Like father, like son
Pat McCready couldn’t hide how much it meant to him to be inducted into the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame Thursday.
The 44-year-old policeman’s voice cracked with emotion during his acceptance speech as he joined Buffy Alexander (rowing), John White (golf), Steve Toll (lacrosse), Paul Papineau (softball/fastball) in this year’s class of inductees added to the David S. Howes St. Catharines Sports Wall of Fame.
McCready also joins his late father, Bob (Buff) McCready, who was inducted in 2009.
“I miss Buff every day and take the opportunity to remember him again,” he said. “I don’t recall the specific year but I remember it came kind of quickly for him with the Canadian and Ontario (halls of fame) and then this award. He was doing the circuit there for a bit.”
Pat McCready carved out a memorable career that began with a Minto Cup in 1991 with the St. Catharines Athletics where he was teammates with Toll.
His list of accomplishments is noteworthy: 1995 junior A Defensive Player of Year for the League; National Lacrosse League champion with Rochester Knighthawks in 1997; Mann Cup Champion with Brampton Excelsiors in 1998; Presidents Cup Champion with Kitchener Kodiaks in 2003; Indoor Lacrosse Champion with Team Canada in 2007; NLL Champion with Buffalo Bandits (assistant captain) in 2008; 2011 NLL Defensive Player of the League; NLL Champion, Rochester Knighthawks (captain) in 2012.
Upon his retirement in 2013, he ranked third in NLL history in loose balls, second in penalty minutes and seventh in games played.
Not bad for a player who went undrafted into the pro ranks.
“It went by in a blur,” he said of his playing days. “I was proud and excited every day I got to play and as long as I got to play. It ended off good and I have nothing but positives things to say.”
He had no idea he was in the running for the Hall of Fame.
“Not at all. It’s really exciting and to get share it with Stevie (Toll), it makes it extra special,” he said. “We grew up playing together and played junior A together and against each other in the pros. It’s nice to see him again.
“It was a good surprise.”
McCready singled out the championships as particularly memorable.
“All the championships — Minto, Mann and Team Canada — and the NLL stuff near the end. I liked the NLL championship in 2008 in Buffalo winning with a lot of the guys from the city. That was really special.”
He also gave credit to his wife Julie for supporting his career.
“Julie kept the home fires burning and sidewalks shovelled during the winters for 17 years in pro,” he said. “Without her support I couldn’t have played for as long as I did.”
He joked his two daughters, Maddie and Mia, were born in years he won championships.
“I probably should have had more kids, I guess,” he smiled. “I hope one day they can also be honoured here as they are phenomenal athletes, but more importantly, are great people.”
The addition of this year’s class brings the membership to 172.
The St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame is available for viewing during public events at the Meridian Centre. In addition to the wall of fame, the hall of fame features an exhibition space showcasing a selection of sports artifacts and memorabilia. The exhibition was recently changed to feature baseball/softball in the City of St. Catharines. It will be on display until November 2020.
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
