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Mike Gravel, Inuvik Northwest Territories |
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Regional Winner: Hockey North |
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Doug Bondue, Port Alice, British Columbia |
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Regional Winner: Hockey BC |
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Garry Wolosinka, Viking Alberta |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Alberta |
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Robert Somerville, Eatonia Saskatchewan |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Saskatchewan |
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Laurent Kerbrat, St. Laurent, Manitoba |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Manitoba |
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Angelo Giajnorio, Niagara Falls, Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Ontario Hockey
Federation |
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Russell Desjarlais, Kenora, Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Northwestern
Ontario |
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Ron Baker, Brockville Ontario |
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Regional Winner: Ottawa District
Hockey Association |
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France Bedard, Port Cartier, Quebec |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Quebec |
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Jean Pelletier, Dalhousie, New Brunswick |
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Regional Winner: Hockey New Brunswick |
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Graham Parker, Middleton, Nova Scotia |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Nova Scotia |
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June Sencabaugh, Murray River, PEI |
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Regional Winner: Hockey Prince Edward Island |
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Dave Ingram, Clarenville, Newfoundland |
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Regional Winner: Newfoundland and
Labrador |
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Mike Gravel, Inuvik Northwest Territories
Regional Winner: Hockey North
Coaching isn’t for everyone, but it is certainly for Inuvik’s Mike Gravel. Gravel’s passionate commitment to coaching, and to his hockey community, have made him an RBC Local Hockey Leader.
“The list of coaching clinics and hockey camps Mike has attended or instructed at is a long one,” said Inuvik’s Conrad Baetz in a submission essay. “He donates manuals, videos and instructional aids to our local minor hockey association, and is truly a dedicated resource for coaches, parents and executives.”
In addition to teaching both kids and other coaches, Hockey North’s newest RBC Local Hockey Leader, Gravel also volunteers his time as Chair of the Minor Council for Hockey North, and organizing a fun 4-on-4 league.
“The 4-on-4 league Mike has created not only gives adult players a chance to play, it also includes bantam and midget teams from the local minor hockey association,” added Baetz. “This league creates more chances for the kids to just play, and in the end is really a fun thing for our hockey players regardless of age or skill level.”
“Individuals like Mike Gravel are the ones that organize, administer, fundraise, coach and do whatever it takes to keep hockey vibrant
in their communities,” said Bob Nicholson, President, Hockey Canada.
Doug Bondue, Port Alice, British Columbia
Regional Winner: Hockey BC
In many ways the local arena in Port Alice is the backbone of the community. So when Doug Bondue realized the arena might have to close due to a lack of funding, he did something about it.
Bondue, an employee at the local pulp mill, had spent years coaching and refereeing but would now turn his volunteer efforts towards fundraising.
“RBC Insurance is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing truly dedicated hockey volunteers like Doug Bondue,” said Neil Skelding, President and CEO, RBC Insurance. “Hockey is a way of life in many Canadian communities, and volunteers are the engines that keep it running.”
Port Alice’s Belinda Sinclair submitted the essay nominating Bondue for the program.
“When it looked like our arena might close, Doug started an arena society, arranged fundraisers and sponsorships, and even collected cans to raise the funds we needed. He saved our arena from closure,” explained Port Sinclair in the essay. “Without Doug our community would disintegrate.”
As a result of his efforts Port Alice will have hockey, and a place for the community to come together, for years to come.
“The kids that are on teams are once again working together and starting to take pride in their community,” added Sinclair. “Our arena is a social meeting place, it is a place where everyone is accepted , and we need to have these kinds of places.”
