NEWS

CJHL Life Member Joe Drago has been involved at every level of hockey in Canada for over 40 years, but Drago believes his new role as Executive Vice-Chair of Hockey Canada will create new opportunities.  Joe Drago was recently named as Executive Vice-Chair during the 2013 Hockey Canada AGM in May.
(Drago is pictured left-centre in red shirt receiving his Life Membership at the 2012 CJHL AGM - photo courtesy of the CJHL)

“I’m proud and honoured to be an Officer with Hockey Canada and I look forward to working closely with newly appointed Hockey Canada Chair Jim Hornell and Hockey Canada CEO/President Bob Nicholson,” said Joe Drago.

“I will definitely have the opportunity to now assist even further,” added Drago.  “We need to continue to clean up the game; it has come long way and we are committed to keeping it on the right path.”   Drago also believes it is important to provide players with more freedom for movement, “We need to free up players to play where they choose and provide more choice and
opportunity to players and their families at all levels of hockey.”

Joe Drago remains an important supporter of the CJHL and its initiatives.  “Junior A hockey should be very proud of the efforts it has made to clean up the game and change its reputation.  It is a fast, skilled game and players play with their heart and soul.”  Drago is a Life Member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, and Chair of the CDM Committee and the Junior A
Supplement Pilot Project.

"The CJHL is very fortunate, and proud, to call Joe Drago a Life Member,” said CJHL President and Chairman Kirk Lamb.  "He has a wealth of knowledge and is highly-respected at all levels of hockey across the country.  Joe has been an invaluable resource for me as President of the CJHL as well as for our board and our organization."

Drago’s experience in hockey is unlimited as the Past President of the Ontario Hockey Federation, former Commissioner of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, and the Ontario Hockey Federation Junior Council Chair. Drago is currently a member of the National Royal Bank Scholarship Committee, and was previously the Vice-Chair at Large of Hockey Canada.

The people and relationships Joe Drago has formed over the years keep him passionate about the game and the opportunities it provides.  “Hockey provided me with the opportunity to earn a scholarship and get my education, which I otherwise would not have been able to do.  It was my connections and reputation through hockey that later assisted me in obtaining a job as a teacher and Principal.”

“I love the game, and seeing people I have worked with and kids I have coached over the years is so rewarding.  Hockey is in my blood.”

Drago was inducted into the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Hall's Coach of the Year Award is named in his honour. He is also a recipient of the Community Builder's Award for Sports and Recreation. The Joe Drago Trophy is presented annually to the Top Executive in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.  In 2003, Drago was honoured with the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, their community and to Canada.