Woodstock Sport Wall of Fame

Joe McGuire is a native of Woodstock. He is a high school teacher, coach, referee, and a renowned distance runner. 

Joe started his running career in 1977 completing his first marathon in 1979. Since then he has competed in over 200 races, of which approximately 40 were marathons. 

Highlights were: 

• 11 Boston; 

• 3 Halifax (one of which was Joe’s best marathon time, 2 hr. 27 min., currently a N.B. record); 

• 3 New York; 

• 2 Ottawa (one of which was Olympic Trials); 

• 1 Chicago 

Joe has won 5 National Masters race 

• Two marathons 

• One 13.1 mile 

• One 20 K 

• One 10 K 

Joe currently holds the Canadian Masters record for five miles on the road, (24 minutes 56 seconds) 

As a master, Joe has not lost a race in Canada or in the New England States. 

The highlight of Joe’s career was the Boston Marathon in 1985 when he won the masters’ category and was the first Canadian finisher overall. He has been the top Canadian masters finisher each year that he has run Boston. 

In recognition of his success in Boston, the Woodstock Old Home Week Road Race was renamed, the Joe McGuire Road Race in 1985. 

Woodstock’s Joe McGuire continues to run and compete in races. 

~ INDUCTION, NOVEMBER 4TH, 1995 ~ 

Lou, a native of Woodstock, was born in 1918. 

He attended Teacher’s College in Fredericton and received a B.A. and B. Ed. From U.N.B. and in 1978 he retired from teaching after 40 years. 

The success in golf he has achieved over the span of 60 years fills the record books as highlighted below. 

• 3 N.B/P.E.I. Willington Cup teams 

• 12 N.B Senior teams, 11 consecutives 

• 7 Maritime Senior titles, 6 consecutives 

• 7 N.B. senior titles 

• 28 Club Championships, 12 consecutives 

• 78 O.H.W Championships, renamed Lou Beatty Tournament 1995 

• Course Record of 61 at O.H.W.  in 1970 

• Inducted into N.B Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 

• Honorary member of Maritime Seniors and Woodstock Golf & Curling Club 

• President and Vice President of Woodstock Golf Club at different times 

• 10 years N.B.G.A. governor for Woodstock 

At the age of 77 he continues to shoot his age or better. 

Lou’s golfing ability, love of the game, humble manor, and encouragement to all makes him one of the greatest golfers in New Brunswick. 

~ INDUCTION NOVEMBER 4, 1995 ~ 

M. Marjorite “Puss” Lindsay was born in Tracy, New Brunswick in 1901. She was educated in Tracy and Fredericton, obtaining a B.A. degree from the University of New Brunswick. 

Puss excelled at basketball on the U.N.B team and was captain two of the four years she played. 

In 1927, she and Don, her husband, moved to Woodstock where she became a well-respected high school teacher. 

During the 1930’s she dominated the Maritime Badminton circuit with her impressive string of titles: four ladies, three mixed doubles, and one ladies’ doubles championships. 

On the golf course she held her own amongst the best in New Brunswick, capturing the Provincial Crown in 1936 and challenging, as runner up, in 1937 and 1938. Puss and Don also won a N.B. mixed golf championship, and for many years she was Club Champion at the Woodstock Golf Club. 

Her impressive achievements are a testimony to her talents and abilities in badminton and golf in N.B. 

We honour Puss Lindsay as a true sportswoman and champion. 

~ INDUCTION, MAY 13TH, 1995 ~ 

Bill Reardon was born December 12th, 1912 in Woodstock and there pursued an exemplary athletic career, excelling in Basketball, Football, Baseball and Boxing. 

Outstanding in Basketball, he was instrumental in many Championships won by Woodstock High School, Carleton County Vocational School, the 89th Captain and top scorer. As a mainstay of the Woodstock Senators, he raised standards with innovative play. 

In University, Bill was the “Three Letter Man” for two years in Basketball, Football and Boxing winning a Maritime Light Heavyweight title in 1932. 

Bill Reardon was acclaimed by Coach Bob Brown as the greatest all-round athlete to come out of Woodstock, a true sportsman, a perfect gentleman, and a benchmark for Woodstock athletic tradition. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 13TH 1995 ~ 

Murray Ralston was born and educate in Woodstock and has been a continuous resident in the area. 

He was a mainstay of the pitching staffs of the championship baseball teams of the 1950’s. 

Ralston was a standout player in interscholastic hockey at Woodstock High School and later with intermediate teams of the 1950’s and early 60’s. 

His employment as an engineer with the C.P.R. kept him absent often during the hockey season but he possessed the capability of making his presence felt with little practice. 

Ralston was one of the province’s top hurtles, in an ear dominated by important players. His fast ball has “pop”, his curve ball “sharp breaking” and his slider “devastating.” 

Among his laurels were: 

• Pitched a 13-1 no hitter in the first round of the 1952 senior play offs. Named the York Sunbury Carlton Baseball League Most Valuable Player in 1953. 

• Pitched three wins in the four games to defeat the Dalhousie Dodgers in the 1953 Provincial Finale Series. 

• Tosses a five hitter and hit a two run homer in the rubber game of the maritime Senior B finale to leader Woodstock in a 5-4 win over Sydney Mines, N.S. in 1968. 

~ INDUCTION, AUGUST 25TH, 1995 ~ 

On August 9th, 1919, Earle Avery began his racing career in Woodstock, by winning two heats with a horse named Black Peter; his first prize was a blanket. 

