ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A Bonavista hometown hero is set to be enshrined in the province’s sports hall of fame.
In a release Sport Newfoundland and Labrador announced their five new inductees for the hall of fame ceremony later this month.
Selected by the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame Board of Governors, they are:
• NHLer Michael Ryder;
• NHLer Terry Ryan;
• Angus Barrett as an athlete/builder for soccer;
• Ward Gosse as an athlete for softball and hockey;
• and Bill Hogan as a builder in swimming.
Ryder, a Bonavista native, achieved great success in the NHL as a member of the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils.
In addition, he played midget hockey in his home province, before representing Hull Olympiques in the QMJHL and won a bronze medal for Team Canada in the World Juniors.
After being drafted by the Habs 216th overall in 1998, he was a finalist for the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year in his first NHL season in 2003, netting 25 goals and 63 points.
Perhaps most notably, Ryder became only the second Newfoundlander to win a Stanley Cup, as a member of the Bruins in 2011.
Having retired after an 11-year career in the NHL, Ryder amassed 237 goals and 484 points–the most of for any NHLer from this province.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame is designed to recognize, honour and pay tribute to individuals on playing ability, sportsmanship and character. It encourages the development of all aspects of sport by recording the achievements and history of such individuals.
“Newfoundland and Labrador have a tremendous sporting community and we are proud to acknowledge their accomplishments through our Hall of Fame,” said Ed Murphy, chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. “Our five inductees for 2019 are individuals who have made notable contributions throughout their careers, creating legacies that deserve to be commemorated. Their achievements help promote amateur sport and inspire Newfoundland and Labradorians in sport and life.”
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is a volunteer organization committed to the promotion and advancement of amateur sport throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Stars and Legends Awards Gala will be on April 27.
