Along with his many accomplishments that have earned him a berth in the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame, Jimmy MacMaster played in two national hockey championships in 2014: one representing Tampa Bay in the USA National 60+ Senior Men’s hockey championship (gold), and then another for Alberta in the Canadian National 60+ Senior Men’s championship (bronze).
-by Bill Dunphy
What can you say about a man who, at the age of 73, excelled in five different sports in his lifetime as a player – remains competitive in two of them – and holds records and awards in them all? Oh, and successfully coached six sports.
Well, for starters, you can call him a hall-of-famer.
Jim MacMaster, known locally as Jimmy Mac, will be inducted into the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame next month.
Born and raised in Inverness, MacMaster obtained a teaching degree at St. F.X. He taught in Inverness for several years before moving to Calgary to teach, where he raised a family with his wife Mary.
Through it all, MacMaster remained active, or as he put it, “If you could hit it, catch it, or throw it – I played it.”
When contacted on Monday, MacMaster said his radar went off when Mary asked him about any old newspaper clippings he might have.
“I didn’t know what was going on, then it was, “Okay, what’s this about?”
With the cat out of the bag, Jim said he was humbled by the nomination.
“It’s an incredible honour. I have been very fortunate in my life,” he said, noting that it is a multi-sport award, which is important to him.
“Young athletes should play different sports. Playing hockey or any one sport all year long leads to burnout. Kids are so specialized today, all across the country, and the sport you used to love becomes a job after a while.”
If, at his induction ceremony on June 6, they read all of his lifetime accomplishments, then it will be a longgg night.
But to highlight some, you can start in 1970 when, as a 17-year-old member of the Inverness Rebels high school basketball team, they won both the Cape Breton and the Nova Scotia championships.
He continued to play basketball at the varsity level for the St. F.X. X-Men from 1972-75. According to the many newspaper articles written, “Jim became a fan favorite during his time as an X Men. His aggressive style, both on offense and defense, made him an important piece to the X-Men over three seasons.”
Back in Inverness, MacMaster played hockey in the Inverness Town and County Senior League and fastball in the Easter Counties Fastball League.
Before moving to Calgary, he coached the Inverness Rebels hockey team to a provincial title.
During his years teaching out west, he coached high school basketball, volleyball, football, track and field, hockey and umpired baseball, all the while playing hockey in the Calgary Senior Hockey League.
Then he discovered golf.
Along with numerous club championships (four at Le Portage alone), three Nova Scotia Retired Teachers championships, and other tournament titles, MacMaster is the only known Cape Bretoner to have won both the Nova Scotia Golf Association Senior (55+) Men’s and the NSGA Super Senior (65+) Men’s championships, doing so in back-to-back years in 2018 and 2019.
Even in retirement and spending winters in Lakeland, Florida, MacMaster was not about to retire the hockey stick.
In 2014, representing Florida in the USA National 60+ Senior Men’s hockey championship, he and his teammates won gold. Crossing back into Canada that same year, he helped Alberta win a bronze medal at the Canadian National 60+ Senior Men’s championship.
In 2024, he did it again with the Florida team, winning the 70+ USA National hockey championship.
And just to add a little variety into his sporting life, MacMaster entered the Polk County Senior Games in Florida in 2018 where he placed first in the triple jump, long jump, and shot put in the 65-69 division.
Back home in Inverness in 2021, he helped start a men’s 55+ hockey program at the Dr. Bernie MacLean Cultural and Recreation Centre, which is still taking place on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the winter.
“We are trying not to let ‘the Old Man in’, and the best way to do that is stay active” he said at the time.
In submitting his nomination for induction into the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame, his son Mitchell got two of his friends and fellow retired educators to write letters of support.
James MacLellan, who was a member of the 1981 Rebels team that won the school’s first-ever provincial A hockey title, said MacMaster was the force that guided them.
“When I reflect upon that season I realize now how great a coach Jim was. Although young, Jim was well respected by all the team and had the ability to get the most out of each player. Without him behind the bench I doubt we would have succeeded,” wrote MacLellan.
“As great an athlete as he is, he is an even better person. His enthusiasm for life, his leadership skills and his willingness to help others is what makes him special. In 1998 he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. He battled his illness with the same intensity he brings to the playing field, only to have it return in 2011. Never giving up and living each day to the fullest he has been a true inspiration to everyone who knows him. During these difficult times he continued to compete at the highest level,” MacLellan added.
Bryan Sutherland, said MacMaster truly is a special person – as an athlete, coach, builder, organizer, and person.
Sutherland wrote: “Jim’s deep connection with sport and the benefits it endows has been his lifelong passion. He has always seen a need for physical activity in his life and always encourages others to enjoy the fruits of a physical active lifestyle. He has so generously shared his time and talent within whatever community he has resided.
“ As a teammate in high school, university, and his adult years, as a coach and official during his working career, and as an advocate for a physically active lifestyle during his post-career years, Jim has selflessly guided and supported those within his orbit.”
Sutherland added, “Beyond the accolades, what truly sets Jim apart is his character. He has served as a
role model for countless individuals, inspiring them with his passion, perseverance, and confidence, yet humility. Jim has entered his eighth decade and shows no signs of slowing down. I am sure he will continue to be an advocate for sport and the benefits it brings for the remainder of his yet unfinished career!”
The induction ceremony takes place on June 6 at Sydney’s Centre 200.
Along with MacMaster, Frank (Flash) Hollett will also be inducted as an athlete (hockey). Barry Verbeski and Brad Jacobs will go in as builders. And the 1972-73 Riverview Redmen (hockey) and the 1971-72 St. Peter’s District High boys (volleyball) will be inducted in the team category.
“These athletes showcase the talent, dedication and love of sport that is so prevalent here in Cape Breton, putting the spotlight on their skills, their sport, and our treasured island,” said Carol Miller, chair of the Cape Breton Sport Hall of Fame Awards Committee, in a press release.
“We need people to continue to nominate worthy individuals each year so the process can continue, allowing the documented history of sport in Cape Breton to continue to grow.”