ST VITAL VICTORIAS HALL OF FAME
(established in 2006)
The Hall of Fame recognizes the outstanding and extraordinary efforts of select individuals
to the organization. It honours former players, coaches, and contributors
for their outstanding performance, dedication, and support for the Junior Victoria program.
"If we can see further, it is because we stand on the rungs of a ladder built by those who came before us"
2006 - Don Osadick
Don Osadick(1980-84) Played four seasons with the Victorias, and accumulated an amazing 445 points, an MMJHL record that stands today. Lead the league three times in points to capture the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League’s Steve Clause Memorial Trophy, in addition to twice being awarded the league’s Ken Prodonick Memorial Trophy for Ability & Sportsmanship. A first team all-star in three of his four seasons, he still lives in the area with wife Laurie and three children, Tyler, Kaleigh, and Brody. His achievements are truly exceptional, and distinguish "Number 17" as the inaugural inductee into the Major Junior Victoria Hall of Fame.
2007 - Derek Kochenash, Jeff Sinnott, Murray Roy, Richard Smith
Derek Kochenash (1992-96) Played four seasons with the Major Junior club. A gifted centreman, blessed with superior vision and exceptional leadership skills. Career point totals are among the highest of all Junior Victorias, past and present. His 65 assists during the 1995-96 season are an all-time team record. In 95-96, was a first-team All-Star, won the MMJHL's Steve Clause Memorial Trophy (scoring leader), and recipient of the Vic's MVP Award.
Jeff Sinnott (1995-98) A St. Vital product who played three seasons with the organization. Was the backbone of the defensive corps, often logging 35+ minutes per game. Equally adept in his offensive and defensive skills, always calm under pressure, possessing an uncanny ability to read and react. Recorded 65 points in 96-97, the second highest for defencemen in franchise history. Was a First-team All-Star in 96-97 and 97-98; won the MMJHL's George Cadzow Trophy (Best Defenceman) in 96-97, won the Vic's MVP in 96-97, and 97-98, along with the team's Top Defenceman Award all three seasons.
Murray Roy (1979-81) A resident of the St. Boniface area, became an import to the Vics in 1979 following a brief stint with the Riels. A gritty, two-way forward who played with a a definite edge, all-the-while possessing an excellent scoring touch. Playing on a line with rookie Don Osadick in 1980-81, became the first 50-goal scorer for the organization. His 104 points in 80-81 rank seventh on the all-time single-season Vic leader board. Not one to shy away from the corners, compiled over 100 penalty minutes each year. Was selected as the team MVP in his final season.
Richard Smith (President, 1982-87) Long-time Junior Victoria Executive who served as team president from 1982-87. A gentleman who displayed exceptional devotion to the hockey club. By way of tireless effort and deep-seeded commitment, is largely credited with rescuing the organization during a tumultuous financial period in the 1980's, which threatened the continued existence of the organization. A lifetime member of the club, and its inaugural inductee into the Builders' Category.
Jeff Sinnott (1995-98) A St. Vital product who played three seasons with the organization. Was the backbone of the defensive corps, often logging 35+ minutes per game. Equally adept in his offensive and defensive skills, always calm under pressure, possessing an uncanny ability to read and react. Recorded 65 points in 96-97, the second highest for defencemen in franchise history. Was a First-team All-Star in 96-97 and 97-98; won the MMJHL's George Cadzow Trophy (Best Defenceman) in 96-97, won the Vic's MVP in 96-97, and 97-98, along with the team's Top Defenceman Award all three seasons.
Murray Roy (1979-81) A resident of the St. Boniface area, became an import to the Vics in 1979 following a brief stint with the Riels. A gritty, two-way forward who played with a a definite edge, all-the-while possessing an excellent scoring touch. Playing on a line with rookie Don Osadick in 1980-81, became the first 50-goal scorer for the organization. His 104 points in 80-81 rank seventh on the all-time single-season Vic leader board. Not one to shy away from the corners, compiled over 100 penalty minutes each year. Was selected as the team MVP in his final season.
