Builders

On April 25, 2026, John Kastner was inducted into the Wall of Fame.

John Kastner’s impact on sport has been felt far beyond the playing surface, as a journalist, builder, coach and leader at the local, provincial and national levels. Over 20 years in The Beacon Herald sports department, he championed local coverage and made sure Stratford athletes and teams received the recognition they deserved. In Stratford, he stepped in when Rotary Hockey and SMBA faced organizational crisis, helping rebuild leadership, restore stability, grow participation and strengthen opportunities for young athletes. His leadership also helped support the fundraising and community effort behind the Stratford Rotary Complex. Provincially and nationally, Kastner has continued to shape the game through senior roles with the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada, bringing a strong voice for community-based and recreational hockey while contributing to governance, nominations and culture-change work across Canada.

On April 26, 2025 the City of Stratford honoured inductees in the Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of BUILDER, Ken Gene was honoured for his dedication and passion to the sport of dragon boat.

On April 27, 2024, the City of Stratford honoured inductees into the Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of BUILDER, Brian Sylvester and Gary Turner were honoured for their formation of the Hoops for Fun basketball program.

On April 22, 2023, the City of Stratford honoured inductees into the Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of BUILDER, Harold "Winger" Thomas was honoured for his dedication and passion for the sport of hockey.

On April 6, 2019, the City of Stratford honoured three inductees into the Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of BUILDER, Sharon Twamley was honoured for her dedication and passion for Minor Girls Softball.

On April 28, 2018, the City of Stratford honoured three inductees into the Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of BUILDER, Basil J. Schooley was honoured for his dedication and passion for baseball.

On April 22, 2017, the City of Stratford, Ontario honoured five inductees to the Stratford Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of BUILDER, Ingrid Newbery was honoured for her dedication and passion to Special Olympics.

Beniah " Bunny" Fryer contributed heavily to the sport of women's softball in Stratford.

Bunny had a drive and passion for getting youth involved in softball, starting in the 1940's, forming the first Stratford and district junior league that would be the beginning of many PWSU championship seasons.

In 1947 he led the Rotanettes to a PWSU junior "A" title. Three years later he was joined by his sons Bob and Ralph. The Fryers had a major influence on the Kadettes winning four consecutive PWSU junior "A" championships starting in 1951.

When Beniah "Bunny" Fryer passed away in 1957, Stratford lost one of its most elite sports figures. But, his name and and contributions to the community at large will continue to be remembered.

From the Stratford Beacon Herald:

Glen 'Skin' Irwin was inducted posthumously as a builder.

Irwin was instrumental in the development of Stratford's minor hockey association in the 1950s.

He was the city's third Sportsperson of the Year winner in 1955, and his legacy is remembered on a trophy named in his honour for the Stratford's top male athlete.

"This city meant an awfully lot to my grandfather, and he would be extremely humbled being inducted into the wall of fame as a builder," Scott Duncan, Irwin's grandson, said at the ceremony.

Irwin grew up in Stratford and played hockey, baseball and lacrosse as a youth.

He coached several levels of hockey, including junior B, and was a fixture at the Allman Arena.

"He was instrumental in starting the (Stratford minor hockey) organization and keeping it together and making it the success it is now," Stratford native and former NHLer Nick Libbett said. "I think without people like Glen running the organization we wouldn't have an organization, and I think we should take our hat off to him."

In addition to his role with minor hockey, which included refereeing, Irwin was a scout for the Detroit Red Wings and helped raise money for sports organizations and lent his time to local special needs athletes.

Duncan called Irwin a "larger than life character" and said his grandfather, who passed away in 1971, would be impressed with the athletic success that has continued in the city.

"He was a sportsman to begin with, and he was a people person," Duncan said. "Sports was a major part of his life. Because he was involved with so many different people in different roles ... he knew a lot of people, and I think you have to be a people person to be in those roles. I think he fit that very well."

On April 20, 2013, the City of Stratford, Ontario honoured 5 Inductees to the Stratford Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of Builder of Sport - Lee Littel was honoured for his dedication and passion to the Sport of Volleyball.

On April 28, 2012, the City of Stratford, Ontario honoured 4 Inductees to the Stratford Sports Wall of Fame. In the Builder of Sport Category, was Jim Shackleton.

On April 16, 2011, the City of Stratford, Ontario honoured 7 Inaugural Inductees to the Stratford Sports Wall of Fame. In the Category of Builder of Sport is Denis 'Dinny' Flanagan.