The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to recognize Ed Wahl, President of the Scarborough Hockey Association (SHA) and Scarborough Ice Raiders, as the League’s 2024 George Chamandy Memorial Trophy winner.
Established in 1953, the George Chamandy Memorial Trophy was developed to recognize an individual’s long-standing commitment to hockeyin the Greater Toronto Area. The trophy is presented to the individual (non-GTHL Executive) who, in the opinion of the GTHL Board of Directors, has contributed a supreme effort to the promotion and fostering of minor hockey in Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, and/or Markham. This trophy is the highest award presented to any individual by the GTHL.
Wahl was honoured with the award during the GTHL’s Annual Meeting of Members on July 8.
“Tonight we get to celebrate the incredible dedication and contributions of an individual who has made a lasting impact on the world of minor hockey,” said GTHL President Don West. “Since 1975, Ed Wahl has been a pillar of the hockey community in Scarborough. His humble and kind approach has touched the lives of thousands of players, helping them grow through hockey while developing a passion for the game. Ed’s dedication and love for what he does have made a significant difference in the world of sport.”
Wahl has been a dedicated volunteer for almost 50 years, with a number of impactful milestones. In 1991, Wahl began as President of the Cedar Hill Minor Hockey Association. In 2009, he played a key role in the amalgamation of the six Scarborough Hockey Association Leagues, leading to the formation of the SHA Hockey Club and Scarborough Ice Raiders – a position he continues to hold today.
“The reason that I have spent all this time in minor hockey is very simple – when I was a young lad, my father had to raise six children on his own,” Wahl shared following the Chamandy Memorial Trophy recognition. “The community of Cedar Hill always looked after me – I never missed a game or a practice. I decided then as a child that I was going to give back.”
Wahl has also been a steadfast supporter of the GTHL, serving as co-chair of the Sponsorship and Marketing Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. Always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support, Wahl led the Pilot Program of the Hockey Canada/Bauer Big Assist, now rolled out as a national program and known as the First Shift Program.
Past recognitions Wahl has received for his contributions include a Citizen Eco-Drive watch as the November Citizen Canada Community MVP from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Citizen Canada, Hockey Canada’s Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2015, and the Hockey Canada Hero of Play Award.
Upon receiving the Citizen Award from the Maple Leafs, the community’s outpouring of admiration was overwhelming, including:
“Congratulations Eddie – you have always put your heart into everything you do and spent very long hours with the Cedar Hill Hockey organization.”
“Congratulations Eddie! Nice to see your thousands of hours of quiet dedication being recognized.”
“Congrats Ed, great referee and executive, and an even better person. You have influenced so many people in an amazing way. Thank you. Because of you, Scarborough is a better place.”
“Hey Eddie, so proud of you and your commitment to service. I know you love it. You will never know how many lives you affected. Plus, the multiplication of those kids paying it forward. Wishing you continued success and love.”
“Congratulations on the recognition – you are doing an amazing job keeping the youth of the city engaged and busy! Building great character for these young people.”
Now, it was with great pride that the GTHL is able to honour Ed Wahl for his contributions.
“Ed, your dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have made a profound impact on our community,” West concluded. “We are grateful for your unwavering commitment to the sport and the countless lives you have touched through your work. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour.”
To view all the past winners of the George Chamandy Memorial Trophy, click here.
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