WILLIAMS NAMED TRAINER OF THE YEAR

Press Release

The Ontario Junior Hockey League today announced that Jack Williams (pictured left - photo credit: Tim Bates/OJHL Images) of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres has been named the 2012-13 recipient of the OJHL Trainer-of-the-Year Award.

Williams has been the Equipment Manager for the Jr. Sabres franchise for the past 29 years, dating back to the original Jr. Sabres that played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), starting his career during the 1983-84 season.  During his 29 years tenure, Williams saw the club change its name three times, from Jr. Sabres to Niagara Scenic, to Buffalo Lightning, and finally to the current version of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres; as well as play in four different leagues, the NAHL, the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL), the Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League and finally the OJHL.  He has also mentored numerous future NHL players along the way, including current stars Ryan Callahan (New York Rangers), Brian Gionta (Montreal Canadiens) and Lee Stempniak (Calgary Flames).

A fixture on the Junior 'A' hockey scene in Buffalo, Williams is typically the first person to arrive at the rink each day and almost always the last one to leave.  A tireless worker, his dedication to the game and to his franchise are appreciated by all who cross his path, and for the hundreds of players that have come through the organization throughout the years, he has, and continues to make junior hockey a memorable and positive experience.

Born on August 14 1936 in Buffalo, New York, Jack Williams served full-time in the United States Army for more than 35 years from December of 1959 to August of 1996.  He would remain stationed at home for the duration of his career and served in various divisions including artillery, guided missiles, combat engineering and signals.  Following his retirement, Williams served another six years in the National Guard from 1996-2002.  The dedicated family man has been married to Lorraine for 50 years and has four sons (John Jr., Anthony, Dennis and Thomas), as well as eight grandchildren.

The OJHL Trainer-of-the-Year Award is awarded to the trainer, therapist or equipment manager that is adjudged to be the best at his profession for his/her member club throughout the course of the regular season, while past experience and time served will be taken into consideration.

Drew Laskoski of the Stouffville Spirit was runner-up in the OJHL award selection to Williams.

Laskoski recently completely his first year, during a second tour of duty with the Spirit, after spending 10 years in Stouffville beginning in 1987.  He would join the Newmarket Hurricanes for the next 15 seasons before returning to Stouffville this year.

Next week the OJHL Volunteer-of-the-Year, Coach-of-the-Year and Coach Canada Most Improved Player Awards will be announced.
 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)