CAMBRIDGE, ON – After years of giving back to their
communities, eight outstanding individuals were on the receiving end of Ontario
Hockey Federation (OHF) Awards.
Presented at the annual Awards Banquet and AGM Weekend, the awards
recognize dedication to the game, Branch and, most importantly, the thousands
of OHF athletes.
“Without those honoured over the weekend, the OHF would simply be unable to achieve what it does year-after-year,” said Tony Foresi, OHF President. “These individuals are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to volunteers and staff around the OHF, who work tirelessly to ensure every player who steps on the ice enjoys a meaningful experience.”
The OHF Awards Program was introduced during the 2001-2002 season to formally recognize the efforts and achievements of volunteers who dedicate themselves to furthering the mission of the OHF. Three of the awards still be presented today were introduced: the Dr. Allan Morris Award, President’s Award and OHF Volunteer of the Year Award. The following season, the OHF Order of Merit and OHF Officiating Award were introduced. 2008-2009 saw the introduction of the OHF Staff Award, and the Christine Penman ‘Companion’ Award was first handed out in the 2012-2013 season.
However, the OHF has been handing out one award, the Bill Richmond Memorial Award, since 1996. This year, Rick Baron is the recipient, for his outstanding achievement in hockey development.
The Dr. Allan Morris Award was presented to outgoing ALLIANCE President Harry Blinkhorn, in recognition of his 30+ years of dedication to amateur hockey and support of the OHF.
Mr. Foresi selected Rick Morphew to receive the 2015-2016 President’s Award. Mr. Morphew is the OHF Referee-in-Chief and has been actively involved with officiating programs across the Branch since the mid-1960’s.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Larry Gould. “Coach Larry” has been involved with Schomberg Minor Hockey since 1969 and the OMHA’s York-Simcoe Convener for the last 20 years.
Peter MacInnis was awarded the OHF Order of Merit, for significant contributions to the Toronto hockey community. Mr. MacInnis started as a coach in the early 1970’s and moved into the executive ranks 25 years ago.
The Officiating Award, in recognition of contributions to the game, officiating skills and dedication to the Branch, was presented to Scott Oakman. Mr. Oakman is the Executive Director of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, but in his ‘spare’ time has become a Level VI certified referee who has proudly represented the OHF on the national and international stage.
Jennifer Crawford was selected as the recipient of the 2015-2016 OHF Staff Award. Ms. Crawford is the Coordinator, League Operations and Events at the GTHL. Her selection is based on the ability to bring hockey people together, by empowering all those who help with her special events.
Finally, the Christine Penman ‘Companion’ Award was presented to Karen Richardson. Mrs. Richardson has been accompanying her husband Rick to hockey events for 16 years but has been in love with the game since the age of two. Her cooperative spirit and notions of goodwill are infectious among OHF Companions and Board Members.
A complete list of all-time winners, along with award descriptions, is available at: http://www.ohf.on.ca/programs/awards
The OHF has been in existence since 1989 and is comprised of seven Member Partners: the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario (ALLIANCE), the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA), Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA.)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE RECIPIENTS!
Pictured, L-R: Rick Morphew, Scott Oakman, Peter MacInnis, Larry Gould, Harry Blinkhorn, Rick Barron, and Karen Richardson. Absent, Jennifer Crawford.