MORRIS AWARDED OHA CRYSTAL PUCK
This past weekend at the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Annual General Meeting, it was announced that longtime Toronto Jr. Canadiens General Manager Frank Morris (photo credit - Brian Watts/OJHL Images) has been awarded the prestigious OHA Crystal Puck.
The OHA Crystal Puck Award is presented annually to recognize individuals with outstanding achievements and contributions with the OHA.
Morris becomes the second member of the OJHL community to receive the award, joining Stouffville Spirit Assistant General Manager Frank Robinson, who received the award in 2012 while a member of the Whitby Fury organization.
Below is the official press release from the OHA website (www.ohahockey.org) about this weekend's AGM that was held in Niagara Falls, Ontario:
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) held its 125th Annual General Meeting (AGM) this afternoon at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel and Conference Centre.
The OHA returned to Niagara Falls for the second consecutive year after the success of last year’s AGM.
The 125th AGM was attended by over 200 guests and 95 voting delegates from across the Association.
The meeting concluded two days of dialogue about issues impacting junior hockey in Ontario. The meeting included a review and presentation on Tomorrow’s Game as well as a “Lobby Refresh Draw” won by six OHA Teams; Oakville Blades (Junior A), St. Thomas Stars (Junior B), Ancaster Avalanche (Junior B), Norwich Merchants (Junior C), Dunnville Mudcats (Junior C), Lucan Irish (Junior C).
The proposed Amendment to Regulation D17, regarding the use of half visors being changed to a full face shield was tabled until the 2015 AGM.
Brad Grant, from Milton Ontario, is the newly elected Chairman of the Board taking over from Welland Ontario native Leo Lostracco.
“It is an honour to take over and serve the OHA as the new Chairman of the Board. As the Finance Chair I have always shown my passion for the association and will continue to do so over the next two seasons,” said Grant.
The AGM included the governing body’s Board of Directors, Officers, Life Members and Team Delegates. The membership was shown a brief video from the June 6th OHA Awards at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Recently announced Vice-Chairman of the National Hockey League (NHL) Edmonton Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG), and former President and Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Canada, Bob Nicholson, was awarded the OHA Gold Stick. The Gold Stick is the Associations highest honour. Bob thanked the OHA and its Membership for the award through a brief video presentation.
Also recognized were the 2014 OHA Crystal Puck Award Winners:
- Steve Aglor – Dundas Blues
- Doug Kennedy – Kincardine Bulldogs
- Don MacArthur – Stratford Cullitons
- Frank Morris – Toronto Junior Canadiens
- Wayne Smith – SOJHL Convenor
OHA Officers for 2014-15:
- Brad Grant (Milton)– Chairman
- Gary Moroney (Aurora)– Vice Chairman
- John Kastner (Stratford)– Junior Chairman
- Tom Strauch (St. George) – Senior Chairman
- Leo Lostracco (Welland) – Immediate Past Chairman
OHA Directors for 2014-15:
- Larry Keenan (Chatham)
- Arnie Lawlor (Dorchester)
- Terry Lynch (Clarington)
- Bill Markle (Toronto)
- Bruce Schlitt (Guelph)
- Trevor Tinney (Campbellford)
