORA. He spent countless hours as organizer of the 138 team Western Region Championships, the largest B and C Ringette tournament in the world.
Kaiser was co-creator of the ORA website, and sole maintainer for ten years. With Kaiser’s help, the ORA website has been the main resource for game results to some, and the only resource for Ringette news for Ontario. As well, his statistics have greatly assisted the regional level keep track of players’ statistics and try-outs.
For his achievements and longstanding commitment to Ringette, Kaiser was awarded Provincial Builder status and a place in the Hall of Fame in 2007.
Mary Kaiser
Mary Kaiser began her Ringette career as the founder of the Dorchester Ringette Association, and as their president.
From there, her involvement skyrocketed.
For 17 years, she was director of Western Region. She has been instrumental in the addition of new associations, new leagues, and improved overall membership growth within the Western Region to make it the largest region in Ontario.
At the provincial level, she has served as a board member and on the Appeals and Complaint Committee.
Kaiser was recognized as a Provincial Builder in 2006, and granted a place in the Hall of Fame.
Bruce Kettles
Bruce Kettles was an officiator who shaped the way the game was officiated.
He developed officiating clinics at the community, regional, and provincial levels. This required he produce manuals and slide presentations, and implement the first officials certification program.
Kettles also chaired the Officiating Development committee through two full seasons during which he operated an officials’ club, and trained his supervisors and assistants for clinics and evaluations.
The philosophy handbook and the handbook on body contact were also written by Kettles.
When he was rules chairman from 1976 to 1977, he played a major role in the rule change process, and revised the procedures to incorporate a national rules structure. Since 1976, he has played a major role in revising the rule book.
He served as the referee-in-chief for the provincial championships, and assisted in the National Officials certification program.
“Unlike the stick gauge he designed, there is no gauge to measure Bruce Kettles’ many contributions to the sport of Ringette.”
In 1981, Kettles was recognized in the Hall of Fame with Provincial Builder status.
Jane Larkworthy
Jane Larkworthy helped her fellow referees improve themselves in two ways.
Larkworthy led by example on the ice, and worked to write standards for other officials off the ice.
Over the years, Larkworthy served countless Provincial Officiating Committees, as the director and chairman for four years. She also performed the rules committee chairman’s duties.She was a clinic instructor, and later became a Ringette Canada master course conductor.
Larkworthy was recognized for her accomplishments in 1990 when she received Provincial Builder status in the Hall of Fame.
Jackie Lajeunesse
Jackie Lajeunesse administered associations in Rayside-Balfour and Sudbury.
She was an officiator, assistant coach and manager on a number of teams.
Her nomination form called Lajeunesse the “greatest Ringette supporter she had ever known.”
She died in October 2004 after a relatively short but very serious illness. A scholarship was established in her name by the Ontario Ringette Association.
She was survived by her husband, Ken, and her daughters.
Her contributions will be remembered in the Hall of Fame where she was recognized as a Provincial Builder in 2004.
Bob Leduc
Bob Leduc distinguished himself by being the right man for the job at the right time. When his daughter’s coach was absent, Leduc was the replacement coach.
When the Ontario Ringette Association treasurer resigned, he became the new treasurer.
As replacement coach, he led her team to a silver medal at the 1981 National Championships. He went on to become the director of coaching the following year.
As the new treasurer, he balanced the association’s books, and tidied their accounts at a time when the books were not in good order.
He continued to distinguish himself throughout his years at the ORA. He served two years as vice-president, and two years as president of the Ways and Means Committee.
For his contributions to the sport, Leduc was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 as a Provincial Builder.
Marian Leonard
Marian Leonard earned her place in the Hall of Fame through her commitment to Ringette.
Over the twelve years before she was recognized as a Provincial Builder in the Hall of Fame, Leonard was a coach, clinic instructor, president of the Sudbury Playground Ringette Association, president and past president of the Ontario Ringette Association, as well as a member of the board of Ringette Canada.
She has convened local tournaments for house league and ‘A’ level, and for both the provincial and the national championships.
