A well-known and well-respected coach and the man who brought ball hockey to North Bay will be inducted into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 induction class.
John Loyst brought his “big presence” to North Bay following an outstanding sporting career in Timmins where he not only played but excelled at every sport he participated in.
Hockey was his first love and he brought his talent as a goaltender to North Bay where backstopped many teams in the sportsman league from 1980 – 2003.
"John has coached hockey for over 50 years impacting the lives of literally hundreds of young people with his simple philosophy of combining skill development, inclusion and fun," the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame stated in a release.
Many of his teams went on to success having won numerous titles, but the big win was the feedback John received years after his coaching days were over with regard to the impact he had on those young people.
John has been recognized for his contribution to the sport of hockey:
1985 – Bill Evans Memorial Award for Outstanding Dedication to the sport of hockey
1986 – West Ferris Minor Hockey Order of the Helping Hand – recognizing his contribution to
bringing out the best in children through hockey
1989 – Northern Ontario Regional Sports Committee Ontario Coach Recognition Award –
outstanding contribution to sport in Northeastern Ontario
2022-2003 - John Dandeneault Award recognizing contribution to fair play and sportsmanship
2003 – West Ferris Minor Hockey Life Membership.
While Loyst can be recognized as a hockey coach, arguably his greatest contribution was the introduction of the sport of ball hockey to North Bay and area.
Ball hockey has been a summer staple in North Bay for over 30 years with John as the driving force behind its success. From humble beginnings as a men’s adult program, youth, women and men’s league have grown and developed.
His hands-on approach to the operation the sport solidified a solid base for a generation of players many of who have come back to the program and taken over the reins of the operation.
Loyst’s hands on approach was evident in his role as Manager of the West Ferris Arena, which eventually led to overseeing the operation of all three arena facilities.
"Commitment and passion are the words to best describe John Loyst career as a coach, pioneer in the development of ball hockey and as an administrator," the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame continued.
"For John, it was all about providing opportunities to make life just a little bit better for people of all ages."
Loyst will be inducted into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Davedi Club.
