The Ontario Minor Hockey Association presented its awards at the Annual General Meeting held at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel in Richmond hill on June 12th to recognize the outstanding achievements of its athletes and volunteers.

The OMHA Honour Award is a prestigious award presented to a person who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to minor hockey for a considerable period of time. Larry Gould of Schomberg Minor Hockey Association was recognized as this year’s recipient. Larry has been an active member of Schomberg Minor Hockey for over 45 years. He has been an integral part from his early years of coaching right through to his years as an Executive Member. He has also been an active member at the OMHA level, serving as a York-Simcoe Convener for approximately 20 years. Larry has also been inducted as a Lifetime Member of Schomberg Minor Hockey. He was instrumental in the development of the Schomberg Minor Hockey Constitution and Rules of Operation, and has held many executive positions over the years, including President, Ice Scheduler, and Tournament Director. For most people in Schomberg and for the majority of kids in town, he is simply known as “Coach Larry”, in recognition of his many years behind the bench.

The OMHA Excellence in Development Award was established to recognize and honour an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to hockey development programming in minor hockey in the OMHA.  Mike Gouglas of the Markham Waxers and Markham Minor Hockey Association has been instrumental in the direction and growth of their Hockey Development planning. His passion for learning and improvement are at the forefront. He continues to be involved daily with the coach and player development programs and has implemented a coach mentorship program while instilling a streamlined tryout program.

The Wally Scott Bursary is given in recognition of outstanding commitment to community service, athletics, and academics.  This year’s recipient is Brody Ryder of Kent Minor Hockey Association.  Brody has displayed passion for minor hockey since 2003 as a player, referee, time keeper and goalie instructor. Brody has played at the Local League and "A" levels of our minor hockey programs. Unfortunately Brody's hockey career was cut short due to a medical condition (meniscus tears in both knees) he however continues his involvement and dedication by timekeeping, refereeing and volunteering with tournaments. He also continues to assist Tyke and Atom programs in a coaching capacity.

The Patricia Hartley Administrators Award is given in recognition of exemplary service in the field of sports administration. This award reflects the achievements of a local executive board member or volunteer staff person towards the efficient operations of an association and the betterment of hockey.  The recipient of this years’ award is Lorine Price of the Innisfil Minor Hockey Association. She is one of the most dedicated members, volunteeers, helping out at games and tournaments. A mentor to other members of the association, and most of all has the most thankless job on the association. She controls the finances of all the teams and makes sure that all bills are paid on time, and is always looking for ways to keep the organization ahead financially.

The George H. Carver Media Award recognizes the invaluable coverage of minor hockey in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association provided by local media outlets. Mike Hayakawa of Metroland York Region Media Group is this year’s recipient and has spent countless hours covering hockey organizations in Whitchurch-Stouffville and the greater York Region. Mike has been diligently covering the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for 30 years. He's covered small-town house league tournaments to the careers of OHL grads turned NHL stars, including Steven Stamkos, Keith Acton, Cody Hodgson, Stephen Weiss, Brad May and Michael Del Zotto.