June 8, 2024 

Nr-24-06-08 

                                                                                                               

HOCKEY NL ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS 

 

Grand Falls-Windsor 

 

Hockey NL is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023-2024 annual awards, revealed last night, June 7th, 2024, at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Gander. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and passion for hockey across Newfoundland and Labrador. Their commitment to the sport has significantly impacted their communities, fostering growth, inclusivity, and excellence in hockey. We are honoured to celebrate these remarkable achievements and acknowledge the tireless efforts of those who have gone above and beyond to support and develop the game at all levels. These recipients’ hard work and dedication continue to inspire and shape the future of hockey in our province.

Ray Bowe Award of Merit

Don Kelly and Ed Flood, Hockey NL Referee in Chief.

Recipient: Don Kelly

Don Kelly has been deeply involved in sports administration and officiating at local, provincial, and national levels for many years. His career began in the mid-1970s as a founding Executive Member of both the MP Intertown Hockey League and the MP Recreation League. Over the years, Kelly has made significant contributions, including serving as an Instructor/Supervisor for the Hockey NL Officiating Program and as Branch Referee-in-Chief for Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting legacy in the hockey community.

 

CJ McCarthy Memorial Award

Dennis Waterman and Gary Gale, Senior & Adult Recreation Council Chair.

Recipient: Dennis Waterman

Dennis Waterman has been a cornerstone of hockey administration for several decades. From 1982 to 1990, he served on the Royals Executive, contributing to their Allan Cup victory. Waterman also played a crucial role in forming the West Coast Senior Hockey League and served as its President. His leadership and financial acumen have significantly benefited the hockey community and local organizations.

 

 

Ron Healey Memorial Award

Mike Fagan and Gary Gale, Senior & Adult Recreation Council Chair.

Recipient: Mike Fagan

Mike Fagan has been a dedicated member of the hockey community for 25 years, serving as an on-ice official and the Referee in Chief for the Corner Brook Minor Hockey Association. He has been a reliable presence in Senior Hockey on the west coast and has officiated in numerous Herder games. Fagan’s commitment to officiating and the hockey program is unparalleled.

 

 

 

Gerry Taylor Memorial Junior Council Meritorious Award

Chris Ryan and Charlie Kearsey, Junior Council Chair.

Recipient: Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan has been instrumental in keeping the Avalon Celtics Junior Hockey Team active for seven years. He has served in various roles, including Assistant Coach, Coach, Team President, and General Manager. Ryan’s dedication extends beyond junior hockey, as he has also held management roles with the St. John’s Senior Caps and contributed significantly to the local hockey community.

 

 

 

Female Hockey Promotion Award

Tanya Schwartz and Tracey Hatcher, Chair, Female Hockey.

Recipient: Tanya Schwartz

Tanya Schwartz has been a driving force behind the St. John’s Caps female program. Over the past three years, she has served as the Female Director, significantly increasing registration numbers and organizing successful events like the annual Christmas Cup tournament. Schwartz’s dedication to promoting female hockey and her involvement in various sports activities have made a substantial impact on the community.

 

 

Joe Byrne Development Award

Nick Saunders and Garry Dove, Hockey Development Chair.

Recipient: Nick Saunders

Nick Saunders has been coaching minor hockey for over 15 years with the Cee Bees Minor Hockey Association. He has held numerous coaching and executive positions and is dedicated to developing players and coaches. As a C1, C2, and D1 Facilitator with Hockey NL, Saunders has been instrumental in guiding new coaches through their certification pathways. His commitment to coaching and development is evident in his ongoing efforts and leadership.

 

 

Minor Council Meritorious Award – Western Region

Morgan’s son, Jeffrey, accepting on his behalf and Karen Bursey.

Recipient: Morgan Anderson (not pictured)

Morgan Anderson has been involved with the Gros Morne Minor Hockey Association for 22 years. He has served as president, coach, and referee, significantly contributing to the development of hockey in the region. Anderson has also played a crucial role in the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships and continues to be an active member of the hockey community.

