Over the past thirty-three years the O.B.H.A. has experienced unparalleled growth and success at the minor, men’s and women’s level of participation that has consequently transcended onto the national and international playing fields over the years. The developments and achievements each year are the result of many individual administrators, executives, officials, participants and volunteers involved in the game that make it all possible.

On November 3, 2007 the OBHA gathered for its annual Awards Banquet and Celebration of Excellence at the Marriott Toronto Airport. The gala event honouring the game’s greatest contributors and ball hockey’s premier prize winners made up the guest list that filled the ostensibly decorated hall. An elaborate, awe inspiring awards table provided the back drop to a delectable multi-course meal conducted by the master of ceremonies, Joseph Ferretti.

On with the awards.

Commemorative plagues kick off the evenings presentations as provincial centers were formally recognized and given OBHA Championship awards for their respective divisional titles as representatives in attendance accepted the plaques on behalf of their winning teams. (See OBHA Provincial Championships for list of winners)

The Gaetanne Girard Memorial Award presented annually to a volunteer from the Minor Provincial Championship host league went to Mrs. Mary Platt from Oshawa, whose energy and passion throughout the year made her a most deserving recipient.

Walter Moncrief was a player in the Greater Toronto Area that displayed uncommon passion and dedication to the sport. The 2007 recipient is an integral member or the ‘League of Champions’. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Mr. Frank Zampini.

Despite the brisk winds and cool air that filled the evening on the occasion, it was truly an evening for the stars as many members of the men’s and women’s Team Canada, the 2007 World Champions in Ratinghen, Germany, were in attendance. CBHA President, Domenic Di Gironimo addressed the dais eloquently before presenting the team members with individual plaques commemorating their accomplishment.

Our teams posted undefeated records in capturing the men’s cup, our nations 4th a row and the women’s cup in the inaugural event. On both clubs it was a total team effort. With that being said, on every team there is always that one individual who rises above all to lead by example and forward Tammy Cote and David Di Gironimo were acknowledged for their outstanding commitment and dedication to their respective clubs with the Team Canada Award.

This year’s Referee of the Year has been an official in the OBHA for over fifteen years. Just this past year she was selected as Ontario’s first female to officiated at the National Championships in Saint John, New Brunswick. Her skills were also recognized by other teams from outside our province as she was selected to officiate in the National Championship game between Quebec and British Columbia. She exudes a calm demeanor and remarkable consistency. Congratulations, to Ms. Jill Coombes.

The Joey Panetta Memorial Award is presented annually to the Junior aged player that contributes a positive attitude, work ethic and sportsmanship that is instrumental to the overall development of his local program. This year’s recipient has been involved with ball hockey since the age of 5. Twelve years later, he is a formidable opponent, with his strong aggressive play, and outstanding speed.

In addition to his role as a player, he became a referee three years ago and during down time assists his father on occasion with a younger team and as a volunteer helping other players. Congratulations, from the Oshawa Minor Ball Hockey League, Mr. Jeff Sherer.

The Minor Male Provincial Player of the Year was Mr. Thomas Kokejl,who began playing ball hockey at a young age has been on many provinical teams from Beeton since he began playing ball hockey. He has recently been selected to the U20 Junior Team Canada.

The Minor Female Provincial Player of the Year was Ms. Amber Ellis has not only been one of the top players in the province, but has lead her clubs to back-to-back championships at the Girls Open level of play and was a member of the World Champions.

The Minor Athlete of the Year has backstopped his clubs to championships in the Highschool and Junior Provincial level in 2007 and was selected to the U18 Junior Team Canada competing at the inaugural event in Zvolen, Slovakia in 2008. Mr. Brian Valentine from Penetang was named Minor Athlete of the Year.

The Male Athlete of the Year, is quickly becoming one of the most feared players who combines size, speed, agility, knowledge, with a fiery passion to compete. Having come through the minor provincial play and his selection to Junior Team Canada in 2004, he is one of the top players in our province. Many offensive players often forget the defensive side of the game, but he is one of the hardest working players, controlling the games tempo, and is simply breathless breaking into the offensive zone in full flight. He is used in all key situations, power play, penalty killing, even strength, and takes all his teams key faceoffs. One of the top scorers in the Premier Ball Hockey League and lead Canada in scoring this past summer aiding our nation towards it’s 4th world championship. Along with his selection to both the league and world team all star he is being recognized as our provinces top male athlete. Congratulations, from the Brampton Express, Mr. Matthew Tremblett.

