Huron Expositor, 2014-01-29, Page 13Wednesday, January 29, 2014 • Huron Expositor 13
Seaforth native inducted into the
U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
Whitney South
Huron Expositor
From small town beginnings to celebrated hockey coach,
Ron Mason has lived the dream.
Recognized for his years of service with the American col-
lege hockey, the Seaforth native was inducted into the U.S.
Hockey Hall of Fame on Dec. 2, along with a group that was
said to be the most diverse in the hall's 40 -year history.
At a ceremony held in Detroit, Mason joined players Cindy
Curley, Bill Guerin and Doug Weight, as well as Carolina Hur-
ricanes owner Peter Karmanos, Jr., as inductees for 2013.
Spending his early days in Seaforth, Mason says he still
feels a connection to the place where he tied on his skates for
the first time.
"When you grow up in a small town, you have to start
somewhere and I was very fortunate to get that start where I
had the opportunity to work with some really great people
who gave me the chance to play and learn the game."
Since leaving Huron County, Mason built a successful
coaching career spanning several decades and even coached
35 All-Americans and more than 50 future NHL players.
With 924 victories at four different schools over 36 seasons,
he has been ranked as one of the most successful college
coaches of all time.
Being honoured as one of the 2013 inductees into the hall
of fame was something Mason never expected, but will
always cherish.
"It was an unbelievable thrill," he said. "I coached for 36
years and in the end getting a reward like this is fantastic."
During his acceptance speech, Mason wasn't shy about
expressing just how much the award meant to him.
"You can't dream about getting these kinds of awards. You
can dream about winning the lottery, but something like this
is really special," he said.
Taking time to thank his wife and family, Mason explained
it was their support and love that helped him most through-
out his career.
photo contributed
Ron Mason
photo contributed
Mason joined players Cindy Curley, Bill Guerin and Doug Weight, as well as Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos, Jr., as
inductees for 2013.
"They have to go through the times where things are great
and you're winning, but they also have to go through those
times when you lose a championship. There is always both
sides to the coin."
Several local family members joined him at the cere-
mony, including his brother-in-law Bob Bell and niece
Linda Crerar, both from Hensall, as well as nephew Alan
Bell from the Clinton area.
For Crerar, watching her uncle receive such an honour
was something she will never forget.
"We are very proud of Ron's many accomplishments, and
there are many," she said. "He is a passionate and driven
individual and the sport of hockey is fortunate to have had
him."
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Jason McKay, son of Roger and Susan
and Sarah Schoonderwoerd, daughter of Clem and Jo -Anne
were married on October 12, 2013
at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church, Mitchell.
Dinner and reception followed at
the Mitchell Community Centre.
Love and Best Wishes Family and Friends