The evening as it has for so many years has combined good company and classic cuisine with a coordinated list of presentations and accompanying commentary that left the semi-formal clad community of the sport appreciative of the evenings event and looking forward to yet another campaign in the spring of 2011.
These are the 2010 Awards of Excellence recipients in the O.B.H.A.
Walter Moncrief Memorial Award is presented annually to an individual from the Greater Toronto Area leagues who displays uncommon commitment and dedication to the Sport. The 2010 award of excellence was awarded to Mr. Pat Ventullo for his work with the Northwest Toronto Ball Hockey League.
Steve Nicholls exemplified true grit, determination and character as a role player on his team before his untimely death. The 2010 Steve Nicholls Memorial Award was presented to Mr. Nelson Lajeunesse of the Brampton Midnight Express for his tireless effort, energy and skill as a participant on his team this season.
Gaetanne Girard Memorial Award - This award of excellence is presented to a volunteer from the provincial championship host center each year. Mr. Jim Blais from the London Minor Ball Hockey League was this years recipient. His contribution includes a majority time behind the scenes in the registration and administration of young players for both house league and provincial participation.
Mr. Robert Beatty was the recipient of the Referee of the Year Award. He continually exemplified outstanding qualities and performance as an official of the game throughout the season. Robert has been in the association for over 20 years. Mr. Beatty has officiated at the provincial level in the Masters, Mens B, Women Provincials and National Championships and continues to volunteer on the Technical Committee.
The Minor Coach of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual in recognition of their outstanding level of excellence in coaching at the league and provincial level of competition. The winner of this year was Scott Jacobi of the Beeton Minor Ball Hockey League. His passion is only superceded by the time, energy and love for the game that he exudes both on and off the floor with the kids. Congratulations and keep up the good work.
The happy and very personable young man known as Baily Watkins is the 2010 Minor Athlete of the Year in the O.B.H.A. He was outstanding in league (Brampton Minor) and provincial levels of competition this past season. Bailys abilities as a player are paralleled by his leadership skills and passion for the game. He is a fiery competitor who is well respected by his peers and a player who has a very bright future in the game of ball hockey.
Heather Besley was presented the Minor Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution to her local house league, the Shelburne Minor Ball Hockey League. She gives of her time and energy selflessly as an administrator to support the growth and development of ball hockey at the minor level of participation.
Ms. Joslyn Bressette is the 2010 Minor Female Provincial Player of the Year. This young ladys outstanding performance and accomplishments, which culminated at the provincial championships this past year and formally recognized at the awards banquet, were established back when she was very young playing on boys teams from Novice to Peewee. The rest, as they say, is history. Ball hockey was a natural fit for this very talented athlete, who led her troops (Penetang U18) to the title at the Summer Classic and Summer Games Finalist this past season.
Minor Male Provincial Player of the Year Award - This award is in recognition of a minor male athlete who has been outstanding as a player at the provincial level of competition in the O.B.H.A. Mr. Kevin Bailie competitive nature and skills in the game of ball hockey have set him apart from his contemporaries and afforded him the title of Minor Provincial Player of the Year. Congratulations to this member of the Oshawa Generals (OHL) and fine young man who as a leader and well respected player in Belleville Minor Ball Hockey league (2010 Junior AA Provincial Champions & Junior U19 National Champions) who backstopped both teams to their respective titles.
The Female Division Coach of the Year is presented annually to an individual in recognition of their outstanding level of excellence in Coaching at the league and provincial level of participation. Providing mentorship, direction and an example for players of all ages is critical to the overall growth and development of the individual, team and for the future of any sport. Individuals with such qualities are often few and far between. Nonetheless, the 2010 Female Division Coach of the Year possesses all of the above and more. Congratulations to Doug Smart Jr. of the Oshawa Minor Ball Hockey League.
Mr. Jim Papastergiou built a team to compete and challenge for the top prize in the Mens A level of ball hockey in the province. His unparalleled passion and love of the game helped him to achieve this goal as he led the Niagara Iron Men in their inaugural season to a finalist finish in the Premier League Championship this past season, something few have been able to do. Hence, to Mr. Papastergiou goes the spoils and title of 2010 Male Coach of the Year.
