Date of Birth: 1927
Place of Birth: Kirkland Lake, Ontario
Inducted: 2012 (Athlete/Builder Category)

Jim Hornell made lasting contributions to life in Buchans as a hockey player, a coach and overall as an exceptional worker for the betterment of life within the community. He was very successful as a player, then as a coach and finally as an organizer for the town’s youth.

A native of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Hornell arrived in Buchans in 1949 and was a valuable winger for the Miners until 1954. He played a major role in the three Herder Memorial Trophies that Buchans won during that period, playing on the club’s top line with Hugh Wadden and Frank Walker. He was a top right winger and always among the league’s top scorers.

In 1955 he moved to coaching the Miners, a role he filled until the 1960 season. He added greatly to the overall respect he earned while in this coaching position.

He was still playing hockey when he was instrumental in forming the Buchans Minor Hockey Association in the early 1950’s. His very valuable contributions included serving in a wide range of volunteer positions. He simply did whatever was necessary and thus was mainly responsible for 300 Buchans youth having the opportunity to play hockey.

He founded the James Hornell Boys and Girls Club in Buchans and this very worthwhile organization is still in operation in 2012. He served as recreation director for Buchans and was the physical education for both schools in the town. His overall beneficial influence on Buchans was extremely high and a large number of the community’s youth were better off because of his efforts.

It was his outstanding ability as a hockey player that had Hornell move to Buchans during a period when the provincial senior league featured many, many exceptional players. Though small in stature, it was his exceptional skating, puck handling and scoring ability that made him an exciting player to watch in every game.

He was a great hockey player who was only 42 when he died in 1969.