​Gus “Magic” Kourousis enters the CBHA & ISBHF Hall of Fame

When you talk about the best offensive forward players to play the game you must always come to the name of Kourousis.   In the CBHA names like Alex Burrows, Kourousis, Benoit Gilbert, Yvan Breton, Robert Marchese and Claudio Lessio are the pedigree beacons. These were the offensively gifted bandits that the CBHA created. And make no mistake besides Burrows, Kourousis may have been the most complete player both offensively and defensive to play the game and who also really had the hands of a NHL superstar. Combine that with a passing vision of a computer.  And most importantly a winning pedigree.  Finishing to date with 3 National Tittles and 2 World Championships.  Not to mention a boat load of all-star and MVP awards.

Kourousis burst on to the scene with the Dovercourt Chargers with fellow stars Ross Ferreira, and the Pavao brothers. They were a team built on euro offensive schemes and movements. But a pure offensive team can only go so far. Gus was recruited heavily and then entered some real developmental years leading programs into Ontario success with the Barons and Withrow Park. He was ready for the big time of ball hockey, and it was ready for him. 

The Fernview Rangers were perhaps the best defensive team ever built by Coach Danny Ranalli. They could shut down teams and make scoring one goal a chore, especially when he had one of the best goalies of all time in Bruno Pullara at the end of that physically tough, and stifling defence.  All Fernview needed was a offensive force to bring this team to greatness. In Gus Kourousis and his wingman Nat Macri,  Ranalli found the offensive jam and offensive wizardry that led these team to dominance. Three National tittles in a row followed with Gus leading the charge.  But something great happened in this time. Gus learned the defensive game from coach Ranalli and all those grizzled vets that played on the Rangers. 

Like Burrows he had become a total superstar. Able to play the game at both ends and in any situation.  He was the scoring sensation of the 1996 World Championships in Bratislava, with the crowd chanting his name in Slovakia leading Canada to Gold.  After one of the most dominating one game performances ever in a big game a World Championship Gold medal game!!  He returned to the International scene in 2001 and played on Team Canada's big line with his childhood friend Rob Marchese and Nelson Lajuenesse. At this time he was coached by his Fernview teammate George Gortsos. Another Gold followed and Gus slowly geared down concentrating on his family.  After accomplishing so much in the game.

However, the sport called once again and it was the International scene beckoning. After serving with excellence for Canada, he was asked to help lead the ISBHF's new Greek program to success. Leading young Hellenic players to learn the many winning lessons he learned along the way.  Not only did he lead them to a B pool championship in 2009, he donned the pads once again and led the team in scoring.  A unbelievable accomplishment with more chapters to follow as he leads the Greek program forward.

It is with great pleasure and honour that the CBHA Board of Directors, and ISBHF Hall of Fame selection committee forward his name to be inducted into both the CBHA & ISBHF Hall of Fame. Below you will find some thoughts from one of the greatest players and people to play our game. Hall of Famer Gus “Magic” Kourousis.

Words from Hall of Famer Kourousis below:

I began playing ball hockey at the age of 7 on the streets of Toronto just like alot of other kids and was fortunate enough to be part of a street team called the Westmoreland Bombers.  I think back now, and recall at the age of eight we had to participate in a camp which involved running around the block, pushups and sit-ups.  I still remember being in the captains house trying to complete my third sit-up.  That whole experience stuck with me for life because it taught me at a young age that I had to work hard to make the team.

I was blessed with the ability to play this game at a young age and fell in love and I guess my skills were developed by competing against kids much older than me when I was younger.  Also we used to play three on three on a driveway that was no bigger than ten feet by twenty feet.  That would really help develop stick handling abilities.

My most memorable National was my first, it was an honour to be asked by Fernview to join them and play at that highest level in our sport.  I wasn't going to let that opportunity pass me by and wasn't sure if I'd be able to go back so as a team we had a commitment to win.

Fernview Rangers was a team built on defense with the ability to play into a system that the coach implemented.  It helped me understand the game better and learn how to become a better defensive player.  Fernview Rangers can be summed up in a few words, dedication and commitment.

In the Nationals I participate in I always tried to elevate my game to match the other top players in the tournament such as Rob Marchese who I have known as a young child.  I also admired George Gortsos for his dedication to the game and how he showed me what it takes to win at the level.  These are things that you absorb as a young player and hopefully pass on to the local teams.

My first worlds was an amazing  experience.  To be able to say that you are a world champion at a sport is wonderful achievement and to have memories that last a life time is, precious.  The crowds in Bratislava were fantastic except when they started to throw debris on the floor when we were playing the host team and were beating them.  To hear the crowd chant your name in a foreign country sent chills up and down my spine and I will never forget it.  When I had the opportunity to play again in 2001 at home that also was special, especially in the fashion that we won which was overtime.  I had a chance to celebrate a championship with two really close childhood friends in Ross Ferreira and Rob Marchese who was my linemate.

One of my line mates during my career which helped me achieve some of my goals was Nat Macri.  Probably one of the most dominating wingers in his time and had a fantastic shot, which always made me look good. Our success on the floor can be contributed to the friendship we had off the floor.  We were close friends for years and still are today. I know that was a factor to us clicking so well and being able to know where we were on the floor at all times.

The game has grown so much and when you look at the youth programs today you can see the game is in good hands with a lot of interest.  We all hope to see the game in Olympics one day  and hopefully that will come to fruition.

The game of Ball Hockey has given me so many things in life from great friendships, an opportunity to travel across this country to play in Nationals and place to play a game I love and have fun doing it.  If I can tell any young kids who are starting out or have been playing for a while is have fun playing try to make your teammates around you better.  Never be satisfied with league championship try for a National Championship.  Always set high goals because anything is possible.