In the next 54 years he won 9 World Record Driving Performances and 4,000 victories for purses in excess of three and one half million dollars. He became one of the finest and most respected trainer/drivers in harness racing in North America. 

Earle Avery’s honors include: 

• Woodstock’s first Earle Avery Day, December 28th, 1963. 

• In 1963, when he retired at 78 years of age, he was given the U.S. Trotting Association’s Golden Service Award for Meritorious Service and Dedication to his sport, and the “Good Guy Award” for co-operation with the press in furthering the aims and objectives of harness racing. 

• Inducted into the N.B. Sports Hall of Fame, June 5th, 1976. 

• Inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1977. 

• Inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York, July 2nd, 1978. 

Woodstock is proud to honor this great Canadian Champion. 

~ INDUCTED AUGUST 26TH, 1995 ~ 

He loved horses, basketball and building character. Robert Rankin Brown was born March 14th, 1903 and died April 12th, 1966. “Bob” was “Mr. Basketball” in Woodstock, coaching teams for 30 years, primarily Woodstock High School. 

Noteworthy were Interscholastic Championships in 1938, 1940 and 1942, Maritime Juvenile wins in 1945 and 1947 and Dominion of Canada Juvenile Crown in 1946. 

He was with the 1928 Senators for a Maritime Intermediate victory and in 1950 for an Eastern Canada Championship. In 1947 his Carleton County Vocational team won the provincial Junior Trophy. 

Paradoxically, basketball was second to the race horses that he owned and trained. 

Bob was a master phycologist who realized that every boy unlocked with a different key. HE would do anything to his boys, and educated them as gentlemen, earning their respect. He was a second father, friend and advisor to them all and is credited with the building not only basketball teams and athletes, but also character and men. 

Robert “Bob” Brown was inducted into the N.B Sports Hall of Fame, Fredericton N.B on May 30th, 1981. 

~ INDUCTED AUGUST 26th, 1995 ~ 

“The Red Raiders”, “Power Unlimited”, “The Punch Lines”, all names for the basketball team that was the Town of Woodstock’s pride and joy in 1946. 

In 1945, Coach Bob Brown’s WHS Red Raiders captured the Maritime Juvenile Championship, so in 1946, with many of the team still in High School, plus new men joining ranks, he confidently eyed the Canadian Juvenile Title. 

The NB Juvenile playoffs started with wins over Saint John Trojans. They then went on to defeat the Moncton Y Hawks in the finals to become NB Juvenile Champs. 

The Woodstock Armories was to be the scene of the two game semi-finals against the St. Kits of St. Catherines, Ontario, and the Upper Canadian Champs. St Kits won the first game, but the Red Raiders won the second game, defeating St. Kits by a total score of 66 – 56. 

In the playoff in Halifax, NS the Oxford A.C.’s were soundly defeated and WHS Red Raiders were winners of the Lord Byng Memorial Cup, Canadian Juvenile Basketball Champions for 1946. 

HAIL!! CHAMPS!! 

~ INDUCTION AUGUST 26TH, 1995 ~ 

Better known as Chuck. He was born in Charlottetown, PEI, educated in McAdam, returned from World War II to live in Woodstock and in the late 1950s assumed the administration duties at a residence for mentally disabled boys in Upper New York State until his retirement in Florida. 

With a group of neighborhood kids as the nucleus, Murphy assembles a team that would dominate baseball in the province for a decade. After leading the Woodstock Bearcats (Murphy’s Midgets) to the Maritime Juvenile title in 1950, his guidance and influence resulted in Shiretown teams winning a total of five New Brunswick Senior Championships and one Maritime title, from 1952 through 1959. 

Murphy’s instruction went far beyond the basic rudiments of the game, but to the development of sound minds, bodies, and character that went with his players for the rest of their lives. 

Among his laurels and tributes are: 

• Was youngest commissioned officer (Captain) in Canadian Army to land on D-Day June 06, 1944 – Wounded D-Day +1 

• Established Woodstock’s first “Little League” (Williamsport, Penn. Guidelines in late 1940’s). 

• As to not create a void and in the interest of continuity Murphy spearheaded the team executive in procuring a player coach from Massachusetts, a student athlete at Illinois University, to guide the baseball tradition in his absence at the Korean War 

Notable Quotes: 

• “Charlie Murphy should be heaped with credit and accolades for combining two rare principles of coaching… expert instruction in the fundamentals of the game as well as fine handling of boys on a personal plane.” – Hugh M. Tait, Former Mayor of Woodstock  

• “Chuck Murphy is a credit to this community. He did so much to excite this town at a much-needed time following the Second World War. He took a group of lads, a number of whom lacked training in the home and taught the basics of both the game of baseball and the game of life.” – Jock Fraser, Former MLA for Carleton County 

• “I believe Charles to be a rare individual chosen by God to command fighting men on foreign soil, and influence young lives on a local front in New Brunswick.” – Bun Veysey, Player and fellow Wall of Famer 

Charles Murphy was inducted into the New Brunswick Baseball Wall of Fame in 1994 for his legacy to baseball in Woodstock and New Brunswick.  

~ INDUCTED MAY 11, 1996 ~ 

Leroy “Tim” Nelson was born in 1907 in Woodstock, New Brunswick. 

