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Martin Porteous, Orangeville, Ontario
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Regional Winner: Ontario Hockey Federation
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Joe Walsh, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
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Regional winner: Hockey North
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Kevin Yellowaga, Pincher Creek, AB
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Regional winner: Hockey Alberta
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Vince Stevenson, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan |
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Regional winner: Saskatchewan Minor Hockey Association
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Alan Vergouwen, Rorketon, Manitoba
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Regional Winner: Hockey Manitoba |
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Grant Sherred, Kenora, Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Hockey North Western Ontario
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Craig & Janet Shouldice, Nepean, Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Ottawa District Hockey Association |
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Martin Longchamps, Montreal, Quebec |
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Regional winner: Hockey Québec
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Art Comeau, Saint John, NB
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Regional winner: Hockey New Brunswick |
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Clint Lettice, Sydney Mines, NS Regional
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Winner: Hockey Nova Scotia
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Susan Dalziel, Borden-Carleton, PEI |
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Regional winner, PEI Hockey Association
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Gerard Morry, Stephenville, NFLD
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Regional winner: Hockey Newfoundland & Labrador
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Jane Herman, Chase, B.C.
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Regional Winner: Hockey B.C.
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Glen Godovitz, Barrie Ontario
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"RBC's Own" Local Hockey Leader (employee contest winner) |
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Martin Porteous, Orangeville, Ontario Regional Winner:
Ontario Hockey Federation
 Despite
a childhood accident that prevents him from playing, Martin Porteous has
dedicated much of his life to hockey in his community. After several years of
working as a linesman, Martin was introduced to Orangeville Wolves Hockey, a
team for developmentally challenged individuals.
Martin is the now the Head Coach of the Wolves, and as Orangeville resident Lisa
Henrick describes in her nomination essay, “gives not only his time, but
also his heart to this team and loves every minute of it -- he supports and
encourages these players, and helps them achieve a great sense of
accomplishment.”
In 2006 the team is planning a trip to London, England, an opportunity of a
lifetime for the players and their coach, who can now add “RBC Local
Hockey Leader” to his list of accomplishments.
“Martin’s dedication to the sport of hockey and the players he
coaches is instrumental in keeping the Orangeville Wolves alive,” said
Henrick in her nomination. “I can’t think of anyone else in our
community more deserving.”
Nominated By: Lisa Henrick, Orangeville, Ontario
Joe Walsh, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Regional winner: Hockey North
 Joe
Walsh has been involved in Yellowknife Minor Hockey for more than 25 years, and
has volunteered his time in Hockey North as coach, manager, governor,
treasurer, vice president, president, secretary, treasurer and concession stand
operator.
Joe’s commitment to hockey in his community runs so deep that in 2000
Yellowknife Minor Hockey created an annual award in his name: "The Papa
Joe Walsh Long Service award.” This award is bestowed upon people in the
Yellowknife community who have followed Joe’s example and served Minor
Hockey in a number of capacities for a very long time.
In his nomination essay, fellow Yellowknife resident Joe Latremouille summed up
Joe’s impact on minor hockey in his community: “Many of our
policies and initiatives involve input from Joe as his counsel is sought on
many issues. Aside from being a hockey hero, Joe is a kind and gentle person
who is highly regarded, not only by myself, but by everyone who has come into
contact with him. He is very deserving of being named an RBC Local Hockey
Leader."
Nominated By: Joe Latremouille, Yellowknife, NWT
Kevin Yellowaga, Pincher Creek, AB
Regional winner: Hockey Alberta
 The
name Kevin Yellowaga is synonymous with Hockey Clinics in Pincher Creek. Kevin
started one of the first ever Hockey Canada Skills Academies at St. Michaels'
School in Pincher Creek, and organizes countless coaching and power skating
clinics in the area. Largely thanks to the leadership of Kevin Yellowaga,
Pincher Creek is now also home to community-based 6-9 yr old and 10-12 yr old
Tues and Thurs morning Hockey programs.
Retired RCMP officer Rick Carter nominated Kevin: “Kevin is such a
positive leader in the hockey community here that there is no doubt the RBC
Local Hockey Leaders award would give more kids from our
‘smaller-population’ area the chance to ‘have a dream’
and work towards fulfilling that dream. I can quite honestly say that I have
never seen a more positive role model and a person that has so much positive
energy with kids than Kevin.”
Nominated By: Rick Carter, Blairmore, Alberta, and Michael Weekes, Pincher
Creek, AB.
Vince Stevenson, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan,
Regional winner: Saskatchewan Minor Hockey Association
 Vince
Stevenson is truly Shaunavon’s Local Hockey Leader. In a typical week
during the hockey season, Vince can be found at a meeting to raise funds for
the new lights in the rink, coaching, playing, and then twisting wrenches to
keep the ice plant working the following morning.