She reached out to more remote areas in the Northeast Region through Outreach Programs and encouraged girls to play.
The nomination form said Leonard “helped … small communities understand Ringette and to build the sport.”
Doug MacQuarrie
No Information Available.
Red McCarthy
Red McCarthy developed the rules and regulations for Ringette after Sam Jacks suggested it as a winter sports for girls be developed the Northern Ontario Recreation Directors’ Association.
McCarthy tested the game on high school girls and made adjustments based on their suggestions and his own observations of the game.
Where originally the ring was made of felt, he changed it to a deck tennis ring. Offence and defense were originally differentiated by wearing red ribbons for defence, and green ribbons for offence, McCarthy changed this to coloured sticks.
After a month, McCarthy wrote up a new set of rules, and submitted it back to the association of recreational directors for their approval. He continued to be involved with the Espanola Ringette Association until 1970.
In 1982 McCarthy was recognized as a founder in the Hall of Fame.
Ed Miles
Ed Miles’s experience influenced Ringette both at home and abroad.
As an official, he took the “Deep left” officiating system he learned in Quebec and gave it to Ontario. This system is still used today.
He has crossed oceans to pass on what he has learned. In 1984 he brought his Stratford Belles to Finland and Sweden to provide his team new challenges and his hosts instruction in how to play the game.
Miles established a reputation as a committed individual when he got CCM to sponsor a draw to give away more than 16 helmets away to his referees.
And he gave a new stick to the sport, called “Nu-Sty-Al” at the time, now known as “The Thunderstick.”
The Ontario Ringette Association recognized Miles’ achievements with Provincial Builder status in 2003.
Mari Missen
For ten years, Mari Missen served the Ontario Ringette Association until she was recognized as a Provincial Builder.
In 1977 Missen was elected the vice-president of the Alta Vista Ringette Association. In 1978 she was president and became the director of coaching. She remained director of coaching until 1981.
She served a season on the Games and Tournaments committee, and the next season she was chairman of Eastern Region.
She stepped down in 1983 from her Ringette responsibilities, but resumed them a year later as the Games and Tournaments director.
From 1985 to 1987 Missen held the position of 2nd vice-president.
In 1988 she was honoured with her place in the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder.
Robert (Bob) Mitic
Robert (Bob) Mitic started in the Kitchener Ringette Association in 1981, where he served in executive positions including vice-president. He later accepted an offer for the chair of Western Region.
On the Ontario Ringette Association board of directors he was vice-president, president, and past president from 1987 to 1991.
The numerous positions he served required many volunteer hours. All of them he served with serious responsibility. His cheerful disposition and ready smile made it easy for him to make new friends.
In 1994, Metic was honoured for his accomplishments in the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder. At the time his Ringette career had spanned more than 13 years.
Carolyn Mountjoy
Carolyn has been involved in Ringette for twenty years as a parent, trainer, manager, coach, player, NCCP Learning Facilitator (CSI & CI), Come Try Ringette Organizer, Volunteer, Association President, Regional Director and Director at Large on the ORA Board. Carolyn was elected as Vice President Administration and later Vice President Communications during her five years in the ORA Board of Directors. She was an ORA representative on the Ringette Canada LTAD Steering Committee. At the local and regional level, in addition to being the Whitby Ringette President and Central Region Director, she coordinates Come Try Ringette Programs, coached teams from C to AAA Level. She was instrumental in starting up the Whitby Women’s Ringette Association.
Her contribution to the sport and the ringette community sets the bar high for those who follow. For these reasons Carolyn earned her place in the Hall of Fame in 2011.
Jean Narozanki
No Information Available.
Paul Paradis
Paul Paradis was a devoted volunteer whose influence is still felt.
Paradis started as a coach in 1974, a position in which led him to bring the 1978 Toronto-Niagara Belles to the Ontario Winter Games in Kingston.
He also served 9 years on the Etobicoke Ringette executive, five of which was spent as president.
During his career as a volunteer, Paradis created the Central Ontario Ringette League, and innovations in equipment rules and development.
He was part of the group that developed the Ringette constitution.
