Inducted 2016
Nigel Facey has had a long career participating in multiple sports. His athletic skills and determination made him a top contender in hockey and soccer in Newfoundland and Labrador. He is one of a select few athletes to have represented Newfoundland and Labrador at a Canada Summer Games and a Canada Winter Games. Competing at the national level in two different sports was an indicator of his athletic talent, ability, and diversity.
Nigel’s soccer skills lead him to play with the Fieldians Senior Soccer team in both the St. John’s and Challenge Cup leagues as a defender and striker. He was recognized as a lead scorer multiple times throughout his career, most notably in 1976 when his scoring total was double the next competitor – despite missing the last five games of the season. From 1986 to 1994, he played with the Fieldians Master Soccer Team winning three St. John’s Master Soccer League titles. On the field, Nigel was a fierce defender and a prolific scorer. His determination and winning attitude made him an asset to any team.
A strong skating defensemen, Nigel showcased exceptional determination and impressive leadership skills in his long-standing hockey career. After enjoying successful minor and school hockey careers, he moved on to spend more than 15 years playing senior hockey. He was a member of the St. John’s Capitals, winning the provincial senior title and the Herder Memorial Trophy in 1973, 1974, 1975 and 1976. He was seen as a great benefit to his team demonstrating a winning attitude and spirit. His leadership and hockey skills often had him elected Team Captain and it was in this role that he led Mike’s Shamrocks to the 1979 Herder. Nigel played in 12 Herder playoffs scoring an impressive 15 goals and 35 assists.
His personal success in hockey continued with appearances at seven national Allan Cup competitions with 12 goals and 18 assists, making him the sixth highest scorer of all participants. Nigel was a great hockey player with a confident and intelligent approach to the game. He had a 259 game career with 260 points, finishing as the second highest scoring defenseman in provincial senior hockey history. For his efforts, Nigel had tryouts with two National Hockey League (NHL) teams; one in 1972-1973 with the Omaha Knights, the farm team for the Atlanta Flames, and another in 1973-1974 with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
His contribution to hockey, soccer, and various other sports earned him a fierce reputation as a respected player full of skill and determination. Nigel gave his utmost playing ability to every game he participated in. During his athletic career, he displayed a “team first” attitude that contributed greatly to the excellent success that teams for which he played enjoyed.
Nigel was a true athlete displaying skills in multiple sports. His impressive hockey statistics lead to his induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Hockey Hall of Fame in 2006.
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