Garry Wolosinka, Viking Alberta
Regional Winner: Hockey Alberta
When you mention Viking Alberta and hockey, ‘Sutter’ is usually the first name that comes to mind. The farming Sutter family, after all, produced an unprecedented six sons that played in the National Hockey League in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
Yet this year Mr. Hockey in Viking is former Mayor Garry Wolosinka. Wolosinka never played a game in the NHL, but his volunteer efforts – particularly in leading the rebuilding of the local arena – have earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Wolosinka is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for Alberta, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
“The most common saying around Viking for the past two years (since a fire destroyed the local arena – the ‘Carena’ - in 2005) has been ‘if it wasn’t for Gary, this arena would never have been rebuilt’”, said Viking resident Ken Zemanek in a nomination essay. “In addition to volunteering his time with small tasks like painting, Gary also volunteered as Chair of the Friends of the Carena Society during the entire planning and construction process.”
Thanks to a community rallying together minor hockey players in Viking once again have a place to play and to dream.
“Our community did it all,” added Zemanek. “All of the hard work was under the tutelage of our fine leader and Chairman of the Friends of the Carena Society – Garry Wolosinka.”
Robert Somerville, Eatonia Saskatchewan
Regional Winner: Hockey Saskatchewan
A saying you hear a lot in small towns is “if you want to get a job done, give it to a busy person.” This is definitely true in Eatonia, especially if the job is given to RBC Local Hockey Leader Robert Somerville.
Somerville is a multi-tasking hockey volunteer, lending a hand with everything from mopping the floor to coaching to fixing the zamboni.
“In a town of less than 500 people it takes effort to keep a rink running and it takes someone with a lot of energy to hold the arena together for us all,” said Eatonia’s Melanie Rudy in her nomination essay. “Sam is always there to lend a hand – whether it be fundraising, running the zamboni or replacing light bulbs in the scoreboard.”
As is the case with many selfless volunteers, Somerville’s most lasting impact is the example of dedicated community service he sets for other people.
“Sam (Somerville) shows are youth what dedication is all about,” added Rudy. “He is such an active volunteer that no job is too small or large for him to tackle. His years of dedication have had a positive and lasting impact on our community and our arena – the gathering place for our small town.”
Laurent Kerbrat, St. Laurent, Manitoba
Regional Winner: Hockey Manitoba
In many small Canadian communities, the ice rink is what brings people together. Laurent Kerbrat, the volunteer ice maker in St. Laurent, knows this better than anyone.
As explained in a nomination essay submitted by fellow St. Laurent resident Maurice Piche, as soon as the weather dips below zero Kerbrat spends all of his time at the arena making ice, even moving his couch from home to the rink in order to catch a few winks between flooding sessions.
“St. Laurent is still one of the few communities in the interlake that still does not have artificial ice, and if it wasn’t for Laurent there literally would be no ice at all,” said Piche. “Laurent retired long ago, but he still dedicates so much time to making sure we have an ice rink. We believe this award is the perfect way for us to show how much we appreciate him.”
Kerbrat is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for Manitoba, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame. RBC Insurance will donate $10,000 to a local hockey cause in Kerbrat’s name.
“The kids have come to rely on Laurent -- like clockwork – to open the arena,” added Piche. “They stand at their windows waiting for Laurent’s car to pull up to the arena so that they can go play hockey.”
Angelo Giajnorio, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Regional Winner: Ontario Hockey Federation
If you have spent any time in a Niagara Falls arena, you’ve probably met RBC Local Hockey Leader Angelo Giajnorio.
Although he’s never played the game himself, this hockey volunteer has spent more than 30 years dedicating his time in an executive role with the Niagara Falls Hockey Association. From ice-scheduling to organizing divisions and tournaments, Angelo Giajnorio has shouldered the behind-the-scenes tasks that really make hockey happen for young people in Niagara Falls.
“Angelo’s many volunteer hours spent bettering the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association should not go unnoticed,” said Niagara Falls resident Doug Caverson in a nomination essay. “The people of Niagara Falls obviously feel the same, because in 2004 he was nominated to the Sports Hall of Fame and his plaque hangs in the arena for all to see.”
Giajnorio is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for the Ontario Hockey Federation, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Thirty years of experience has also made Giajnorio the sounding board for hockey parents in the region.
“Any questions or concerns are always heard by Ange,” added Caverson. “As a former hockey player, father and now grandfather, I am often in hockey arenas across the province but I have yet to find as selfless a man as Angelo Giajnorio of Niagara Falls.”