 In the 1920’s and 1930’s when Tim was at the height of his athletic abilities, he played baseball, softball, hockey and bowled for the Town of Woodstock teams. In later years he golfed and curled. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter. Tim was a born athlete with skills that surpassed his physical size. 

 Much of Tim Nelson’s life was dedicated to sharing the skills and knowledge of the sports he loved with others with no monetary gain. His life, as an athlete and coach, was an example to many young athletes who were later to excel in their chosen sports. 

Tim lived by the golden rule and led by faultless example. His talents were never recorded in record books, but his greatness is recorded in the hearts of all who knew his generosity and his gentle manner. 

 Leroy “Tim” Nelson was an exceptional athlete and an exceptional man. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 11, 1996 ~ 

 The Woodstock Lions Baseball club of 1953 joined the ranks of such baseball immortals as the Marysville Royals and the perennial New Brunswick Senior Champions of the 30’s, the St. Stephen St. Croix, as they repeated as rulers of senior baseball in the province. 

No team represented the decade of Woodstock baseball better than the ’53 Lions, as the season saw the operation of four senior leaguers in the province heavy into talent recruitment, determined to capture the title. Baseball was enjoying its greatest support in the period just before television became popular in the province. 

Playing its first season in the York, Sunbury, Carleton loop, the team finished third in league play behind Fredericton Tigers and Marysville Royals, but went on to win sets of league playoffs. 

Provincial Semifinals 

• Woodstock defeated Border League Campion St. Kiwanis 3 games to 2 (2 games went to extra innings). 

• North Shore League Champion, Dalhousie Dodgers defeated Southern NB League Champion, Saint John Dodgers 3 games to 1. 

Provincial Finals 

• Woodstock swept Dalhousie 4 games straight in the best of 7 final. 

“All around baseball effectiveness” would characterize the Woodstock boys of summer 1953, with superb pitching, timely hitting, sound fielding and managerial cunning ever prevalent. 

The Lions of ’53 enjoyed a tremendous following and it was estimated that at their home games, league and provincial playoffs, fan attendance averaged between 1200 and 1500 spectators during the September/October playoff period . . . it is not known how many local fans followed the team on the road but the support often surpassed that of the home team. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 11, 1996 ~ 

While Woodstock has produced many outstanding fastball teams over the years, none has made a greater mark on the Maritime scene than did the Woodstock Motors posted an overall record of 30-6 during the summer of 1973 in claiming the Maritime Intermediate “D” Fastball Championship. 

 The late Steve Polchies, renowned for his ability to pitch with both hands, and flame throwing lefty Marvin Betts anchored the pitching staff, which was the key to the team’s success. 

 After eliminating local competition and Grand Falls, Woodstock Motors claimed the zone title with a convincing 16-6 victory over Edmundston. Moving on, Fredericton and Chipman were eliminated to set-up a series with Saint John. Woodstock put together back-to-back 12-4 victories over Saint John to move on to the New Brunswick final against Moncton. 

 Moncton proved to be the stiffest test. Woodstock Motors took the opening game 9-6 in Moncton. At Connell Park the host team clinched the N.B. title with Steve Polchies carrying the team to a dramatic come-from-behind 10-9 victory. 

 The Charlottetown Belvedere Essos were the final team to stand in the way of Woodstock’s bid for the Maritime title. At Connell Park the home team took the first game 27-8 and the second game 17-4. 

 The team’s all round success was characterized by its wealth of talent, excellent pitching, timely hitting, sound fielding and managerial cunning. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 12TH, 2001 ~ 

 During the 1972-1973 Basketball Season the province became aware of the new breed of cat. The Woodstock High School Wildcats pounced on their prey and ate them up as the true predators they had become. Under the strong tutelage of David Daye, they surmounted every hurdle thrown their way and had one of the most successful girls’ seasons to date. 

Daye’s second year of coaching this group of girls certainly had numerous rewards, the least of those being a winning season. He fostered winning attitudes, hard work ethics and was a firm believer that “Team has no I”. The girls gave him 110% and worked not only as a team but also as good friends. They always hit the court knowing what job they had to do and seldom fell short of their own or team goals. Highlights were beating St. Stephen Lady Spartans, ending their 121 game winning streak; a 27-1 record (early year loss to Fredericton Lady Cats), topped only by Provincial and Maritime Championships. 

N.B.I.A.A High School Provincial Class “M” Champs 

Defeated Stanley High School in Final (53-32) 

 N.B Basketball Association Provincial Juvenile Champions 

Defeated Fredericton High School in Final (43-30) 
Maritime Juvenile Champions 

Defeated Colonel Grey High (PEI) Semi Final (49-39) 

Defeated Fredericton High School in Final (42-30) 

 When the Maritime Championship became a reality there were no person prouder than the girls and their parents. This team joins the ranks of terrific athletes, coaches and builders from the fine community we call home. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 4TH, 2002 ~

DEBORAH "DEBBIE" GRACE MCLEOD  

1955-2001 

Debbie was born in New Glasgow, N.S. She graduated from Acadia University with a degree in Science in Recreation. As an athlete, she excelled in golf as her record below attests: 

• 6 times Woodstock Golf Club Champion 

• 6 times Ladies Invitational Champion, Woodstock Golf Club 

• 7 times winner of Fall classic, Woodstock Golf Club 

• 3 times – Represented N.S on provincial Ladies Team 

• 9 times – Represented N.B on provincial Ladies Team 

• B Ladies Amateur Champion 1979 

• E.I Ladies Amateur Champion 1980 

• Record Hole-In-One August 2000, Woodstock Golf Club 

• S Champions Father/Daughter 1993 

• B Female Golfer of the year 1999 

Debbie was very modest in victory. She always exemplified the meaning of sportsmanship and was a wonderful ambassador for golf in New Brunswick. 

