Individuals Recognized at OHF Awards Banquet

Individuals Recognized at OHF Awards Banquet

Date: Jun, 26, 2019 03:00 PM EDT

Eight individuals were recognized for their dedication and commitment to the betterment of hockey in the Ontario Hockey Federation at the annual Awards Banquet last week.

At the conclusion of each season, the OHF hosts their annual Awards Banquet to recognize individuals outstanding contribution to the game. While it was apparent through recipients messaging that each individual hadn’t entered into volunteering in and supporting the branch for the recognition that comes along with doing their job so well, the OHF would not be able to provide the game of hockey to its 250,000 members without their tireless support and effort.

And for that reason we are proud to present the following awards to these deserving individuals:

BILL RICHMOND MEMORIAL AWARD

Rob Ring - Ontario Minor Hockey Association

Rob Ring is an individual needing no introduction to the OHF, as his involvement in the game is well known.

Rob’s journey in Minor Hockey began as a player in Collingwood. This was followed by actively coaching and serving in a number of different capacities with his Local Minor Hockey Association. His involvement in the community was recognized when he was honoured as a recipient of the Order of Collingwood, and inducted into the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame.

Rob continued his journey in Minor Hockey when he was elected to the OMHA Board of Directors in 1998 where he has served as a Regional Director, Vice-President, and President, along with his involvement as a Director of the OHF Board. No matter what his role, Rob has always placed a priority on Development.

Rob is a tireless advocate for Development, as has been shown through his leadership as Chair of the OMHA U-17 Program of Excellence Regional Selection Camp, Chairman of the OMHA U-17 POE Final Selection Camps for three years, Long-serving and valued contributing member, including Chair, of OMHA Development Committee, OMHA Representative to OHF Development Council and Representation and advocate for OMHA and OHF at HDCO and Hockey Canada.

Despite his multi-faceted involvement in many different aspects of the OMHA and OHF, Rob continues to take great interest in the continual improvement of Development opportunities for all Players, Coaches, Trainers, and Officials in our game. His passion for Development is clear and always forms a fundamental cornerstone of consideration for Rob no matter what the issue or his involvement.

For his outstanding achievement and involvement in the area of hockey development within the OHF, we are proud to present the Bill Richmond Memorial Award to Rob Ring.

CHRISTINE PENMAN AWARD

Jillian Marchand – Northern Ontario Hockey Association

Jillian has been actively participating in OHF and Hockey Canada events for much of the last 12 years, since Jason Marchand joined the NOHA as Technical Director.  While spending the first two years living in different cities, Jillian would still regularly make trips to North Bay to attend NOHA activities, or to join Jason at OHF events such as holiday socials, AGMs, and at Hockey Canada meetings across the country, where she would always take part in the afternoon socials at OHF events with the other spouses or other events that have been put on for the companions and spouses.  Having grown up in a hockey family where her older brother and father would regularly travel to hockey tournaments across the province, Jillian has always enjoyed being around others in the hockey community. 

She has met so many great people over the years and speaks positively of all of her experiences, especially the laughs that they have enjoyed together and always looks forward to catching up with all of the other great spouses who make these events great. 

Like all of the other amazing spouses within the Branch, Jillian has been extremely supportive and understanding of Jason and some of the extra time commitments required, regularly taking on additional responsibilities at home, including taking Jaelynn to extra-curricular activities such as swimming, soccer, baseball and potentially next year … hockey, all while having her own career at Cassellholme, a Nursing Home in North Bay and starting in the Fall, a college instructor at Canadore College. 

During the off-season, when Jillian is able to get away from hockey for a month or two, she enjoys taking road trips as a family.  While for Jason, the count is now at 26 of 30 Major League Baseball stadiums, Jillian’s count is shopping at outlet malls or TJ Maxx stores in 26 different Major League cities.  Nonetheless, another perfect example of her support. 

For her significant contribution to goodwill and cooperation among the OHF companions and Board, the OHF is proud to present the Christine Penman Companion Award to Jillian Marchand.

ALLAN MORRIS AWARD

Claude Denomme - Northern Ontario Hockey Association

After 40 years of continual service it is safe to say that Claude Denomme exemplifies what it means to be dedicated to promoting amateur hockey.

Claude began his hockey involvement as a player in New Liskeard, finishing on the ice with the New Liskeard Cubs.

When Claude returned home from college in North Bay he transitioned to serving the Cubs as a team staff, contributing in roles such as assistant coach, head coach and board member.

Claude and his coaching staff led the Cubs to the Air Canada National Championship in 1996 only to repeat in 1997 when they again represented Central Canada in Nova Scotia for the National championship where his team went on to win a silver medal.

Following the National Championship run, Claude stepped down off of the bench, moving into the assistant manager role, before taking over as manager and then Team President – a position that he still holds today.

Concurrent to his time with the Cubs, Claude assisted the NOHA as an instructor in their development programs was involved in the under 17 program for several years as an evaluator and was an instructor in the NCCP program coaching clinics.

For his outstanding achievements in exemplifying dedication to amateur hockey and the mission of the Branch, the OHF is proud to present the Dr. Allan Morris Award to Claude Denomme.


OFFICIATING AWARD

Chris Chapman - Ontario Hockey Federation

Over the past decade Chris Chapman has worked tirelessly to develop and succeed as an official within the Ontario Hockey Federation.

He began officiating minor hockey in 2008 while playing for both the Huron Perth Lakers and the Stratford Warriors and continued to officiate throughout his Junior Hockey Career with the Waterloo Siskins, Cambridge Winterhawks and the Listowel Cyclones.

