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Dale Smith, Cambridge
Bay, Nunavut |
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Regional Winner: Hockey North |
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Gary Edwards, Cecil
Lake, British Columbia |
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Regional Winner: Hockey British
Columbia |
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Brian Ennis, Red Deer,
Alberta |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Alberta |
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Johnny Ford, Gray, Saskatchewan
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Regional Winner: Saskatchewan Minor
Hockey Association |
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Henry Kazina, Tyndall,
Manitoba |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Manitoba |
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Murray Howard, London,
Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Ontario Hockey
Federation |
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Dan Reynard, Kenora,
Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Hockey North Western
Ontario |
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Cheryl and Raymond
Graham, Ottawa, Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Ottawa District
Hockey Association |
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Robert Nutbrown, Ascot
Corner, Quebec |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Quebec |
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Garry Brooks, Fredericton
Junction, New Brunswick |
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Regional Winner: Hockey New Brunswick |
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John Murphy, Yarmouth,
Nova Scotia |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Nova Scotia |
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Terri MacDonald, Central
Bedeque, Prince Edward Island |
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Regional Winner: PEI Hockey Association |
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Joseph Lane, Port
Aux Basques, Newfoundland |
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Regional Winner: Newfoundland and
Labrador |
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Dale Smith, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
Regional Winner: Hockey North
 Dale
Smith is Mr. Hockey in Cambridge Bay.
Currently the President of Hockey Nunavut, Smith's tireless
volunteer efforts have created a thriving hockey community
in his hometown of Cambridge Bay. In addition to spending
time coaching and fulfilling numerous administrative tasks,
Smith consistently organizes referee and coaching clinics
to ensure that area youth have access to the skills and knowledge
that keep them inspired and motivated.
"Dale is always everyone's first point of contact for hockey
related questions in our community," said Cambridge Bay's
John Higgins in a nomination essay. "Since Dale has been involved
with hockey in Cambridge Bay, the number of registered youth
has almost doubled. Local youth recognize Dale as the 'face
of hockey' in Cambridge Bay."
As outlined by Higgins, in addition to juggling his responsibilities
as President of Hockey Nunavut and as a Junior C coach (Smith
started the team from scratch to ensure that 17 year olds
could continue to play organized hockey), Smith also founded
and organizes Cambridge Bay's fledgling high school hockey
program. The program is having a positive effect on area youth.
"The High School Hockey Program in Cambridge Bay encourages
local youth to stay in school," added Higgins. "A student
must have good marks, good attendance and a positive attitude
to be on the team, which gets to travel."
Gary Edwards, Cecil Lake, British
Columbia
Regional Winner: Hockey British Columbia
 Gary
Edwards knows the importance of minor hockey and the local
arena to life in the community.
Edwards, who like his father before him lives on the farm
next to Cecil Lake's Clearview Pac Arena, donates hundreds
of hours to hockey in the community and caring for the arena
that is central to its existence.
"This is a farming community, and the arena is a big part
of it," said Cecil Lake's Rosemary Baldry in her nomination
essay. "We had a lot of trouble with our ice plant this year
and Gary would come at 5 am before feeding cows or going to
his welding job and help us fix things up, then he would stop
on his way home again and make sure we were still running."
As outlined by Baldry, Edwards also coaches an Atom level
team, organizes tournaments, and handles many of the demands
that arise with small town arenas.
"Gary has helped to fix the Zamboni, re-weld the goalie nets,
fixed gates, and basically all of the other jobs that seem
to pop up," added Baldry. "We have a dugout for our arena
ice and being that last summer was a drought our dugout was
low, least of all we were all worried if we would have enough
water for the season. It would have been a huge expense for
our arena to buy water, so Gary volunteered to pump water
from the largest dugout on his own farm (intended for his
cattle) to the arena dugout. It was a huge job that took from
8 in the morning until 7 at night. We are all very thankful
as we are a small community and on a limited budget." ”
Brian Ennis, Red Deer, Alberta
Regional Winner: Hockey Alberta
 Thanks
to the volunteer efforts of Brian Ennis, every boy and girl
in Red Deer now has the opportunity to play recreational hockey
in a fun, safe, affordable and supportive environment.
The Red Deer Pond Hockey League was founded by Ennis in 2001,
is entirely volunteer based, and now gives close to 300 area
youth a chance to play hockey for one fifth the cost of local
minor hockey programs.