For his achievements Paradis was recognized in 1984 as being a Provincial Builder, and received his place in the Hall of Fame.
Barry Redwood
Though Barry Redwood served positions other than coaching, it was his first love and the one to which he always returned.
For fourteen years up until the time he received his Provincial Builder Award, Redwood coached everything from bunnies to debs, from C to AA.
As Ontario Ringette Association director of coaching, he operated the most reliable coaching conductors teaching clinics throughout the province.
At Ringette’s first ever Canada Winter Games, he was selected to coach Team Ontario.
Aside from his numerous contributions as a coach, he was also equipment manager for Cambridge Ringette and acted as their vice-president.
He also started a bunny program in Guelph and Camebridge.
For his numerous contributions, Redwood won a place in the Hall of Fame in 1991, as a Provincial Builder.
Marise Robb
In Cambridge Ringette Marise Robb has coached both her daughters on two separate teams, and served Ringette nationally and internationally.
For eight years Robb was a local executive holding different positions. She also served as head coach of the provincial team.
She sacrificed much of her time to travel to different centres so other coaches can become certified at higher levels.
Robb has also organized tournaments between Finland and Canada, a task that required she arrange dinners, billets, and tournament games between all of the tween teams.
In 2008, Robb was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder for these achievements and consistent dedication to the sport of Ringette.
Bob Robb
In 1980, Bob Robb was the first formal president of the Metcalfe Ringette Association.
He became chairman of eastern region in 1985, and later regional director in the Ontario Ringette Association.
He was recognized for his achievements in 1993.
Walter Rohrer
Walter Rohrer had a hand in some significant firsts.
He started on the ground floor of Central Ontario Ringette League, and was the chairman of Central Region the first three years of the formation of the Regional Committees. He helped develop the Level 1 Technical course, and the Player Development Instructor’s program manual.
Quanahar Ringette Camp, closed in 1991, was one of the organizations that benefited when Rohrer was chairman of Player Development.
He took over the presidency of Oshawa Ringette when registration was at its lowest ever and managed to put the association back on its feet. Outreach was important to Rohrer, and to that end he took his players on trips to promote the sport.
A major force in Oshawa, he helped host the Provincial Championships in 1979.
Rohrer was honoured for his achievements with a place in the Hall of Fame in 1988 as a Provincial Builder.
Barbara Rose
Known within her association as “Kitchener’s First Lady of Ringette,” Barbara Rose has been there from the beginning of Ringette.
She served four years as the first president of the Kitchener Girl’s Ringette Association, then three as past president.
During her seven years on the executive board, registration increased more than threefold, to 325 in 1973 to 1974, from approximately 100 in 1968.
Rose was a founding member of the Ontario Ringette Association, and for three years brought promotional clinics to London, Caledonia, Listowel, Guelph, and Waterloo.
Her passion for Ringette was solely her own - though she had a ladies’ Ringette league that she coached, refereed, organized, and played, she had no daughters to play the game.
Her achievements were worthy of recognition. In 1980 she was awarded Provincial Builder status, and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Peter Rumble
Peter Rumble provided many years of service to the sport of Ringette.
Rumble was president of Hamilton Ringette for four years.
For two years he was the chair of sport development, the coaching co-ordinator for Southern Region for five years, the Provincial ‘A’ Level coach for Hamilton for four years, and the assistant coach of Southern Region all-star team in the year 2000.
He has also been was the community sport initiative clinic facilitator for two years, a level 1 coaching instructor for three years, and was a level two observer coach for five years.
Rumble was honoured for his service in 2005 with Provincial Builder status in the Hall of Fame.
Jeanette Saint
After Jeanette Saint watched a ringette game during her daughter’s hockey practice, she asked what game was being played.
Fascinated by Ringette, she asked what she would need to start the sport in Lambeth. When she found all she needed was time on the ice, she spoke to the Recreational Board in Lambeth, and got some ice time. A local association quickly followed, where 15 girls signed up.
