VANCOUVER, B.C. – Hockey Canada honoured a number of Canadian hockey community leaders on Saturday night in Vancouver, B.C., at the organization’s award banquet, held during the Hockey Canada’s Annual General Meeting.

Among the award winners was Bob Clark of Carstairs, Alta., who was named the Volunteer of the Year. Clark was a coach of Midget and Juvenile hockey teams from 1961-66, was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1974 and went on to become general manager of the Olds Grizzlys of the AJHL. From 1998-2007, Clark served as chairman of the board for the AJHL and the Junior A chairperson for the Hockey Alberta board of directors. Clark continues to coach in Carstairs.

Nominees for all awards were submitted by Hockey Canada’s 13 member branches and the winners were chosen by Hockey Canada’s officers of the board, or the appropriate Hockey Canada council. The success of minor hockey associations in Canada depends heavily on volunteers and Hockey Canada was pleased to recognize the individuals who contribute greatly to the game of hockey in Canada.

Cathy Phillips, Dundas, Ont. (Ontario Women’s Hockey Association)

Female hockey breakthrough award, which recognizes an individual for their outstanding leadership and contribution to the advancement of female hockey in Canada.

Bob Clark, Carstairs, Alta. (Hockey Alberta)

Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual who has dedicated himself/herself to the ideals of Hockey Canada, who has worked tirelessly for the improvement of the Association and who has had a notable impact on the game.

Doug Hayward, Kirkland, Que. (Hockey Quebec)

Officiating award, which recognizes an official, active or non-active, who has made an outstanding contribution to officiating, who has had a notable impact on the game at the Branch and National level.

Lauchie McIsaac, Antigonish, N.S. (Hockey Nova Scotia)

Order of merit (Atlantic), which honors those individuals who for many years have served amateur hockey faithfully, having participated as players, served as coaches and association members, and made outstanding contributions to Canadian amateur hockey.

Lou Battochio, Schumacher, Ont. (Ontario Hockey Federation)

Order of merit (Central)

Bill Ennos, Victoria, B.C. (BC Hockey)

Order of merit (Western)

Wally Kozak, Calgary, Alta. (Hockey Alberta)

Gordon Juckes Award, which recognizes an individual for his/her outstanding contribution to the development of amateur hockey in Canada at the National level.

Corey McNabb, Calgary, Alta.

Hal Lewis Award, which recognizes a Hockey Canada staff person who best exemplifies the commitment to the values and objectives of Hockey Canada, exhibits pride and respect for the organization and its participants and demonstrates team spirit both in the office and in one’s life. )

Denise Costello, Ottawa, Ont.

Liz McKinnon Award, which recognizes the contribution of a companion during the Annual General Meeting who personifies the character and spirit of Liz MacKinnon