THE 2017 AWARD OF DISTINCTION GOES TO
BURLINGTON OLD TIMERS HOCKEY CLUB
On occasion we come across an individual or organization whose service to the community is worthy of recognition. Under the terms and criteria of the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame, their accomplishments do not qualify for selection and induction. Nonetheless we feel compelled to applaud and recognize these few extraordinary cases. One such case this year is the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club. It all began back in 1975 and has now grown into one of Canada’s largest Oldtimers hockey clubs. Russ Dean called up some oldtimers in the community to join him and enter a National tournament in Peterborough. From this one-off beginning, Dean and Jerry Large began to create a local league here in Burlington. These two along with Guy Ouelette, Gerry Park and Jim Verral were instrumental in putting together an eight team league. There were many others who worked tirelessly to help get the league going, too many to list here unfortunately. They established a Board with 15 Directors and soon they had 128 players registered with 20 more on a waiting list. Ice time was a real problem back then. And, believe it or not, they couldn’t get any ice time in Burlington, so the first two seasons were played in Hamilton.
The Club is justifiably proud of it’s guiding principles which are:
Balanced Play - Meet New Friends – Responsible Direction – Part of the Community
Since it’s inception the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club has given immensely to this city. It has fundraised for Mainway Arena, donated to Joseph Brant Hospital and given generously to many other charities. It has sponsored minor baseball and football teams. To quote a Past President, Gary Marshall, “we are committed to fund raising efforts for the community”. In the last three years alone, the BOHC has donated over $22,000 to the Carpenter Hospice. The BOWSER Food Drive has been a focus for them since 1992.
By the end of the 2008, the BOHC had donated over $93,000 in cash and over 59,000 food items.
Today the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club has expanded to an amazing 48 teams playing in eight divisions. Their contributions to hockey fellowship and the Burlington Community at large certainly warrant the recognition and commendation of an Award of Merit from the Burlington Sports Hall of Fame.