Woodstock is truly proud of her life accomplishments. 

~ INDUCTED MAY 4th, 2002 ~ 

Through hard work and determination Lisa became one of the best basketball players to wear a WHS uniform and represented the town on provincial teams for many years. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 10TH, 2003 ~ 

Ray was born in Bath, N.B. on September 23, 1935, and moved to Woodstock with his family in 1942. 

Ray took part in all the school sports, excelling in hockey, softball, baseball, and basketball. His school hockey team won consolation honors in Provincial playoffs in 1950; the juvenile Comets basketball team went to the Provincial Finals in 1952, and he was on the Lions Baseball team which won the N.B. Senior crown that same year. 

In 1955, at the age of 19, Ray was named Woodstock’s Athlete of the year for his play on the Senators Basketball team, the Lions Baseball team, and the Legionnaires Hockey team, a tribute to his all-round athletic ability. 

His achievements continued in the 1950’s and 1960’s, as witnessed by his participation in the following winning teams. 

• Provincial Senior basketball Champs in 1954, and 1955 

• Maritime Basketball Champs in 1957 

• Maritime Baseball Champs in 1958 

• Provincial Baseball Champs in 1959 

• Provincial Int. ”B” Hockey Champs in 1961, 1964, and 1965 

Ray finished his hockey career with the Karnes “Loafers” old-timer’s hockey team, and in November of 1983, he was honored for his athletic contribution to the sports community of Woodstock by his fellow teammates at a ceremony during a game with the Montreal Canadian Old-timers. 

We honour Ray MacDonald, one of Woodstock’s best all-round athletes of the last half of the 20th century. 

~ INDUCTED MAY 10, 2003 ~ 

1995- Provincial Runner Up                                                            NBIAA “AAA” (High School) 

1996- Provincial Elimination Champions                                           Bantam “A” 

National Silver Medal                                                                       Bantam “A” (North Bay, ON) 

1998- Provincial Runner Up                                                            NBIAA “AAA” (High School) 

2000-Atlantic Champions                                                                       Junior “A” (PEI) 

Represented NB at Nationals in Kitchener, ON 

2001- Provincial Champions                                                           NBIAA “AAA” (High School) 

2002- Provincial Champions                                                           NBIAA “AAA” (High School) 

~ INDUCTION May 8th, 2004 ~ 

1969    Starts senior baseball as a Woodstock Merchant 

1973    Chosen for New Brunswick Summer Games baseball team 

1974    Invited to try out for Canada’s National baseball team. Selected to play for the      Fredericton Condors Junior team and was instrumental in their winning the National   Championships 

1975    Pitches half of Woodstock Shiretowners games as they win the Maritime Intermediate A baseball crown. Signs Professional contract with the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates 

1976    Star pitcher for the Sussex Alpines and picked up by the Chatham Ironmen for the            Canadian Senior Championships 

1977    Second in senior league in hitting [.442], tied for first in home runs with 10 

1978    Picked up by the Fredericton Granada’s for the Canadian Senior Championships 

1979    Wins New Brunswick Senior Crown with Woodstock and again is picked up by the          Chatham Ironmen for Nationals 

1980    Pitches and wins New Brunswick Senior Crown as an import for the Marysville Royals 

 “Pete” takes his place among the best baseball players the Shiretown has ever produced. Not only an outstanding pitcher, he could also hit and play any position. The list of his accomplishments could easily be twice as long. Dale won [in 1974 and 1975] back to back the Mildred Harris Memorial Trophy’s as team Most Valuable Player. 

As a member of the Canadian Championship Fredericton Condors, he fired a three hitter against a powerful Ontario team striking out 11 in 7 innings. He also hit at a torrid pace including three singles in this game. 

In 1975 he lead the Shiretowners to a Maritime Intermediate “A” title going 13-1 for the season. In the finals “Pete” pitched and won two games in a best of five series including nineteen strikeouts in the final over Point La Nim. He also chipped in a couple of homers. In Nova Scotia for the Maritime Crown, Dale pitched a complete game, one that featured 13 strikeouts, 5 hits, and no walks. A scant half hour later he started, and won, what was to be the final game, pitching another 5 innings and belting three home runs and a single to drive in 6 runs. 

Called by his coach Dale Allan the best player he ever coached, Dale was handed the toughest assignments against the opponents best. His coach summed it up: “Successful teams have key individuals who can rise to the occasion in critical times. Dale Peterson was one of these and a pleasure to coach.” 

~ INDUCTION MAY 8TH, 2004 ~ 

John Harrison was born in Bootie, England on May 7, 1924 and came to Canada at the age of 4. 

 John rose to prominence as a businessman and became the owner of the local Frozen Food Locker. 

 His involvement in the community affairs, particularly in the sporting field, is being recognized as he takes his place on Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame in the “builder” category. 

 As a “builder,” John organized and coached Women’s Hockey, starting in 1969 with the Hot Shots and finalizing his active involvement in the 1980 season. 

 John Harrison displays his skill a coach, an organizer, and a promoter of fair play. As a result, many ladies learned the true value of player co-operation and sportsmanship. 