When assocations were organized at a regional level, Saint became involved. She has been their treasurer twice, and an officiating co-ordinator. She has served on many tribunal hearings and disciplinary panels and attended standing committee meetings on behalf of the region in officiating, outreach, and coaching and player development.
Jeanette continued to work with Lambeth Ringette until the city amalgamated with London. Jeanette encouraged many new associations within the region and helped the sport’s growth in London as well. She coached teams from Bunny to Open.
Saint was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in f 2008. At the time, she was still active within the Western Region as treasurer, though her daughter no longer plays the game.
Cathy Sheldon
No information available.
Marie Spence
Marie Spence was a founding member of the Ontario Ringette Association.
She served on committees that drafted the first set of official playing rules and the first officials’ handbook. She promoted Ringette in Hamilton, Waterloo, Brantford, Guelph, Cambridge, Elmira, and Orillia.
She was involved in hiring the first administrative director, and worked to obtain a copyright for the rules of Ringette.
Much of the early growth of Ringette can be attributed to Spence’s work.
When she started her involvement in 1967, she helped Kitchener get their start with only 24 players. By 1974, they boasted 325 players.
She was recognized for her accomplishments in the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 1981.
Paul Stone
No Information Available.
Robert (Bob) Sugden
Robert “Bob” Sugden was one of many pioneers responsible for spreading Ringette throughout Canada, and one of several who set themselves apart through continual dedication and a profound influence on the way the sport is taught and played.
He was president, and past president on the ORA board, and stayed when there was no one else to take the job, from 1969 to 1979.
Sugden wrote the level I technical manual, the official’s handbook, the starter’s kit and the sport resource kit. He also established a player development program.
In addition to establishing a Ringette curriculum, Sugden spread his sport to his home of Hamilton and beyond.
Herm Wills, the first president and a founding member of Nova Scotia Ringette, said Sugden was one of the key trainers at a leadership clinic they hosted when their organization started.
For these reasons and more, Sugden was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 1980.
June Tiessen
June Tiessen, nicknamed “Grandma Ringette,” was a woman of firsts in Ringette.
She was the first president of both the Waterloo Minor Ringette association and of Ringette Canada.
In between, she also served as president of the Ontario Ringette Association from 1974 to 1976, after serving as a director in 1973.
According to her nomination letter, Tiessen started as a Ringette to give her something to do when she became “edgy” as a mother and homemaker.
Tiessen was recognized as a Provincial Builder and granted a place in the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Barb Welke
From coach to politician, Barb Welke always inspired confidence.
Realizing the need for keen volunteers at the provincial level, Barb served a term with the Ontario Ringette Association as vice-president in 1984.
After a single term she became president for four years when the Ontario Ringette Association faced difficult issues that included an uncertainty of their rules, bylaws, and ORA’s relationship with Ringette Canada. At the same time the ORA endured a troubled financial situation.
Through it all she kept a cool head and led the ORA to calm and sensible solutions.
She started as a coach, and would continue until shortly before she won Provincial Builder status in 1990, and her place in the Hall of Fame.
Leslie Wilson
Lesley Wilson began as an adult player with the London Ladies, and continued to be an organizer for the adult league.
When she started playing, she promoted Ringette in the local media and shopping malls. As an adult development co-ordinator in the western region, Wilson worked to increase both interest and awareness in the adult divisions. She organized the Adult Get-Away Camps, produced rINgFORMATION, the ADP newsletter, and fostered growth in the Masters’ division, encouraging its’ inclusion in the Adult Provincial Championships and Invitational Tournaments alike.
As adult development chair she turned her efforts to the task of bringing the intermediate and master divisions in line with the rest of the ORA programs. This required she certify coaches and ensure competent officials were available for the benefit of all ages and levels of play.
Wilson laid the foundation for bringing the adult development program up to the level that the minor level enjoys.
Wilson was honoured for her contributions in 1996 when she was awarded a place in the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder.
Scott Blakey
Scott has devoted much of his time to the Ajax Ringette Association as President for five (5) years as well as, Vice and Past President.
As President of Ajax he co-chaired the A and AA Provincials and the Silver Ring Tournament and also played a role in the player evaluations and tryouts.
