CJHL HONOURS LIFE MEMBERS

Press Release

The Canadian Junior Hockey League recognized Joe Drago and Frank McKinnon (Joe Drago-left & Frank McKinnon pictured with the current CJHL Commissioners & Presidents - photo courtesy of the CJHL) as Life Members at the 2012 CJHL Annual General Meeting in Halifax, NS on Thursday. The Canadian Junior Hockey League is humbled by the outstanding contributions these men have made to Junior A hockey and their ongoing commitment to the sport.
Joe Drago

Joe Drago is the Vice-Chair at Large of Hockey Canada, past president of the Ontario Hockey Federation, a member of the National Royal Bank Scholarship Committee, and a life member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League.

For over 40 years, Drago has been involved with hockey at every level of the game. He has been associated with the Sudbury Wolves organization for 17 years, serving as director of operations, coach, general manager, president, part owner and governor. Drago served as the Commissioner of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League for 12 years and later as the Ontario Hockey Federation Junior Council Chair.

In April 2012, Drago was appointed by Hockey Canada's Order of Hockey in Canada Executive Committee to serve on a Selection Committee that will choose the exclusive individuals who will be identified as Distinguished Honourees of the Order of Hockey in Canada.

Drago was inducted into the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Hall's Coach of the Year Award is named in his honour. He is also a recipient of the Community Builder's Award for Sports and Recreation. The Joe Drago Trophy is presented annually to the Top Executive in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

In 2003, Drago was honoured with the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, their community and to Canada.
Frank McKinnon

Frank McKinnon was inducted into the Brandon University Hall of Fame and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame as a builder in sport. The highlights of his outstanding building career include his appointment as Chairman of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association, Vice President and Director of the Sports Federation of Canada, Vice President of the Canadian Olympic Association, and as a Trustee of the Centennial Cup.

In 1974, he was a member of the committee that organized the first World Junior Hockey Championship, and at the same time was a member of the Congress of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

McKinnon, with a 32 year career in education, was also a founding member of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (MHSAA).

McKinnon served as a member of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association Executive for over 20 years, including one term as President. McKinnon was Commissioner of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for a decade long tenure. The MJHL now offers a Scholarship Award named in honour of former Commissioner Frank McKinnon.

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