Thousands of youngsters had their first soccer experience through the now-defunct North Bay Minor Soccer program.
Gary Kraft was one of those thousands, but what set Gary apart from all the others was that he was the first graduate of the program to play professional soccer.
Kraft began his local career in 1971, gaining recognition as a top-level goalie. Having won numerous “Best Goalie” awards and all-star selections at both the minor level and as a member of the Chippewa High School teams, Kraft continued to excel at his chosen sport. Advancing to the North Bay Senior League, Kraft’s level of excellence was once again recognized with numerous individual awards and selection to the Northern Ontario all-star team, which won an exhibition game against the Toronto Blizzard and Kraft’s selection as MVP of the game.
In 1980, he moved to the next level as a member of the semi-pro Sudbury Cyclones where in his first year, he was selected as the first team all-star goalie. Though the Cyclones folded after the 1980 NSL season, Kraft’s success continued that year in the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (now U Sports) as he backstopped McGill to the Canadian title in 1981.
As a professional, Kraft signed and played with the Toronto Blizzard of the North American Soccer League from 1981-1983, and from 1988-1990 as a member of the Ottawa Intrepid of the same league.
"Overall, having competed at the highest level of professional competition in Canada is indicative of the outstanding talent that Gary Kraft displayed," the Hall of Fame stated in a release.
For his achievements in the sport of soccer, Kraft will be inducted into the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Davedi Club. Tickets for the 43rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner are available by contacting Larry Tougas (705-303-8104), Trista Grant (705-472-0009), or the Davedi Club (705-474-4190).
