2017 Inductees

Athlete: Baseball, Fastball

Dan Willie MacKinnon was a tremendous baseball and softball player in the late-fifties and mid-sixties. Dan Willie was a star chucker on three Nova Scotia Championship Softball/Fastball teams. He was also a valued member of the New Waterford Giants, winners of the 1959 and 1965 Maritime Baseball Championships. The hard hitting first baseman led the Cape Breton Colliery League in hitting with an .418 batting average.

Athlete: Baseball

Stan Eksal was an outstanding baseball player who played for the famed New Waterford Giants, winners of two Maritime Senior Baseball championships. "Big Stan" as he was affectionately called was one of the best power hitters in the Maritimes during his era. Stan was also an accomplished pitcher who won many big games for the New Waterford Giants. The Lingan native ranks with the best ball players ever developed locally.

Athlete: Baseball

Buck Walzak had a distinguished baseball career. Buck was a versatile player who could play every position on the field. As a hard-hitting Center Fielder, Buck was a key member of the New Waterford Giants, winners of the 1959 Maritime Senior Baseball Championship.

Athlete: Baseball, Basketball

Spike MacKinnon was one of the finest pitchers ever developed in New Waterford. After turning down a pro contract in the Braves organization, Spike returned home to lead the Giants to the 1959 Maritime Senior Baseball Championship. Spike was also an excellent basketball player and was a member of the famed New Waterford Strands,winners of numerous Provincial and Maritime Basketball Championships.

Athlete: Baseball

Jimmy Nemis was an outstanding Center Fielder for the 1965 New Waterford Giants, winners of the Maritime Senior Baseball Championship. Jimmy also patrolled Center Field for four consecutive Nova Scotia Championship Teams in the Midget and Junior Divisions. Jimmy was an outstanding fielder who made many game saving catches . His outstanding speed and quickness also served him well as a lead off hitter. Jimmy often set the table with a base hit and would quickly steal second base to get into scoring position. Jimmy also recorded several steals of home plate during his impressive baseball career.

Athlete: Baseball

Art "Hot Dog" MacLean was one of the most popular players ever to wear a New Waterford uniform. "Hot Dog" was a great catcher, who possessed a tremendous throwing arm. He was a key member of the New Waterford Giants, winners of the Maritime Senior Baseball Championships in 1959. Art also was a great clutch hitter getting many key hits during his impressive career, which included four Nova Scotia Midget and Junior Championships.

Athlete: Hockey

Dan Poliziani is the first of two New Waterford born players to play in the NHL. Poliziani played four games with the Boston Bruins in the 1958-59 season. He also had an extremely successful minor league career, which included a lengthy stint in the AHL.

Athlete: Harness Racing

Michael "Quock" Chiasson was one of New Waterford's most accomplished harness racing drivers. Quock started his driving career in 1945 and finished at the age of sixty in 1968.He was the leading driver at the Cape Breton Sports Centre for three consecutive years and of compiled an impressive 448 wins during his career.

Builder: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Hockey

Jim "Fox" Chiasson was one of New Waterford's finest coaches. During his lengthy coaching career, "Fox", as he was affectionately called, coached hundreds of kids in baseball, hockey, soccer, and basketball.

As a Phys Ed teacher at Saint Agnes High School, Fox spent most of his spare time coaching.

His record is very impressive, as he led teams to Provincial titles in three different sports: soccer, baseball, and basketball. Always a gentleman, Fox was a fixture on our fields and in our gyms.

Athlete: Boxing

Roddie MacDonald had a tremendous boxing career. On the amateur level, he had a record of 50 wins and only four losses with an incredible forty five knockouts.

In the professional circles, at the age of 21, Roddie was the youngest fighter ever to win the Canadian Light Heavyweight Title. Roddie who fought with his trademark MacDonald tartan shorts, finished his career with an impressive 32 victories in 37 fights.

Special Recognition

Alex was of New Waterford's early golfers. He was also an excellent baseball player in his day, as a pitcher for the New Waterford Giants. Alex was a low handicap golfer who achieved two "holes in one" during his golfing career. Alex receives the Special Recognition award in tribute to his work on behalf of the New Waterford Open Golf tournament.