Scugog Sports Hall of Fame announces 2026 inductees

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: A celebration of local athletic achievement and community pride will take centre stage this spring, as the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame (SHOF) prepares to welcome its newest class of inductees.

The Hall of Fame’s 18th annual induction ceremony will be held, on Thursday, April 23rd, at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, bringing together athletes, coaches, families and fans, to honour those who have helped shape Scugog’s sporting legacy. A staff report from the council meeting, on Monday, January 12th, revealed those slated to be called to the Hall this spring.

The 2026 class of inductees represents decades of dedication, teamwork and community pride. This year’s honourees include: athlete Mike Blakey, recognized for his achievements in rugby; builders Paul Koot, Phil Ovsenek and Hannah Ovsenek, collectively honoured as the S.A. Cawker Coaches; and back-to-back championship minor hockey teams, the 1980–81 Pee Wee Tier II ‘C’ and 1981–82 Pee Wee Tier II ‘B’ George Stone Realty teams.

The S.A. Cawker Coaches are being inducted for their lasting impact on youth sport in the community, recognized not only for competitive success but for their commitment to mentorship, skill development and fostering a love of sport among young athletes.

Meanwhile, the induction of the two George Stone Realty hockey teams brings back memories of a special era in local minor hockey. One of the coaches for those teams, Paul Van Camp, said, the honour belongs to the players just as much as it does to the coaches.

“These were groups of kids who worked incredibly hard and truly played for each other,” Mr. Van Camp said. “To see them remembered, all these years later, is incredibly meaningful. It says a lot about the community and how much minor hockey meant, and still means, in Scugog.”

Established in 2007, the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Committee is made up of six community volunteers: Kirk Swain, Colin Laird, Phil Cochrane, Elaine Cole, Dennis Shillings and Clarke Keenan, supported by Township staff. The committee’s mandate is to formally recognize local athletes, teams and builders, who have achieved excellence at the regional, provincial, national or international level, while also celebrating those who helped others succeed through coaching and mentorship.

Doors for the April 23rd event will open to the public at 6 p.m., the official ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Light refreshments and bar service will be available. The public is also invited to visit the Sports Hall of Fame exhibit, on the upper level of the recreation centre, starting at 6 p.m., offering a free opportunity to step back in time and explore Scugog’s sporting history.

The event supports the Township’s goal of building an inclusive, healthy and engaged community and is funded through the approved 2026 operating budget, along with grants, sponsorships and event revenues.

Residents are encouraged to attend and help celebrate the achievements of Scugog’s newest Hall of Fame inductees, a night rooted in memories, milestones and hometown pride.