As a NCCP Certified Level 3 Coach he has devoted a lot of time to coaching teams from Ajax and Whitby from all calibers; sometimes with or without his daughters on the team. Scott was also a member of the Ontario Ringette Association Board as a Regional Director and Vice President of Finance for nine (9) years.
For being such a great mentor for players and coaches and with all his experience he has definitely earned a place in the Hall of fame in 2010.
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly has been coaching and managing teams of all ages and levels, since the 1980’s. She is well known throughout the Eastern Region and in her home Association of Nepean because she selflessly donates time into making sure events are successful for everyone. She has extensive knowledge and expertise on the Games and Tournaments policies and procedures, which made her a valuable asset to the Eastern Region. Not only does she have the theory and knowledge of G&T she also has the hands on experience as an Assistant Coach and Manager of Provincial, National and Ontario Winter Games Teams. For all her efforts and knowledge Grace was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 2010.
Terry Watters
Terry has devoted his time over the past 10 years, helping the Ringette community to grow and prosper. Being a Coach with the Valley East Ringette Association at all levels, Terry could always be counted on to make sure a team could participate and often worked with more than one team in the same year. Terry also was a member of the Bench Staff for two Ontario Winter Games and coached the Laurentian University Ringette team at the Winnipeg University Cup. In addition to his dedication to coaching, Terry has been the ORA President, Vice President Finance, Chair of Sports Development and CSI Facilitator. He has always been a big promoter of Ringette and has showed us this at a number of AGM’s as “Captain ORA”. Terry has brought fun and excitement to the sport, which is why we would like to award him as a 2012 Provincial Builder for all of his contributions and accomplishments.
Chris Beuglet
Chris Beuglet has been involved with the sport of Ringette for many years at various levels. He has been a member of the Western Region Executive which led him to become the Western Region Chair. But he has always remembered where he came from, which is why he always volunteers with the Chatham Ringette Association. If there was ever a subject that needed a thought-through, unbiased opinion, Chris was the person to go to. He was always willing to help, which is why he has been recognized as a Provincial Builder in the Hall of Fame.
Ellorie Hanson
It is very difficult to find areas in Ringette where Ellorie was not involved. Over the years Ellorie has played, coached and was a member on various committees; including the ORA Executive as the Vice President Communications and President. Ellorie was President during the controversial implementation of the Long Term Athlete Development program. Working tirelessly, Ellorie embraced all the challenges of this project to bring Ontario in-line with the Ringette Canada requirements. Ensuring all areas of the Ontario Ringette Community were involved in the consultation process, Ellorie struck a working group which helped to bring some necessary changes to Ontario. Another project that resulted from Ellorie’s efforts with the LTAD Working Group was the U12 Pilot Project. This project was taken on by Ellorie’s home region and played an integral role by attending meetings, on-ice sessions and events. She was always available to provide guidance and assistance throughout the entire process. Although she is no longer an active member of the ORA, Ellorie is always very quick to offer help at Provincial events. Ever aware of how difficult it is to get volunteers, she is always available to give her time to Ringette. For the endless contributions that she has made to the Ringette Community, Ellorie was inducted into the Ontario Ringette Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 2013.
Gerald Lamoureux
This extremely enthusiastic supporter of Ringette has been around for many years and has endeavoured to help build the sport from the stands as a spectator in Sudbury to President of the Scarborough Ringette Association. For over 30 years Gerald has been supporting and promoting Ringette. Gerald began his Ringette career in 1968 as a spectator of the original Sudbury Playground teams at Ridge Crest and Cedar Park. From spectator to referee, Gerald began officiating in 1970, and has a long career officiating all levels of Ringette from Sudbury to Scarborough for over 40 years. Taking his skills off the ice, Gerald was a member of the Officiating Committee, and the Referee in Chief in both Markham and Scarborough. Gerald has also been active for many years as a Coach. Beginning in 1980 as a coach for the Onaping Falls Deb team, Gerald has lead teams to win at both the Provincial and National level. On the Administrative side, Gerald also was actively involved with the coaching program. For a number of years he has been an active facilitator of the NCCP coaching program at both the Community Sport Initiation and Introduction Parts 1 and 2 Levels. He is also an evaluator of coaches and is currently the Southern Region Coaching Coordinator. With an endless passion and “Gung-Ho” attitude for Ringette, Gerald has dedicated countless hours as one of the original grassroots building blocks of this sport. For this and all his contributions we would like to offer Gerald Lamoureux the Hall of Fame Provincial Builder of the Year award for 2013.
