NEWS

(pictured - Frank McKinnon, right, receives his CJHL Life Membership at the 2012 CJHL Annual General Meeting held in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 26, 2012)

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the centrepiece of Canada's honours system and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.  Canadian Junior Hockey League Life Member Frank McKinnon, is the epitome of the Order of Canada.

Frank’s long journey began in Brandon, Manitoba where he was extremely active in the sports of baseball and hockey.  Over the years Frank has played a major role in hockey development at many levels including the beginning of what is now the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL). 

In 1970, as the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Junior Hockey League left the branches of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association to form the CHL, Frank tabled a motion at the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association AGM that allowed the remaining Junior "A" Leagues to compete at a national level for their own national championship. The motion was granted and McKinnon and the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association donated the Manitoba Centennial Trophy to the new championship in honour of 100 years of ice hockey in Manitoba.

"Mr. McKinnon's contribution to the game of hockey at all levels across Canada and internationally is truly outstanding," said CJHL President and Chairman Kirk Lamb.  "We are extremely proud of all of his accomplishments and are honoured to have such a respected hockey man and extraordinary Canadian as part of the CJHL family."

In 1992 he became commissioner of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). He remained the Commissioner for a decade. He introduced many initiatives such as an improved stats system for scouts and coaches.  He worked very hard to increase the games media attention in order to increase spectators and advancement of his players. The MJHL also became involved with the federal government’s “Stay in School Program”.  Frank who was a lifelong educator wanted his players to be active role models with in the communities they played in.  One of his most important contributions as commissioner of the MJHL, was his vision and proactive approach that brought the individual Junior A Leagues operating in Canada closer together through the formation of the CJHL.

“The Manitoba Junior Hockey League, its Board of Governors, Commissioner and every member club are extremely excited, thrilled and honored that former league Commissioner, Mr. Frank McKinnon has been announced as a recipient of the Order of Canada.  The publication of this year’s recipients of the Order of Canada by the government of Canada is a significant civic announcement of the highest order. Frank served as the MJHL Commissioner for a ten year period from 1992 – 2002 and performed his league responsibilities during that time with characteristic hard work and commitment. The MJHL and the entire hockey community are indebted to Mr. McKinnon for his lifelong commitment and dedication to the game of hockey as a leader, pioneer and builder”, said Kim Davis, current MJHL Commissioner.

The Canadian Junior Hockey League recognized Frank for his contributions to the league and the sport of Junior Hockey in Canada by honouring him as a Life Member of their organization.   Other highlights of Frank McKinnon's incredible hockey and sports career include his induction into the Brandon University Hall of Fame and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame as a builder in sport, as well as his appointment as Chairman of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, Vice President and Director of the Sports Federation of Canada, Vice President of the Canadian Olympic Association, and as a Trustee of the Centennial Cup.

In 1974, he was a member of the committee that organized the first World Junior Hockey Championship, and at the same time was a member of the Congress of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

McKinnon, with a 32 year career in education, was also a founding member of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (MHSAA).

McKinnon served as a member of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association Executive for over 20 years, including one term as President.