Thane Campbell/Curling
Campbell, who was quintessential in progressing the sport of curling on the Island, was given the honour posthumously. He joined the Summerside curling club in 1928 and the club later won the championship title in 1935. From 1941 to 1942 Campbell acted as the president of the Dominion Curling Association.
His daughter, Harriet, accepted the award on his behalf.
“He was always curling,” she said with a smile.
“I remember as a little girl we would go with him to the briers and just watch the matches.”
It’s an extremely proud moment, she added.
“I grew up with him curling and I think it’s important to recognize the local athletes.”
“It sets a great example for the younger generation to emulate.”
Bill Purcell/Hockey
Bill Purcell committed more than five decades to his coaching career.
He’s even been named “Coach of the Year” at every level he coached at.
Purcell made a name for himself during his 10 years at York University, with his team never missing the playoffs. He also served three years as coach at the University of Toronto, and continued to coach hockey at varying levels into his 70s.
Purcell, now 82, said he never dreamed he would get this recognition.
“I have no words for it. I never expected it, to tell you the truth. I’m extremely gratified.”
“I was told a few years ago by a friend that I would get into the hall one day. But I never really thought it would come around.”
Thane Campbell/Curling
Campbell, who was quintessential in progressing the sport of curling on the Island, was given the honour posthumously. He joined the Summerside curling club in 1928 and the club later won the championship title in 1935. From 1941 to 1942 Campbell acted as the president of the Dominion Curling Association.
His daughter, Harriet, accepted the award on his behalf.
“He was always curling,” she said with a smile.
“I remember as a little girl we would go with him to the briers and just watch the matches.”
It’s an extremely proud moment, she added.
“I grew up with him curling and I think it’s important to recognize the local athletes.”
“It sets a great example for the younger generation to emulate.”
Bill Purcell/Hockey
Bill Purcell committed more than five decades to his coaching career.
He’s even been named “Coach of the Year” at every level he coached at.
Purcell made a name for himself during his 10 years at York University, with his team never missing the playoffs. He also served three years as coach at the University of Toronto, and continued to coach hockey at varying levels into his 70s.
Purcell, now 82, said he never dreamed he would get this recognition.
“I have no words for it. I never expected it, to tell you the truth. I’m extremely gratified.”
“I was told a few years ago by a friend that I would get into the hall one day. But I never really thought it would come around.”
Gerard Smith/Baseball
Gerard Smith was on the medal winning ’77 P.E.I. Islanders when they won in Brandon.
Smith and the team were the first to bring a medal to the Island at the national baseball level.
“It’s a real honour to be inducted,” said Smith.
“It will be 40 years since that game in Brandon. At the time you don’t think or realize your accomplishment, but as you get older… it’s a real honour.”
After the 1975 nationals in Vancouver, the team decided to try again for the title in 1977. They beat the host team, Brandon, in the semi-finals but would lose in the gold medal game to a British Columbia team.
“We’re all worthy of being inducted. And now we’re finally here,” said Smith.
Tex MacDonald/ Baseball, Football
Ian “Tex” MacDonald had a colourful sporting career, mastering baseball, fast-pitch softball and football.
Seen as one of the Island’s finest softball players, MacDonald is joining his father and his brother in the hall.
He played in 13 national tournaments and went on to coach in three more. He also led the Colonel Gray football team to 10 high school football championships under his coaching direction.
MacDonald was named to the P.E.I. Football Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“It feels great. I’m glad the hall is here in Summerside, I remember some of the toughest competitors came from here.”
The hall is an exclusive club, he said.
“It’s a great accomplishment. There’s not many in the hall, so when your peers nominate you, go to ‘er.”
“It’s certainly a thrill knowing that you’re peers put you here and feel that you should be in it. I never played to get recognized, I just enjoyed the competition.”
