Dan Atkinson
NAME: Dan Atkinson
INDUCTED: 2025
HOMETOWN: Toronto
POSITION: Builder
For over five decades, Dan Atkinson has been a cornerstone of Ontario lacrosse, a tireless advocate for youth, and a guiding light in the Alexandra Park community. From humble beginnings in Toronto’s low-income housing, Dan discovered lacrosse through St. Christopher House—a game that would become his lifelong passion and purpose.
Dan’s playing career as a goaltender laid the foundation for a remarkable journey in coaching, mentorship, and community leadership. As Head Coach of the Novice and PeeWee teams at St. Christopher House, Dan became more than a coach—he was a mentor, a father figure, and a fierce advocate for inclusion. His ability to connect with youth and parents alike helped break down cultural and language barriers, introducing the Creator’s Game to generations of children who might otherwise never have had the chance to play.
Dan’s leadership extended far beyond the field. He secured corporate sponsorships, managed equipment and uniforms, and ensured that registration fees remained affordable—just $20 for a full season, including gear and transportation. He organized the program’s first cross-country trip to British Columbia in 1976, giving inner-city youth their first glimpse of life beyond Toronto. Through every challenge—racism, financial hardship, and social adversity—Dan stood firm, teaching his players the values of dignity, respect, and resilience.
When St. Christopher House transitioned to West Metro Lacrosse in 1986, Dan carried the torch, mentoring new coaches and keeping the program alive until 1992. His influence continued through his work with the Mimico Lacrosse Club and, even in retirement with the Barrie House League program. His innovations in goalie equipment, his dedication to player development, and his unwavering commitment to community have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Dan’s accolades are many—the OLA Ken Murray Award (1981), Zone 10 Coach of the Year (1998), and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (2011), to name a few. But his greatest legacy lies in the lives he’s touched, the players he’s inspired, and the community he’s uplifted.
We celebrate Dan Atkinson not just for his achievements, but for his heart, his vision, and his enduring impact on the game and the people it brings together.
Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum
Lock 3, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway
St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7C2