GORE BAY—Randy Thibault was recognized for his close to 40 years of dedication and commitment to minor hockey on the Island by representatives from every minor hockey association on Manitoulin at a reception held last week in Gore Bay.
“I would like to welcome everyone here this evening to honour a long-time volunteer of minor hockey on Manitoulin, Mr. Randy Thibault,” stated Greg Lockeyer, who acted as master of ceremonies for the evening. “I am honoured to be your master of ceremonies for tonight’s affair.”
“I actually got to know Randy many years before my involvement with minor hockey,” said Mr. Lockeyer. “Did you know, Boston and Bryce, that your grandpa used to be a goaltender? I became aware of Randy when he was a goaltender of the West Bay and Gore Bay Combines back in the old Senior Hockey League. I was the young, cocky player who began playing for the Little Current Flyers, centering a line with Shane Laidley and Larry Moggy.”
“My first few games went pretty well picking up points in each of these games. Then came my first game against the Combines,” recalled Mr. Lockeyer. “I watched Randy in warmup and thought, no problem. On my first shift, I picked up a pass and was heading down the right side with blazing speed then all of a sudden, bang. I went done like a ton of bricks! All I remember is looking up, seeing this hulking defencemen looking over me with a big grin on his face and his knees spread six feet apart. Glad to see that defencemen in the crowd tonight. How you doing Terry Orford?”
“Seriously though, folks, we are here tonight to honour a person who has dedicated most of his life to being a coach, trainer, manager, designated driver, administrator and a mentor to many, many teams and organizations not only here in Gore Bay but across Manitoulin Island,” continued Mr. Lockeyer.
“Randy has been involved with many different organizations and communities during this 40 year run and tonight we will hear from a number of them. From the Hellions ladies’ ball team, men’s fastball player and coach, Suns Up slo-pitch team, hockey to ringette, Randy has done it all,” said Mr. Lockeyer.
“And this includes the countless hours each year organizing the prestigious Porter-Clark-Purvis hockey tournament in March that has been a huge fundraiser each year for Gore Bay minor hockey,” said Mr. Lockeyer. “From the Manitoulin Minor hockey perspective Randy has sat on every position possible, I believe. Randy’s leadership qualities are endless and his ability to draw from previous related experiences allowed him to guide and/or lead MMHA in a positive direction.”
“Randy has had to make some difficult decisions at times over the years,” said Mr. Lockeyer. “These decisions were always made keeping the best interests of kids in mind, but also keeping adults accountable.”
“I am happy to have the opportunity to welcome friends, players, coaches, and to say goodbye and thank you to Randy for all his effort and commitment over the years,” said Kevin Bailey, past president of the MMHA. “In 2003 Randy won the Ken Neeb Award from the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. This special achievement award is presented to someone who promotes, and dedicates time for minor hockey. It is an appreciation of dedication and all the hard work.”
“I appreciate having been able to work with Randy for the past 25 years,” said Mr. Bailey. “He has been a mentor to me, has a great knowledge of hockey and believes in the best interest of the kids and minor hockey.”
“As a past president of Manitoulin Minor Hockey, and on behalf of myself, Yvonne (Bailey) and Gore Bay minor hockey, I would like to thank Randy for all his years of service to minor hockey and to his wife Kathy who has spent many years working in the arena kitchen and on the ladies volunteer committee,” said Mr. Bailey.
“I would like to congratulate Randy for his 40 years of commitment to minor hockey,” said Dan Charette, on behalf of the Manitoulin Panthers. “His biggest goal has been to grow minor hockey and his commitment to the kids has been incredible. You need house leagues in place for kids to grow and develop as well as become competitive.”
Mr. Lockeyer read a letter from Suzanne White, who was unfortunately unable to attend. “I just wanted to mention that this is a well-deserved honour for Randy as he has contributed so much to the town of Gore Bay and the Island as a whole in regards to minor hockey and ringette.”
Sherman Corbiere, a community representative from Wikwemikong, thanked Mr. Thibault, “for all his valuable time and dedication.”
Gayle Payette, on behalf of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, said, “volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart. Therefore, Randy Thibault must have one humongous heart.”
“I am very certain that all the children and families that have been fortunate enough to participate in hockey, whether it be in Gore Bay or another Island community, are very grateful for Randy’s commitment to this great game of ours. In my role as a council director, people such as Randy make our job easier to do,” said Ms. Payette. “He has always operated in the best interest of everyone involved. Although there likely have been times that were not so fun to deal with, Randy always ensured that the right thing was being done to ensure fairness and safety for all participants.”
“It is a great honour to be here tonight on behalf of the NOHA in recognition of Randy’s many years of service in the development and fostering of minor hockey on Manitoulin Island,” said Ms. Payette. “The compassion that Randy shows to the people that he has served over the years is an inspiration to us all.”
“It is a pleasure to be here tonight,” stated Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to recognize Randy’s contributions in not only Gore Bay, but to all minor sports in the area. I would like to recognize Randy and Kathy on behalf of Gore Bay and Western Manitoulin, and all the Island.”
“Randy has made a significant contribution not only to minor hockey for the past 40 years, but with softball and baseball for at least 30, a term as a town councillor and a member of the town recreation committee. He was also an important member of the friends of the arena, and its rejuvenation of the arena,” said Mr. Lane.
Among the many presentations of gifts and presents made to Mr. Thibault over the course of the evening, one of these was the presentation of two Manitoulin-made Adirondack chairs to Mr. Thibault for all his years of dedication and commitment over the years from MMHA representatives Bruce Wiggins, Jack Clark and Bob Dumond.
“It has been a pleasure working with Randy in the MMHA over the past 25 years,” said Mr. Lockeyer. “My boys enjoyed having a chance to play hockey on Manitoulin Island. Thanks again, Randy, for all your commitment and dedication over the years and enjoy your retirement, enjoy spending time with your grandkids.”
“I would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight,” said Mr. Thibault. “I haven’t had a hard task over the years, it is just a matter of getting the people in the right jobs. All it takes is designating properly. I would like to thank Greg and everyone here tonight for all their nice words.”
“I’m a bit humbled but truly appreciate all of this,” said Mr. Thibault. “I hope everyone has had a good time, and I’ve had a good run for the past 40 years,” he said. “The people on the MMHA board know hockey very well and what to do, and I’m sure people like Gayle will be very helpful. All they want to do is what is the best for the betterment of minor hockey for the kids. There are good people in place now and we are going to have good people in place coming along in the future as well,” added Mr. Thibault.
