The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) celebrated excellence in hockey development and volunteerism during its Annual General Meeting held June 13-14, 2025, in Sudbury, Ontario. Five deserving individuals were recognized with the organization's most prestigious awards, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to hockey in Northern Ontario.
"These award recipients represent the very best of what Northern Ontario hockey stands for," said NOHA President Steve Lawrence. "Their dedication, passion, and commitment to developing our young players and strengthening our hockey community is truly inspiring. We are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions."
Award Recipients
Angus Campbell Merit Award
Al Willard – New Liskeard Cubs
The Angus Campbell Merit Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to hockey development and administration in Northern Ontario. Al Willard has demonstrated nearly four decades of dedication to the New Liskeard Cubs, beginning as a player from 1969-1972 and evolving into a cornerstone of the organization's leadership. Since joining the Cubs executive in 1986, he has served in numerous capacities including registrar, Vice President, and Alternate Governor for the Great North U18 AAA League. His leadership was instrumental in the Cubs' Midget AAA Regional Championship victory and subsequent representation at the Air Canada Cup. Willard continues to contribute through training camps, broadcasts, and coaching candidate interviews while maintaining his passion for the game as an active player.
Ken Neeb Memorial Award
Trevor Desrosiers – Temiskaming Shores Minor Hockey Association
The Ken Neeb Memorial Award, established in 1975, honors individuals who exemplify dedication to minor hockey through coaching, officiating, or volunteer service, commemorating the late Ken Neeb who served as NOHA convenor for the Noranda District. Trevor Desrosiers has dedicated over three decades to minor hockey in the Temiskaming region, beginning as a goaltending coach in the late 1980s and expanding his role to include coaching at all levels up to Midget. His exceptional leadership includes 17 years as a Board Member and 10 years as Association Administrator for both New Liskeard Minor Hockey and Temiskaming Shores Minor Hockey associations. Recognizing the need for more officials, he became a certified Senior Official and now mentors the next generation of referees. Under his guidance, TSMHA has become one of NOHA's leading associations, consistently hosting Tournaments of Champions and contributing to hockey development across Northern Ontario.
Rick F. Albert Memorial Award
George Suszter – East Nipissing Minor Hockey Association
The Rick F. Albert Memorial Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to hockey development at the grassroots level. George Suszter's commitment to grassroots hockey spans over two decades, beginning with his coaching certification at age 16 alongside his father. After returning to hockey in 2005 when his son joined the Hockey for Beginners program, he has served East Nipissing Minor Hockey Association as coach, trainer, and President. His involvement expanded to the Nipissing District Hockey League, where he has held key positions including East Scheduler, League Secretary, and Vice-Commissioner. Suszter's most impactful contribution has been his leadership of the Hockey for Beginners program, where his focus on learning, development, and fun has fostered a love of hockey in countless young players while building community connections.
Trainer of the Year Award
Geena Oxford – Sudbury Minor Hockey Association
The Trainer of the Year Award recognizes excellence in athletic training and player safety within Northern Ontario hockey programs. Geena Oxford, a practicing physiotherapist in Sudbury, has been an integral part of the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association for five years as a dedicated team trainer. Despite never playing hockey herself, she quickly developed a passion for supporting young athletes across multiple AAA teams from U14 through U18. Her expertise includes certifications in Complete Concussion Management, First Responder training, sports massage, and taping. Oxford's high-level care was recognized when she served as trainer for Team NOHA at the 2024 OHL Cup and supported teams at OHF All Ontario Championships. Her commitment extends beyond medical care, as she builds meaningful connections with athletes and contributes to the team family atmosphere.
Life Membership
Claudette Myre
Life Membership represents the highest honor bestowed by the NOHA, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to hockey in the region. Claudette Myre has been a cornerstone of hockey development for more than two decades, serving in numerous leadership roles from the community to provincial levels. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and deep knowledge of Hockey Canada and NOHA policies, she became a trusted resource for volunteers and associations across the region. Her contributions include service on multiple NOHA committees and working groups, where she helped shape key policies that improved governance and increased access to the game. Myre's legacy extends beyond administration through her mentorship of countless players, families, and volunteers, demonstrating quiet leadership and an unwavering commitment to fairness and opportunity for all participants in Northern Ontario hockey.
The Annual General Meeting brought together hockey administrators, volunteers, and stakeholders from across Northern Ontario to review the past season and plan for the future of hockey development in the region.