"From our weekend games, our twilight practices or the excitement
of our two huge festival-style outdoor tournaments, the spirit
of pond hockey now runs rampant across our city," said Red
Deer's Rob White in his nomination essay. "The family-oriented
Red Deer Pond Hockey League is the largest Pond Hockey League
in Alberta, gives kids a chance to play regardless of circumstance,
and truly makes our city a better place to live."
Additional features of the Red Deer Pond Hockey League instituted
by Ennis include an equipment swapping program and scholarship
fund - both designed to ensure that finances are not a barrier
to entry.
"Brian Ennis is the only reason why Pond Hockey has prospered
in Red Deer and made our city a better place to live," added
White.
Johnny Ford, Gray, Saskatchewan
Regional Winner: Saskatchewan Minor Hockey Association
 In
small town Saskatchewan, gathering at the local arena and
volunteering your time to keep hockey up and running is a
way of life. No one exemplifies this more than Johnny Ford.
For the past 70 years Ford has volunteered his time at the
natural ice facility in Gray "We appreciate the chance to
have Johnny's contributions recognized," said fellow Gray
resident Lori Boesch in a nomination essay. "He is averse
to public recognition but continues day after day (he drops
by the rink every day, summer and winter, to ensure things
are as they should be) to volunteer his time and energy, behind
the scenes, to this facility that is the hub of our community."
"In small town Saskatchewan community life revolves around
the rink, and fundraising for the rink. Johnny has devoted
himself to fundraising events here for more than half a century."
As outlined in the nomination, Ford's multitasking at the
rink has also included Zamboni driving, concession operation,
facility management and repair - all in a volunteer capacity.
Yet perhaps Ford's most legacy is the effect he has had on
future generations of volunteers.
"It is in large part thanks to leaders like Johnny Ford who
cultivate young volunteers and community participants that
our rink has survived," added Boesch. "The rink being ready
and open for any activity is a tribute to Johnny's dependability.
It seems he is always there!"
Henry Kazina, Tyndall, Manitoba
Regional Winner: Hockey Manitoba
 Henry
Kazina's persistence and passion for hockey have earned him
the title of Manitoba's RBC Local Hockey Leader.
As an elementary school principal, Kazina knew first hand
how important it was for young people to have the chance to
play hockey.
As outlined in fellow Tyndall resident Jeff Wood's submission
essay, this passion for hockey and Kazina's understanding
of its importance to community life has had a lasting impact
on his community. Kazina was the driving force behind the
Garson Arena's transformation into an artificial ice,12 month
per year facility.
According to Wood, who is the President of the Garson Arena
Board of Directors, more than two thirds of the total sum
required for the project (raised through grants, donations,
and fundraising) was the direct result of Kazina's efforts.
"Henry was very involved in every phase of our project - attending
meetings at the local and municipal levels, making presentations
to councils and organizations, completing applications for
grants, and monitoring almost every phase of the installation
of the artificial ice plant," said Wood,. "Due to his dependability
and willingness to help, Henry has been a positive role model
for his students and members of the community. The conversion
of the Garson Arena into a year-round facility will have a
positive impact on our community for many years." ”
Murray Howard, London, Ontario
Regional Winner: Ontario Hockey Federation
 The
Hockey Hall of Fame is filled with heroes and leaders. Murray
Howard - Ontario's newest RBC Local Hockey Leader - will fit
right in.
For the past 30 years Howard has run the George Bray Sports
Association, which is dedicated to making hockey accessible
for young people with physical limitations, medical conditions
and emotional handicaps.
"What makes Murray so special to everyone involved with the
George Bray Sports Association is that he makes it so easy
for so many who have it so hard," said London's David Paquet
in a nomination essay. "Murray helps these kids grow up knowing
the feeling of being part of the number one sport in Canada
- hockey. Without him, they would not be able to play."
As outlined in Paquet's nomination essay, Howard's ability
to get kids involved with a game that is difficult for them
to play (and giving them the ability to tell people that they
play on a hockey team) creates happiness and pride in what
are often very challenging lives.
"As for dependability, dedication, approachability and helpfulness
these words are not strong enough when speaking of Murray
Howard. How about life long commitment, giving up every weekend
to help out people who without him would have no weekend hockey
at all."
Dan Reynard, Kenora, Ontario
Regional Winner: Hockey North Western Ontario
 Dan
Reynard has spent the past 25 years positively affecting young
people in Kenora through hockey.
