Orr Hall Of Fame

Hockey great Bobby Orr stops to chat with a couple of fans just prior to the first induction dinner at the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame on January 27. Bobby Orr’s brother, Ron, shares a laugh with "Mr. Hockey" Alex Eager at the first induction ceremony for the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. Barry "Hawk" Tabobondung’s father, Les, and son, Tommy, accept the Hawk’s post humous induction into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame as Bobby Orr looks on. Members of the Wasauksing Women’s Drummers, paid a musical tribute to the late Barry "Hawk" Tabobondung, another of the five inductees into the Hall of Fame.

"I’m sure all the honourees tonight agree with me when I say that there’s no greater honour, than to be recognized at home," said Bobby Orr, at the Bobby Orr Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and fund raiser, on January 27, at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. "I’m so excited about this and I’m so proud of the Stockey Centre. I just can’t say enough to everyone that’s been involved.The men who will be inducted this evening have all enjoyed significant success in athletics and far beyond." Local hockey heroes, Terry Crisp, Alex Eager and Gary Sabourin were all recognized by the community that was supportive through their rise to hockey stardom. Family members of both the late Bill Carson and the late Barry "Hawk" Tabobondung accepted the induction awards on their behalf. Before each inductee received their commemorative jersey and award, a locally produced video was shown for the audience. The five minute documentaries highlighted each player’s achievements and included some anecdotes from fellow players and even a few old school teachers. On behalf of Mr. Carson, his nephew Jim Carson and his great-nephew Ted Carson accepted the award and said a few words. "To have, one of our hockey playing family members honoured and remembered in this way is a very humbling experience and one that our family will cherish forever," said Jim Carson. Before Mr. Tabobondung’s video presentation, three women from the Wasauksing Women’s Drummers played and sang for the audience. Mr. Tabobondung’s son Tommy accepted the award on his father’s behalf while Les, the Hawk’s father, spoke of the honour of the induction. "This is a great night for our family. This is just a wonderful evening to be included in and I’ll sure remember this moment, for my lifetime," said Mr. Tabobondung. Mr. Eager offered his thanks to the community and spoke of his genuine love of helping the local children who played hockey in the area over the years. "Mr. Hockey" as he’s fondly nicknamed, just turned 93-years-old and said that he could "go on and on" about the events in his life. "I’m very happy I was able to get here and enjoyed things today," said Mr. Eager passing on one piece of advice for the younger generation. "I’d like to see them do as I did and that is, don’t take up any smoking." The two hockey greats, Mr. Crisp and Mr. Sabourin’s eyes lit up like two kids on Christmas morning when they spoke of being inducted into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. "I just want to thank Bobby Orr for being one hell of a great hockey player to get this building built, ‘cause this is the only way I’m going to get into a hall of fame," said Mr. Crisp. While Mr. Crisp who has played and coached professional hockey, currently works as the colour commentator on Atlanta Thrashers broadcasts. "I was raised here, I knew all the people here, it’s like Bobby says, ‘you love it and it’s nice, but sometime you think are the accolades really what I should be getting?’ In my career I never expected to be inducted into any hall of fame to begin with, but to be inducted into your hometown, it’s extra special." The induction was also an exceptional event that Mr. Crisp could share with his family. This trip back home came a few months early, as he comes back to the area every summer. "My mom and dad have a camp up on lake Manitouwabing in McKellar, we spend probably a month, month-and-a-half there every summer. We’ve been doing that for 40 years," said Mr. Crisp. Being inducted into the Bobby Orr Hockey Hall of Fame is, according to Mr. Sabourin, "one of the greatest thrills of my life, besides getting married and having kids and playing in the NHL. This is among the greatest things for me." Raised in Britt, Mr. Sabourin remembers playing a lot of hockey on the Magnetawan River. At the age of 13, he moved to the Blind River area where he began to play in organized leagues. "Thirty years later, after your career’s over, having the Parry Sound people build this kind of building and tribute to Bobby Orr and then being one of the inductees, to me, it a highlight of my life and my family’s life," said Mr. Sabourin, who was looking forward to meeting the hockey fans who braved the wintery weather to meet their heroes. "The fans are fantastic, they make the game. If you didn’t have fans, you wouldn’t have hockey, or any sport." Organizers of the fund raising event said that it grossed over $30,000. Another $12,000 was rung up in gift shop sales. Whatever is left after expenses are paid will be put back into the hall of fame and the Stockey Centre. "You get a sense of the passion and respect they all possessed for our great game of hockey," said Mr. Orr of the five inductees. "However, I believe that the lives of these people represent much more than athletic excellence. In all of them, we have seen the types of people who never forget their roots, their communities and, indeed, their heritage."

Philadelphia Flyers ambassador of hockey--Bob Kelly jokes with superstar Bobby Orr at Parry Sound, Ont. dinner. Sheila and Terry Crisp talk old times with former teammate Bob Kelly and Crisp's dad.