Richard Smith (President, 1982-87) Long-time Junior Victoria Executive who served as team president from 1982-87. A gentleman who displayed exceptional devotion to the hockey club. By way of tireless effort and deep-seeded commitment, is largely credited with rescuing the organization during a tumultuous financial period in the 1980's, which threatened the continued existence of the organization. A lifetime member of the club, and its inaugural inductee into the Builders' Category.
2008 - Daryl Hamelin, Grant Davidson, Robert Woo, Bert Eyssens
Daryl Hamelin (1991-95) Assistant Captain (1993-94) A St. Vital resident and product of the AA Victoria program who played four seasons with the Major Junior Victorias. A gifted right winger, blessed with superior vision coupled with exceptional passing skills. In 1994, Daryl rang up 104 points with a balanced production of 52 goals and 52 assists to win the MMJHL League Scoring title. Daryl’s work ethic in all ice zones, his tenacity and energy earned him the nickname “Buzz-saw". Accolades: 1993-94– MMJHL First Team All-Star; MMJHL’s Steve Clause Memorial Trophy (League’s Highest Scorer, 110 pts)1993-94; Victoria’s Hardest Working Player Award 1992-93.
Grant Davidson (1998-2002) Team Captain 1999-2000, 2001-2002 A St. Vital native who hailed from the AAA program. The backbone of the Major Junior Victoria defensive corps for four seasons. Equally adept in his ffensive and defensive skills, always calm under pressure, possessing an uncanny ability to read and react. Quarterbacked the power play and penalty killing units, often logging upwards of 35 minutes per game. Grant was your prototypical rushing defenseman who could dominate and set the tempo of a game. Accolades: MMJHL First Team All-Star (2000-01, 2001-02); MMJHL’s; Victoria’s Most Valuable Player Award (2001-02); Victoria’s MVP in Playoffs (2000-01) Victoria’s Top Defenseman Award (1999-00,2000-01, 2001-02)
Robert Woo (1993-1997) Assistant Captain 1996-97 Another resident and product of the AA Victoria and AAA Warrior programs who played four seasons with the Major Junior Victorias. A gritty, two-way forward who played with a definite edge, all-the-while possessing an excellent scoring touch. Playing on a line with Derek Kochenash and Jim Parkhurst, became one of the most prolific scoring lines ever in the MMJHL. During 1995-96 season, Rob racked up 31 goals and 49 assists to capture the Victorias leading scorer crown with 80 points. Not one to shy away from the corners, Rob was eager to take on all opponents who challenged him or the team. Accolades: 1995-96 MMJHL Second Team All-Star; 1996-97 MMJHL Second Team All-Star
Bert Eyssens (President, 1990-97) A long-time resident of St. Vital, whose strong leadership was a driving force for the St. Vital Junior Victorias. A gentleman who displayed exceptional devotion to minor hockey, and, specifically, to the Major Junior Victoria hockey club. Served on the organization’s Board of Directors for many years, and was the club’s General Manager and team President during 1990-1997. Bert was willing to volunteer and assume additional responsibilities when there was a vacancy. The father of four sons and three daughters, Bert was well trained in assisting youngsters in their pursuits of various sports. Regrettably, Bert passed away in 2007, but Bert’s passion for the Victorias remains with us till this very day.
Grant Davidson (1998-2002) Team Captain 1999-2000, 2001-2002 A St. Vital native who hailed from the AAA program. The backbone of the Major Junior Victoria defensive corps for four seasons. Equally adept in his ffensive and defensive skills, always calm under pressure, possessing an uncanny ability to read and react. Quarterbacked the power play and penalty killing units, often logging upwards of 35 minutes per game. Grant was your prototypical rushing defenseman who could dominate and set the tempo of a game. Accolades: MMJHL First Team All-Star (2000-01, 2001-02); MMJHL’s; Victoria’s Most Valuable Player Award (2001-02); Victoria’s MVP in Playoffs (2000-01) Victoria’s Top Defenseman Award (1999-00,2000-01, 2001-02)
Robert Woo (1993-1997) Assistant Captain 1996-97 Another resident and product of the AA Victoria and AAA Warrior programs who played four seasons with the Major Junior Victorias. A gritty, two-way forward who played with a definite edge, all-the-while possessing an excellent scoring touch. Playing on a line with Derek Kochenash and Jim Parkhurst, became one of the most prolific scoring lines ever in the MMJHL. During 1995-96 season, Rob racked up 31 goals and 49 assists to capture the Victorias leading scorer crown with 80 points. Not one to shy away from the corners, Rob was eager to take on all opponents who challenged him or the team. Accolades: 1995-96 MMJHL Second Team All-Star; 1996-97 MMJHL Second Team All-Star
Bert Eyssens (President, 1990-97) A long-time resident of St. Vital, whose strong leadership was a driving force for the St. Vital Junior Victorias. A gentleman who displayed exceptional devotion to minor hockey, and, specifically, to the Major Junior Victoria hockey club. Served on the organization’s Board of Directors for many years, and was the club’s General Manager and team President during 1990-1997. Bert was willing to volunteer and assume additional responsibilities when there was a vacancy. The father of four sons and three daughters, Bert was well trained in assisting youngsters in their pursuits of various sports. Regrettably, Bert passed away in 2007, but Bert’s passion for the Victorias remains with us till this very day.