"Dan Reynard is known as the unsung hero in Kenora with respect
to his involvement with hockey," said Kenora's Christine Hansen
in a nomination essay. "Dan has dedicated his time by coaching
many teams while also serving in various executive positions
with Lake of the Woods Minor Hockey. He has also coached the
Beaver Brae high school team. Watching him build the confidence
of young players is amazing."
As outlined in Hansen's nomination essay, the hours Reynard
has dedicated to coaching at every level alone would qualify
him for RBC Local Hockey Leader status. Yet, in true RBC Local
Hockey Leader style, this selfless volunteer somehow finds
enough time to accomplish even more.
In 2006 alone, Reynard helped bring two high profile hockey
events to Kenora. Both the Mike Richards Hockey Camp (to benefit
Lake of the Woods Minor Hockey) and the National Women's Fall
Festival brought national attention to the city's hockey community.
"Dan Reynard is often behind the scenes with his involvement
in hockey," added Hansen. "He truly deserves to be recognized
for his dedication."
Cheryl and Raymond Graham, Ottawa,
Ontario
Regional Winner: Ottawa District Hockey Association
 Like
most minor hockey communities, most of the tasks that make
the Ottawa West Hockey Association run smoothly are done behind
the scenes. Behind the scenes is where Cheryl and Raymond
Graham shine, and their community is all the richer for it.
"This family lives and breathes hockey, and have volunteered
in just about every way imaginable," Elenia Ferrarin said
in a nomination essay. "Raymond has been a coach, trainer
and member of the executive committee. Cheryl works the bingo
hall to raise funds, the canteen on game nights, and serves
as secretary and registrar for the association. She even handles
things like enforcing registration procedures and handling
transfers."
As outlined in Ferrarin's nomination essay, for the past several
years the Graham's have also taken on the task of creating
and maintaining the outdoor rink at the local Bellevue Raven
Park.
"Ray has spent many nights watering and preparing the rink
well into the early mornings just so that the children could
enjoy a safe surface to skate on," added Ferrarin. "This is
an additional task that the Grahams have taken on for the
past nine years and continue to do so today. If it weren't
for their dedication hockey would not be what it is in their
community." ”
Robert Nutbrown, Ascot Corner,
Quebec
Regional Winner: Hockey Quebec
 For
many parents in the Ascot Corner/Lennoxville region of Quebec,
Robert Nutbrown's 'Apple Juice Hockey' is a breath of fresh
air.
For the past seven years this informal league -- built on
the principles of fun and access for all - has been the hub
of the community.
Focused on 5-12 year-olds, the league creates an option for
parents unable to meet the financial and travel demands often
associated with participating in competitive and even in house
league hockey.
Nutbrown is the co-founder and volunteer manager for this
league, which is named for its annual apple juice sale fundraiser
(the apple juice is provided by a local orchard).
Run entirely by volunteers inspired by Nutbrown's selfless
example, Apple Juice Hockey has doubled in size since its
inception.
"Robert claims the league pretty well runs itself, but someone
reserves the ice time, organizes the annual fundraiser, enlists
the support of local businesses, attracts volunteers, organizes
the special events, advertises the annual sign-up, collects
and distributes equipment, makes sure supplies are available
to the coaches (like pucks and cones), and coaches the older
kids," said Sherbrooke's Douglas Blair in a nomination essay.
"That someone is Robert Nutbrown."
What drives a volunteer like Robert Nutbrown? According to
Quebec's newest RBC Local Hockey Leader himself, it is the
sense of community that comes when children and parents gather
for hockey games.
"While the children - both English and French -- are on the
ice playing a friendly game of hockey the parents are all
watching and socializing, making it a real community event,"
added Blair.
Garry Brooks, Fredericton Junction,
New Brunswick
Regional Winner: Hockey New Brunswick
 In
small rural communities, outdoor rinks take on an added significance.
Without them, many kids simply would not have the opportunity
to play. Thanks to the dedication of Garry Brooks, the youth
of Fredericton Junction will have a place to play for years
to come.
Brooks, known as the Ice Man in his community, puts in the
long hours required to create and maintain outdoor ice. As
outlined in a nomination essay submitted by Fredericton Junction
resident Valerie Webb, however, this RBC Local Hockey Leader's
commitment doesn't end there.
"Garry is at the rink day and night, at all hours, flooding
the ice, but also fixing anything that needs to be fixed.
