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Uncategorised (66)

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 04:51

DARYL CLANCY

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#9 Daryl Clancy - Forward

Career
1980/82 - Frank Cosco
1983/89 - CWS
1990/91 - Frasca TopGuns
1992/93 - Femview Rangers

Daryl Clancy was a very skilled, hardworking and dedicated player with an undeniable attitude for winning. His determination led him and his teams to titles in four different leagues (NMHA, MTBBL, TBHA, NWTBBL) in a career spanning over 14 years.

Daryl is the all-time leading scorer in Mississauga Ball Hockey Association history having amassed 282 points in 107 games played where he won the scoring title in 1984, 1985 and in 1989. He was a 5-time UBHA I st Team Allstar and was selected the league's @ in 1986 and 1987.

Daryl was a member of a unique group of marksmen in the game when he counted 50 points in the Metro Toronto Ball Hockey League to capture his second scoring championship in as many leagues played.

Nonetheless, his accomplishments did not end there. The dimunutive forward, who combined speed, tenaciousness and pure offensive prowress in his game, saved his best for last when he joined the Femview Rangers in 1991 where he helped lead the sport's most tenured franchise to their first OBHA Provincial Chainpionship (Penetang) and first of three consecutive National Championships (British Columbia) in 1992.

There could not have been a more appropriate epilogue to an individual's career who epitomized professionalism and perseverance both on and off the playing surface and who's rewards were finally realized. Daryl Clancy, whose qualities as an individual along with his accomplishments as a player have made him one of the premier practitioners in 'Orange Ball' history, has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 04:43

YVON BRETON

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#24 Yvon "Skip" Breton - Centerman

Career
1981/83 - Hearst Villeux Furniture
1984/92 - Ottawa Senators
1993/94 - Ottawa Maxwell Cobras

Yvon "Skip" Breton, who began his playing career in the northern town of Hearst, Ontario, became one of the most talented and explosive forwards in the game of ball hockey. Yvon was a primarily as a centerman. He was a good face-off man and an excellent playmaker who combined speed and agility with finesse and accurate marksmanship that created nothing but havoc for opposing teams.

"Skip" was a 6-time league MVP who captured 8 scoring titles during his career as a member of the Senators (1984-1992) and Cobras (1993) in the Ottawa-Carleton Ball Hockey League. Yvon experienced early success at the OBHA Championships as a member of the Voyageurs, only the second team in OCBHL history to win a gold medal at the AAA Provincials, in Penetang, in 1985.

Yvon Breton followed up his provincial prize later that year with a bronze medal at the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) Championships in Winnepeg, Manitoba where he was also selected to the CBHA Allstar Team. He went on to the Nationals in 1986 in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia with the Senators where his team graduated to the silver medal as he was once again a consensus First Team CBHA Allstar Forward.

"Skip" culminated his playing career in 1993 as a member of the Maxwell Cobras, where he thrilled the home-town faithful one more time as he commandeered one of the sports greatest teams, as the club's MVP, to a silver medal at the CBHA Championships in Ottawa that year. It was a bittersweet end to a devoir that collectively deserved a better resolution, that on the other hand was personally outstanding and revered nonetheless.

Yvon was ball hockey's own 'Flying Frenchman'. He was the focus of his adversarial defenders whenever he was on the floor. Teams respected and feared his ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with one fatal swoop of his offensive energy. He was indeed one of the premier practitioners in the history of ball hockey in Ontario who has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 04:36

TONY COLUCCI

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#66 Tony Colucci - Center

Career
1984/86 - North York Rangers
1987/88 - Midas Topguns
1989/92 - Maple Precast Eagles
1993 - North York Jets
1994 - MTE Allstars
1995 - Femview Rangers
1996 - North York Jets
1997/98 - Vaughan Maple Leafs (Masters)

Tony Colucci was the consummate 'power forward' who was a dominate force in the game of ball hockey since he arrived on the AAA scene in the mid 1980's. He established a presence in both ends of the rink with his size, speed and offensive savvy. One of the finest faceoff men in the game, only his spirit and intense competitive nature superceded his skills as a player that ultimately made him a proven winner at all levels of participation throughout his career in the OBHA.