2009 - Rod Hourd, Marc Ratte, Stephan Trudel, Gary Keats
Rod Hourd (1979-1981), Team Captain 1980-1981 A resident of Ile-Des-Chenes, Rod became a St. Vital Victoria in 1979 following two years with the MEJHL. At 5’6” 150 pounds he was a feisty two-way forward and always in your face and possessed excellent play making skills. His final year he lead the Vics as team captain to the finals against the Charleswood Hawks. Accolades: MMJHL First Team All-Star (1982-83)
Marc Ratte (1990-1994), Team Captain 1992-1994 A St.Vital resident who started playing hockey out of the Glenlee Community Club, and went on to play his minor hockey in the AAA program, Marc played three seasons with Major Junior Victorias. A gifted forward who in his final season scored a well rounded 87 points (42G & 45A). Accolades: MMJHL Second Team All-Star (1993-94), Member 40 Goal Club -42 (1993-94)
Stephan Trudel (1995-1998) Assistant Captain, 1996-1998 A St.Vital resident out of the Greendell Community Club, and played all his minor hockey with the Victoria's minor hockey program. Stephan played three years with the Major Junior Club and was a crafty forward who led his team in scoring during the 96-97 campaign and was leading his league in scoring during his final year before an injury cut his season short. Accolades: MMJHL First Team All-Star (1997-98), MMHJL Second Team All-Star (1996-97), Victoria’s Leading scorer (1996-97)
Gary Keats (President, 1975) A long-time resident of St. Vital who still lives in the community today. Gary has the distinction of being the first President of the Junior Victoria’s organization. Gary, along with original members Bob Lowenberger, Ed Aplin, Joe Venables, Brian Irwin, Manny Johns, and Harry Morris were the founders of our organization.
Marc Ratte (1990-1994), Team Captain 1992-1994 A St.Vital resident who started playing hockey out of the Glenlee Community Club, and went on to play his minor hockey in the AAA program, Marc played three seasons with Major Junior Victorias. A gifted forward who in his final season scored a well rounded 87 points (42G & 45A). Accolades: MMJHL Second Team All-Star (1993-94), Member 40 Goal Club -42 (1993-94)
Stephan Trudel (1995-1998) Assistant Captain, 1996-1998 A St.Vital resident out of the Greendell Community Club, and played all his minor hockey with the Victoria's minor hockey program. Stephan played three years with the Major Junior Club and was a crafty forward who led his team in scoring during the 96-97 campaign and was leading his league in scoring during his final year before an injury cut his season short. Accolades: MMJHL First Team All-Star (1997-98), MMHJL Second Team All-Star (1996-97), Victoria’s Leading scorer (1996-97)
Gary Keats (President, 1975) A long-time resident of St. Vital who still lives in the community today. Gary has the distinction of being the first President of the Junior Victoria’s organization. Gary, along with original members Bob Lowenberger, Ed Aplin, Joe Venables, Brian Irwin, Manny Johns, and Harry Morris were the founders of our organization.