 John’s involvement has affected many lives and thanks to his dedication and devotion, the sport of Women’s Hockey is alive and well in our community today. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 14TH, 2005 ~ 

In 1994 Dawn Lockwood, then a Woodstock Town Councillor, challenged Mayor and Council to create a special Wall of Honour as a lasting tribute to sports’ teams, individuals, and builders who have made a major contribution to the development of sports in the Shiretown. Her claim was if a community cannot honour its own, where else can its athletes go for recognition. The Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame is that shrine and a lasting tribute to these hometown heroes. 

 As chairperson of the Board of the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame from 1995 to 2005, the task of building that wall was not Dawn’s alone. Sharing in this building project throughout the years were dedicated board members: 

Kelly Haley, Bun Veysey, Debbie McLeod, Eric Thomas, Donna Neilson, Jim Wheelan, Tom Muise, Clint Grant, Pauline Pelkey, Devon Judge, Arthur Slipp, Tom Sproull, Jack Taylor, and Ray Keirstead. 

 Dawn Lockwood has been and continues to be a leader and a builder. In championing the heroes of our past, she has helped to establish this Wall of Fame, which will serve to honour Woodstock’s past, present, and future athletic achievement in perpetuity. 

From you I receive, to you I give, 

Together we share, by this we live. 

 Anon 

~ INDUCTION MAY 13TH, 2006 ~ 

The 89th Battery Junior Basketball team, known as “The Carlisle Five” of “The Woodstock Carlisle” consisted of players C. Appleby, G. Troy, F. Stevens, A. Rogers, H. Mullis, W. Corey, McKinley, G. Gillis and J. Marston. The team was coached and managed by Russell McCLoskey, whose son Richard served as team mascot. 

 The agility and sharp shooting of this group of young men was second to none in the province. Their individual speed and skill were molded into a winning team effort. In the winter of 1928, in a game played in the Woodstock Armory, the Carlisle’s easily defeated the Moncton Mic Macs 49-21 for the provincial title. Forward W. Corey, guard C. Appleby and F. Stevens came off the bench to pace the hometown team to victory. 

 With the privilege of representing New Brunswick at the Dominion Junior Finals the team travelled to Ottawa to face the Ottawa Glebe, who were described then as “the finest junior team ever developed in Canada.” The final score, while apparently one-sided (and unrecorded), did not reflect the quality of the competition provided by the New Brunswick representatives. In an account of the game by the secretary of the Eastern Canada Basketball Association, the Five were said to have “done their part in putting New Brunswick on the basketball map.” 

 Best in the province and the region, top two in the Dominion, this team was feted for their great accomplishments at a banquet in June 1928 and entered the annals of sports fame forever. This latest honor, awarded posthumously for team, coach and mascot, ensures that their story will endure in the community they called home. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 13TH, 2006 ~ 

James Laforest was born in Woodstock on May 5, 1961. 

 A 1980 graduate of Woodstock High School, James was a member of the Woodstock High Sputnick III Weightlifting Club coached by RCMP Cst. Craig Andrews. 

The Sputnick III Club received unprecedented provincial recognition when team members Stephen Grant, James Laforest, David Welch, and Coach Craig Andrews were selected as part of the nine-man New Brunswick weightlifting team for the 1979 Jeux Canada Games in Brandon, Manitoba. 

 On February 23, 1979, while competing in the 110+ Kilo Heavyweight Division, James Laforest successfully lifted weights of 85 Kilos in the Clean and Jerk and 65 Kilos in the Snatch to claim the Gold Medal with a combined weight of 150 Kilos. 

 The Laforest Golf Medal in weightlifting was one of only six New Brunswick Gold Medals at the 1979 Canada Games. 

 Later in March, when writing of James Laforest’s achievement, the Hon. Richard B. Hatfield, Premier of New Brunswick, commented: 

 “Winning the gold medal for weightlifting at the Canada Games was indeed spectacular... Through your athletic endeavours you have brought honour and recognition to our Province and I join with all New Brunswickers in expressing appreciation of your accomplishments and sincere best wishes for the future.” 

The commitment and dedication exemplified by James Laforest in the sport of weightlifting will serve to offer our local athletes inspiration as they pursue excellence and compete on the national stage. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 12TH, 2007 ~ 

Stephen Kinney was a professional trainer and exhibitor of show horses in a career spanning 35 years, until retirement in 2001. 

Stephen started riding for the love of it: a love which led him from a hobby in Woodstock to a career in the United States, where he won hundreds of awards, including more than 50 titles in Class A, Regional and National competition. 

His greatest achievements in the ring came showing Morgan horses in English Pleasure and Park Saddle, events designed to showcase the extravagant trotting members of this versatile breed. 

