The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is excited to reveal the 2024 recipients of the Administrators, Development and Honour Awards. For recognition of their years of volunteerism in their minor hockey communities, these dedicated individuals have made an impact in various areas of the game, ensuring all players can have a positive experience.

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 who worked toward the efficient operation of an association and the betterment of hockey. This year's winner is Eva Ivetac of Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association.

Eva Ivetac has served on the Board of Directors for Stoney Creek Minor Hockey for a remarkable 18 years, many of which as a non-parent volunteer. During her tenure, she has been a driving force behind the success of the Rep and House League divisions. Her contributions have been extensive, including holding various important roles over the years. Furthermore, she’s also taken the lead in organizing key Association events, including year-end banquets, Christmas parades, tryouts, fitting days, registration, and super Saturday events. Her dedication to ensuring every child has a fulfilling and enjoyable hockey season is apparent in the countless hours she has devoted to the organization.

“She’s the first one at the rink and the last one to leave. She’s the first one to say ‘I will do it.’ She is completely selfless in every capacity that I’ve ever seen.”

- Steve Johnson, President, Stoney Creek Minor Hockey Association

An award established to recognize and honour individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to hockey development programming in minor hockey in the OMHA. Nominees can be from any area of hockey development, including Player development, Coaching, Officiating, Safety, and Program Administration. Melissa Hendrikx of North Middlesex Minor Hockey is this year's winner.

Melissa’s dedication, care and loyalty to player development, combined with her years of coaching and behind-the-scenes work as an executive administrator, has provided years of fun, development and safety for the Jr. Stars. She has spent countless hours as a coach and a trainer putting in the effort to ensure every player's individual needs are met, that the kids are safe on the ice and that everyone has fun while learning important skills. As Player Development Coordinator, she treated all the players as equals and also served  on the Coaching Committee and Player Evaluator.

“One thing about Melissa, when she’s on the ice, she’s always smiling with the kids. She’s always encouraging them to push it and find that next level. But really it’s about having fun.”

- Casey Wall, President, North Middlesex Minor Hockey

The OMHA Honour Award was established to recognize a person who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to minor hockey for a considerable period of time, doing so of his, or her, own free will and not as part of a job or position for which they receive monetary consideration. The recipient for 2024 is Don Collison of the South Muskoka Minor Hockey Association.

Don Collison started coaching minor hockey in 1982, became an Official in 1984 and eventually the Supervisor of Officials and Assignor. He served as Referee in Chief in the Muskoka area and was also a member of the Discipline and Ethics Committee. Don became a life member for Bracebridge Minor Hockey during the 1997-98 season. He took it upon himself to personally mentor new Officials and skate beside them in their first games. He is the ultimate volunteer and his spirit and love for the game of hockey always ensured kids were able to continue playing.

“He gets the time requirement for Officials. He knows if it’s your first game to your last game, there is always a learning curve. He’s there to help and listen. You can ask him any question, any rule or situation, and he’s probably seen it over his 44 years.”

- Chris Broadworth, South Muskoka Minor Hockey Association OMHA Director