2010 - Scott Franco, Kevin McCallum, Rick Cancilla, Don & Grey Kennedy
Scott Franco (1985-1989), Captain, 1987-1988, 1988-1989 A St.Vital resident who started playing Minor AA Vics in 1982. Scott played four years with the Major Junior Club where his speed and knowing where players were at all times were his biggest assets. A gifted forward who could thread the needle with ease, Scott was an unselfish player who always had more assists than goals. Accolades: MMJHL All-Star (1987-1988, 1988-1989)
Kevin McCallum (1985-1989), Assistant Captain 1987-1988, 1988-1989 Kevin started playing hockey out of the Glenlee Community Club, and went on to play his minor hockey with the Vics AA program. Kevin played four years with the Major Junior Club and was a solid stay-at-home defenseman who anchored the blue-line. After a solid MMJHL career, Kevin went on to play for the Morden Redskins of the SEMHL for seven more years and helped them capture five league championships.
Accolades: MMHJL East Team All-Star (1988,1989), Top Vic’s Defenseman 1988, Co-Top Vic’s Defenseman in 1989.
Rick Cancilla (1979-1981), Assistant Captain 1980-1981 A St.Vital resident from the Glenwood Community Club who played in the Vic's AA program. Rick played three years with the Major Junior Victorias and, at only 5’9”, he was a quick forward with great instinct for both scoring lots of goals and letting the other team know when he was on the ice. Rick will always be remembered for his dedication to playing hockey as a winner, and for the spirit he left as a team player. In his name, the Rick Cancilla Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the Major Junior Vic’s leading scorer. Rick tragically passed away as a result of an automobile accident, September 2, 1995. Though he is not here today he is still in the hearts of all who new him.
Don & Grey Kennedy, St. Vital Major Junior Victoria Volunteers 1982-2004. Long-time residents of St. Vital, Don and Grey were with Vic’s organization for 22 years. Don served on the Board from 1982 till 1991. In 1984 he served as Team President. Grey joined him on the board in 1984. In 1991, although Don & Grey stepped down from the board, they continued to sell 50/50 tickets at all home games fro the organization until 2004.
Kevin McCallum (1985-1989), Assistant Captain 1987-1988, 1988-1989 Kevin started playing hockey out of the Glenlee Community Club, and went on to play his minor hockey with the Vics AA program. Kevin played four years with the Major Junior Club and was a solid stay-at-home defenseman who anchored the blue-line. After a solid MMJHL career, Kevin went on to play for the Morden Redskins of the SEMHL for seven more years and helped them capture five league championships.
Accolades: MMHJL East Team All-Star (1988,1989), Top Vic’s Defenseman 1988, Co-Top Vic’s Defenseman in 1989.
Rick Cancilla (1979-1981), Assistant Captain 1980-1981 A St.Vital resident from the Glenwood Community Club who played in the Vic's AA program. Rick played three years with the Major Junior Victorias and, at only 5’9”, he was a quick forward with great instinct for both scoring lots of goals and letting the other team know when he was on the ice. Rick will always be remembered for his dedication to playing hockey as a winner, and for the spirit he left as a team player. In his name, the Rick Cancilla Memorial Trophy is presented annually to the Major Junior Vic’s leading scorer. Rick tragically passed away as a result of an automobile accident, September 2, 1995. Though he is not here today he is still in the hearts of all who new him.
Don & Grey Kennedy, St. Vital Major Junior Victoria Volunteers 1982-2004. Long-time residents of St. Vital, Don and Grey were with Vic’s organization for 22 years. Don served on the Board from 1982 till 1991. In 1984 he served as Team President. Grey joined him on the board in 1984. In 1991, although Don & Grey stepped down from the board, they continued to sell 50/50 tickets at all home games fro the organization until 2004.
