Two Centre Wellington Minor Hockey Association (CWMH) volunteers have been recognized for their contributions to the association.
Terry Conroy, current Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) convenor for CWMH, was presented the Patricia Hartley Administrators Award at the OMHA annual general meeting on June 10. The award is given in recognition of exemplary service in the field of Sports administration.
Conroy has volunteered with the league for over 35 years and was instrumental in the amalgamation of the Elora Minor Hockey Association and Fergus Minor Hockey Association eight years ago, said CWMH president Jean-Paul Cousineau.
“(Conroy) was recognized because he has done a tremendous amount of work for the betterment of minor hockey in our community for over 35 years,” he said.
Conroy noted he was honoured to receive the award but said he did not want to be interviewed.
Cousineau said Conroy has seen three generations play hockey in CWMH. He added the association leans on Conroy for support and expertise.
“(Conroy) takes pride in knowing that the youth of our community have a place to play hockey where they can feel safe and that they can enjoy the sport that has brought so much enjoyment for so many Canadians,” said Cousineau.
“He is a major part of where hockey is today in this community. He deserves every ounce of applause he is getting.”
Christine Cook, current vice-president of CWMH, was recognized with the Tri-County Honour Award in recognition of her volunteer service to minor hockey. Cook has been volunteering for 15 years, even before the amalgamation of the two local associations.
“She willingly takes on any role or job that needs to be done and is a wealth of knowledge for all our executive members and community volunteers,” said Cousineau.
Cook said she started volunteering when her sons were younger and involved in the sport.
“I think I’ve always been raised to give back, to give something back to the community,” she said.
Cook added she was shocked to receive the award.
“There’s a lot of people that do a lot of good in minor hockey … so I was very humbled and surprised that evening,” she said.
The award is handed out annually to a member of the Tri-County league in recognition of their dedication to the betterment of minor hockey in their community. She was awarded on June 16 at the monthly meeting of the executive.
“Christine knows everyone involved in hockey in this community, and takes the time to personally talk to all of them every time she is at the rink,” said Cousineau.
He added it’s been a great year for CWMH.
“We have had our volunteers recognized for the tremendous work that they do both at the Tri-County League level and at the OMHA provincial level. This is heart-warming and an exciting time for this community,” he said.
