The Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Nothers have teamed up for the Volunteer of the Month program – a ‘rookie’ and a ‘veteran’ volunteer will be recognized each month through a profile highlighting their involvement in the game of hockey.

We were thrilled to see so many deserving nominations at the start of the season and have highlighted two winners below!

The Rookie (2> years) winner for October is Aimee Bazinet of North Middlesex Minor Hockey! Here's her story as told by her nomination:

Prior to being selected as the Team Manager of our U9 MD Tier 1, Aimee had made her intentions known to want the position and had volunteered many hours helping myself navigate the ropes as a new rep coach. She offered help with organizing practices, jerseys, team planning etc. As a new coach I was told that one of biggest decisions I would have would be hiring a great team manager and with that I couldn't agree more! Since the team has been made Aimee has helped get the season planned, helped conduct the parent meeting, applied for travel permits and has been proactive with all communications to our families. I cannot thank her enough and its a great feeling knowing that all the behind the scenes work will be completed with Aimee at the helm. On top of the above mentioned, Aimee is also on the executive committee this year and is the North Middlesex Silverstick Rep. That role in itself, has added many hours to Aimee's week planning to run a successful event in our community. North Middlesex is lucky to have Aimee as part of our organization and I wish her the best of luck in receiving this award. Thanks again!

When did you first start volunteering and why? How has your role grown since then?
I first started volunteering with North Middlesex 4 years ago to fulfill my volunteer credits. I really became involved in volunteering when I joined our tournament committee to help run the two Silverstick tournaments our centre hosts. I stayed on the committee and helped out the tournament director for two years before I took over as Tournament Director myself this year. I love getting to interact with all the different teams and seeing the young kids play their hearts out on the ice. 
I also have been team manager for both my boys hockey teams, my youngest last year and now my oldest this year. I want my kids and the rest of their team to have the best time while playing hockey, and I love the chance to be a part of the team!

What do you find the most rewarding about volunteering?
The most rewarding thing about volunteering is getting to see the smile on the kids' faces. Whether it's at a practice, a game, or a tournament it's just so awesome seeing the excitement on their face and knowing that I played a small part in that smile. 

What are the most important characteristics of being a Team Manager?
I think a good team manager needs to be well organized and able to multitask. They also need to be available to the coaching staff and parents if they have questions or need anything. They need to be approachable and able to deal with conflicts/problems in a professional manner. And most of all I think they need to be an advocate for the kids so that they can grow and develop their skills to the best of their abilities!

The Veteran (2+ years) winner for October is Linda Featherbe of Brampton Minor Hockey! Here's her story as told by her nomination:

Linda Featherbe has been a very instrumental volunteer in Brampton Hockey Inc for the past 20 plus years first as a mother on her son's recreational teams over the years. When he graduated or aged out of hockey Linda decided to take a more active role and stay involved but now on a league level. Here are some of the roles that Linda has held over the years: trainer, convenor, timekeeper, assisting with all of Brampton Hockey Special events (Tournaments, Weekend of Champions, First Shift programs). Linda has held a position on the Board since 2009 and during that time has also held the roles of VP Special Events, VP Risk Management, VP Recreational. Linda spends countless hours each week at the rinks and it is now at the point if you don't see Linda at an event it is because it conflicts with another Brampton Hockey event. Linda is a wonderful volunteer and Brampton certainly needs people like Linda to bring these programs to our membership. Thanks you for all you do Linda, your efforts do not go unrecognized.

When did you first start volunteering and why?
Thinking about when I started has really aged me and brought back so many wonderful memories. I started as a Trainer for my godson’s team and it took off from there.

How has your role grown since then?
From Trainer of one team to Trainer on four teams and three championships, what a great year with a variety of ages and skill levels. To convenor to board member and couple years as VP Special Events and a season as VP Recreational during our hard times of Covid. I'm still convening a group of kids I took on ten years ago as a favour and wouldn't change a thing.

What do you find the most rewarding about volunteering?
Always the players, seeing them grow, build relationships, friends and of course the relationships with the players and parents. Watching these players grow and change all these years is so rewarding.

What is your favourite part of being at the rink?
That fresh sheet of ice is such a beautiful thing to walk into, but of course its listening and seeing everyone enjoy Canada’s favourite game.

Please use the form below to nominate a Volunteer. Submissions will be kept on file and you do not need to resubmit each month.