Blue Jays Legend, Jesse Barfield and WWE’s John “Bradshaw” Layfield join St. Thomas Sports Spectacular lineup

Adding to the excitement, the Calder and Norris Trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame will be on site for fan photos.

Exciting news for the guests attending the 2026 St. Thomas Sports Spectacular, presented by Hydro One.

More sports icons have been announced for the head table for the local sports gala, which will be taking place on January 22, 2026, at the St. Anne’s Centre.

It was shared on Wednesday that Blue Jays Legend, Jesse Barfield, Former WWE Champion, John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL), and WNBA Basketball Star, Monique Billings, are among the additions.

The head table lineup currently includes:

  • Ray Bourque, Hockey Hall of Famer
  • Rick Mahorn, Detroit Pistons legend
  • Yvon Barrette, who played Denis Lemieux in Slap Shot
  • Marcel Dionne, Hockey Hall of Famer
  • Natasha “The Nightmare” Spence, WBA International Boxing Champion
  • Jesse Barfield, Blue Jays Legend
  • John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL), Former WWE Champion,
  • Monique Billings, WNBA and now Unrivaled Basketball Star
  • Sam Schachter, Canada Men’s Olympic Volleyball
  • Sophie Bukovec, Canada Women’s Olympic Volleyball

Adding to the excitement, the Calder and Norris Trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame will be on site for fan photos.

The event will once again be hosted by Toronto Star podcaster and columnist Mike Wilner, who returns as emcee for another year.

Since 1978, the St. Thomas Sports Spectacular has raised more than $1 million in support of Special Olympics and Community Living Elgin, drawing major sports figures to the city while celebrating community spirit and inclusion.

Tickets for the 2026 Sports Spectacular are still available at stthomassportsspectacular.com.

Written by: Co-op Reporter Reece Rayner and Kennedy Freeman

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