Kevin Hanlon
Kevin Hanlon held many positions in ringette before focussing his attention on the implementation of LTAD and the Sport Development Committee. He was a coach and the president of the WRRL B/C League. His term as president extended from 2009-2011 inclusive. In 2009 when the call went out for people to submit applications to be part of the steering committee to try to determine how LTAD would be implemented in Ontario, Kevin submitted his application. From there he became the Chair of the Sport Development Committee and remained in the position for three years between 2011 and 2013. His stance regarding player development: “What will allow them to grow into exceptional athletes and exceptional people, as I have discovered, being a team player in sport often translates to being a team player in life... Not one person has the “Right Answer”, it is a combination of many different ideas culminated into a direction for which to strive...” Throughout his term as chair of Sport Development, Kevin remained true to these guiding principles and continuously strived to do what is best for the athletes – melding the vastly different needs from one region of the province to the other while carefully listening to and encouraging the input of all.
Cathy Nie
Cathy Nie started as the Registrar for the Cambridge Ringette Association in 1989. Through almost twenty years of service, she has developed this position into what is has become today. In 1996, Cambridge Ringette hosted the Provincial Championship and Cathy carried out the opening ceremonies without a hitch. She has also been a coach/assistant coach for this time period as well. Doing double duty, Cathy was the President of the Cambridge Ringette Association and the Membership Services Coordinator until 2010. This led her to become the chair of Membership Services for two years. One of the many was Cambridge Ringette has benefitted from Cathy’s leadership is through the dramatic change in their bunny program, which doubled in size. She has been very involved in setting up and running events such as Award’s Night and the annual Ringette Dance. She has been a tireless, dedicated and unfailing volunteer in the Ringette community.
Jo-Ann Wilson
Jo-Ann Wilson has served on the Southern Region Association executive for many years, spent countless hours in the arena, answering questions or just being available to anyone there. She was there when St. Catherines was struggling and growing. She was there when their houseleague grew from a few teams to 12 teams that year. She has also remained involved in Ringette long after her children stopped playing. She served as the Southern Region representative on the G&T Committee for 17 years and received the Community Builder Award in 1993. She also was the Volunteer Recognition Committee Chair for many years even through illness. For her tireless work within the Ringette community, Jo-Ann Wilson was inducted to the Ontario Ringette Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 2015.
Jeff Francom
Jeff’s love for the sport began in 1995 when he watched his daughter play RIngette for a local House League team. This would prove to be the beginning of Jeff’s career in Ringette. He expanded his role from bench helper to coach in 1998. In 2002, he was elected the president of the West Ferris Ringette Association with the goal to increase membership within the association. He spearheaded a recruitment drive through handing out flyers, setting up information booths and speaking to parents. In March of 2004, West Ferris Ringette received a Trillium Fund Grant which allowed WFRA to increase their equipment library. This opened the door for many players who would not have been able to participate in Ringette due to financial reasons. Low Income People Involvement, Big Sisters and many other organizations working with disadvantaged youth were able to play the sport through this iniciative. Furthermore, Jeff has worked tirelessly to market Ringette in North Bay. He takes every opportunity to promote the game and Ringette in the media, writing reports on tournament results and Association events. Jeff lobbied the city to install signs on awnings of the West Ferris Arena at Sam Jacks Complex to acknowledge the community as being the “Birthplace of Ringette”. This slogan can also be seen on the highway sign leading into North Bay thanks in part to Jeff Francom. Jeff Francom has worked tirelessly to develop Ringette in North Bay and the Ringette community.
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