The Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame's class of 2023. Starting from the top row going left to right, Rick Schultz, Pete Friesen, Jim Nicholson, and Erica Gavel. Bottom row left to right, Rod Dallman, Tom Lavalee (representing the 1973 East End Community Club & 1975 Old Dutch Twins), Jessica Vance, and Bill Yeaman. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Etched in History

2023 class inducted into PA Sports Hall of Fame during ceremony

May 7, 2023 | 12:59 PM

The Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame gained nine new members on Saturday during an induction ceremony in the Ches Leach Lounge at the Art Hauser Centre.

The Hall now sits at 220 members with this year’s class inducting athletes Erica Gavel and Jessica Vance, builders Pete Friesen, Jim Nicholson, and Bill Yeaman, athlete and builder’s Rod Dallman and Rick Schultz, and the 1973 East End Community Club & 1975 Old Dutch Twins. In addition, the Prince Albert Minor Baseball Association (PAMBA) was also recognized as the Sports Organization of the Year.

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross was in attendance where she praised the newest inductees.

“Your recognition is well deserved and tonight we’re celebrating your accomplishments,” she said. “Your dedication and hard work will serve as motivation for future generations of Prince Albert and Saskatchewan talents in our sporting world.”

The night was filled with laughs and reminiscing past memories with each inductee getting their own video tribute which featured photos, highlights, and some words from those who helped them get to this point.

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After the tributes, Erica Gavel and Jessica Vance said some words on behalf of the inductees as well as some words from themselves.

“Being inducted into the PA Sports Hall of Fame has been surreal, and I’m grateful for all the events that were held in this community that gave me an opportunity to excel in sports,” Vance said. “Growing up in PA, I always felt like I had the best opportunities in sports.”

“We are thankful for not only the city of Prince Albert, but also the people in the community,” Vance continued. “Thank you to everyone in the city of Prince Albert who has supported any of the inductees throughout their journey to get here today.”

Gavel followed Vance immediately after her speech with her own, mentioning the passing of her father as well as some of her favourite memories from her time in Prince Albert and area.

“Although this week has been very difficult, it’s brought back a lot of very special memories,” she said. “(My dad) was very involved in the sporting community, – I was always in my dad’s shadow and followed him around from venue to venue and some of my favourite memories were spent in Birch Hills and Kinistino cheering on the referees. I couldn’t imagine going through this week anywhere else.”

“On behalf of everyone, thank you for supporting because I know what sport is like and it’s not the most conducive lifestyle to families and with that, thank you very much for supporting our journeys.”

Nominations for the 2024 Prince Albert Hall of Fame class are open with the new set of inductees to be announced in December.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann