Don was born in
Wallaceburg but moved to Chatham with his family at a very
young age. He showed great promise in several sports while
attending Chatham Collegiate and continued his excellence
throughout his life. Don is best remembered as a standout
hockey player for the original Chatham Maroons where he
became know as "Honey Boy" because he was such a
sweet player. He became best known for his scoring
ability, his poke checking, and especially his performance
on the power play. Don was also a very fine softball
pitcher for several teams that competed provincially. He
went on to manage, coach, officiate, umpire, and referee
in the games that he loved.
HOCKEY
- 1925
- While at CCI, he was very successful in a
variety of sports; pitched softball, played centre
and was captain in hockey; played quarter position
in rugby
- 1927-1928
- While still in high school, at age 17 he played
for the original Chatham Senior Maroons
- 1930
- Starred for Maroons who went all way to OHA
Finals by beating University of Western Ontario,
London East, La Salle, Stratford, and
Hamilton; lost in finals to Royal Military
College 3-2 in two-game total goal series; scored
first goal of second game to tie total score at
2-2
- 1932
- Standout performer on the Michigan-Ontario
League Champion Maroon team
- 1934
- Starred on M-O League Champion Maroons team that
went on to lose to Falconbridge in All-Ontario
Finals in Allan Cup play downs
- 1937
- Standout player for the Maroons, went on to win
OHA Senior "B" Championship giving
Chatham its first OHA Championship; scored first
goal in final game against Niagara Falls as
Chatham won 3-0. After 1938-39 season,
Maroons disbanded as arena was condemned and his
hockey career was virtually over since the new
arena not built until 1949
SOFTBALL
For over 20 years was one of the premier pitchers in
area; pitched first no hit no run game in City
League history
BOWLING
He was an excellent 5-pin bowler and won many awards
over the years. In 1980 he played with Ontario 5-pin
Bowling Association Championship team and finished 5th at
the Canadian National Championships.
|
