Dave Vernon

NAME: Dave Vernon
INDUCTED: 2026
HOMETOWN: Welland
POSITION: Builder

Dave Vernon’s contribution to the game spans over 40 years, beginning in 1977, and has touched nearly every level of lacrosse administration and development. Throughout his distinguished career, Vernon has served as a coach, team manager, team executive, league executive, and long-time volunteer, earning a reputation as one of the most influential builders in Ontario lacrosse history.

Vernon’s impact has been particularly profound in Ontario Junior “B” Lacrosse, where he has served as League Commissioner since 1991. When he assumed the role, the league consisted of just 10 teams. Under his steady leadership and vision, the league expanded to 26 teams, becoming widely regarded as the premier Junior “B” lacrosse league in Canada. During his tenure as commissioner, Ontario Junior “B” teams captured the Canadian Championship Founders Cup 24 times, a remarkable record of sustained excellence.

In addition to his role as commissioner, Vernon has been a member of the OMLA/OLA Board of Governors since 1979, holding positions including Director, Vice-President of Finance, and Zone 9 Director. He has also served as Secretary for OLA Zone 9 for more than three decades and was Secretary of the OLA Minor Council from 2010 to 2016.

Vernon has made significant contributions to field lacrosse as well. In 1980, he helped found the Ontario Junior Men’s Field Lacrosse League (OJMFLL) and was instrumental in the development of the Niagara Raiders, serving as General Manager from 1980 through 2016. He also played a key role in helping establish the U-19 Field Lacrosse program, providing young athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level while pursuing educational pathways, including scholarships.

On the national and provincial stages, Vernon served as General Manager for Team Canada at the 1992 U19 World Championships and has acted as the scheduler for the Ontario Provincial Lacrosse Championships since 1988—an extensive responsibility involving the coordination of hundreds of games over multi-day tournaments. He has also volunteered annually at OLA Festivals, serving as an arena supervisor since 2003.

Dave Vernon’s commitment to the sport has been recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including OLA “Mr. Lacrosse” (1987), the OLRA Gerry Ravery Award (2009), the Queen’s Jubilee Award (2012), and multiple OLA service awards recognizing outstanding contribution: 20 years (President’s Award), 30 years (Creator’s Game Award), and 40 years (Heritage Award)

Respected for his leadership, collaborative approach, and integrity, Dave Vernon is regarded as a tireless advocate for lacrosse and a role model within the community. The Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame celebrates a lifetime of service and an enduring legacy that has strengthened lacrosse across the province for generations.

Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum

Lock 3, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway
St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7C2