Russell Desjarlais, Kenora, Ontario
Regional Winner: Hockey Northwestern Ontario
According to resident Heather Rogers, it’s about time the rest of the world learned about Kenora’s amazing, multi-tasking hockey volunteer Russell Desjarlais. The RBC Local Hockey Leaders panel agreed.
Desjarlais is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for Hockey North Western Ontario, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
“People have no idea of the hours this man puts into hockey on top of his regular job,” said Rogers in one of four essays submitted to nominate Desjarlais. “Organizing volunteers, teaching, supporting – and above all making sure we have ice. He spends hours and hours in the morning, during lunch hours, after work and on weekends to ensure that our children and adults can play hockey. Without Russ we would not have ice at our rink.”
In addition to maintaining ice (the local Jaffray Melick Arena has natural ice) and leading the charge for improvements to hockey programs, Desjarlais volunteers his time to local Parks and Recreation and community club positions. He organizes the staff the runs the zamboni, and even steps in as custodian when required.
“If Russ were to win this award, the recognition would be something that he would not expect, but certainly deserves,” said Rogers.
Ron Baker, Brockville Ontario
Regional Winner: Ottawa District Hockey Association
Consistent, reliable and dedicated are terms often used to describe RBC Local Hockey Leaders.
Brockville’s Ron Baker, who started a development program more than 30 years ago in Edwardsburgh (near Brockville), embodies all three.
“Ron has been at the rink every Saturday and Sunday for the past 30 years,” said Prescott’s Nancy Michalicka in a nomination essay. “He teaches kids to skate, and even though his own children are much older he has kept up this wonderful program for the next generation.”
Baker is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for the Ottawa District, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In 30 years Baker has literally taught thousands of area youth to skate, and has sparked an enthusiasm for hockey that can be felt throughout his entire community. In addition to introducing young people to the sport, Baker also spreads the volunteer spirit to a new group of parents every year.
“He provides a coaching clinic for any parent who wants to help out on the ice, which really helps everyone get involved,” added Michalicka. “Ron makes me glad I come to the rink every weekend, to see my child so happy and having so much fun.”
France Bedard, Port Cartier, Quebec
Regional Winner: Hockey Quebec
Volunteering is a way of life for France Bedard, and her community is a much better place because of it.
Bedard, who volunteers her time to just about every community initiative in Port Cartier – hockey related or otherwise -- is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for Quebec, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A panel including National Women’s Team member Jennifer Botterill, National Men’s Sledge Hockey Team Captain Jean Labonté, hockey legend Ron Ellis, and Hockey Canada Chair Dr. Allan Morris selected the winners.
“By giving her time to hockey for more than 32 years, at both the local and the regional level, and having seen two generations develop, one can truly say that France must be a little crazy about hockey, volunteer work or both,” said Port Cartier’s Claude-Cindy Boies in a nomination essay. “She has served as a treasurer, governor and coach and has won several volunteer awards.”
“As France gradually prepares for retirement, we will probably see her take on more challenges (not less), because for her ‘retirement’ means more time available,” added Boies. “She is an amazing volunteer.”
“Hockey is a way of life in many Canadian communities, and volunteers like France Bedard are the engines that keep it running,” said Neil Skelding, President and CEO, RBC Insurance.
Jean Pelletier, Dalhousie, New Brunswick
Regional Winner: Hockey New Brunswick
It didn’t take long for the hockey community in Dalhousie to realize that they had a gem in Jean Pelletier. A long time referee and coach, Pelletier has more recently lent a hand on the administration side.
Pelletier’s volunteer multi-tasking includes serving as president for two hockey associations (North Shore and Dalhousie), scheduling ice time, chairing tournaments and fundraising to ensure all of the little things that make minor hockey happen are in place.
Over the past five years he has improved the local hockey school, putting together drill manuals for all levels, and training all of the coaches to follow the program when he isn’t present.
