Tillsonburg announces 2024 Sports Hall of Fame inductees

The Town of Tillsonburg will add three new names to the Tillsonburg Sports Hall of Fame at the Tillsonburg Community Centre during the 2024 Induction Ceremony on Monday, May 6.

Established in 2003, the Sports Hall of Fame recognizes past or present residents who have distinguished themselves as athletes, team members, coaches or builders of sport. At the discretion of the nominating committee, non-residents who have made significant contributions to sport in Tillsonburg may also be recognized.

After receiving nominations from the community, Town Council has approved the following individuals for induction.

Jeff Bes is being inducted for his achievements in the sport of hockey. Most notably, Bes is the only Tillsonburg player to win a gold medal at the World Juniors, scoring a pivotal goal in the 1993 championships in Gavle, Sweden. He spent three years in the OHL and was an OHL All-Star in 1992/93. Moving to the CHL, Bes became a scoring leader and won two CHL championships (2004; 2006) with the Laredo Bucks. He has continued his contributions to hockey, serving as a head coach and GM of many professional teams. He currently serves as director of hockey operations for the Evansville Thunderbolts.

The late Lloyd Andrews is also being inducted for his contributions to hockey. Born and raised in Tillsonburg, he was the first known player from Tillsonburg to play in the NHL (1921/22; 1924/25). Andrews was signed by the Toronto St. Pats in 1921, and went on to help the St. Pats win the 1922 Stanley Cup. He scored two goals, including the game winner, in game four of the five-game series against the Vancouver Millionaires. Andrews also played 229 games in the Canadian-American Hockey League (1926-1932) and 12 games in the American Hockey Association (1932/33). Andrews finished his hockey career in the Central Hockey League, playing for the Hibbing Maroons (1932/33) and the Hibbing Miners (1933/34). His nickname was ‘Shrimp’ as he was only 5’4” tall. Andrews died in Detroit, Michigan on November 17, 1974.

Dan Sanders is being inducted under the Builder category for his achievements in bringing high caliber senior hockey to Tillsonburg. He was the president of the Tillsonburg Maroons Senior Intermediate B team in the 1980s, and in 2001, was the founder/owner/president of the Tillsonburg Vipers AAA hockey team. Some highlights from the Vipers team include, winning the AA Championship in 2014/15, and the A Championship the following season. Sanders has been a long-time sponsor of Tillsonburg Minor Hockey, and Tillsonburg’s adult Recreation Club Oxford hockey league. He believes every child should have a chance to play and has sacrificed his time and personal income to make that dream a reality.

The 2024 Sports Hall of Fame induction event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour, dinner at 6:30 p.m. and formal ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Members of the public may purchase tickets to the event ($45/person) by contacting rturrill@tillsonburg.ca.

To learn more about the Sports Hall of Fame visit www.tillsonburg.ca/hof.