 

 

 

Minor Council Meritorious Award – Central Region

Kerry Lynn Greene and Dean Ralph, Central Member, Minor Council.

Recipient: Kerry Lynn Greene

Kerry Lynn Greene has dedicated 19 years to the Bishop’s Falls Minor Hockey Association, serving in various executive roles. She has been instrumental in introducing Skills Camps and Off-Ice Training programs and has played a key role in maintaining a strong community presence. Greene’s commitment to hockey and her community has been unwavering.

 

 

 

Minor Council Meritorious Award – Eastern Region

Gonzo Bennett and Greg Barton, Eastern Member, Minor Council.

Recipient: Gonzo Bennett

Gonzo Bennett has been a dedicated coach and administrator in the Mount Pearl Minor Hockey Association since 2008. He played a key role in establishing the Don Johnson Hockey League and has held numerous leadership positions within Hockey NL. Bennett’s dedication to minor hockey and his mentorship of young players have left a lasting impact.

 

 

 

Minor Council Meritorious Award – Tripen Region

Elizabeth Baker and Wendy Penney, Tri Pen Member, Minor Council.

Recipient: Elizabeth Baker

Elizabeth Baker has volunteered with Cee Bees Minor Hockey for 20 years in various roles, including managing Rep teams, organizing fundraisers, and participating in hockey camps. She served as Director of Operations for AAA teams and coordinated numerous provincial tournaments. Despite her children finishing their involvement in hockey, Elizabeth remains dedicated, continuing to impact the Cee Bees Minor Hockey Association and the broader hockey community with her commitment.

 

 

Minor Council Meritorious Award – Northern Region

Arnold Kelly accepting on Gonzo’s behalf and Shawn Brown, Northern Member, Minor Council.

Recipient: George Cabot (not pictured)

George Cabot has been coaching minor hockey in Indigenous communities since 1999, significantly impacting the lives of many young players. His dedication to coaching and his ability to connect with and mentor Indigenous youth have been invaluable. Cabot’s contributions have been instrumental in developing strong hockey programs in these communities.

 

 

 

Brian Wakelin Executive of the Year Award

Leigh Ann Ryder, Acting Chair, of Minor Hockey, Jasmine Bromley, and Shawn Brown, Northern Member, Minor.

Recipient: Jasmine Bromley

Jasmine Bromley, the U11 Director with Churchill Falls Minor Hockey Association, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills. She has successfully organized the U11J Provincial tournament and various other events, ensuring a positive experience for all participants. Bromley’s dedication and hard work have significantly benefited the Churchill Falls Minor Hockey Association.

 

 

 

Minor Association/Community Club of the Year

Leigh Ann Ryder, Acting Chair of Minor Hockey, Dave Ingram, President of Clarenville Area Minor Hockey Association and Wendy Penney, Tripen Member, Minor.

Recipient: Clarenville Area Minor Hockey Association

The Clarenville Area Minor Hockey Association (CAMHA) has been recognized for its outstanding support of the community and its efforts to promote hockey. CAMHA’s initiatives, including food drives and collaboration with other associations, have made a significant impact. The association has also implemented innovative programs to ensure fairness and accessibility for all players.

 

 

 

 

President’s Award

Kirby Shannahan and Jared Butler, President.
Tracey Hatcher and Jared Butler, President.

Recipients: Tracey Hatcher and Kirby Shannahan

Hockey NL President, Jared Butler, also presented his annual President’s award to Tracey Hatcher and Kirby Shannahan for their dedication and support during the past hockey season.

 

 

Hockey NL congratulates all the award winners and thanks them for their dedication and contributions to the hockey community. Their hard work and passion continue to inspire and shape the future of hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

For more information please contact: 

 

Craig Tulk  

Pronouns (He/Him) 

Executive Director 

Hockey NL 

P.O. Box 176 

32 Queensway 

Grand Falls-Windsor, NL 

A2A 2J4 

 

Tel :  709-489-5512 

Fax :  709-489-2273 

Email :  [email protected]