Saturday, March 2, 2013

ROBINSON PRESENTED OHA CRYSTAL PUCK

Press Release

Whitby Fury general manager Frank Robinson (photo credit - Tim Bates/OJHL Images) was presented with the Ontario Hockey Association's (OHA) Crystal Puck Award.

The OHA Crystal Puck Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to individuals within the Ontario Hockey Association.  Robinson becomes the first recipient of this award from the OJHL.  On-hand for the presentation (left to right) were Fury Governor Scott McCrory, OHA Director Bill Markle and OHA Director & Referee-in-Chief Gary Moroney.

Frank’s first introduction to the OHA began as a referee. For many years, he was highly regarded by coaches, players, and fellow officials, as one of the top referee’s in all of junior hockey. In 1981, he was awarded the Jack Clancy Award as the OHA’s Most Dedicated Official.

In the late 1980’s, Frank got involved as a coach at the minor hockey level, and would spend the next 14 years coaching in the Ajax and Ajax/Pickering programs. Frank coached everything from learn to skate programs, to highly competitive AAA teams; many of which were lead to multiple OMHA Championships. To this day, former players still speak very highly of Frank and his elite coaching style, and his ability to help players make the step to the next level.

Eleven years ago that Frank made the jump from minor hockey to junior hockey, when he joined the Pickering Panthers as the Director of Player Development. He then spent the next 4 seasons as the General Manager of the Panthers, including taking the 2006/07 team to the South Finals. This is Frank’s sixth year as the General Manager of the Fury, where he has been instrumental to not only the success of the organization, but also the success of many players and staff as they go beyond junior hockey.

“Frank receiving this award is truly a recognition of all the hard work and dedication that he gives to our sport, our league, and especially to the Whitby Fury,” stated OJHL Chairman and Fury Governor Scott McCrory.  “Our team success is only achieved through his love of hockey.”

To this day, Frank continues to give back to minor hockey programs, and is currently a coach advisor for Whitby Minor Hockey Association. In addition to his role with the Fury, Frank also serves as a scout for the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League.

Congratulatios to Frank on this well-deserved honour!

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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