On September 10, the Greater Toronto Hockey League, together with the Mississauga Hockey League (MHL) and North York Hockey League (NYHL), recognized the 2024-25 Officiating Award recipients. It was the 20th annual celebration of officiating excellence in the GTHL’s competitive (‘A,’ ‘AA,’ and ‘AAA’) program, MHL, and NYHL.
“Bringing GTHL competitive officials together with the MHL and NYHL is a great opportunity to celebrate the important role they play in minor hockey,” said GTHL General Manager Peter Kourtis. “With more than 1,100 officials under the GTHL umbrella, those being recognized demonstrate outstanding dedication and respect for the game — qualities that ensure youth can continue to enjoy all the benefits hockey provides, beyond wins and losses.”
The 2024-25 MHL Officiating Award recipients include:
George McBride Award Recipient: Steve Silva
In memory of George McBride, a long-time referee, volunteer, and parent with the Mississauga Hockey League. This award is presented annually to the MHL Referee as selected from his/her peers who portray characteristics of dedication, positive attitude, fair play, communication skills, and an overwhelming desire to be a dedicated member of the league.
Hockey Canada Most Deserving Official Award: Tim Steenkist
Presented annually by HC to the MHL Officiating Program participant who has contributed the most to the officiating program at any level, in any capacity.
Hockey Canada Most Promising Official Award: Mason Ho
Presented annually by HC to the MHL Official who has shown a great deal of expertise and potential.
Hockey Canada Most Improved Official Award: Tyler Rutledge
Presented annually by HC to the MHL Officiating Program official who has shown the most improvement as an official over the year.
MHL Officials Award for Courage, Perseverance, and Resilience: Kevin Mills
The 2024-25 NYHL Officiating Award recipients include:
Jim Hickey Memorial Award: Steve Gillmore
Each year the NYHL honours one on-ice official who exemplifies a great attitude, work ethic and overall desire to help the NYHL in any capacity they can. This award is named after Jim Hickey who was one of the first supervisors in the NYHL. Jim was an official in the Etobicoke Hockey League as well as the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA).
Hockey Canada Most Improved Official Award: Heidi Boyle
Presented annually by HC to the NYHL Officiating Program official who has shown the most improvement as an official over the year.
Hockey Canada Most Promising Official Award: Mark Dinella
Presented annually by HC to the NYHL Official who has shown a great deal of expertise and potential.
The 2024-25 GTHL competitive (‘A,’ ‘AA,’ and ‘AAA’) Officiating Award recipients include:
Hockey Canada Most Improved Official Award: Stephen Fox
Presented annually by HC to the GTHL Competitive Officiating Program official who has shown the most improvement as an official over the year.
Hockey Canada Most Promising Official Award: Liam O’Dette
Presented annually by HC to the GTHL Competitive Program Official who has shown a great deal of expertise and potential.
GTHL Service Award: Mark Rotolo and Cam Cooley
Gus Gordon Memorial Officials Award: Anthony Munro
Presented annually by the GTHL Supervisors to the official who displays a balance between positive attitude, dedication, competence, and improvement.
