Guelph Sports Hall of Fame announces the 2016 inductees
Induction ceremony takes place at Kiwanis Sports Celebrity dinner May 18
The Guelph Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors is pleased to announce the names of the 2016 inductees who will be inducted at a ceremony this May.
This year’s inductees are athlete Maria Gallo, veteran athlete Chuck Henderson, builder Thomas Dimitroff Jr. and the 1998 Guelph Storm.
The induction ceremony will take place during the annual Kiwanis Sports Celebrity dinner on Wednesday, May 18 at the Italian Canadian Club. Tickets are $80 for adults and $35 for students 17 and younger.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 519-822-1260 extension 2033 or email coralee.barfoot@guelph.ca.
About the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame
The Guelph Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that recognizes and honours the achievements of Guelph individuals and teams who have attained prominence and distinction in any field of sport, and who have made a major contribution to the development and advancement of sports in Guelph. Funding is generously provided through the Guelph Kiwanis Club’s annual Sports Celebrity dinner. The Guelph Sports Hall of Fame was established by the City of Guelph and the Kiwanis Club of Guelph in 1992.
Inductee Bios
Athlete – Maria Gallo (rugby)
Maria Gallo’s athletic career spanned 15 years and began at St. James High School in Guelph where she was named Female Athlete in 1995. The highlights of her career include:
- Varsity athlete: University of Guelph (1996-1999): OUAA (1996-1999) and CIS Champions (1998); CIS MVP 1998 and 1999; University of Guelph Female Athlete of the Year 1999; University of Alberta (2001-2004): CIS Champions 2001-2002; and University of Alberta Female Athlete of the Year 2002
- Member of the Women’s Senior Provincial Rugby Team: Ontario (1997-2001): National Champions 1997-1999, 2001; Alberta (2002-2007): National Champions 2003; and British Columbia (2008-2010): National Champions 2008
- Member of the Women’s Senior National 15s Rugby Team (1999-2010); 55 Caps for the Senior 15s National Rugby Team; vice-captain since 2008
- World Cups 2002, 2006, 2009 and 2010
- Member of the Women’s Sr. National 7s Rugby Team (2008-2009); captain since 2008
- Head Coach of the Women’s Varsity Rugby for the University of British Columbia (2013-present)
Veteran Athlete – Chuck Henderson (hockey)
Chuck Henderson’s hockey career began in the 1940s when he was first recognized by the New York Rangers scouts after his Midland Bantam team won the Ontario championship in 1947/48. He then signed a “C” contract at the age of 14 and played with the Rangers junior team in Guelph. His career highlights include:
- 1949/50—Guelph OHA Jr. B all Ontario Finalist, finishing regular season with a 20-0 record
- 1951/52—won Memorial Cup with Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters (Chuck had 50 goals and 41 assists in 52 games)
- 1951/52—played and contributed on the once top scoring line with Murphy Laufman setting a new JR “A” scoring record for the season which was held for a number of years
- Played intermediate and senior hockey in Saskatoon, Kamloops, and Windsor
- Was known to be a smooth, fast skater who was a good stick-handler and goal scorer
- Became a Minor Hockey Coach in Guelph for eight years after his playing career finished for All-Star Peewees, Bantams, Midgets, and Juveniles
- 1973/74—earned a Coach of the Year award in Minor Hockey
Builder – Thomas Dimitroff Jr.
Thomas Dimitroff Jr. is the current general manager of the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons. Before joining the Falcons in 2008, he was with the New England Patriots for six years. He joined the Patriots in 2002 as a national scout and was named Director of College scouting a year later. His career highlights include:
- Named Most Valuable Player for Guelph high schools in 1984
- Played defensive back for the University of Guelph Gryphons 1985-1990 and was team captain 1988-1990
- Canadian scouting coordinator for Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League 1991-1992
- College scout for Detroit Lions 1994-1997
- College scout for Cleveland Browns 1998-2002
- Named ‘2008 NFL Executive of the Year’ by Sporting News
- Named ‘2010 NFL Executive of the Year’ by Sporting News
Team – 1998 Guelph Storm—Ontario Hockey League (hockey)
The 1998 Guelph Storm was the first Storm team to win the Ontario Hockey League Championships and was the closest to winning the Memorial Cup, losing in overtime in the final against Portland. Team highlights include:
- 66 games played
- 90 points total
- 681% win percentage
- Overall record 42-18-6
- 263 goals for and 189 goals against
- Goaltender Chris Madden named Memorial Cup MVP (33 Wins, 2.73 GAA, 4 shutouts)
- Team Leaders: Brian Willsie (76 Points, 45 Goals), Kevin Mitchell (46 assists)
For more information
Lynne Briggs
Secretary
Guelph Sports Hall of Fame
519-822-1260 extension 2683
lynne.briggs@guelph.ca
Andy Behnan
Chair
Guelph Sports Hall of Fame
519-836-3839
behnan3839@rogers.com
