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 and have highlighted two winners below for December!

The Rookie (2> years) winner for December is Ashley Boudreau of Orono Minor Hockey! Here's her story as told by her nomination:

Ashley stepped up to help out our U9 HL team 2 as the Trainer. She is already busy with her daughter's team, the Clarington Flames. She shows up ready, willing and excited. Her positivity is felt on and off the ice. Ashley is a true leader in sports. We couldn't run a team without enthusiastic, positive volunteers like Ashley. Thank you Ashley.

What made you decide to become a Trainer on the bench with the U9 team?
I was already involved in hockey as a parent and wanted to take a more active role in supporting the team. Becoming a trainer felt like a great way to give back to the community while being there for the kids both on and off the ice. I enjoy supporting young players, helping them feel confident, and contributing positively to their hockey experience. It was a role I chose to take on because I felt it aligned well with my desire to be involved and supportive.

What do you like most about minor hockey?
What I enjoy most about minor hockey is the kids and the sport itself. I love watching players develop their skills, build confidence, learn teamwork, and truly enjoy the game. The U9 age group is especially fun because the focus is on growth, learning, and having fun. It’s very rewarding to see players achieve their goals and gain confidence as the season progresses.

Why is a positive attitude important in your role?
A positive attitude is extremely important in my role because it helps the team grow and work toward their goals in a supportive environment. Staying calm, confident, and reassuring—especially when players need assistance—can greatly reduce nerves and help them feel more comfortable. A positive attitude also contributes to strong teamwork among players, coaches, and staff, creating a better experience for everyone involved.

The Veteran (2+ years) winner for December is Jodi Metcalfe of Northumberland Minor Hockey! Here's her story as told by her nomination:

Jodi has been apart of the Northumberland Nighthawks hockey association for more then 8 years. She has been a parent and also has been apart of the excitative from being HL vice president to being the president of the Nighthawks. She is always willing to help out and everyone always come to her to for help when they need it. Some time she will be at the rink for 6 am to 11 pm to help who ever needs it. She also runs our tournaments without help most of the time. She has given more then a decade to hockey and she will keep helping everyone cause that's the type of person she is to everyone at the Northumberland nighthawks she doesn't want to see anyone fail and wants to help the kids play a great sport.

What are some of the roles you’ve held over your time as a volunteer?
Port Hope and Cobourg amalgamated in 2015 and I started as the U11 convenor. I had never volunteered before but the kids were a little older so I thought hey I can do this. I kept up as the convenor for the same age group the following year and then in my 3rd year the guy that always did Midget/Juvenile (U21) was no longer able so I took that on along with getting more involved in running tournaments and Select Co-Ordinator. The following season I found myself as VP of House League and the tournament director. I did this for a few years. 2023 and 2024 I was president for the Nighthawks, and I continued to run tournaments. I also, went and got my trainers certificate at one point as the U21’s were always missing a trainer and I figured I am there might as well help out.

This year I was suppose to step away and just run all the tournaments including Silver Stick, but I ended up as ice scheduler (for House League), and of course Past President.

What do you like most about minor hockey?
Watching the kids evolve and grow. I have been a part of the volunteers since 2015 and I still have kids when they see me say “Hello Jodi”, whether I am at the link or out grocery shopping! They become your family!

What has kept you volunteering for over a decade?
The kids! It is all for the kids! 

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