Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame to induct 10 new members

The Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame proudly announces its Class of 2025, set to recognize ten distinguished individuals at an induction ceremony on October 18 at the Dante Club. Among the inductees are Olympic figure skater Michael Marinaro and former NHL player Dustin Jeffrey, both of whom have made significant contributions to the world of sports.

Michael Marinaro will be honored with the prestigious Jack Isom Award, designated for athletes who have excelled on an international stage. Marinaro, alongside his pairs partner Kirsten Moore-Towers, achieved remarkable feats at the Winter Olympics, including a commendable fourth-place finish for Canada in the team event at the 2022 Beijing Games. Their partnership yielded impressive accolades: three Canadian senior titles, two medals from the Four Continents Championships, and five medals from the ISU Grand Prix series. Marinaro’s talent was also evident during the 2013 World Junior Championships, where he secured a silver medal while competing with partner Margaret Purdy.

Dustin Jeffrey, the other highlighted inductee, will join Marinaro as part of the Class of 2025. His professional career spanned parts of 16 seasons in the NHL, where he played 131 games with teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, and Arizona Coyotes. Jeffrey’s career statistics include an impressive 33 points in the NHL, and he has been recognized twice as an American Hockey League All-Star. Currently, he is an assistant coach for the Sarnia Sting, following in the footsteps of his father Neil and grandfather Stuart—both of whom are Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame members.

Golf also has a notable presence in this year’s group, with Chris Dickson being inducted as a professional athlete. Dickson demonstrated his prowess on the tour by winning eight events over eight years and setting course records. His coaching journey transitioned into instructing golf and mentoring young players, earning him accolades such as the OUA women’s coach of the year in 2010 and 2011, along with the coach of the year award at the 2012 Golf Canada national university championships.

The Class of 2025 will also honor prominent amateur athletes, including Matt Cimetta, recognized for his exceptional performance on the blue line with the Sarnia Legionnaires. Cimetta was named the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Western Conference’s most outstanding rookie defenseman during the 2011-12 season. His contributions to the sport embody the spirit of dedication and talent that the Hall of Fame aims to celebrate.

Another award will be bestowed upon Ross Helps, who will receive the Special Achievement Award for his longstanding commitment to volunteer work. His dedication to the Mooretown Silver Stick tournament over 41 years and similar involvement in Sarnia Silver Stick events showcases the essential role of community contributions in the world of sports.

Coaching has been a focal point in the lives of many inductees, including Pete Kaija, who is the Earl MacKenzie Award recipient. Kaija’s extensive coaching legacy spans more than three decades, directing boys’ and girls’ basketball at St. Clair and Great Lakes Secondary Schools, along with his role as head coach for women’s basketball at Lambton College. His influence on young athletes has helped shape future generations in the world of sports.

Joe Birch, the recipient of the Bud Morrison Award, has similarly impacted the sports community, primarily in hockey. With a rich history in the Ontario Hockey League and notable roles as the Kitchener Rangers’ chief operator and governor, Birch has been instrumental in shaping policies and advocating for young players, earning recognition in the top 100 influential figures in hockey.

The Class of 2025 also highlights the accomplishments of Lisa Bennett, who is recognized for her extensive contributions to volleyball through coaching young athletes at various educational levels. Her dedication reflects the ongoing commitment to fostering sports participation among youth.

Bob Newman is another influential figure, receiving the Rose Hodgson Award for his community contributions through coaching girls’ softball and track & field. His initiatives have significantly improved local sports programs and inspired young athletes to strive for excellence.

Moreover, the 1993 St. Patrick’s senior football team will be enshrined for their remarkable season. They made history as the first non-Toronto-area team to claim victory in the Metro Bowl, overcoming challenges along the way and demonstrating the resilience and spirit of sportsmanship that embodies Sarnia-Lambton.

The induction ceremony will provide an opportunity not only to celebrate these athletes and contributors but also to inspire the future generation of sports enthusiasts in Sarnia-Lambton. Tickets for the event can be obtained from Hall of Fame directors or by contacting president Pete Coenjarts.

As we prepare for this exciting evening in October, the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame continues to stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of sports and community involvement. The stories and achievements of the Class of 2025 remind us of the profound impacts that sports can have, both on individuals and communities.

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