Tony Colucci was a team leader and a perennial all-star center who was a member of six (6) League Championship teams. He holds the dubious distinction of having won three successive OBHA AAA titles in the 1980's (1987, 1988, 1989) with three different teams while adding a fourth to that list as a member of the Femview Rangers later in 1995.

"T.C.'s" trend of successes continued at the national level of competition as he captured three gold medals in a triumvirate of uniforms (Topguns, Eagles, Rangers) to add to his prized collection of ball hockey ducats.

Tony Colucci was the complete package. He was a dedicated, highly skilled, hardworking and most sought after individual whose myriad of successes is a testament to his diversion as a player. Tony presently remains active participating in the Masters division where he has recently added yet another provincial title to his trophy case. In 1997 the NWTBHL presented Tony with the Golden Jet Award in recognition for his lifetime achievement of excellence in the sport. He is indeed one of the premier practitioners in the game of ball hockey who has earned a rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 04:31

WILLIAM DARK

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#31 William Dark - Goaltender

Career
1983/86 - Aluminum Assoc.
1986/94 - Provincial Glass

Goaltenders have been affectionately described as eccentric characters of the game. They are unique individuals, quirky and often distant from the rest of the players. These armored knights are often unnoticed as they sit alone in the stands or in a comer of the dressing room preparing for what lies ahead. They have a different perspective of the game because, afterall, when all others fail, they are the last line of defence . They exhibit varied levels of nervousness but all have a definitive mental focus and desire to play and win the big game.

Glenn Hall was one of those goaltenders. He recognized the importance of winning the big game. "It comes down to winning the Stanley Cup. There are many great goaltenders who aren't in the Hall of Fame because they haven't won the Stanley Cup." The N.H.L. legend won the Stanley Cup in 1960-61 with the Chicago Blackhawks and was inducted into the Shrine in 1975.

William Dark , who was similar to his professional predecessor in both style and personality, was a big game goaltender who also knew how to win. He was a mainstay between the pipes for London Provincial Glass from their inception in 1986 where he garnered the Most Outstanding Goaltender Award in every year that he played. His initial success abroad took root at the AA Provincial Championships in 1987 where "Darky" was selected as the Tournament MVP in leading his team to victory.

Billy's unorthodox, floppy style of detecting orange balls was patently a pleasure to watch as his success continued. His acrobatics became well recognized and were respectively acknowledged by the ntanerous Allstar and MVP awards that he received at the league, tournament, provincial and national levels of competition throughout his tenure. It was clearly a testament to his skill as a netminder and to the key role that he played forthe Glass.

Billy anchored the team's bronze medal achievement at their inaugural Canadian Ball Hockey Chwnpionship appearance in 1989 and quickly followed that up with a spectacular Gold Medal performance only a year later in the 'Homets Nesf at the 1990 Nationals in St. John's Newfoundland where London finally got to sip champagne from The Mug.

William Dark won the big game. He is indeed a champion and one of the premier "ball stoppers" in the history of the game who has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 04:12

DENIS LAPENSEE

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#10 Denis Lapensee - Forward/Defenceman

Career
1976/77 - Ottawa Voyageurs
1978/85 - Ottawa Globe Trophy
1986/87 - Ottawa Senators
1988/89 - Ottawa Voyageurs
1990/95 - Ottawa Maxwell Cobras

Dave Graham, past president of the Ottawa-Carleton Ball Hockey League (O.C.B.H.L.) spoke with reverence when he proclaimed that, "Denis Lapensee is the only player I have seen that you could call The Franchise". The forward later turned defenceman, who began his illustrious career with the Ottawa Voyageurs in 1976 and ended it in 1995 with the Maxwell Cobras, may well have been the best all-round player that has emerged from the O.C.B.H.L.

Denis Lapensee amassed 181 goals and 211 assists for 392 points in his first decade of participation. He added three league MVP and an Outstanding Defenceman Award (1985) during this period enroute to becoming the most prolific scorer in O.C.B.H.L. Denis was a very smooth and skilled performer who could pass and shoot with precision and accuracy. He made offence a part of his defence in leading Globe Trophy, the Senators, and the Cobras to multiple league titles respectively.

Denis Lapensee won two Provincial and a National Championship during his tenure. He played an integral role in Ottawa Globe Trophy's sweep of the League, OBHA and CBHA Gold Medals in 1979, where he was named tournament MVP in Winnipeg, Manitoba that year. Denis later added yet another AAA Ontario Cup title to his accomplishments in 1985 as a member of the Voyageurs, where on this occasion he was selected the event's Most Outstanding Defenceman.