Following his playing career, Chris pursued officiating – a move that has brought him to officiate for both the Ontario Hockey Association and Ontario Hockey Leagues.

Chris’s skating skills and hockey instincts as a former OHA Junior player were recognized by OHA Officiating Managers for his promotion to Referee and were critical for his selection as a Linesman in the Ontario Hockey League. Chris has a love for the game that is always apparent regardless of the level of competition.

Over the past 11 years, Chris has continued to take every opportunity to improve his skills, participating in Alliance AAA showcase events, OHF Championships, the OHL Gold Cup High Performance Officiating Camp, and the Don Koharski Referee Camp.

The Level IV Official’s tireless work habit has been noticed both in and out of the OHF – Chris was recently recognized by the OHA as the recipient of the “Top OHA Referee Prospect” and was selected by Hockey Canada to participate in under-17 programming at the National Level.

For his involvement in the officiating program, contribution to the game, officiating skills and influence he has had on amateur hockey within the Branch, the OHF is proud to present the Officiating Award to Chris Chapman.

OHF ORDER OF MERIT AWARD

Jim McLoughlin – Northern Ontario Hockey Association

Jim McLoughlin has been a champion of minor hockey at Valley East Minor Hockey Association, coaching every year from 1976 until the early 2000s.

Although Jim has coached teams within the Valley East Minor Hockey Association in the past, he is best known for being the Chair of the famous Valley East Renegades tournament, hosted annually by the Association.

In the 1970’s, Jim and some friends launched the inaugural Renegade tournament, attracting close to 30 teams in the first year. Over the years, the number of participating teams continued to grow – due in large part to Jim’s hard work in promoting the tournament. The tournament now attracts upwards of 120 house league teams at all age divisions.

The Renegades Tournament is well known across Northern Ontario for adjusting schedules mid-event, hoping to balance the teams to ensure every player has an enjoyable experience.

In addition to his role as Tournament Chair for Valley East Minor Hockey, Jim is also the Novice Convener – overseeing approximately 10 House League teams in the Association. As the NOHA implemented the half ice model this past season, Jim has been a leader locally in support of the program, emphasizing the importance of skill development at the younger ages.

For his dedication and service to amateur hockey the OHF is proud to present the Order of Merit Award to Jim McLoughlin.

OHF STAFF AWARD

Kiersten Maitland – Northern Ontario Hockey Association

An integral part of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) operations, Kiersten Maitland is currently the Office Manager for the NOHA.

Kiersten began her employment with the NOHA in 2013 immediately after completion of her Sports Administration degree at Laurentian University. Her passion for the game of hockey was immediately a tremendous asset to the organization and her earlier involvement with Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO) helped her in her transition to the NOHA.

Given that the NOHA was going through a transition period in the office with two longtime staff members retiring, Kiersten took on a leadership role and very quickly learned the ropes. She continually asked questions and did her research in order to become proficient in her position.

Kiersten is a very important piece of the day-to-day operations of the NOHA  - in addition to looking after the financial affairs of the NOHA, Kiersten is also the go-to person in the NOHA Office for all HCR-related matters, from registration to releases, and all insurance questions from our membership.

For exemplifying the commitment to the values and objectives of the OHF and its Member Partners, and for showing commitment and dedication for the betterment of the game of hockey the OHF is proud to present Kiersten Maitland with the OHF Staff Award.

OHF VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINATION

Helen Ford – Ontario Minor Hockey Association

Known as the backbone of her organization, Helen Ford of the Minor Oaks Hockey Association has been a part of the Oakville minor hockey community for over 40 years. She's served multiple roles in the community and will sign up to help no matter how big or small the job may be.

A fixture in the Oakville hockey community, Helen is a Life Member and Board Member, having held titles from Team Manager to Convener to Vice-President. Helen is a positive person who wants to make a lasting impression and a great experience for the players.

If there is a question that needs answering in the organization, Helen always makes herself available to find the solution. She truly believes in the importance of giving back to her community and her hard work and dedication have helped grow the game of hockey in Oakville across four decades.

For her outstanding commitment and significant contribution to the game the OHF is proud to present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Helen Ford. Congratulations Helen.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

John Neville – Greater Toronto Hockey League

John Neville has been a leader in amateur hockey for over forty years.

A staple at the Greater Toronto Hockey League, John has served on the GTHL Board of Directors for over a decade, he is currently the 3rd Vice President – a position he held from 2014. In addition to his service on the board, he is currently the Chairman of the GTHL Summit Committee and Hockey Development Committee, however in the past he also served on the Strategic Planning Committee, Referee Supervisory Committee, Governance Review Task Force, Revenue Generation Committee, Tournament Committee and Categorization Committee.

Beyond his Committee service to the GTHL, he is currently the Chairman of the OHF Governance Committee, OHF Nominations Committee, Minor-Junior Committee Member and the Chairman of the OHA Governance Committee.

John coached for close to 40 years in both male and female hockey at the house league, AAA, Junior A and University levels. During his time as a coach, he was asked to join Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, named Nova Scotia Midget AAA Coach of the Year, named Maritime Junior A Coach of the Year and coached Canada’s entry in Tretiak Cup three years medaling each time.

Despite his lengthy list of accomplishments within the sport - John says his hockey highlight was coaching Canada’s entry in the Tretiak Cup in Russia and the ensuing friendship with Vladislav Tretiak, the president of the Ice Hockey Federation of Russia.

For his valuable contribution, service and leadership to amateur hockey throughout the Branch the OHF is proud to present the President’s Award to John Neville.