The pinnacle of Stephen’s career came in 1999 and 2000 with two great horses, Aspenglow Genesis (pictured) and CN The Commanding Touch, at the New England Morgan Regional in Northampton, Massachusetts, and at the Morgan Grand National and World Championships in Oklahoma City, where he and Genesis won back-to-back English Pleasure World Championships, a feat accomplished only one other time. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

1999 

Aspenglow Genesis 

English Pleasure World Champion                                          Oklahoma 

CN The Commanding Touch 

Three Yr. Old Park Saddle World Champion                         Oklahoma 

2000 

Aspenglow Genesis 

New England Regional English Pleasure Champion           Northampton 

English Pleasure World Champion                                         Oklahoma 

CN The Commanding Touch 

Four Yr. Old Park Saddle World Champion                          Oklahoma 

~ INDUCTION MAY 12TH, 2007 ~ 

1995                    Hockey Canada Program of Excellence participation begins 

1996   Hockey Canada - National Coaching Certification Program - Advanced I and Theory III Development and Selection Camps for Team New Brunswick and Team Atlantic 

1997      Hockey Canada Program of Excellence - Skills Development Camps - Atom and Pee Wee Divisions 

1998 - 1999        Woodstock Warriors NBIAA “AA” Provincial Hockey Championship 

1999                    Assistant Coach - Team New Brunswick - Canada Winter Games 

1999 - 2000        Woodstock Warriors NBIAA “AA” Provincial Hockey Championship 

2000                    Assistant Coach - Team Atlantic - World Under 17 Championship 

2000 - 2002        Head Coach - Carleton-York-Victoria Bantam “AAA” Eastern Panthers 

2002                    Woodstock Junior “A” Slammers - Scouting and Draft Preparation 

2003 - 2004        Hockey New Brunswick Western Valley Atom Development Pilot Project 

2003 - 2005        Head Coach - Woodstock Junior “A” Slammers 

2005 - 2006        Director of Hockey Operations - Woodstock Junior “A” Slammers 

Maritime Junior “A” Meek Division and Kent Cup Championship 

2006                    Assistant Coach Woodstock Junior “A” Slammers 

2007 - 2008        Assistant Coach - Maritime Junior “A” Meek Division Championship 

~ INDUCTION MAY 10TH, 2008 ~ 

THE WOODSTOCK LINDSAYS – 1974 AND 1975

THE WOODSTOCK BOWLACADE – 1976 TO 1982 

NB SENIOR “MEN’S BOWLING CHAMPIONS 

Building upon the success of the 1974 NB Men’s Senior “B” Champions, the Woodstock Lindsays , the Woodstock Bowlacade team compiled a record of accomplishment that made them one of the most dominant tournament and challenge cup bowling teams in Atlantic Canada. 

The Woodstock Bowlacade team won the NB Senior “B” Men’s Championship in 1976, 1977 and 1981 and finished runner –up at the provincial championship in 1978 and 1982. 

Between 1974 – 1978 the Woodstock team made five consecutive appearances n the NB Senior “B” Championship final – winning three of five provincial titles and finishing runner – up twice. Their 1974 total of 79 wins and  9 losses still stands as the record win – loss performance  at the NB Senior “B” championship tournament. In 1976, they posted the second best tournament record of 78 wins and 10 losses. 

In addition to its success in provincial Senior “B” competition, the Woodstock Bowlacade  was one of the most successful teams during the “Golden Age” of International and Atlantic candlepin bowling. They repeatedly challenged for, won and defended the Marven Cup, The Hatfield Trophy and Blake Memorial International Challenge Trophy.  

The Woodstock Lindsays 

1974 Champions:    Glen Milheron, Bill Michaud, Ebbie Miller, Steve Polchies, Jim Cluff, Rick Cole, Robert  Johnston 

1975 Runner – Up:   Glen Milheron, Bill Michaud, Ebbie Miller, Steve Polchies, Jim Cluff, Rick Cole, George Castle 

The Woodstock Bowlacade 

1976 Champions:    Rick Cole, Glen Milheron, Jim Cluff, George Castle, Ebbie Miller, Steve Polchies, Bill Michaud 

1977 Champions:    Bill Hamilton, Bill Michaud, Jim Cluff, Ebbie Miller, Rick Cole, Glen Milheron, Steve Polchies 

1978 Runner – Up:   Bill Hamilton, Bill Michaud, Jim Cluff, Ebbie Miller, Rick Cole, Glen Milheron, Steve Polchies 

1981 Champions:     Bill Hamilton, Jim Cluff, Rick Cole, Bruce Cole, Dave Atherton, Winston Gormley, Glen Milheron 

1982 Runner – Up:    Jim Cluff, Bruce Cole, Larrt Mchatten, Glen Milheron, Rick Cole, Bill Hamilton 

~INDUCTION MAY 10TH, 2008~ 

Born May 21, 1935 in Digby, Nova Scotia, Howard holds a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from the University of New Brunswick (1961) and a Masters of Education Degree in Education Administration (1963) and a Certificate of Advance Study-General Administration (1968) from the University of Maine, Orono. 

While at the UNB, he was a member of the first graduating class of the newly created Faculty of Physical Education under the direction of Dr. John Meagher and, as a three sport athlete, was a member of the varsity football, basketball and volleyball teams. 

Howard began his teaching career in Carleton County at Centreville Regional High Schooling 1961-62 and that year coached the boys’ basketball team to a Provincial Class “M” Championship. 

Between 1972-1992, Howard served as Principal of Woodstock High School and during this period h worked with the architectural firm, Soucy and Ellis, to complete the design and construction of the new Woodstock High School located in Connell Park. Drawing on principles learned in the facilities design course of his undergraduate degree, he introduced many innovative and revolutionary features that resulted in greater functional utilization of the cafeteria, student locker area, theatre and gymnasium facilities. 

