Wallaceburg Hall of Fame announces inductees and award winners

The Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame recently made the announcement of its new class of inductees and annual award winners.

The inductees include:

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Team – 1990 Wallaceburg Sting Senior Men’s Soccer Team
The Sting were the Western Ontario Soccer League’s Second Division champs and Cup champions.

Master Classic – 1978 Wallaceburg Juvenile Satan’s Lacrosse team
The Satans were the Juvenile Provincial D champions.

Builder – Grace Harvey
Harvey was one of the pioneers of developing women’s hockey in Wallaceburg. She has also been a long time volunteer for junior hockey and lacrosse.

Coach / Official – Ed Freeburn
A long time high school and elementary coach, Freeburn coached football, volleyball, shot put and javelin, while making his greatest and most lasting impact in basketball. He played a big role in growing the game of basketball in the community.

Female Athlete – Patti Blondia
A figure skater, Blondia qualified for the All-Canadian National Figure Skating Champions for five consecutive years in all three categories, Novice, Junior and Senior winning a silver medal in the Novice Ladies event.
After her amateur career was finished, Blondia spent 30 years as a skating coach in Chatham-Kent.

Male Athlete – Brian Glover
A multi-sport athlete in his youth, Glover has been one of southwestern Ontario’s top curlers, taking part in 11 Ontario Curling Association provincial championships.

Annual award winners

Ray Aarssen / WSHOF Scholarship – Lucas Laprise
Outstanding Achievement – Legacie Blackbird
Outstanding Achievement – Tori Horrobin
Builder – Play 4 Brae
Coach – Chris Bonneau
Athlete of the Year – Samantha St. Croix

The honorary chairperson is Henry Jaruga. The guest speaker is scheduled to be former NHL defenceman T.J. Brodie.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for April 11 induction banquet can be purchased for $75 from Michelle Freeburn. At 519-359-3829.