Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Former Raider President John Odnokon Passes

Press Release

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – It is with great sadness the Prince Albert Raiders announce the passing of long time supporter and former team President John Odnokon, who was 78. Odnokon, inducted to the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2000 for his work in hockey and with the Raiders, and a lifetime member of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, passed away Sunday.

Odnokon was involved with the Northern Hockey Development Association in 1972, the organization that was instrumental in getting a Saskatchewan Junior League franchise, the Raiders, for Prince Albert. He served on the Raider Board of Directors during the Raider days in the SJHL, from 1972 to 1982 and was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the league from 1974-82. During this time he oversaw the leagues’ rules committee and implemented league policies. One of his decisions was to suspend his son Mark, a member of the Raiders at the time.

He returned to the Raiders Board of Directors from 1994-96 including a stint as team President.

He was highly involved in minor hockey in the Crescent Heights area of Prince Albert. He coached and managed many teams that his sons played on. In 1975-76 he was the manager of the Bantam AA team, including his son Mickey, winning the Provincial championship.

John Odnokon is survived by his wife Lorraine, children Mickey, Mark, Pam, Doug and Patrick and their families.

Prayer service is Thursday at 7:00 PM, with the funeral Friday at St. Joseph’s, 260 25th St. East, Prince Albert. Time of the funeral has yet to be finalized.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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