The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) proudly celebrates Glen Campbell's remarkable milestone of 25 years as Director of Officials, recognizing his exceptional contributions to hockey officiating across Northern Ontario and beyond.
Campbell's journey in hockey officiating began in 1974, and over the past five decades, he has become synonymous with excellence, leadership, and dedication in the officiating community. His quarter-century tenure as NOHA Director of Officials, spanning from 1998 to 2013 and continuing from 2015 to present, has fundamentally shaped the officiating landscape throughout the region.
Video Tribute: Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence
Watch the exclusive tribute video:Â https://vimeo.com/1094092223
This special video features highlights from Glen Campbell's distinguished career and testimonials from colleagues and officials he has mentored throughout his quarter-century of leadership.
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Building the Foundation of Northern Ontario Officiating
Campbell's leadership journey started early in his career when he served as Referee-in-Chief and Assignor for Astorville Minor Hockey in 1976/77. He expanded his influence the following season by volunteering as Assignor for North Bay Minor Hockey for ten seasons while simultaneously serving as a Supervisor and Instructor for NOHA. Recognizing the need for organized officiating structure, Campbell played a pivotal role in forming the North Bay Referee's Association.
His commitment to excellence earned him Level 6 officiating certification in 1990, and by 1992, he was appointed Referee-in-Chief of District 5. His outstanding service was recognized with the CAHA Award for the most deserving in the branch (1992/93) and for service to Minor Hockey (1993/94).
Advancing Official Development and Education
Campbell has been a cornerstone of official development since attending NOHA Official Development Camps beginning in 1984. His educational contributions include producing four comprehensive training and recruitment videos covering essential officiating topics and developing national exams for Hockey Canada. He has also refined the NOHA Referee-in-Chief manual, introducing key policies and procedures that have enhanced the officiating framework across Northern Ontario.
His expertise was recognized with the OHF Officiating Program Award in 2003, and he has organized numerous Level 4/5 seminars, including a notable event in Sault Ste. Marie in 2008. Since 2009, Campbell has been responsible for selecting and assigning officials for university hockey in North Bay.
Elite-Level Officiating Excellence
Campbell's on-ice expertise spans multiple levels of elite hockey. He has officiated in provincial and Canadian championships across Peewee, Bantam, Midget, Juvenile, High School, College, and Junior A levels. His international experience includes officiating at a World Under-17 Championship and exhibition games between Canada and Russia.
His 14-year tenure as Referee-in-Chief of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) from 2000 onward exemplifies his commitment to high-level officiating. Campbell's reputation for excellence earned him selection for three NOJHL All-Star Games, demonstrating the trust and respect he commands from teams and players alike.
Recognition and Continuing Legacy
Campbell's contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including a North Bay Sports Hall of Fame Award in 2010 for his dedication to hockey and an NOHA award in 2019 for his work in developing officials. He continues to shape the future of officiating by attending the NOHA OPOE camp at the Big Nickel, where he selects and mentors the next generation of officials.
As NOHA Director of Officials, Campbell has been instrumental in selecting officials for prestigious championships, including the Dudley Hewitt Cup and World Under-17 Championships held in Northern Ontario, ensuring the highest standards of officiating at elite levels.
A Quarter-Century of Impact
"Glen Campbell's 25 years as Director of Officials represents an extraordinary commitment to the development and advancement of hockey officiating in Northern Ontario," said NOHA President, Steve Lawrence. "His innovative approach to official development, combined with his mentorship and leadership, has created a lasting foundation that will benefit hockey officiating for generations to come."
Campbell's extensive experience, innovative contributions, and unwavering dedication to the officiating community have left an indelible mark on hockey across Canada. His work continues to influence officials at all levels, from grassroots minor hockey to elite national and international competitions.
The NOHA is happy to announce it will be accepting up to 72 golfers (18 teams), for the annual NOHA Annual General Meeting Weekend Golf Tournament. The tournament will take place at Timberwolf Golf Club in Sudbury, ON and will be held on Friday June 13, 2025. Start times are between 10am & 1pm.
Included with entry fee:
18 holes of golf with a cart
Door prize
Ticket to NOHA awards dinner on Friday evening at TimberwolfÂ
Chance to compete for the longest drive and closest to the pin challenges
Complimentary raffle ticket ($10.00 value) for a signed Bobby Orr Team Canada jersey.
Opportunity to participate in a silent auction
Please see the link below to secure your spot in the tournament. Act fast as spots are limited!
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