Denis Lapensee , who was the recipient of the A.C.T. (Associated Canadian Travelers) Award presented by the City of Ottawa in recognition of his outstanding qualities as an athlete in the sport of ball hockey, is indeed one of the premier practitioners in the history of "Orange Ball" and has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 04:02

CLAUDIO LESSIO

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#90 Claudio Lessio - Centerman

Career
1979/81 - Goulding Park Leafs (GPBHL)
1982 - P & P Express (International Amateur B.H.A.)
1983 - Toronto Red Wings (T.B.H.A.)
1984/86 - Midas Athletics (T.B.H.A.)
1987/88 - Midas Topguns (T.B.H.A.)
1989/91 - Frasca Topguns (N.W.T.)
1992 - Maple Precast Eagles (N.W.T.)
1996/98 - Vaughan Maple Leafs (Masters)

Look in the sky! It's a bird! Its a plane! No its...........

He's faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound......disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet who fights a never ending battle for truth, justice........

#90 Claudio Lessio may as well have had a large "S" emblazoned on the front of his uniform as he was arguably the most enduring dominant forward in the history of the game. The 6'1" and 185 pound centerman, who made his Tier I debut in 1983 as a member of the Toronto Red Wings, did not take long to make his mark in the sport as he claimed his first of five OBHA AAA Championships (as an Associated Player) with the Budget Wildcats who won the Ontario Cup that year. He was the leading scorer and MVP of the tournament in Mississauga where his offensive prowess was immediately recognized by those who saw him play, continually thwarting defenders and goalies alike in spearheading the "Cats" to victory.

Claudio Lessio , through a migration of teams (Red Wings and Athletics) in 1984, became a member of one of the most storied franchises in the game of ball hockey, the Midas Athletics, where he quickly began his onslaught on the record books and emerged as one of the most decorated players of all time at the various levels of competition. He was a 'big game' player, a perennial scoring leader who was also a three-time OBHA and CBHA All-star who was often selected the MVP for his team. His club accomplishments place him among the sport's elite. League (1984 - 87 & 89 Topguns - TBHA, 1990 - Frasca Topguns - NWTBHL) OBHA (I 983 - Wildcats, 1984, 1987, 1988, Midas and 1991 Frasca Topguns) CBHA (1984 Midas Athletics, 1989 Maple Precast Eagles, 1991 Frasca Topguns)

Claudio Lessiowas honored with the President's Award in both the TBHA and NWTBHL respectively and the recipient of the inaugural Golden Jet Award for a lifetime of excellence in the sport of ball hockey. This indelible athlete possesses an extensive list of personal accomplishments that has indeed made him one of the premier practitioners in "Orange Ball" history who has earned his rightful place in theOBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 03:48

TONY MINIACI

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#15 Tony Miniaci - Forward

Career
1978/90 - York Canadians (TBHA)

Tony Miniaci , combined speed, tenaciousness and relentless pursuit to antagonize his opponents every opportunity he had as he darted around the rink in the traditional Canadian's garb that became synonymous with success during the embryonic years in the game of ball hockey in Ontario.

The diminutive forward was a pioneer of the game who may well have been branded with a 'hammer & sickle' for his personal work ethic and attitude towards performance. Once referred to as "El Duce", the player-coach-manager of the Les Habs, led his club to Ontario's inaugural Canadian Ball Hockey Association Championship hosted in the nation's capital in 1978.

Tony Miniaci, whose name appears on the Toronto, Ontario and Canadian Cup respectively, participated in three decades of ball hockey before retiring along with his team after the 1990 season. "Mini" was one of the most intense forechecking and prolific penalty killing forwards in the game who ranks among the top ten all-time scorers in the T.B.H.A. with over 250 career points.

