Mission Statement

The Ontario Squash Hall of Fame was created by Squash Ontario to promote a greater awareness of the history of squash in Ontario by recognizing individuals for their outstanding achievements and exceptional contributions to the game; and to prserve the heritage of the game.

Established 2005

Permanent Home

The Board of Directors of Squash Ontario is very pleased to announce that the permanent home of the Ontario Squash Hall of Fame is White Oaks Resort and Conference Centre in Niagara on the Lake.

A tendering process was initiated with all 150 member squash facilities and the Board received and reviewed 4 excellent submissions.  White Oaks was chosen based on the published selection criteria which included but was not limited to the amount of traffic, both general and squash, the club receives; the proposed location within the facility and the commitment by the facility to promote the Hall of Fame.

Board of Governors

The Board of Directors of Squash Ontario has established an Ontario Squash Hall of Fame Board of Governors which will be responsible for the biennial nomination and induction ceremony.  This Board of Governors is peopled by individuals who represent both the soft ball and doubles games as well as reflective of the age categories.  And last but by no means least, the individuals on the Board of Governors will have a respect for and interest in the history of the game of squash in Ontario.

The Ontario Squash Hall of Fame, while created by Squash Ontario, acts at arms length from the Squash Ontario Board of Directors although the chair is always a past president of the Association and the Board of Directors approves all budgetary expenditures.

Appointed to the Board of Governors:

Chair,  Rob Brooks (past president Squash Ontario) (Toronto)

Vincent Taylor (Ottawa)

Ian C. Stewart (Toronto)

Penny Glover (Ottawa)

Scott Dulmage (Toronto)

Anne Smith (Kingston)

Simon Warder (Sarnia)

Mark Sachvie (St. Catharines)

Memorabilia

ONTARIO SQUASH HALL OF FAME

At the recent Hall of Fame dinner, I made mention that the Chair of the Board of Governors has asked me to head up a committee to assemble a collection of memorabilia for the Hall. I am honoured and pleased to do this because I believe we must continue to grow our present collection if we want the Squash Hall of Fame to be an exciting place that allows us to relive the great moments of the game and inspire young athletes.

Both the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame have managed to do this with their collections. I can tell you that I personally found my visits a very moving experience.  They are places that every fan aspires to visit at least once in their lifetime and there is no reason we can’t do the same for Squash.

So we have to start collecting….trophies, pictures, equipment, instructional videos etc., anything of historical significance. I am asking all of you and all squash clubs in Ontario to search your basements for those hidden treasures.

Perhaps an exhibit featuring the racquets used by Ernie Howard in his historic year of 1953 and the racquets used by Johnathon Power 50 years later. The comparison could make for a very interesting display of the technological advances that have taken place over that period of time. I know there are many other good ideas out there and I am asking you for your input as to how we can make the Squash Hall of Fame a place people will want to visit time and time again.

We have a wonderful beginning at White Oaks in Niagara-on-The Lake and with your help I know we can grow into something even better.

Should you have any suggestions or items you would be willing to donate I can be contacted through Squash Ontario

Ian C. Stewart