Packed house for May 9 ceremony
By Devon Judge
“The Team Without a League,” a well-rounded local athlete, and a voice of the valley were all recognized in front of a packed house for the 2026 Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame induction ceremony.
On Saturday, May 9, the 1960-61 Woodstock Legionaires hockey team and longtime community-minded athlete Randy Johnston became the most recent inductees into the Sports Wall of Fame.
The ceremony, held at the AYR Motor Centre, also recognized Dave Wilson posthumously with the Anne Demerchant Community Spirit Award for his community involvement in local sport.
Woodstock Legionaires
Dubbed “The Team Without a League,” the Woodstock Legionaires chased every hockey club in New Brunswick early in the 1960-61 season in a vain attempt to form a league.
The 1960-61 Woodstock Legionaires captured the New Brunswick Intermediate ‘B’ Championship after sweeping the Miramichi Beavers two games to none in the best-of-three final.
In 28 games that season, the Legionaires won 23, tied one, and lost 4.
Netminder Royce Hallett handled the net chores with Chuck Ashe as the backup.
Spike Larabie and Keith Zigler formed the backbone of the Legionaires’ defensive unit. Norm and Ray MacDonald, and Cyril Polchies rounded out the rearguard.
Murray Ralston at left wing, high-scoring Bunny Veysey at centre, and Daryl LeBlanc on the right side made up the first line of attack. Bob Hurry, Bill Goobie, Winston Paul, Ted Jarrett, Bob Harper, and Reg Phillips rounded out the roster. Don Campbell was used as a spare forward.
Team officials were president Merlin Culligan, assistant manager Harry Wilson, coach Ed Purvis, playing coach Keith Zigler, and manager Dave Jackson.
The Legionaires operated out of the Woodstock Indoor Community Arena and pulled in upwards of 1,500 fans for every home game.
Randy Johnston
Johnston’s involvement in local sports began at a young age and grew throughout his life. Known for his dedication and loyalty to his teams, he later discovered a passion for road racing in his 30s, and he can often be seen training around Woodstock.
Among his long list of racing achievements, Johnston has qualified for and run in four Boston Marathons, setting a personal best in 2015 with a time of 3:18:52. He has also completed numerous marathons in Fredericton, Toronto, along the Bay of Fundy, and throughout Maine.
Johnston has also knocked down many an accomplishment in the bowling alley, including winning the Marven Cup Maritime Bowling Championship, the Senior ‘B’ Championship, the Mary & Lou Vaugn Mixed Bowling Championship, and the NB Men’s Provincial ‘A’ Championship.
He has also laid claim to the NB Men’s Curling Championship, the River Valley Men’s Softball League Championship, and the NB Provincial Men’s Masters 35+ Orthodox Softball title.
Dave Wilson
Wilson, a founder and longtime organizer of the Old Home Week Truck and Tractor Pull and Demolition Derby, served for over 25 years in various capacities at the Woodstock summer festival. Participants knew Dave as an organizer, official, announcer, friend and comrade.
The same held true throughout the Maritimes and into New England, extending from truck and tractor pulls and demo derbies to snowmobile racing. He spent 20 years with the Maritime Snowmobile Racing Federation as an organizer and announcer.
Whether it was at Pennfield International Speedway, Moncton Coliseum or the Halifax Metro Centre, Wilson was lining up the pullers and helping put on a great show.
Fittingly, he returned to the microphone in 2020 to do the track announcing for the inaugural Richard Sharpe Demo Derby.
Wilson’s contribution to the local sporting scene didn’t stop at motorsports, as he was always ready to help with the original Woodstock Slammers Junior A hockey team.
His passion is still felt throughout the Woodstock community.
