Don Robertson presented with 2019-20 OHA Gold Stick
Photo: Don Robertson (middle) of the Dundas Real McCoys is presented with the 2019-20 OHA Gold Stick. With Robertson is his wife, Suzanne and past OHA Chair of the Board of Directors, Rob Campbell. (Photo by Paul Wright)
DUNDAS, Ont. - Prior to Friday night's Dundas Real McCoys vs. Flamborough Ducks Allan Cup Hockey Showcase game, longtime coach, executive and current Real McCoys General Manager Don Robertson was honoured for being named the 2019-20 Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) Gold Stick recipient.
Robertson was announced as the 2019-20 recipient at the OHA AGM on June 20, 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he had not been officially presented with the award.
The Gold Stick is an order of merit in hockey awarded by the Ontario Hockey Association for outstanding service to the game other than as a player. Such outstanding service must have been for a period of not less than 10 years continuous duration. Presenting the Gold Stick award to Robertson was past OHA Chair of the Board of Directors and current Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) director, Rob Campbell.
"The OHA is pleased to announce that longtime official, executive and member of the hockey community, Don Robertson, as the 2019-20 recipient of the Gold Stick Award," advised Campbell prior to puckdrop Friday night.
As a player, Robertson played in the OHA in the 1970s before making the transition from player to become one of the youngest but most eager and confident referees. Robertson’s passion and knowledge of the game helped him transcend his role and involvement from an official into management of operating hockey teams. He’s held such positions of General Manager, President and Director of Hockey Operations, all at a very young age.
His larger than life, straight-shooting personality, has helped him make many connections at the top, including the NHL, which has helped him stock many of his Senior AAA (Triple A) teams.
Over the past four decades Robertson has been at the forefront of competitive senior and minor pro hockey in Brantford, Rockton, and Dundas. He holds six Robertson Cup Championships, more than 10 league championships and two Allan Cups. His first Allan Cup title came in 1987 with Brantford Mott’s Clamato’s and he won his second in 2014 as the host with the Dundas Real McCoys. In both his Allan Cup victories, Robertson didn’t only operate the team on the ice, but off the ice his marketing skills and business acumen helped him sell out his arena. His pro connections, dedication and tenacity as a General Manager helped Robertson build these championship teams.
Robertson’s involvement in the Brantford, Flamborough/Rockton, Dundas and Hamilton community in the hockey world is unmatched. His desire to ice competitive hockey teams while always finding a way to donate and give back money to community and charitable organizations each year speaks volumes to his character as a man outside of hockey.
Robertson’s commitment to the OHA, OHF and Hockey Canada over six decades as a player, referee, General Manager and franchise owner with more than 20 championships in multiple leagues, and well over 2,500 hockey games certainly makes him a well-deserved recipient of the Gold Stick Award.
Congratulations to the 2019-20 OHA Gold Stick Award recipient, Don Robertson of the Dundas Real McCoys.
