Stratford, ON - ALLIANCE Hockey is pleased to announce that
JOHN HARKER (Brantford, ON) has been named the recipient of the 2024 ALLIANCE Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award!
2024 ALLIANCE HOCKEY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
– JOHN HARKER, BRANTFORD COMMUNITY HOCKEY LEAGUEWatch the full award presentation video HERE!
Congratulations to Brantford Community Hockey League's John Harker recipient of the 2024 ALLIANCE Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award!
John Harker has been a mainstay volunteer in minor hockey for over 30 years. He has held a multitude of positions including coach, development director, mentor, Board Member and friend. If he ever needed to be found, all it would take is a visit to an arena - just look for the rubber chickens and bowling balls and you would be sure to find him!
Harker volunteers with all minor hockey associations in the Brantford area including Brantford Community Hockey League, Brantford Minor Hockey Association, BGHA Ice Kittens, and Burford MHA.
As a child, Harker didn't play hockey but that did not prevent him from fostering a special love for the game. This love intensified when his kids took up the sport and like most volunteers, his involvement and volunteerism just kept on growing.
Harker has coached in almost every division of hockey, ranging from Learn to Skate through to U15 and has fond memories of coaching in the old Red and Blue arena along with Dennis Duce and the late Jeff Hamilton. He is also a big supporter of the local outdoor community ice rinks and enjoys seeing kids playing traditional pond hockey.
There is rarely a day that goes by when he isn't stopped by someone who thanks him for his contributions or tells him how important he made them feel. His involvement and longevity has made such an impact on the community that he is now coaching the children of the players he once coached!
Harker was one of the key founders of the Little Saints Learn to Skate program that began in 2011. He has yet to miss a season and continues to be invested in teaching the fundamentals of hockey, while creating a fun and safe atmosphere. He recognizes the importance of sharing his vast knowledge with beginner coaches and willingly gives his free time to assist in their development.
Harker is a valued member of the Brantford Community Hockey League, joining the Board in 2018. His knowledge and years of experience have helped to shape the Association and provide a focus on creating meaningful hockey programs for all House League and Select players in the area.
"There is no one more deserving of this award than John Harker. He gives selflessly of his time no less than 6 days a week, just because he loves it," noted BCHL General Manager/Registrar Sandra Gagne.
"If you ask any player who has had the privilege of working with John, they are guaranteed to all recite the motto that he lives by - 'Any day at the rink is a great day!'," said Gagne. "It truly does reflect his personality and philosophy."
Thank you John, for your service and commitment to minor hockey and congratulations on being named the 2024 ALLIANCE Hockey Volunteer of the Year!
- About the ALLIANCE Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award
The ALLIANCE Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contributions, involvement and service to ALLIANCE Hockey. ALLIANCE Hockey Volunteer of the Year Award recipients have displayed commitment to the ideals of ALLIANCE Hockey, have worked tirelessly for the improvement of the game at their local Association level and have made a notable impact on both the game and the players involved. The recipient must be active in hockey during the year of the award presentation.