In addition to filling the roles of coach, administrator and mechanic at his
local arena, Vince is one of Shaunavon’s most famous “burger
flippers.” As part of Shaunavon’s annual fund raising efforts,
Vince donates beef, turns it into hamburger, shapes the patties, flips the
burgers and sells the burgers – all to the benefit of minor hockey in
Shaunavon.
Shaunavon resident Cam Dickie nominated Vince to become an RBC Local Hockey
Leader: “After years of Vince’s tireless effort, I cannot imagine a
more appropriate man to be recognized as a local hockey leader.”
Nominated By: Cam Dickie, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan
Alan Vergouwen, Rorketon, Manitoba
Regional Winner: Hockey Manitoba
 Rorketon
is a small village with outdoor skating rink. Alan Vergouwen volunteers his
time as a youth coach on this rink, motivating young players and making them
believe, for a few hours at least, that their rink is as good as any in the
country.
Alan’s enthusiasm for hockey is contagious, and it is the model for all
participants in Rorketon’s “Kids Fun” Hockey Program.
Alan’s emphasis, and the emphasis of the Kids Fun program, is hockey with
a smile, and without prohibitive cost and competitiveness.
Beverely Didychuk, a Rorketon resident, nominated Alan: “Our community
does not have the money to cover our rink and we are often shunned because of
this, but with people like Alan Vergouwen working with our youth I don’t
believe any of them feel they are disadvantaged!”
Nominated By: Beverely Didychuk, Rorketon, Manitoba
Grant Sherred, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 1H9
Regional Winner: Hockey North Western Ontario
 For
twenty-three years Grant has donated his time to one of the most difficult but
important jobs in hockey -- the referee. Grant has spent 15 years conducting
officials’ clinics throughout Kenora and the surrounding area, and served
as senior official in Hockey North Western Ontario’s western zone.
To ensure the ongoing development of young officials and to enable the
continuation of quality hockey, Grant has for more than 15 years conducting
clinics for more than 1,000 young referees. To complement the classroom
instruction, Grant attends hundreds of games to offer ongoing encouragement and
critique of his pupils’ games.
In his nomination essay, Gary Norris had this to say about Kenora’s Local
Hockey Leader: “Our thanks go to Grant for giving the young hockey
officials in North West Ontario a degree of excellence to strive for and a
positive role model for them to follow in one of the most forgotten aspects of
hockey: officiating.”
Nominated By: Garry Norris, Kenora, Ontario
Craig & Janet Shouldice, Nepean, Ontario
Regional Winner: Ottawa District Hockey Association
 Craig and Janet Shouldice epitomize the great Canadian
multi-tasking minor hockey volunteer spirit. They serve the Nepean Minor Hockey
Association as Convenors, Tournament Chairpersons, Fund Raisers, Board Members,
Registrars and, above all, as fans.
When not working the counter in the Nepean Minor Hockey Association office, they
can be found watching minor hockey, using their season tickets for the OHL
Ottawa 67’s, or making their annual pilgrimage to the CHL championship
Memorial Cup tournament.
Mario Arnone, a Nepean resident, summed up the Shouldices’ commitment in
his nomination essay: “The Shouldice’s would likely turn the RBC
Local Hockey Leader prize into badly needed goaltender equipment for the Nepean
house leagues, and subsidizing less privileged parents whose kids want to play
hockey. These are true minor hockey volunteers, with good hearts, that deserve
recognition. This contest was made for them.”
Nominated By: Mario Arnone, Nepean, Ontario
Martin Longchamps, Montreal, Quebec
Regional winner: Hockey Québec
 Martin
Longchamps has no children or relatives involved in his local hockey
association. Yet this hasn’t stopped him from quietly building youth
hockey in Montreal without fanfare. From youth programs to food drives, this
nominee for the 2002-2003 for the Ordre National du Québec is truly a
behind-the-scenes local hockey leader in Quebec.
“Martin has organized several programs to promote hockey in the
region,” said Montreal resident and fellow Ahuntsic Braves Hockey
Association member Phillipe Lévesque in his nomination essay. “He
has been instrumental in getting young girls, minorities and underprivileged
children to participate in our great sport. I would greatly appreciate it if
our sport recognized this great man, who gives so much to children.”
Nominated by: Philippe Lévesque, Montreal, Quebec
Art Comeau, Saint John, NB
Regional winner: Hockey New Brunswick
 If
it weren’t for Art Comeau, thousands of Saint John children may have
never realized what it feels like to call yourself a hockey player. For more
than 30 years Art has volunteered his time to running an equal opportunity and
cost-friendly program called School Hockey. Every Saturday from 7:00 am to 1:00
pm, and twice a week after school, Art volunteers his time to coordinate this
open-access hockey league for more than 400 children in Saint John.