As Principal, his vision and leadership emphasized the pursuit of excellence and his personal commitment to athletics resulted in an enhanced interscholastic programme at WHS by: 

• Strengthening the intramural programme and forming weightlifting, karate, aerobics and fitness clubs; 

• Transforming the annual Christmas Basketball Classic into the top mid-season showcase of provincial talent 

• Introducing high school hockey and supporting the growth of the NBIAA Western Conference League in the upper St. John River Valley; 

• Adding baseball, track and field, rugby, curling and golf as NBIAA varsity sports; 

• Becoming the first principal to select and appoint qualified coaches from the community; 

• Encouraging participation in the National Coaches’ Certification Programme; 

• Initiating new funding mechanisms to support extracurricular activities, and 

• Pioneering the transition to, and purchasing of, vans for extracurricular transportation. 

In regiment, Howard and his wife Marion continue to support WHS sporting events and artistic performance. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 16TH, 2009 ~ 

 Playing in their inaugural season, the Woodstock High School (WHS) Warriors stunned the New Brunswick interscholastic hockey community by upsetting the Minto High Tigers 8-4 in the final of the 1972 NBIAA Class “M” Championship held in St. Andrews, NB. 

 The following is an excerpt from the Telegraph-Journal’s summary of the championship game: 

 ... Minto led 2-1 early in the game, but WHS tied it 2-2 by the end of the period and went on to lead 6-4 by the end of the second 

 … Brent Wilson, with two goals and three assists, led the way for WHS. Rick Bell added two goals and two assists, while Neil Dickinson came up with a goal and two helpers. Brian Fox, Ron McLellan, and Brian Schriver scored the other goals. [ … Woodstock goalkeeper Mac Fox came up with 38 saves.] 

The following season, returning players from this championship team lead the Warriors back to the Provincial Class “M” final where they finished runner-up to Minto in the championship game. 

 Woodstock High School began its participation in interscholastic hockey in the fall of 1971 when, at the request of the Woodstock Minor Hockey Association, it assumed operation of the association’s Juvenile team. 

 The 1971-1972 championship season began a rich tradition that saw Warrior Hockey become one of the most outstanding and successful hockey programs in the province of New Brunswick. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 16TH, 2009 ~ 

The Shiretowners story took root in 1974 with an Intermediate “A” team, which, a year later, won the Maritime Intermediate “A” Baseball Championship. In 1977, the squad moved to the NB Senior Baseball League, and, in its third year of existence, captured the NB Senior Baseball title, the first for Woodstock since 1959. 

Team success was due not only to games played on the field, but also to the off-field organization. A committed group of volunteers, about 50 in number, worked tirelessly year-round to provide a strong foundation. 

In 1979, the Shiretowners won the regular season pennant with a 19-11 win-loss record in a very competitive four-team league. This was accomplished with a squad of local talent supplemented with two imports from Massachusetts. 

After defeating the Marysville Red Lanterns 4-2 in the best-of-seven semi-final, the Shiretowners edged Fredericton Granadas 4-3 in a best-of-seven championship final. The series was described by a provincial sports writer as a “super series” won in the most dramatic of ways, a way in which kids dream of winning “the big game.” What more could fans ask for than a game-winning, home run in the bottom of the 9th inning of a tied game! Woodstock-7; Fredericton-6. 

Not only was the series a success on the field for the Shiretowners, but approximately 7,500 fans jammed Connell Field for the four home games. With the victory, the Shiretowners represented New Brunswick at the 1980 Canadian Senior Baseball Championship in Trois-Rivieres, Que., where they finished second, earning the silver medal. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 15, 2010 ~ 

October 16, 1992 - March 13, 2009 

2008 ATLANTIC GOLD EQUINE CANADA COMPETITIONS 

55 First Place Ribbons (one of the strongest performances in Atlantic Canada Junior A (under 18) riders) 

4 Grand Champion Over Fences 

4 Grand Champion Pony Hack 

Reserve Nova Scotia Champion Over Fences 

Silver Medal Windsor Pony Division 

Champion Junior A Equitation Over Fences Maritime Championships, Halifax, Nova Scotia 

2008 EQUINE CANADA YEAR-END AWARDS 

New Brunswick Grand Champion Junior Hunt Seat A Equitation 

New Brunswick Grand Champion Pony Medal Equitation Over Fences 

New Brunswick Grand Champion Pony Hack 

New Brunswick Grand Champion Pony Over Fences 

Selected in 2008 to represent Atlantic Canada in Large Pony Division at the Nationals held at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario 

Throughout the growing years as a young rider, Kelti persevered with talent, determination, and dedication. At a young age, Kelti began to emerge as a formidable competitor at all the local shows. Her early mount was a horse she bought at the young age of eight and trained herself under the guidance of her coach Rayna Doucette. Whisper (show name “Butterflies in My Tummy”) soon began to win at all of the local shows in New Brunswick. In 2006, Kelti made her move up to the Equine Canada Gold Hunter circuit. Her new horse was a young mare named Fly (show name “With Flying Colors”). All of the training on this horse was again done by Kelti and her coach. After many hours of hard work and many hours of practice, a new winning team emerged on the Atlantic Junior circuit. Kelti was a truly amazing rider, athlete, and competitor who was respected throughout all of the equine industry. 

Kelti’s coach, Rayna Doucette, describes Kelti as one of the top junior riders to come out of the Atlantic Canada region. Kelti was recognized not only by her Atlantic peers, but also at the national level. 

“Sometimes in life, as a coach, you are blessed with a talented rider with natural ability; sometimes you have riders with desire, dedication, and perseverance. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to coach Kelti Burnett who was the athlete with the complete package. Nothing could hold Kelti back, and I am sure that if she would have been given the time, she would have succeeded to achieve her ultimate goal of competing in the Olympics.” 

