NEWS

In Picture (Left to Right): OHA President and CEO Karen Phibbs, Julie Eby, Don Eby, OHA Chairman of the Board Brad Grant
Photo Courtesy of Tim Bates, OJHL Images

CAMBRIDGE, ON – Awarded annually to an individual other than a player by the Ontario Hockey Association, the Gold Stick is the highest award one can receive in our Association. It represents those in our game who have shown outstanding service to the OHA and who have contributed at least 10 years of continuous service.

The Gold Stick was first awarded back in 1947 to Captain James T Sutherland.

Perhaps it was because his father Clarence was a founding member of the team’s executive; perhaps its because their eldest son Scott began playing for them; perhaps it was just his love of the game, but for whatever reasons Don began to assist with helping the local Ayr Centennials hockey club in the mid 1980’s.

It was 31 years ago this year that Don became a director of the team.

Upon realising that her husband was having a great time volunteering with the Centennials, Julie joined the team soon afterwards as the clubs secretary/treasurer. For the majority of the 1990’s the Eby’s ran the operations for the team, while working full time at their family owned and operated dairy farm and raising their four children. 

It was not until eight years ago, after realising the Eby’s had been paying the bills fpr the Centennials for a number of years, which the team was finally able to start paying back the couple who never once asked for anything in return.

Don is still active in the farm and dairy industry, with youth and is a 4H Dairy Calf club leader in the Waterloo Region. He also helps his sons business, hauling livestock for Mike at Eby Boys Trucking. Julie is active in many groups that keep her occupied year round.

On behalf of the Ontario Hockey Association we wish to congratulate Don and Julie Eby on being awarded the 2016 Gold Stick Award.