They say it takes a village to raise a child.
Cliché? Perhaps.
But the hockey community is filled with cliché.
Thirteen members of one of the largest “villages” in the hockey community were honoured Tuesday at the Greater Toronto Hockey League Awards Night.
Ali Khaleghi and Ethan Martins, the youngest of the bakers’ dozen, were co-recipients of the GTHL Special Recognition Award, which is presented to those players who have displayed inspirational courage in overcoming adversity while maintaining a dedication and commitment to competing in hockey.
Khaleghi, a member of the North York Rangers Minor Bantam AAA team last season, received the award for his courage in overcoming an injury that nearly took his life.
On the night of Nov. 14, 2014 at Herb Carnegie Area, Khaleghi was struck in the chest by a puck while playing as a call-up with the Rangers’ Bantam AAA team. After blocking the shot, Khaleghi continued play, but soon collapsed while battling for the puck in the corner.
Trainer Ivan Cheung and assistant coach Don Yhap rushed immediately to his aid. They promptly were joined by Toronto city staff members Randy Collins and Doug Jamieson, nurse Marni Lee and firefighter Terry Mailhot. The group of first responders quickly began CPR on Khaleghi, whose breath and heart had stopped, and soon used the on-site defibrillator to save his life.
For their swift response and heroic actions, Jamieson, Lee, Collins and Mailhot also were recognized by the League on Tuesday with Special Commendation awards.
Martins, who just completed his fourth season in the GTHL, received the award for his display of courage and dedication to hockey after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last August.
The 10-year-old Toronto native began insulin injections on the afternoon of Aug. 4, 2014 and was on the ice for hockey practice an hour-and-a-half later. Forest Hill Hockey Association general manager James Maclean writes that Martins never missed a practice or game due to his diagnosis and went to lead the Atom A team in points.
Martins will wear jersey number 16 next season in honour of his hockey idol, GTHL graduate Max Domi, and Bobby Clarke, who both overcame the obstacles of diabetes to excel in hockey.
Play now. Win forever.
Members of the GTHL community who have dedicated countless hours to the game were among those honoured at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 230 members. Click each recipient’s name to learn more.
Cooper Humanitarian Award – Rich Ternieden
Herb Ebisuzaki Coaching Award – Bryan Whittaker
Ray Heslop Under 21 AAA Dedication Award – Kyle Pember
Gus Gordon Memorial Officials Award – Joseph Zimmerman
Dr. Tom Pashby Regional Trainer of the Year Award – Frank Pietrobono
GTHL Scholarship Awards
The scholarships below are one-time post-secondary educational scholarships provided by the GTHL, except the Midget AAA award, which is provided by the Don Mills Flyers Hockey Club:
Gord Hughes Minor Midget AAA Scholarship Award – Ben Jones
George F. Dufton Midget AAA Scholarship Award – Léo Bourgeois
J. Norman Sharp Midget AA Scholarship Award – Tyler McGurk
Frank D. Smith Midget A Scholarship Award – Zak Ali
Len Barrett Midget House League Scholarship Award – Adam Delfico
The Gary Roberts Training Scholarship Award is presented to a Minor Midget AA or AAA player who exemplifies hard work and dedication both on and off the ice, achieves a high standard of excellence in school and who, along with his family, has made significant personal sacrifices to continue playing hockey at a high level. Lucas Ianno, a member of the Duffield Devils Minor Midget AA team, received the award for his perseverance in hockey after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
More recognition
Beyond the annual accolades and Special Commendation awards, the GTHL also presented Rob Padt with a service commendation award and recognized the 2014-15 Kraft Cup, Scotiabank GTHL Playoffs, OHF Championship and regional champions.
