Bragnalo, Alexander and McIntosh lead hall of fame charge

The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame membership is on the rise.

On Friday the organization announced six new inductees will enter the hall in September, led by former NHLer Rick Bragnalo.

Also getting the call were former Olympic swimmer Tom Alexander and cyclist Scott Timmerman in the athlete category.

Going in as builders are Rainy River’s Don Gale, who spent 30 years coaching golf, hockey, curling and baseball, and Lynden (Lyn) McIntosh, who spent an equal amount of time racing sprint cars, but made his mark coaching World Cup and Olympic skiers.

In the team category, the 2006 senior men’s national champion squad led by skip Al Hackner will enter the hall. The team, which captured silver at the worlds, also included third Rick Lang, second Al Laine and lead Brian Adams.

“The 2011 slate of inductees represents a group of outstanding athletes, coaches and volunteers from a wide variety of sports and eras.  By recognizing these individuals we are ensuring that their accomplishments and contributions will not be forgotten and that they will continue to serve as a source of community pride for generations to come,” said Hall of Fame president Phil Jarvis in a release issued on Friday.

The induction dinner is scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Valhalla Inn. Tickets are available for $75 at the Hall of Fame building on Main Street, or by calling 622-2852.