The City of Moncton has announced its inductees for 2023 for the Sports Wall of Fame.
They are:
Geneviève Lalonde: Athlete — Track and Field
Geneviève Lalonde is a two-time Olympian and Pan-American Gold Medalist in the 3,000 m Steeplechase event. Her perseverance, dedication, and ability to overcome obstacles have positioned her as a leader in her community. While she was born in Montreal, she moved to Moncton as an infant and is proud to have grown up in the Hub City. Geneviève competed at several levels before reaching the Olympics. She was named Canadian USport Rookie of the Year for cross-country (2010) and became the recipient of many accolades, including the University of Guelph Atlantic Scholarship (2009-2014), NB Female Athlete of the Year (2010 & 2022) and the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Academic All-Canadian (2010-2014). She’s been a role model to many and has led by example, both on and off the racetrack. Geneviève’s commitment to giving back to her community is demonstrated through her mentorship of young athletes and volunteering with local initiatives.
Travis Jayner: Athlete — Short Track Speed Skating
Travis Jayner is a short-track speed skating Olympian, winner of 4 World Championships and over 20 World Cup Medals. He is the first athlete from the tri-community area to win an Olympic Medal, bringing home a Bronze Medal in the 5,000 m relay from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. He pioneered short-track excellence in the region, spending time on the development of programs that train youth in the community. Travis is best known, however, for his kind and energetic personality, having spent time speaking words of encouragement to students in the area. He’s an advocate of pursuing unique opportunities and makes it a personal mission to inspire others to chase their dreams.
Moncton Mets (1985–1989): Team — Baseball
The Moncton Mets baseball team of 1985-1989 saw a tremendous number of achievements throughout their time together. Between those 5 years, the team won 5 consecutive New Brunswick Championships, 4 consecutive Atlantic Championships, 2 Nova Scotia Championships and a bronze medal at the National Championship. Their continued success brought excitement and pride to the baseball community, working hard on the field and inspiring young athletes on their off days. The Moncton Mets would see up to 2,000 fans cheering them on from the bleachers at Kiwanis Park. As a newly formed team, they became an inspiration to young baseball players across the community.
Moncton Wildcats (2005–2006): Team — Hockey
The QMJHL Moncton Wildcats won their first Presidents Cup in 2006 – the championship trophy of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. They were also recipients of the Jean-Rougeau Trophy – awarded to the regular season champion before heading to playoffs. Following their QMJHL win, the Wildcats hosted the Memorial Cup – becoming the second city in the maritime division to host this prestigious event. While the team lost in the finals, they were celebrated by the community for their hard work and dedication to the series. The team played 70 games with 52 wins, 107 points, and 357 goals and eventually saw 10 of its players drafted to the NHL.
Peter Stuart: Builder — Track and Field
Peter Stuart’s passion for sport is demonstrated in his unwavering commitment to coaching and supporting aspiring athletes across the province. His involvement began in 1979, and while he’s coached a number of organized sports, his primary involvement is in track & field training. Peter has had a profound impact on the lives of those he has coached, working with people from 6 to 90 years old throughout his career. He takes pride in building others up and helping them towards their goals while persevering through challenges. A highly respected performance coach, Peter has been awarded ANB Coach of the Year (1995, 2015, 2018), Sports New Brunswick Lifetime Achievement (2010/2011) and Coach New Brunswick’s Coaches Excellence Award (2013).
Raymond Cormier: Builder — Kyokushin Karate
Raymond “Ray” Cormier has been contributing to the Greater Moncton Kyokushin Karate community for over 40 years, both as an athlete and coach. He has seen hundreds of his students become black belts and travelled nationally and internationally with junior and adult teams to represent Moncton. He is very proud of the fact that three of his students became World Champions and saw two more place second in the World. Ray is widely respected for his approach to coaching and developing his students, helping them achieve their goals and ensuring everyone has the chance to participate. Shihan Ray was graded a 6th-degree black belt in November 2021 by leaders in Japan.
The 2023 Moncton Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place at the Capitol Theatre on Oct. 21, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Tickets are free and are available at the Capitol Theatre box office located at 811 Main St., by calling 506-856-4379, or online at capitol.nb.ca.
The Moncton Sports Wall of Fame is located in the Avenir Centre, 150 Canada St.
