Saturday, March 17, 2012

Dryden’s Robertson named Gary Cook Memorial SIJHL executive of the year

Press Release

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Friday that Dryden Ice Dogs president Malcolm Robertson, has been named the 2011-12 recipient of the Gary Cook Memorial award, which is presented annually to the SIJHL’s executive of the year.

“In the time that I have known Malcolm and have had the opportunity to work with him on league issues, I have found him to have the same determination and focus on getting the job done as Gary Cook always did,” offered SIJHL president/commissioner Ron Whitehead.

“Also Malcolm has the ability to see the bigger picture when it comes to making decisions while serving as both president of the Dryden Ice Dogs and his duties as a league governor,” added Whitehead.

“He stepped up in those sometimes difficult situations to offer his help, balancing the needs of his team with the requirements of the league, while at all times remembering what is really the most important part of our decisions, what is best for the players.”

The Gary Cook Memorial Executive of the Year Award is presented each season by the SIJHL in honour of the late hockey icon who was recognized for over five decades of hockey-related service to the community of Thunder Bay.

An honoured member of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, Mr. Cook was the ultimate hockey executive who boasted a resume of championship clubs that was second to none in hockey circles around North America.

Among his many accomplishments as a general manager and executive were a record five Allan Cup Canadian senior hockey championships, three Colonial Hockey League crowns, a CHL executive of the year award, a trio of SIJHL Bill Salonen Cup titles and a Dudley-Hewitt trophy all while earning the admiration and respect of the many, many people he was associated with over the years.

This year’s Dudley Hewitt Cup Central Canadian Jr. A Championship, which is being hosted by the SIJHL’s Thunder Bay North Stars, will be played in his honour.

The following are the all-time Gary Cook Executive of the Year Memorial Award recipients:

2011-12: Malcolm Robertson, Dryden Ice Dogs
2010-11: Rod Aldoff, Wisconsin Wilderness
2009-10: Ted Lake, Dryden Ice Dogs
2008-09: Doug Lawrance, Sioux Lookout Flyers
2007-08: Carolyn/Scott Kellaway, Fort Frances Jr. Sabres

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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