Residents will bring him hot turkey soup in the middle of
the night when he is out flooding, because he is out there
for the kids," added Webb. "If there was no outdoor rink in
Fredericton Junction, our kids would not play hockey . . .
. and if it wasn't for Garry Brooks we wouldn't have this
outdoor rink."
"When it rains or when it is mild and people assume we've
lost our ice, they are always wrong...Garry can get our ice
back in record breaking time - in hours, not days. He loves
the challenge and tries to break his old time records. He
has it down to a science. Who needs an artificial ice plant
when you have 'the ice man.' He works much harder, longer,
and never breaks down!"
In addition to flooding the ice in all temperatures and weather
conditions for Fredericton Junction's outdoor rural hockey
program, Brooks has also donated hockey equipment, ice clearing
equipment, and inspired dozens of local parents with his selfless
volunteer spirit.
John Murphy, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Regional Winner: Hockey Nova Scotia
 Hockey
volunteers often wear many hats, and become experts at multi-tasking.
John Murphy is no exception.
"John Murphy somehow manages to balance several teams, being
a referee, attending hockey council meetings and running fundraising
events," said John Mackinnon in his nomination essay. "He
also consistently supports programs to keep registration costs
at a minimum. I can imagine no man in our community who is
more worthy of the title 'Local Hockey Leader'."
As outlined in Mackinnon's nomination essay, Murphy has coached
multiple teams per season (including the high school team)
for more than 15 years, is a level 4 referee and serves on
the local minor hockey council. He has also coached a Special
Olympics team, and although he has dedicated countless hours
traveling throughout the province coaching elite 'AAA' teams,
he has not lost sight of the needs of the grassroots players."
"John's dedication to keeping the sport affordable is demonstrated
by his continued efforts to keep local officiating costs the
lowest in the province," added Mackinnon. "He is a dedicated
hockey volunteer who has demonstrated dependability throughout
his life." ”
Terri MacDonald, Central Bedeque,
Prince Edward Island
Regional Winner: PEI Hockey Association
 While
no one is sure exactly how many hours Terri MacDonald has
dedicated to hockey in her community, the results of her efforts
are everywhere.
As outlined in a nomination essay submitted by fellow Bedeque
resident Heath Glover, MacDonald's volunteer commitment began
16 years ago. She started out doing fundraising to defray
costs for minor hockey, and has been volunteering ever since.
She has served as vice president, president, referee in chief,
league coordinator, member of the PEI Minor Hockey Council
and tournament organizer.
"Terri MacDonald is definitely the reason we have minor hockey
and have a community arena," said Glover. "No one knows exactly
how many she has logged as a volunteer, but the results are
very visible."
As outlined by Glover, MacDonald has also worked tirelessly
to oversee many renovations and upgrades to the Central Bedeque
hockey facility, to the benefit of all minor hockey players
and parents. A hospitality room for tournaments, a Zamboni
to replace a tractor, and a vapour barrier for the ceiling
are all projects that wouldn't have gotten off the ground
without MacDonald's leadership.
"Terri is just finishing one project, when she starts to plan
the next one. Although she is employed 4 months of the year
at the Recreation Centre, hockey is what she does as a volunteer
outside of her job. She definitely demonstrates with leadership
what volunteering can accomplish in a small hockey organization.
She is an RBC Local Hockey Leader to us." ”
Joseph Lane, Port Aux Basques,
Newfoundland
Regional Winner: Newfoundland and Labrador
 Joseph
Lane is the epitome of a multi-tasking hockey volunteer, driven
by the idea that hockey is important to a community, and that
every child who wants to play hockey should have the opportunity
to play hockey.
As President of Channel-Port Aux Basques Minor Hockey, coach
in the Bantam division and President of the Referee's Association,
Lane is a fixture at the arena, and has been for many years.
As outlined in a nomination essay submitted by fellow Port
Aux Basques resident Andrew Parsons (Lane was nominated by
three different people in total), Lane's passion for hockey
and its importance to community life has resulted in more
than 20 years of volunteer service. Lane was also involved
with the establishment of Port Aux Basques' first female division
in the 1990s.
"Joe is constantly battling to ensure that our participation
numbers stay strong, and juggling multiple positions on the
minor hockey executive with coaching and managing duties,"
said Parsons. "Joe makes sure that both the big jobs and the
little jobs are always done."
"He goes out of his way to be accessible to parents of children
in all the divisions," added Parsons. ”
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