The Female Athlete of the Year, is team player. Dedicated. Hardworking. A force who possess one of the best and hardest shots in the game along with tremendous finesse game and is a wonderfully gifted defenceman. She has been one of the most celebrated players in the game earning perennial All-star and Outstanding Player awards on numerous occasions at the league, provincial, national level of competition. During the 2007 season she participated, and ultimately succeeded, in many high level tournaments. At the World Championships in Germany she helped Canada bring home the gold medal. Congratulations, from the Toronto Women’s Ball Hockey League, Ms. Diana Brown.

The Divisional Coach of the Year Awards are presented annually to individuals in recognition of their Outstanding Level of Excellence in Coaching at the League and Provincial level of Competition.

In all sports there is a necessity of coaches to guide, show direction, work within league guide lines, provide systems for players to apply their skills, and to show and execute enthusiasm to make the sport fun for the participants. This years recipients not only provide all of these qualities, but they were tremendous leaders. Mr. Greg St. Amant of the Penetanguishene Blazers was selected the Male Coach of the Year. In the women’s category, the Female Division Coach of the Year was Mr. Doug Smart Jr. of the Stampede from the Oshawa Ball Hockey League, while the Minor Coach of the Year, Mr. Ralph Di Roma, from Richmond Hill Minor Ball Hockey League.

The League Executive of the Year is presented annually to the individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to the development and administration of the game at the league level. This year recipient’s has been administering the his league for the past twenty years. His love for the game as a player as well as the league president has shown many people in the sport how dedicated, hard working and loyal he is to the sport and always has time to lend an ear to anyone who wants to talk about the sport and on ways to better the game.

He is always learning and adapting to the changes in the sport and assists with a positive attitude. His love for the game has no boundaries and he continue to grow his program as he started a minor program a few years ago which continues to grow.

Congratulations, from the Burlington Ball Hockey League, please join me in welcoming Mr. Denis Archambault.

Recently named after the OBHA’s most heralded helper, the Steve Rumsey Volunteer of the Year is presented annually to the individual for their outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution to the association. The award also portrays the dedication, respect, integrity and appreciation an executive and organization has towards a person who contributes in the creating of, the maintaining of, and the future development of our sport. Congratulations, from the Tri Cities Ball Hockey League, Mr. Robert Beatty.

The prestigious Penny Meitz Memorial Award is presented to a female participant who exemplifies outstanding performance, exceptional qualities of leadership and dedication to the sport of ball hockey.

This years recipient has been active in the OBHA since 1987 either as a player or a coach. As a player, at the ‘A’ level of competition she won five championships and won silver on two occasions and coached her teams to four women’s ‘B’ provincial championships. In 2001, she was honored with the OBHA Female Division Coach of the Year.

On the National stage, she has won seven gold, one silver and one bronze medal. Internationally, in 2005 she coached the Toronto Devils to the silver medal at the World Cup of Ball Hockey event in Pittsburgh and most recently this past summer coached the women’s national team where as we all know they captured gold.

In addition to her ball hockey skills as a player and coach, she has been a very positive leader well respected and liked by both her teammates and opposition. What sets her apart is her competitive nature and drive to be the best. Recently, she was recognized by the Women’s Council Executive in August and selected to return as head coach for our women’s national team competing in Prague, Czech Republic in 2009. Congratulations, to the 2007 recipientMs. Christine Pellerin.

The gala event culminated with the presentation of the President’s Award of Excellence presented annually to a board member who exemplifies outstanding performance and exceptional qualities of leadership and dedication to the sport of ball hockey.

Steve Dockerty, current OBHA Minor Council Chairperson and CBHA General Manager for the U16 & U18 Junior Team Canada’s, was honoured with this prestigious award for his tireless administration and facilitation of the game at various levels throughout the year.

It was indeed an evening ripe with friends, food and frivolity as a good time was had by all in attendance. Congratulations to all of the 2007 OBHA participants and award winners, the association’s board of directors for making it all possible. The evenings proceeding would not have been complete without the naming of the Hall of Fame inductees for the 2008. The following will be enshrined into the hall next November:

Congratulations to the above noted individuals who join a very special group of athletes and administrators who have been honoured for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport of ball hockey.

The annual Ontario Ball Hockey Association Banquet and Awards Celebration is held each year at the culmination of the ball hockey season in conjunction with the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). It is open to all members of the OBHA and their guests. For more information call the OBHA office or visit our website.