By Kerry J Newstead
HAGERSVILLE — On Friday, November 22, 2024, the dreams of the Friends of Murray Johnson Committee (FOMJC) came true.
Prior to the Murray Johnson Memorial Tournament, family and friends gathered to witness the unveiling of new scoreboards in the Hagersville arena. The Murray Johnson scoreboard has his likeness on one corner in recognition of his years supporting youth sports, with the Tim Hortons Hagersville logo on the other corner in regcognition of their support to the community.
FOMJC initially launched to raise funds to keep Johnson living locally in his senior years. As Johnson was well known for community involvement, which led to the tournament being named in his honour many years ago, FOMJC raised nearly $50,000. Unfortunately, Johnson passed before the trust could be used, and a new use for the funds was needed. The partnership with FOMJC allowed this tribute to Johnson using the funds, and with two scoreboards installed spectators can now see the score from either end of the arena.
The unveiling event included memorial tributes to Johnson, Marie Trainer, and Jeff Higson.
Trainer previously spoke very highly of Johnson and his efforts in local sports. Trainer herself endorsed and was very supportive of the scoreboard replacement proposal. She was remembered for her commitment to her community through years of dedicated public service as councillor and mayor.
HAGERSVILLE—Simcoe Warriors 2 defending their net against the Hagersville Hawks 2 in the Hagersville arena. 
HAGERSVILLE—Tournament Chair Keith Stark (right) presents Kathy Higson a bouquet in memory of her husband Jeff Higson. 
HAGERSVILLE—Hagersville Hawks listen to Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley speak ahead of the unveiling, surrounded by special guests looking to honour Murray Johnson. 
HAGERSVILLE—The ceremonial puck drop was done by Haldimand Dairy Producers members as the official sponsor of the the tournament: Ivan Heeg, Mark McCutcheon, and Cole Dortmans. Ready to play the puck are Hagersville Hawks 2 Captain Brett Hartwick and Simcoe Warriors 2 Captain Walker Peacock. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.
Higson, another supporter of Hagersville minor sports, chaired the Johnson hockey tournament from 2002 to 2011. To pay tribute to him, a bouquet was given to his wife, Cathy Higson, by the chair of the 2024 tournament, Keith Stark.
Melissa Gagnon had the pleasure of unveiling the image of Johnson on the scoreboard due to her involvement in getting the project launched with FOMJC.
Committee member Kelly Reichheld noted “how happy we are to see this project completed. It will bring a lasting legacy to Murray and his support for his home and the community he was such a big part of.”
Following the unveiling, the Murray Johnson Memorial Tournament took place at the Hagersville and Caledonia arenas. The tournament dates back to 1992, but it wasn’t until 11 years later it became known as the Murray Johnson Tournament. In 2022, the name was changed again following Johnson’s passing.
This year 36 teams played in divisions of U11, U13, U15, and U18, with teams travelling from all over southern Ontario.
Chair of the tournament, Keith Stark, reflected on his memories of Johnson.
“Murray was always involved in minor sports of all kinds. In Hagersville it was primarily baseball, softball in the summertime, hockey in the wintertime. Murray would attach himself to a team. Sometimes more than one team. He would travel with them…. He was like a mascot for any number of teams,” said Stark. “I was fortunate to have Murray on one of my teams…. So that was Murray’s likeability, he was easy going…. He was just marvelous, that he was. He was so loved and appreciated by everybody who crossed his path.”
Stark was joined by the following members on the tournament board this year: Alex Medes, Bill Mumby, Bob Featherstone, Craig McKeen, Dale Held, Dennis Smith, Doug Hall, Hal Brown, Jean Gagnon, Logan Davey, and Mark McSorley.
The games continued throughout the weekend.
A Level Winners
- U11 Pelham Panthers
- U13 Simcoe #1 Warriors
- U15 Stoney Creek Warriors
- U18 Six Nations Blackhawks
B Level Winners
- U11 Hagersville Hawks #1
- U13 Simcoe #2 Warriors
- U15 Waterford Wildcats
- U18 Collingwood Jr Blues
C Level Winners
- U11 Beverly Bandits
- U13 Hagersville Hawks #1
- U15 Hagersville Hawks #2
- U18 Twin Centre Stars
D Level Winners
- U11 Caledonia #4 Thunder
- U13 Glanbrook Rangers
- U15 Pelham Panthers
- U18 Langton Leafs
