Western Jr C convenor Steve Coulter is a recipient of the Crystal Puck Award from the OHA.
The OHA Crystal Puck Award recognizes an individual’s outstanding achievements or contributions with the Ontario Hockey Association. Coulter has also been a GM in the league, helping the Wingham Ironmen reach the Schmalz Cup finals in 2004.
"I've always loved hockey," says Coulter. "I stared with the OHA back in about '84 in one form or another. I was with the Brussels Bulls and then moved on with the Listowel Cyclones and the Owen Sound Greys and then the Wingham Ironmen. And I love seeing young guys move on and it's very humbling to see their kids playing on teams."
Ken Freeman of the Lucan Irish was also recognized.
The awards were given out at the OHA Annual General Meeting.
This year the OHA Junior C category has been re-branded as the Provincial Junior Hockey League and the teams formerly under the Western Jr C banner will be in the Pollock Division.
"You won't see a lot of changes this year," says Coulter. "I think there will be more towards next year and we have a lot of things in the works. There are going to be some major changes in the next three to four years."
A 2016-2017 schedule is expected to be ready by early July.