Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Sports Wall of Fame is adding two new faces to its long row of local figures who’ve made their mark in the athletic world.
Two Niagara-on-the-Lake sports figures were recognized for their lifelong contributions during a ceremony on Friday at the Meridian Credit Union Arena.
David Mines, a long-time coach, general manager and trainer in local hockey and lacrosse in NOTL, and the late Michael Kappel, an international wrestler and rower, were inducted into the town’s Sports Wall of Fame.
Mines helped coach the midget Niagara Wolves to an All-Ontario provincial hockey championship in 2017. He also supported his sons’ teams in winning provincial lacrosse championships in 2007 and 2008.
His induction took place in the very arena he helped bring into existence in 2003.
Kappel, who died in 2007 at age 51, represented Canada internationally in wrestling four times, earning a bronze medal at the 1979 Pan Am Games in Puerto Rico.
His brother, Frank, accepted the honour on his behalf and spoke during the ceremony.
“He had an exceptional work ethic,” Frank said, adding that he was always a team player even though he excelled in individual sports.
Bob Dick, a long-time friend, schoolmate and Wall of Fame committee member, echoed those sentiments.
“I knew him for 30-plus years,” he said. “He was always a team player. … Whenever something happened, he was the first guy there to encourage you or help you.”
The ceremony’s highlight was the unveiling of plaques bearing the inductees’ photos, which will join others already on the arena’s wall.
Mines was joined by his wife, children, and many friends and colleagues at the ceremony. During his speech, he thanked those who supported him and shared anecdotes that drew laughter from the crowd.
One story came from his early years coaching hockey, when he would ask players what they were most proud of after a game.
“The typical answer (from a player) would be, ‘I scored a goal, I blocked a shot, I made a save,’” Mines said. “Jeffrey said, ‘I played the whole game without a jock.’”
He later confirmed that Jeffrey went on to marry, have a family, and otherwise not do anything too stupid.
Mines gave special thanks to long-time friend and fellow inductee Al Janzen, crediting him with encouraging him to seize opportunities that eventually led to his induction.
Janzen, who attended the event, reflected on their shared experiences growing up and playing sports in NOTL.
“You’ll find that there’s 20 of us who grew up together and played hockey together,” he said.
“That’s where we learned … in almost 50 years of playing hockey together … It’s great every time we’re together.”
Speakers noted that both inductees shared an appreciation for the people who supported them throughout their careers.
“It’s not in my DNA to be front and centre on things like this,” Mines told The Lake Report before the ceremony. “It’s more of a team approach.”
Local dignitaries in attendance included MP Tony Baldinelli, MPP Wayne Gates and deputy lord mayor Erwin Wiens, who stood in for Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.
They posed for photos with the inductees following the plaque unveiling.
The NOTL Sports Wall of Fame includes a range of athletes and builders, such as former NHL players Zenon Konopka and Willi Plett.
