Another historic and successful OHA Awards Presentation was held on Friday June 8th at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Award recipients along with family, friends, team officials and special guests gathered to celebrate the 2011-2012 award winners and their accomplishments over the past hockey season.
With 19 awards being handed out at this year’s OHA awards day winners included former Grey Bruce Highlander & Township of Chatsworth Alumni Tyler Crawford who played the last 2 seasons with the Owen Sound Greys.
Tyler received The Donald Sanderson Memorial Award for Academic Excellence and Character that is presented each year to a player in the Ontario Hockey Association that meets the criteria as set out by the Sanderson Family.
Donald incurred a serious head injury in an OHA game on December 12, 2008 and after a courageous battle died on January 2, 2009.
We are all saddened by the incredible loss of this fine young man but we cannot begin to imagine the depth of loss for this family. It is a profound loss. Many times in life I think we are identified by the various activities that we are involved in. Some of us are known as coaches, some managers, some officials and some players, but one of the things that defines us is our character. During his 21 years, 5 months and 19 days, Donald lived a passionate life. He was a player, a team mate, a coach, a teacher, a student, a loyal and caring friend and a young leader with a zest for life.
And it was through his passion for life that he taught all of us that knew him well to LIVE WELL, LOVE WELL AND LAUGH OFTEN.
He was known in the OHA as a young man who was willing to participate in everything but he never asked for anything in return.
CRITERIA
Donald was known for the following personality traits:
· Dedication
· Discipline
· Desire
· Deportment
So it is fitting that the winners of the Donald Sanderson Memorial Award should demonstrate the same qualities and characteristics.
REQUIREMENTS:
Nominees will be required to submit a resume outlining their involvement as it relates to:
· On Ice Activities
· Leadership
· Community Involvement
· Participation In Team Events
· Academic Achievements
Candidates must maintain a 75% average or higher and be attending a university or be enrolled in a university program for the following year to qualify.
AWARD
Each year the winner of this Award will receive a $1,000 bursary towards their educational expenses.
Today through this Award we honour his life and memory by dedicating this trophy and in turn recognizing individuals that display the same attributes and characteristics that Donald lived by.
This Award creates a living legacy of Donald’s contribution to life and love for the game of hockey
Congratulations on your Achievement Tyler!