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 evening’s event and looking forward to yet another campaign in the spring of 2014.

These are the 2013 Awards of Excellence recipients in the O.B.H.A.

Walter Moncrief Memorial Award is presented annually to an individual to an individual who displays uncommon commitment and dedication to the Sport. The 2013 award of excellence was awarded to Mr. Mark Luciani for his work with the Brampton Ball Hockey League.

Steve Nicholls exemplified true grit, determination and character as a role player on his team before his untimely death. The 2013 Steve Nicholls Memorial Award was presented to Mr. Terry Roache of the Metro Orangemen 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. Doug Kudoba from the Kitchener-Waterloo 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. Patrick Myers 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. Patrick has been in the association for the past five years. Mr. Myers has officiated at the provincial level in the Men’s A, Men’s B, Women Provincials and the World Championships.

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 Gary Mc Ilravey of the Penetanguishene-Midland 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 His passion is only superceded by the time, energy and love for the game that he exudes both on and off the floor with the kids.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.

Ms. Reagan Fuller is the 2013 Minor Female Provincial Player of the Year. This young lady’s 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. The rest, as they say, is history. Ball hockey was a natural fit for this very talented athlete, who led her troops (Oshawa U18) to the Provincial Championship.

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. Myles York 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 fine young man who as a leader and well respected player in the Penetang-Midland Minor Ball Hockey League who helped lead his teams to the Junior Provincials and the Canada Cup U19 Nationals.

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 2013 Female Division Coach of the Year possesses all of the above and more. Congratulations to Mario Facciuolo of the Facc brownies and the Burlington Ball Hockey League.

Mr. Marcel Vieira has built a team to compete and challenge for the top prize in the Men’s ‘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 Metro Orangemen to the regular season title and to the a finalist finish in the Premier League Championship this past season, something few have been able to do. Hence, to Mr. Vieira goes the spoils and title of 2013 Male Coach of the Year.

Ms. Kaley Veerman from the Facc Brownies is the 2013 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 ends of the floor. As a leader on her team, she helped her teams to the Provincial Championship and was a key asset for Women’s Team Canada in their golden performance at the World Championships. Mr. Denver Greer of the Belleville Selects is the 2013 Male Athlete of the Year. Mr. Everything, smarts, speed, talent and determination have made Denver the top player in the province and one of the finest players in the country today. The Steve Rumsey Volunteer of the Year – Denis Archambault is a selfless worker who personifies commitment, dedication and contribution to the game of ball hockey in Ontario. He has a sincere passion and love of the game that is evident in his participation and overall involvement in everything that he does when it comes to the sport within the Halton Minor and Burlington Ball Hockey Leagues.. 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 year’s recipients simply have a passion for the sport. They are dedicated, hard working, loyal and always puts the kids first, from the Newmarket Minor Ball Hockey League, Mr. Sam Carusi and Mrs. Lynda Carusi. International Official Recognition Awards - Ken St. Amant was selected by the World Ball Hockey Federation as the Referee-in-Chief to work the World Championship event this past summer. His role included assigning the referees to games, supervising their work during the games and acting as a liaison between the teams and the WBHF when it came to interacting with the officials. In addition Ken was joined by the following Robert Beatty, Jill Coombes, Brandon Hillis, Jeff Lees, Darcy Mintz, Patrick Myers and Vanessa Stratton who represented our country admirably as they handled some of the toughest games involving such rivalries as the United States and Slovakia with their cool on-floor demeanor and friendliness. Team Canada Players of the Year - These man and woman 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…… Casandra Langan, Women’s Team Canada Player of the Year Mike Porter, Men’s Team Canada Player of the Year