Eyre wins Pete Palangio Award
This year’s Pete Palangio Award winner for longtime contribution to sport, Wayne Eyre, is no stranger to hockey fans who follow the Nipissing University Lakers, but his volunteerism as a trainer/athletic therapist started well before joining the Lakers teams.
The Pete Palangio Award, often called the Pete Palangio Award for Long-time Contribution to Sport, is a prestigious honour presented by the North Bay and Area Sports Hall of Fame to individuals who have made significant, sustained contributions to the local sports community over many years. It honours dedication to coaching, officiating, and promoting sportsmanship.
Wayne had an outstanding career as a paramedic in North Bay, serving for 33 years from 1974 to February 1, 2007. In 2005, Wayne was awarded the Governor General Emergency Services Exemplary Service Medal.
In 1991, Wayne first took on the role as trainer for Adeles AA Atom hockey team. The following year, he started with a Peewee AAA team. From there, he joined the North Bay Athletics for 3 years, winning a KOBE Cup in Thunder Bay one season. Next up, Wayne spent a season with Chippewa Secondary School in the NDA, before moving on to the Boart Longyear Midget AA team the following year. Next, Wayne became the head trainer for the Midget Trappers AAA in the Great North Midget League, a position he held for nine years. Finally, Wayne joined the Nipissing University Lakers men’s and women’s hockey teams, joining each team in their inaugural seasons. In total, he spent 17 years behind the bench with the men’s team and 13 years with the women’s team.
Separate from his time as a hockey trainer/athletic therapist, Wayne served as head coach of the North Bay Baseball Association for 6 years, winning the City Championship as well. He also served as the convener of the U13s for one season.
Wayne has participated in the World Wildlife Federation CN Tower Climb in 2010, 2012 and 2022 and completed the Massey Half Marathon in 2016.
When reached for comment regarding Wayne’s award, Nipissing University Lakers men’s hockey coach, Mike McParland, had a lot to say about this dedicated member of his staff.
“Wayne was a great friend and addition to the start-up of the Nipissing Lakers hockey program," said McParland.
"Wayne brought with him an unparalleled amount of knowledge for this job, thanks to his thirty-plus years of experience as a paramedic. Knowing that he was always present at practices and games created a definite calming effect for our entire team, especially me. Serious injuries could and did happen over our 17 years together, and to witness his calm demeanour brought confidence to us all. Wayne was also a mentor and example for all our athletes. He would challenge them to help them learn and show them what hard work and training were all about, following his injury.
"For myself, Wayne became a true friend and someone I could count on and trust. It was a pleasure working with Wayne, and I wish him well in the next chapter in his life. Our team will miss him. On behalf of the Lakers men’s hockey, I wish to extend our congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and say thank you.”
Eyre was humbled to receive the award-winning news.
“I have enjoyed collaborating with different teams at a variety of levels and in different sports for the past 34 years," he said.
"Through sport, I have been fortunate to have been involved with many talented teams and to have formed lasting friendships with both players and coaches. To be the recipient of this prestigious award is a great honour. Thank you”.
Eyre will receive their award at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 2, at the Davedi Club. Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190. Tickets are $65.
