The OSA News Bulletin 
2012 Soccer Hall Of Fame Induction
VAUGHAN, ON — Canada’s soccer elite met in the Ontario Soccer Centre foyer in Vaughan on Saturday, June 2nd, for a reception honouring the 2012 Inductees and a viewing of their plaques in the William Hoyle Room, named in honour of the founder, past Chair, Chair Emeritus of the Board of Governors and 2011 Inductee, “Bill” Hoyle, whose foresight, initiative and determined hard work starting more than 12 years ago has made the Hall of Fame the showcase of Canadian Soccer History that it is today.
Carlo & Theresa Corazzin, Andrea Neil & Peter
Sandy & Gord Arrowsmith
Victor Montagliani, Don Storey, Peter Montopoli, Steve Reed, Ugo Di Federico
Following a pre-game Media “Meet and Greet” in the BMO Field Press Conference Room, the Inductees and members of the Team of Distinction were introduced to the highly appreciative Team Canada fans who packed the stands to cheer their Men’s Team in the friendly against 29th-ranked Team USA.
Brian Budd Award recipient, Gerry Dobson with Nancy & Bradley
Saturday, June 2nd, was a distinguished affair with a "Who’s Who" of Canadian soccer in attendance at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto to celebrate the induction of four Players, two Builders, one Pioneer, one Organization of Distinction, one Team of Distinction and one individual who is the third recipient of the recently-minted Brian Budd Award.
On Sunday, June 3rd, the 2012 Soccer Hall of Fame induction class was honoured at BMO Field before the Canada vs. U.S. Centenary Match. The Inductees, including some members of the 1989 Francophone Games Team, this year’s Team of Distinction, were presented to the media for interviews and photos in the BMO Field Press Box Foyer prior to the game. The Inductees then were introduced to the BMO Field crowd prior to kick-off. Also honoured were the Best XI of the Last 50 Years, a "team" made up of Canada’s best players from the past half-century.
The 2012 Soccer Hall of Fame inductees included:
Players
Carlo Corazzin
Carlo Corazzin & Les Wilson
Carlo made his national team debut against Morocco in 1994 and went on to play a total of 59 times for Canada. He was not only a member of Canada’s CONCACAF Gold Cup winning team in 2000, but was top scorer with four goals including a penalty kick in the final against Columbia.
Mark Watson
Mark made 78 appearances for the national team between 1991 and 2004 making his full international debut against Honduras. Mark’s lengthy club career saw him play in the Canadian Soccer League for Ottawa, Hamilton and Montreal and then Vancouver 86ers of the A League before going overseas.
Charmaine Hooper
Lynne McGarrigle & Charmaine Hooper
One of the finest female players ever developed in Canada, in any sport, Charmaine represented her country 129 times in international competition, scoring 71 goals. Charmaine played in three World Cups and was chosen as a member of the FIFA all-star women’s team in 1999. During her playing career she was voted Canada’s Female Player of the Year in 1994, 1995 and 2002.
Andrea Neil
Andrea Neil & John Knox
Andrea made her national team debut in 1991 in Haiti during the CONCACAF championships and went on to play 132 times for Canada. Andrea played in the 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 Women’s World Cup finals, in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Pan American Games.
Builders
Angus Barrett
Angus Barrett & Victor Montagliani
Angus’s involvement with soccer in Canada has spanned nearly 50 years. He has been a player, coach, official, and finally an administrator, in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a member of the Canadian Soccer Association Executive he has led national teams on overseas visits on numerous occasions and represented the CSA on the Canadian Olympic Association.
Gordon Arrowsmith
Gordon began refereeing in the North American Soccer League in 1981 and was appointed to the FIFA list in 1982. He was on the FIFA list for ten years and his international experience includes the Presidents Cup in South Korea and numerous other internationals.
Pioneer
John Richardson
John was appointed secretary of the British Columbia Soccer Commission in 1933 and guided soccer through the turbulent years of the 1930’s and World War Two. He was a council member of the Dominion of Canada Football Association from 1948 until his death in 1952.
Organization of Distinction
Victoria West
Ken MacLean (HOF) & Dave Knowles (Victoria West)
Victoria West was founded in 1896. They have won the Garrison Cup three times, the Vancouver Island championship twice and the Jackson Cup as champions of the Victoria and District League 16 times. Victoria West won the national championship in 1976, 1979, 1982 and 1984.
Team of Distinction
Canada’s 1989 Francophone Games team
The Canadian Men’s team under extreme conditions went on to make soccer history by winning the gold medal at the first Francophone Games held in Morocco in 1989. Canada defeated Congo in the semi-final in a 2-1 victory before 20,000 fans in Casablanca. Canada went on to defeat the home favourites, Morocco, in the final with a score of 4-1.
Brian Budd Award Recipient
Gerry Dobson
Gerry Dobson & Craig Forrest
Gerry is the host, and commentator on Sportsnet’s soccer programs. He actively works with the Canadian Soccer Association, Ontario Soccer Association, professional clubs and grass roots soccer organizations to help promote the game of soccer in Canada. Throughout his industrious media career Gerry has covered 5 Olympic games, the World Series, the Superbowl, Rogers Cup tennis, the Grey Cup and CONCACF to name a few.
Montreal Impact signed jersey
A highlight of the evening was the auction, expertly called by auctioneers Lee Godfrey and Craig Forrest, of Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada Women and Toronto FC team jerseys signed by the players, which netted a total of $3,050. The proceeds were collected in support of the Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum.
On the occasion of the Canadian Soccer Association’s 100th Anniversary, special commemorative jerseys were presented to members of the 2012 Team of Distinction, Canada’s 1989 Francophone Games team.
Team Canada wore the same commemorative kit on Sunday, June 3rd, in their 0-0 draw versus the USA in their World Cup Qualifying friendly.
CSA’s Team of the Half-Century members with Centennial jerseys
The Soccer Hall of Fame is a subsidiary of The Ontario Soccer Association and is supported by the Canadian Soccer Association.
Reported by Wolf Ruck / OSA
Photos by Nicky Pearson, Ryan Tuske & Robyn Caton / OSA
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Filed under: Competitions & Special Events, Hall of Fame & Museum, Pro Soccer, Team Canada, The OSA News Related Posts: Hall of Fame & Museum | Hall of Fame | Sportsnet’s Gerry Dobson Honoured With Brian Budd Award | CSA Unveils 100-Year Hall Of Fame Best XI Roster | 2010 Soccer Hall Of Fame Induction |
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