The OSA News Bulletin  

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VAUGHAN, ON — Canada’s soccer elite met in the Ontario Soccer Centre foyer in Vaughan on Friday, June 4th, for a reception honouring the 2010 Inductees and a viewing of their plaques in the William Hoyle Room, named in honour of the founder, past Chair and Chair Emeritus of the Board of Governors whose foresight, initiative and determined hard work starting more than 10 years ago which has made the Hall of Fame the showcase of Canadian Soccer History that it is today.

Toronto Metros-Croatia co-owners Bruce Thomas & Dick Bezic

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Dick Bezic

Inductee Gordie Ion

On Saturday, June 5th, the Inductees gathered again to celebrate the induction of three Players, two Builders, one Pioneer, one Organization of Distinction, one Team of Distinction and one individual who received the newly-minted Brian Budd Award.

Inductees at BMO Media Reception

Following a pre-game Media “Meet and Greet” in the BMO Field Press Conference Room, the Inductees and members of the Team of Distinction filed onto the field and were introduced to the highly appreciative Toronto FC fans prior to the match against the Kansas City Wizards (Final score: 0-0).

Cocktails at Liberty Grand Reception

At 6pm, the Inductees along with friends, family members, colleagues, supporters and guests met for cocktails preceding The Hall of Fame Induction Banquet perennially emceed by Gerry Dobson and Craig Forrest at the Liberty Grande on Toronto’s CNE grounds.

The inductees included:

Players

• Silvana Burtini – 38 goals for Canada
• Gordie Ion – Member of Canada’s first Men’s World Cup Team
• Dr. Walter Thompson – Member of Canadian Team that toured Britain in 1888 (represented by grand-daughters)

Gordie Ion, Marlie McFarlane, Silvana Burtini, Heather Pilling, Randy Ragan

Builders

• Stuart Brown – Coached Edmonton Angels to nine Women’s National Championships
• Brian Avey – Long time Executive Director of the Ontario Soccer Association

Brian Avey, Stuart Brown, Colin Jose

Pioneer Award

John Russell – President of the Dominion of Canada Football Association -1925-1931 (represented by grand-son) .

John Vanderkolk, Ken Russell, Ron Smale

Team of Distinction

Toronto Metros-Croatia – NASL Champions in 1976.

Toronto Metros-Croatia — 1976 NASL and Soccer Bowl Champions

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Eusébio, Dick Bezic, Bobby Iarusci, Carmine Marcantonio

Organization of Distinction

The Vancouver Firefighters, national champions on four occasions between 1965 and 1990 will also be honoured in a new category that recognizes organizations that have excelled over a long period of time.

Lynn McGarrigle, Mike Gilmore, Gary Stevens, Tom Anselmi

Brian Budd Award

Peter Zezel – Member of the Canadian Under-21 National Team in the 1982 CONCACAF Youth tournament who was drafted by the Toronto Blizzard of the NASL, played for the North York Rockets of the Canadian Soccer League and, at the age of 19, joined the Philadelphia Flyers camp enroute to a stellar career in the National Hockey League.

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Tom Anselmi, Brenda Budd, Valerie Zezel, Paul Cinelli

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Brenda Budd, Valerie Zezel, Paul Cinelli

A highlight of the evening was the record auction of a World Cup replica trophy in celebration of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Capetown, South Africa. The proceeds were collected in support of the Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum.

 
Craig Forrest with coveted World Cup replica trophy

The Soccer Hall of Fame is a subsidiary of The Ontario Soccer Association and is supported by the Canadian Soccer Association.

Visit the CSA Website and Examiner.com for additional coverage of the 2010 Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.

Reported by Wolf Ruck / OSA
Photos by Rob Ferrari & Wolf Ruck / OSA

Filed under: Club and Team News, Competitions & Special Events, Hall of Fame & Museum, Member News, OSATv TouchLine, Pro Soccer, Team Canada, The OSA News   Related Posts:  Hall of Fame & Museum | Hall of Fame | Soccer Hall Of Fame Challenge — Oldest Ontario Club? | The Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Weekend – June 6, 2009 | OSA Saddened By Passing of Doug Knott (1927 – 2009) |