The Induction Committee is pleased to announce the Class of 2026 Inductees into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, recognized for their outstanding achievements and lasting contributions to sport. The Induction Ceremony will take place at the Charles W. Stockey Centre on June 13, 2026 at which the following inductees will be honoured:
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Center
Honourary
The Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre (GNOAC) is a year-round outdoor recreation hub located just outside of Parry Sound. It is a volunteer run, charitable organization. GNOAC offers over than 30 kilometres of multiuse trails that serve the community through cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, and nature exploration for visitors of all ages. For decades, GNOAC has played a vital role in promoting active lifestyles and wellness across the Parry Sound region. The center is powered by more than 60 volunteers throughout the year. GNOAC’s efforts to expand and enhance its facilities over the decades underscore its commitment to community wellbeing and sport. Its trail system has enriched the local quality of life, strengthening the community’s health and wellbeing. The work of GNOAC has made Parry Sound a destination for activity and sport within the community, and beyond, making them an obvious choice for induction into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame.
Carol Henry
Athlete
Carol Henry, born and raised in Parry Sound, is one of the most accomplished distance runners the community has produced. Beginning her athletic career as a sprinter, Carol transitioned to middle distance and cross country running at Parry Sound High School. She quickly achieved success at the provincial, national, and international levels. Her accomplishments include OFSAA and Canadian national titles, first place finishes at the Canadian National Junior Women’s Cross Country Championship and the North American High School Track Championship, and a 15th place finish at the 2000 World Cross-Country Championships. Awarded a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carol continued her rise as a top athlete, earning All-America honours in 2003, All-ACC recognition, two All-Southeast Region selections, and ranking as the top Canadian and sixth-overall university female runner nationally in the 3,000m steeplechase. Her sustained excellence and dedication to her sport brought significant national and international recognition to Parry Sound and firmly establish her as a worthy Hall of Fame inductee.
Ryan Knox
Athlete
Ryan Knox is an accomplishes hockey player, and one of the top players originating from Parry Sound. His career spans elite levels of junior, collegiate, and professional hockey in North America and Europe. A skilled defenceman, Knox distinguished himself early through his strong skating and hockey sense both on and off the ice. Graduating out of Parry Sound Hockey, Knox went on the play in the OHL for the Bramalea Blues. He was regarded as a top defenceman for the Blues, helping them place as one of the top OHL teams during his time with the team. His showcase of skills in the OHL led to a full scholarship at Lake Superior State University, a NCAA Division I school. Following a successful career in the NCAA, Knox continued to play professional hockey. He played across various teams in the AHL and ECHL. As one of a handful of athletes from Parry Sound to reach the professional ranks, his career stands as a point of pride for the community and makes him an excellent inductee for the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame.
Chris Stanley
Athlete
Chris Stanley is one of Parry Sounds’ most accomplished hockey players. A highly
skilled centre, Stanley began his development through Parry Sound Minor Hockey. He
went on to excel in the Ontario Hockey League with the Belleville Bulls. He earned
multiple team and league honours for both performance and sportsmanship and helped
lead the Bulls to an OHL Championship in 1999. Drafted in the fourth round (90th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, he went on to have a successful professional hockey career. Following his OHL career, Stanley made a name for himself with the Dalhousie Tigers. During this time, he earned CIAU All-Canadian Rookie honours as well as other league awards and all-star selections. In his senior year at Dalhousie, he put together a season that earned his team a bronze medal at U Sport Nationals as well as the individual honour of Top Player in the Country. He followed up his university career with two years with the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL. 2006 saw Stanley play his first season in Europe, playing for the Heilbronner Falcons in Germany. This began a 15-year playing career across Europe, primarily in Germany. He began as player and played for a number of teams, later becoming a player coach before transitioning to his final position as the Coach and General Manager of the Rostock Piranhas. Following his retirement from professional hockey, he transitioned into player development. He continues to coach and mentor athletes through his business, CS 79 Hockey. His sustained excellence as a player, and later as a coach has brought significant recognition to Parry Sound and establishes him as a deserving inductee into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame.
Sue Whitley
Honourary
Sue Whitley has dedicated her life to athletics, education, and community service. Her work has made a lasting impact both on and off the field. As a teacher at Parry Sound High School, Sue coached the girls field hockey team to consecutive Georgian Bay District championships in 1978–79, led the Parry Sound Panthers to OFSAA in 1993, and was recognized with the OFSAA Leadership in School Sport Award in 1996. Beyond teaching and coaching, she was widely known as the “go-to” person for Parry Sound’s Dragon Boat Festival, helping lead the event from 2002–2019 and contributing to more than $800,000 raised for local charities. Sue’s lifelong commitment to building sport and community exemplifies the spirit of a true Builder worthy of induction into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame.
Tickets for the Celebrating Champions Induction Ceremony on June 13 will be $105 plus HST and can be purchased from the Stockey Centre Box Office starting February 11 for Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Members and February 18 for the general public.
For more information, please contact Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Curator Caitlin Dyer or Induction Committee Chair Dave Garagan.
Contact:
Caitlin Dyer
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Curator
Email: cdyer@bohf.ca
705-746-4466 ext. 408
Or
Dave Garagan
Chair, Induction Committee
Email: dave@parrysoundinsurance.com
