John Hassell

John Hassell, is best known for his shimmy to get open, field vision and aggressive throws. After getting hooked on the ultimate frisbee playing at McMaster University, John joined YES – a Toronto-based club team that morphed into GOAT in 2002. John was a proud member and long-time captain of GOAT. He was Ultimate Canada’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2009 and inducted into the Ultimate Canada Hall of Fame in 2023.

In the Open division, John was on the Canada national team, competing in several World Championships and a World Games. He has won titles at the university, Canadian national and international levels. His top finish in the US series was third and was part of the core that established GOAT as a perennial qualifier.

Primarily an initiation cutter, John was recognized as Canadian Male Athlete of the Year in 2009. He received several finals MVP awards, reflecting his ability to raise his game under pressure and to compete at the highest levels. With unassuming poise, John was able to maintain good sportsmanship in the biggest moments.

John helped establish Toronto’s club system with GOAT, GT and Roy. As a founding director of ReachUp, he ran frisbee clinics in Indigenous communities to support healthy lifestyles among youth.

John is the first to note that his success is thanks to outstanding teammates.