Tony Miniaci , who presently continues to remain active in the sport of ball hockey as a game official and the C.E.O. of his infamous "Original Six" outdoor league in the City of Toronto, is indeed one of the premier practitioners in the history of "Orange Ball" in Ontario who has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007 03:42

GRANT MUSSELMAN

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#16 Grant Musselman - Defenceman

Career
1980/82 - Sarnia
1982/95 - Oshawa Bruins

Grant Musselman began his career with a brief stint in Sarnia in 1980. Shortly thereafter, in 1982, he migrated east to play with one of the most revered franchises in OBHA history, the Oshawa Bruins. There he became an integral part of the most successful team that the Oshawa Ball Hockey League has ever produced as the 'Big Bad Bruins' claimed an unprecedented string of league titles as Musselman, a perennial allstar defenceman, emerged as one of the finest rearguards to ever play the game.

Grant Musselman stood tall along the blueline at 6'2". He was a tough, stay-at-home defender who exhibited dexterity and precision marksmanship. The anchor on arguably the best powerplay that the game of ball hockey has ever witnessed, was a perennial league allstar and was a member of the Bruins 1986 OBHA AAA Provincial Championship team. He was selected the tournament's most Outstanding Defenceman in Hamilton that year.

Grant Musselman , who is now retired from the game on the pavement, remains involved on the ice in a coaching capacity at the AAA level in Oshawa where he continues to extoll the virtues and benefits of ball hockey to his players.

Grant Musselman was inherently dedicated and comitted to the game of ball hockey throughout his 15 year career. He was a consumate professional who was well recognized and respected by his teammates and opponents alike. He was a genuine competitor and true champion of the game who is indeed one of the premier practitioners in the history of "Orange Ball" who has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Monday, 10 December 2007 18:48

JON PICKERING

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#55 Jon Pickering - Defenseman

Career
1978/83 - Toronto Athletics
1984/91 - Midas Topguns

Jon Pickering was neither an evolutionary or revolutionary of the game. He was a high performance practitioner who simply go the job done. He was a very disciplined stay-at-home defenceman who played a tough but intelligent brand of ball hockey who exemplified poise and professionalism both on and off the floor.

"Picks", who anchored the highly touted Topgun powerplay with precision passing and accurate marksmanship with his unconventional short stick, is the Toronto Ball Hockey Association's all-time Leading Scorer for Defencemen and a former league MVP. Jon Pickering uniquely enough, has won titles in two different leagues (T.B.H.A. and N.W.T.B.H.L.) and has been an integral part of the Topguns (5) Ontario and (2) Canadian Ball Hockey Association Championship teams as both a player and a coach during his tenure.

Jon Pickering , an original member of the Topgun juggernaut, was a team leader and a highly respected individual among his teammates and opponents alike. His was a big game player who is indeed one of the premier practioners in "Oranger Ball" in Ontario who has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame.

Monday, 10 December 2007 18:33

BRUNO PULLARA

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#37 Bruno Pullara - Goaltender

Career
1985/89 - Cheers/CML Raiders
1990/96 - Femview Rangers

The former Philadelphia Flyer goaltender and Hall of Famer Bernie Parent was the first back-to-back winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy for MVP in the N.H.L. playoffs. His indelible stand up style and poised positioning between the pipes prompted the "Sign Man" at the Spectrum in the city of brotherly love to display that, "Only God saves more than Parent".

Bruno Pullara , whose upright style and rapier-like reflexes was a prototype of the great netrninder, is recognized by the most notable visionaries of the game as the most quintessential, highly skilled and successful "orange ball" stopper that the sport has ever seen. In just over a decade of participation, "B.P.", who starred with the Femview Rangers from 1990 - 1996, became the most decorated goaltender in the history of the Ontario Ball Hockey Association.

Bruno Pullara won a combined (5) T.B.H.A. and N.W.T.B.H.L. titles while being named the Outstanding Goaltender for a record (5) consecutive seasons in league play respectively. Early in his career, he was the most sought after "last line of defence" as he backstopped both the Precast Eagles (89) and the Frasca Topguns (91) to Canadian Championships before spearheading his own contingent of the Rangers to two Ontario Cups and record three consecutive National Championship Gold Medals from 1992 to 1994.

Bruno Pullara , who was a three-time OBHA AAA Allstar and a two-time Provincial Championship NWP, was the consumate professional both on and off the floor. The three-time C.B.H.A. Allstar Goaltender was a dedicated and hardworking team player. He was a "big game" goalie and a proven winner who was indeed one of the premier practitioner's in the history of ball hockey in Ontario who has earned his rightful place in the OBHA Players Hall of Fame .

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