As an RBC Local Hockey Leader, Art will be able to continue his community
leadership through hockey, and continue to introduce community youth to the
game of hockey.
In his nomination essay, Saint John resident Mike Dawson described Art as
“an avid hockey fan who takes true pride in giving kids an opportunity to
benefit from our greatest game. Aside from active participation, Art also uses
hockey to instill many great life lessons to the kids, including teamwork and
friendship. He is truly a leader in the community and I honestly cannot imagine
a better person for this award.”
Nominated By: Mike Dawson, Saint John, NB
Clint Lettice, Sydney Mines, NS
Regional Winner: Hockey Nova Scotia
 Clint
Lettice, a founding member of the Sydney Mines Minor Hockey association, is a
true multi-tasking hockey volunteer.
Clint lends a hand putting ice in the arena, installing lights, working bingo
games, operating the canteen and even sharpening skates. Somewhere in between
this RBC Local Hockey Leader finds time to open the rink for early morning
practices.
Sydney Mines resident David Lewis, in his nomination essay, described Clint as
“a great friend to Sydney Mines Minor Hockey and the Sydney Mines and
District Community Centre.”
Nominated By: David Lewis, Sydney Mines, NS
Susan Dalziel, Borden-Carleton, PEI,
Regional winner, PEI Hockey Association
 Susan,
a member of the PEI Sports Hall of Fame in the builder category, is a driving
force behind minor hockey in the community of Borden-Carleton.
After sitting on a national committee for development of female hockey in 1977,
Susan organized hockey for the women of her community. And because there were
few teams to play, Susan then inspired women’s teams in other island
communities.
Susan has not only established a woman’s hockey program in her community,
but has also coached more than 30 community teams since 1975 and now runs an
after-school program for girls of all ages who have never played hockey before.
As noted in Crapaud, PEI resident Mike Connolly’s essay nominating Susan,
this woman is truly Prince Edward Island’s RBC Local Hockey Leader:
“It is the coaching and time she spends with the kids that is of real
value. She coaches at the grassroots level instead of high profile teams. All
of the girls who participated in the introductory after school program she
created last year now play organized minor hockey.”
Nominated By: Mike Connolly, Crapaud, PEI
Gerard Morry, Stephenville, NFLD
Regional winner: Hockey Newfoundland & Labrador
 Gerard
Morry is currently the president of the Stephenville Minor Hockey Association.
Yet Gerrard Morry is no ordinary president.
Members of the Stephenville community can find this RBC Local Hockey Leader
performing dozens of other volunteer tasks, including facilitating the donation
of used hockey gear in the basement of his home, serving breakfast & meals
at the arena Canteen, and even chopping wood to raise money for his
association.
In her nomination essay, Stephenville resident Phyllis Hapgood outlined what
makes Gerard Morry Stephenville’s Local Hockey Leader: “Our Novice
1 (5 to 6 year old kids) didn’t have a coach to start the season, so
Gerard filled in until we could find a volunteer. He schedules the ice time
weekly. These are just a few of the examples of what Mr. Morry contributes to
our association. Mr. Morry is truly a leader in our hockey area. He loves the
sport, cares for the children and promotes the community. Mr. Morry works full
time with the local paper mill and he works full time as a Hockey Leader.
Nominated By: Phyllis Hapgood, Stephenville, NFLD
Jane Herman, Chase, B.C.
Regional Winner: Hockey B.C.
 Jane
is both the Director of the Chase & District Recreation Society and Vice
President of Minor Hockey. As if this wasn’t enough, this RBC Local
Hockey Leader organizes team photographs and established a ladies hockey team.
Jane also finds time to work the concession, keep score at games and coach. On
top of all this, British Columbia’s RBC Local Hockey Leader coordinates
volunteer opportunities for special needs individuals through the association.
“Jane is energetic, enthusiastic and always willing to take on a new
challenge,” said Jane Torbohm in her nomination essay. “In 2003 our
association was voted “Association of the Year” by our regional
hockey governing bodies, and I feel that honour is directly related to
Jane’s involvement in Chase Minor Hockey.”
Nominated By: Jane Torbohm, Chase, B.C.
Glen Godovitz, Barrie Ontario
“RBC’s Own” Local Hockey Leader (employee contest winner)
 “RBC’s
Own” Local Hockey Leader, Glen Godovitz founded both the Clearview Girls
Hockey Association and the Dufferin-Simcoe Girls Hockey League. He also coaches
and performs the role of Ice Convenor for local tournaments, games and
practices.
“Because of Glen’s passion for hockey, his commitment to young
hockey players in his local community, his commitment to sit on executives and
do the day to day jobs required to keep a hockey league going, we feel
privileged to nominate Glen for the RBC Local Hockey Leader award,” said
RBC employee and Barrie resident Diane Whittle in her submission essay.
Nominated By: Diane Whittle, Barrie, Ontario
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