“Despite all of his official tasks, Jean somehow still finds time to coach a team and raise funds,” said Jacques Boissonnault in a nomination essay. “For example he has made it his mission to get a rink divider after we lost one of our local arenas to fire 4 years ago. Somehow he raised the $13,000 we needed, and now the kids can practice twice as often.”
Pelletier’s efforts have earned him the title of RBC Local Hockey Leader for New Brunswick. He is one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Graham Parker, Middleton, Nova Scotia
Regional Winner: Hockey Nova Scotia
The tasks that make hockey happen are not glamorous, and are usually done for little or no recognition. That is about to change for Middleton’s Graham Parker, who has volunteered his time as coach, executive member and de-facto arena custodian.
Parker is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for Nova Scotia, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized this year by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Middleton is a small community, and as explained in a nomination essay submitted by Thomas Gorman this often means funds are in short supply and volunteers have to take on a wide range of tasks.
“Without Graham’s recruiting and leading our volunteers, there is a good chance that the Middleton arena would not be open this season,” said Gorman. “Graham has single-handedly re-shingled the arena roof. His fundraising efforts have led to the replacement of the game clock, and he has spent numerous hours painting and repairing the arena itself. He even re-wired the warm room.”
In addition to all of the physical labour, Parker coaches a team every season and is currently the president of one of the association’s minor hockey divisions.
“His contributions to the community are immeasurable,” added Gorman. “I cannot think of a person who is more dependable as a volunteer. His approachability and helpfulness are truly exceptional.”
June Sencabaugh, Murray River, PEI
Regional Winner: Hockey Prince Edward Island
According to her neighbours in the rural fishing village of Murray River, June Sencabaugh was born to volunteer.
Sencabaugh is this year’s RBC Local Hockey Leader for Prince Edward Island, one of 13 volunteers (one for each Hockey Canada branch) recognized by RBC Insurance, with support from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In addition to being the “driving force” behind minor hockey at the area’s Northumberland Arena when it opened in 1980, Sencabaugh has cemented her place in Murray River lore.
“It is my true belief that one of the reasons we have minor hockey and a strong community-based arena is all of the hours that June has volunteered so selflessly,” said Myles MacDonald, who is an executive with Murray River’s Northumberland arena. “As secretary/treasurer for more than 25 years, June spent countless hours on fundraising efforts and organizing tournaments.”
In 2006 Sencabaugh was given the title “volunteer of a lifetime” in her community. Now she also holds the title of RBC Local Hockey Leader.
“She spent many evenings after her day job attending meetings to solicit businesses for their contribution towards minor hockey sweaters, pylons and hockey gear,” added MacDonald. “June’s countless hours of volunteering her time at the arena certainly has had an impact on me and on future generations of volunteers.”
Dave Ingram, Clarenville, Newfoundland
Regional Winner: Newfoundland and Labrador
The Hockey Hall of Fame is home to some great hockey names. This year, Dave Ingram takes his rightful place among them.
As part of being named as an RBC Local Hockey Leader for Newfoundland and Labrador, Ingram’s photo and story are now part of a special display honouring the 2007-08 RBC Local Hockey Leaders at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Ingram earned his place in hockey’s hallowed hall not by scoring a lot of goals or winning Stanley Cups. Rather, he earned his spot by cutting fries in an arena canteen, calling out bingo numbers, booking ice time and arranging funding for young players in need.
“Dave’s effort as a volunteer over the past 30 years is one of the main reasons Clarenville minor hockey has doubled its number of participants,” said Doug Strong in a nomination essay. “Over the years he has volunteered at Bingo, cutting fries in the canteen, selling tickets, working the clock, and even as registrar, where he developed new ways for people with financial difficulties to continue to play.”
In short, Ingram is the classic behind-the-scenes Canadian hockey volunteer.
“During the 1990s Dave was also one of the driving forces behind ensuring that girls who wanted to give hockey a try could find equipment,” added Strong. “As a hockey volunteer and on behalf of all hockey volunteers this award is a great way for us to say thank you to Dave for all of his effort.”
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