Ms. Jenny Brine from the Toronto Crush is the 2010 Female Athlete of the Year. The award is presented annually to a player in recognition of their outstanding performance in league and provincial championship participation. This versatile athlete combines size, speed and agility to excel on both offence and as a shut down centre in the game of ball hockey. As a leader on her team, she helped The Crush to finalist titles at the Pre Season and National Championships and recently, her skills recognized with her being named to the 2011 Womens team Canada.
Mr. Matthew Tremblett of the Brampton Midnight Express is the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year. Mr. Everything, smarts, speed, talent and determination have made Matthew the top player in the province and one of the finest players in the country today who also was named to the tournament all star team at the National Championships.
The Penny Meitz Memorial Award recognizes a female participant who exemplifies outstanding performance, exceptional qualities of leadership and dedication to the sport of ball hockey. What sets our honoured recipient apart is her drive to be the best that she can be and more importantly make those around her better not just as players, but as individuals. As an executive, she continues to administrate the Simcoe County Womens Ball Hockey League. Kathy Vessair has been active in the OBHA for the past ten years as a player, league executive member and board member for the past four years.
The Steve Rumsey Volunteer of the Year - Shelley Callaghan is a selfless worker who personifies commitment, dedication and contribution to the game of ball hockey in Ontario. She has a sincere passion and love of the game that is evident in his participation and overall involvement in everything that she does when it comes to the sport.
The League Executive of the Year Award recognizes Outstanding Leadership and Commitment to the Development and Administration of the Game as an Ontario Ball Hockey League Executive. This years recipient simply has a passion for the sport. He is dedicated, hard working, loyal and always puts the kids first, from the Greater Toronto Minor Ball Hockey League, Mr. Joseph Ferretti.
International Official Recognition Awards - Ken St. Amant was selected by the ISBHF to work the two Junior World Championship events this past summer as the Referee-In-Chief. His role included assigning the referees to games, supervising their work during the games and acting as a liaison between the teams and the ISBHF when it came to interacting with the officials.
At the U16 and U18 Championships in Most, Czech Republic Brandon Hillis from Guelph showed the world why he has quickly risen up the ranks in both Ontario and Canada by representing our country admirably as he handled some of the toughest games involving such rivalries as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
At the U20 World Championships in Villach, Austria Jeff Lees from Elmvale again set the standard for all of his fellow referees to follow with his cool on-floor demeanor and his friendliness off the floor.
Junior Team Canada Players of the Year - These young men combine all the attributes you look for in a player and teammate. They combine the smarts, speed, agility, knowledge, passion and most importantly the willingness to do whatever it takes to win a game. Always striving to be the best and setting a tone during every team exercise, practice or before a game.
Off the floor they show a positive attitude, respect for his teammates, friendly disposition and business like attitude, but confident approach to each game contributed to the team building process and the many friendships that they were able to establish amongst the players.
You see leaders are not made they are born and they make those around them better.
Congratulations to
Justin Maiolino Junior U16 Team Canada Player of the Year
Jack Davison Junior U18 Team Canada Player of the Year
Matt Paul Kevin Lord Memorial Junior U20 Team Canada Player of the Year
The Builders Hall of Fame
Mr. John Platt and Mrs. Mary Platt 2010 Inductees
A Builder
To make by putting together parts
To construct
To establish a base
To create or develop
To grow or intensify
To shape...
Individuals who are enshrined into the Builders Hall of Fame by the Ontario Ball Hockey Association are synonymous with outstanding commitment and contribution to the growth and development of the game as a result of their rather tenured and auspicious participation in the sport. John and Mary Platt began in our sport about twenty eight years ago and simply asked the question, How does someone get involved in ball hockey? and then let the game become an important part of his life. They began with the Oshawa Minor organization to do whatever was asked. It was from there that they branched out to help coach, convene, and administrate. They could often be found at Provincial Championship helping out and John after a few years was named Minor Chairperson on the O.B.H.A. board of directors. Presently, they are still activity involved in the Oshawa Minor Ball Hockey League and Mary has expanded her role to convene the Oshawa Womens divisions.
Mr. John Platt and Mrs. Mary Platt ..they are well respected and honored members of the Ontario Ball Hockey Association Builders Hall of Fame.