In Canada, sports can be cultural touchstones, uniting communities and preserving the legacies of local heroes. While not every top-tier athlete becomes a household name nationally, their community is there to share support, always remembering hometown heroes and the impact they made.
From large cities to small towns across Canada, Halls of Fame seek to remember those who came before and made their mark.
The Tribute Community Centre in downtown Oshawa, is home to one of these Halls; The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame. The space occupies prime real estate overlooking the Oshawa Generals’ ice surface. Go up the stairs at Gate 1, and on the right of the concourse, it stands in all its glory, sharing the stories of Oshawa’s sporting heroes.
“Oshawa has always been a hockey town. Well, it’s also a lacrosse town and a fastball town,” said Jim Nesbitt, a board member of the Hall, when describing the 55 different sports represented.
Having a space to highlight the legacies and history of those who have cemented themselves into Oshawa sports lore is an incredible privilege for all lucky enough to call Oshawa home.
The Hall’s mission is to continue the legacies of Oshawa’s many sporting hero’s and legends, sharing memorabilia from their time competing. “(The Hall) gives us an opportunity to display artifacts,” Nesbitt said.
The Hall moved to its current location in the spring of 2008, but it has had a rich history within Oshawa since the 1980s. Established in 1986 by Oshawa resident Terry Kelly, the Hall has been honouring sporting greats for almost 40 years, spanning two different locations over the decades, including Oshawa’s Civic Auditorium.
The new space is a 3,600-square-foot powerhouse of history, featuring prominent displays of past Oshawa legends like Terry O’Reilly, a Boston Bruins veteran who played 15 years for the team, and Donald Jackson, a Canadian Olympian who won bronze in figure skating at the 1960 Winter Games, to name a few.
When seeking induction, individuals can submit their names to the selection committee, either in person or via the Hall’s website, and present the committee with their case for induction.
The Hall hosts an induction ceremony every year around May, inducting around five community members annually. The goal is to highlight those who have succeeded in Oshawa sports during their formative years.
“They (the selection committee) meet from October to December and make a decision on new inductees,” Nesbitt said about the process.
For those inducted as players, builders or founders, the appreciation is reciprocated, allowing for Oshawa’s local greats to be remembered.
Wayne Daniels, a resident of Oshawa and an inductee, expressed his appreciation and shared the feeling of what it is like to be inducted. “It’s something I’ll cherish.” Daniels said.
Daniels was a trainer and scout whose career in sports spanned from the late ‘’60s in Oshawa to the new millennium, ending his career as a scout with the Ottawa Senators.
Operating as a non-profit, the Hall receives its funding through charitable donations, fundraisers, ceremonies and support from the City of Oshawa.
Adrian Vanhemman, the Chairman of the Hall, added that the annual induction ceremony is a vital fundraising effort.
“Last year at the induction ceremony we raised around $5,000,” Vanhemman said.
The Hall inducts members yearly and displays detailed memoirs of the members, featuring their accomplishments and portraits. The walls of the Tribute Centre concourse are lined with memories for all visitors to enjoy.
Recognizing champions of the past is a core value of any Hall of Fame. This acknowledgment is something the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame and its operators strive to deliver. “(The hall) is run by a fabulous group of people,” Daniels said.