2011 - Kyle Harden, Tim Wotherspoon, Al Brown, Robert (Bob) Lowenberger
Kyle Harden 2001-2006 Team Captain 2004-2005, 2005-2006, Assistant Captain 2002-2003, 2003-2004. Kyle hailed from the Greendell Community Club, and was a product of the Vics' AA and Warriors' AAA programs. He is one of the few Alumni who played five years with the Major Junior Club. Equally adept defensively and offensively, Kyle, the Minister of Defence, quarterbacked the powerplay and often logged upwards of 30 minutes of ice time per game. He holds the Junior Vics' record for a defenseman scoring 70 points in 2003-2004. In that same year he was also the Playoff scoring leader, leading our organization to our first, and only League Championship. Accolades: MMJHL All-Star: 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006; George Cadzow Award, MMJHL Top Defenceman: 2004-2005; Kip Kelly Scholarship: 2005-2006; Vic's MVP: 2004-2005, 2005-2006; Vic's Top Defenseman: 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006; Vic's Top Rookie: 2001-2002
Al Brown (1987-1991) Team Captain, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, Assistant Captain 1987-1988, 1988-1989, Hailing from St.Vital, Al played out of Windsor Community Club and in the Vics AA system. He played four years with the Major Junior Club and was always considered a leader with the Junior Vics from the beginning. He was a small, speedy and gifted forward that gave his all each and every night. After playing in the MMJHL, Al started coaching in the St.Vital Victorias Minor Hockey program as well as an Assistant Coach with the St.Vital Junior Hockey Club in 1993-1994. Accolades: MMJHL All-Star; 1988-1989, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, Team MVP; 1987-1988, 1988-1989, 1989-1990 Richard Smith Award; 1990-1991.
Tim Wotherspoon (1992-1996) A St. Vital resident who played out of the Glenlee Community Club, and who went on to play with the St. Vital Victorias minor AA hockey system. Tim played three years with the Major Junior Club. Considered a hard nosed forward, Tim
played with passion, dogged determination and never took a night off. His strong defensive play and gritty, determined effort, specialties often overlooked in the age of glowing offensive statistics, were a testament of his value to and appreciation by his team mates and the organization.
Robert (Bob) Lowenberger - First St. Vital Major Junior Victoria Coach, 1975 Bob is a long-time resident of St. Vital, who still lives in the community today, Bob coached hockey in St. Vital for over 25 years from Bantam to Junior, and has the honour of being the first Coach of the St. Vital Major Junior Victorias. Bob had a vision in the spring of 1975 to create the Jr. Victoria’s, and after the formation of this vision, Bob along original members Gary Keats, Ed Aplin, Joe Venables, Brian Irwin, Manny Johns, and Harry Morris, provided the foundation for the creation of the organization we have today. As Bob says it, their reason was simple...“to give players who did not want to play “Junior A” hockey, the opportunity to extend their hockey careers.”
Al Brown (1987-1991) Team Captain, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, Assistant Captain 1987-1988, 1988-1989, Hailing from St.Vital, Al played out of Windsor Community Club and in the Vics AA system. He played four years with the Major Junior Club and was always considered a leader with the Junior Vics from the beginning. He was a small, speedy and gifted forward that gave his all each and every night. After playing in the MMJHL, Al started coaching in the St.Vital Victorias Minor Hockey program as well as an Assistant Coach with the St.Vital Junior Hockey Club in 1993-1994. Accolades: MMJHL All-Star; 1988-1989, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, Team MVP; 1987-1988, 1988-1989, 1989-1990 Richard Smith Award; 1990-1991.
Tim Wotherspoon (1992-1996) A St. Vital resident who played out of the Glenlee Community Club, and who went on to play with the St. Vital Victorias minor AA hockey system. Tim played three years with the Major Junior Club. Considered a hard nosed forward, Tim
played with passion, dogged determination and never took a night off. His strong defensive play and gritty, determined effort, specialties often overlooked in the age of glowing offensive statistics, were a testament of his value to and appreciation by his team mates and the organization.
Robert (Bob) Lowenberger - First St. Vital Major Junior Victoria Coach, 1975 Bob is a long-time resident of St. Vital, who still lives in the community today, Bob coached hockey in St. Vital for over 25 years from Bantam to Junior, and has the honour of being the first Coach of the St. Vital Major Junior Victorias. Bob had a vision in the spring of 1975 to create the Jr. Victoria’s, and after the formation of this vision, Bob along original members Gary Keats, Ed Aplin, Joe Venables, Brian Irwin, Manny Johns, and Harry Morris, provided the foundation for the creation of the organization we have today. As Bob says it, their reason was simple...“to give players who did not want to play “Junior A” hockey, the opportunity to extend their hockey careers.”