Kelti Burnett’s motto was “HAVE THE COURAGE TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP,” and this proved to be her inspiration in life and competing as an athlete. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 15, 2010 ~ 

The Bottlers resurrected a town program, which had self-destructed in a run for the Canadian Senior Championship in 1966. After a couple of seasons at the Intermediate “B” level, the team jumped to the Intermediate “A” level for the 1969-1970 season. 

Under the sponsorship of Woodstock Bottling, the team captured the Maritime title in its first attempt in 1970. 

The Bottlers competed in the highly competitive Maine-New Brunswick League, finishing in second place behind Presque Isle with a 12-6 win-loss record. 

In the provincial semi-finals, the Bottlers swept the Saint John Schooners, the defending Maritime champions, by scores of 63-50 and 60-40 in a two-game, total-point series. The win allowed the Bottlers to advance to the provincial final against the Bathurst Bullets. 

The Bullets took advantage of home court in game one to notch an 86-65 win and a seemingly insurmountable lead going to the second and final game. 

An effective full-court press, along with a full squad of players, saw the Bottlers wipe out the 21-point deficit by the 10-minute mark, en route to a convincing 109-69 victory. 

The Maritime final, held in Woodstock, saw the bottlers down the Nova Scotia champions, Halifax YMCA, by scores of 79-59 and 71-70. The Bottlers generated a large fan following as evident by the sell-outs at all home playoff games. Where else could adults and students receive entertainment for $1.00 and $0.50 admission, respectively? 

The victory illustrated that Woodstock and Carleton County continued to be a hotbed of provincial basketball, a legend that still exists today. 

~ INDUCTION MAY 14, 2011 ~

Paul Eugene Allen was a key member of the Woodstock baseball community as a player and a coach, spanning 25 years. 

As a member of the Woodstock Shiretowners, Allen was a player for the Woodstock franchise from 1974 to 1979 and manager of the Shiretowners from 1980 to 1982. 

Following Allen’s time with the Shiretowners, Allen went on to coach Woodstock Minor Baseball T-Ball to Midget teams from 1983 to 1995. Allen also coached the N.B. Selects and Woodstock High School baseball teams. 

Born in Fredericton in 1948, Allen moved to Woodstock where he spent many years in education as a teacher and administrator. 

Achievements: 

Woodstock Shiretowners player (1974-1979) 

1975 - Maritime Int. A Championship 

1979 - N.B. Senior Championships 

1979 - 10th leading hitter in N.B. Senior League (.350) 

Woodstock Shiretowners manager (1980-1982) 

1980 - Canadian Senior Tournament silver medal 

Woodstock Minor Baseball coach (1983-1995) 

1987 - Mosquito B Provincial/Atlantic championships 

1990 - N.B. Beaver A runner-up 

1992 - Atlantic Bantam A runner-up 

1993 - N.B./Atlantic Midget A championships 

1994 - Canadian Midget A Tournament fourth place 

Other coaching duties 

1995 - Head coach N.B. Selects 

1998 - Head coach Fredericton Vikings (N.B. Jr. champions, defeated Woodstock in the final) 

1999 - Head coach Fredericton Vikings (N.B. Jr. runner-up, losing to Woodstock in the final) 

 Allen’s organizational talents, athletic and teaching abilities, and leadership skills had a positive impact on many young people. Not only was this impact measured in terms of wins and championships; but, more importantly, in the development of young people as “winners in the game of life.” 

~ INDUCTION MAY 19TH, 2012 ~ 

 For nearly two decades, the Woodstock Rebels ladies softball team represented Woodstock and the Western Valley region throughout New Brunswick and Eastern Canada, winning at all levels of play. 

The franchise hit the field for 19 seasons, from 1982 to 2000, and featured some of the best talent the region had to offer. 

Throughout this period, the Rebels were always at, or near, the top of Ladies Orthodox Softball in the Maritimes. A group of women who were capable of playing a variety of positions on the field, the team competed at both the fast-pitch and orthodox levels. 

The Rebels won six provincial titles, silver medals at Eastern Canadian and provincial finals, and numerous league titles. They also had great success at numerous invitational tournaments over the years. 

One of the squad’s key years was 1989 when the team captured a provincial orthodox A crown by capping off an undefeated season in league and playoff play. That year, over the course of a 35 game schedule, they scored 621 runs with a team batting average of .471. 

At the Masters level, the Rebels also won back-to-back N.B. titles in 1999 and 2000. 

Achievements: 

1982 - Woodstock League Champs 

Intermediate “AA” Ladies Fast Pitch Provincial Champs 

Eastern Canadian Bronze Medal 

1983 -  Eastern Canadian Bronze Medal 

1984 -  Woodstock Ladies League Champs 

Orthodox “C” Provincial Champs 

1985 -  St. John Valley League Runners-up 

1986 -  St. John Valley League Champs 

1989 -  Senior Ladies “A” Orthodox Provincial Champs 

1990 -  Senior Ladies “A” Orthodox Provincial Champs 

1993 -  Intermediate “A” Orthodox Provincial Champs 

1999 -  Masters Orthodox Champs 

2000 -  Masters Orthodox Champs 

2006 -  Softball NB Wall of Fame 

*1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993 

(League Champions in Hartland Ladies League under the name Hallett’s Rebels) 

~ INDUCTION MAY 19TH, 2012 ~