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This versatile athlete excelled in a wide-variety of sports while growing up in Port Arthur during the 1960s, and he continued to do so over the course of the next four decades. Headline grabbing success followed him onto the baseball diamond, hockey rink and tennis courts.


A Port Arthur Minor Hockey Association scoring champion and MVP, he helped his teams claim league and city championship titles. His talents saw him join the CASE Eagles junior hockey organization, leading his team in scoring during his rookie season. Advancing to the top of the Thunder Bay Junior A points list in 1973-74, he helped his team claim league titles during his time with the club.


Following a try-out with the Detroit Red Wings, he found his way to the Thunder Bay Twins Senior hockey team. Named the 1978-79 Rookie of the Year, he enjoyed a 13 season career with the club, the most by any player, winning a number of awards, records and titles. During the early 80s he also played in the Swiss hockey league.


A high scorer and fan-favourite in his well-known # 20 jersey, he was a five-time team, and two-time Central Amateur Senior Hockey League scoring champion, and set the record as the CASH Leagues all-time leading scorer and the Twins record for the most goals, assists, and points. His scoring abilities helped the Twins dominate senior hockey in Canada during the 1980s, contributing to their 4 Allan Cup titles in 1984, '85, '88 and '89.


During the summer months he was making a name for himself on the tennis courts. From the 1970s to 2000s, he dominated city and Thunder Bay Tennis Club championships with close to twenty singles crowns to his credit. In doubles action he claimed multiple titles, including Mid-Canada Tennis Classic honours, and a gold medal at the 1983 Ontario Summer Games. Successful in mixed doubles as well, he would often come away from tournaments having won titles in all three disciplines.


In addition to his talents on the playing field, he also contributed to sport as a minor league coach of baseball, soccer and hockey. He also served as an Assistant Director and Manager-Pro with the Thunder Bay Tennis Club and helped with their Junior Development program. Passing away in 2006 at fifty-one years of age, he left behind a legacy as a highly respected athlete, mentor and coach.


Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 17, 2022


Gerry Cizmar

Inducted: 
2022
Sport:
All-round
Community:
Thunder Bay
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