M’CHIGEENG—For her close to 30 years of volunteering efforts in minor hockey locally and provincially, Gayle Payette was nominated by all members of the Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association (MMHA) and was awarded with the prestigious 2023 Angus Campbell Merit Award by the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA).
“It’s a great honour to receive the Angus Campbell Merit Award,” stated Ms. Payette after receiving the award at the NOHA annual meeting in Timmins, last Saturday. “I actually shed a couple of tears when I received the call from Sue (Shepherdson, NOHA president) the other day.”
“And then I got to thinking, ‘what have I done to deserve this?’ So, I thought about my years of hockey involvement and of all the great connections that have been made and the most important thing that came to mind was the players,” said Ms. Payette. “Each of us have stepped up, committed, put forth our best effort for the players and the love of the game. I respectfully accept this prestigious award on behalf of each and every player and on behalf of all volunteers that give their heart and soul.”
“I am also dedicating this acceptance to my family, my husband Mike and our son Mitch and my mom who is no longer with us,” continued Ms. Payette. “They have always been so supportive and understanding, and to Jackie White, a lady that goes over and beyond all the time and commits to doing what is best for the players. I truly believe that she should be standing here. She always puts others before herself. Thank you!”
“I am very grateful to MMHA and each hockey association for their heartfelt letters of support,” said Ms. Payette. “I am truly honoured and proud to be a part of a great hockey community and family.”
The Angus Campbell Merit Award is named after the founder of the NOHA and is an order of merit in hockey, awarded by the NOHA to an individual for outstanding service to the game other than as a player. Such outstanding service must have been for a period of not less than 10 years continuous duration. This award may be presented to any person who has rendered such service to any organized hockey association or member clubs anywhere in the NOHA.
Manitowaning Wolves executive (Dawn Roque, Katie Cyr, Christine Cassidy, Jackie White) was one of the MMHA organizations that supported the nomination of Ms. Payette.
“Our hockey association could literally sum up our relationship with Gayle by saying we always had her on speed dial, and she was always more than happy to help us solve our issues or answer our questions.”
“From simple advice on how to handle a hockey situation, assistance in navigating NOHA policies and procedures, to taking call after call to help us through stressful and difficult issues, Gayle has always been there for us,” the Wolves letter continues. “Gayle always presented herself in a manner that was open, respectful and fair. She listened to all sides of an issue and then proceeded to assist in whatever way she could that would benefit the parties in equitable and impartial conclusion. We are honoured to send in a letter of support for Gayle for this nomination, we don’t believe a better candidate could be found.”
Sarah Quackenbush, on behalf of the Little Current-Howland Minor Hockey Association (LCMHA) wrote, “I am writing to express the Little Current (MHA) enthusiastic support for Gayle Payette to be considered for the Angus Campbell Award for outstanding service to the game of hockey. Gayle has been an exemplary volunteer and advocate for the sport of hockey for nearly three decades, and her tireless dedication to the game has made a significant impact in the communities she serves.”
“Gayle’s contributions to hockey are numerous and far-reaching,” Ms. Quackenbush continued. “She has served on numerous committees, has played an integral role in organizing tournaments, clinics, and other events that have helped to foster a love of hockey in countless young players. Gayle’s dedication to the sport has also helped to create a sense of community and belonging among players, coaches, and parents,” continued Ms. Quackenbush. She pointed out Ms. Payette has been a tireless advocate for Indigenous hockey players at the provincial and national levels.
Nick Lane, president of the Western Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association said, “We can’t recommend Gayle enough for her initiative, impact, commitment, inspiration, and leadership in all her volunteer work for the community and minor hockey on Manitoulin Island and across Northern Ontario.”
“Gayle once said, ‘volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, but they have the heart,’” Mr. Lane continued. “Well, we say with close to 30 years of volunteering and all the time spent with minor hockey, Gayle must have a tremendously large heart. Gayle is a positive role model and an asset to minor hockey everywhere. (WMHA) believe Gayle is a deserving recipient for the 2023 Angus Campbell Merit Award.”
“For myself, I truly benefitted from Gayle (and her family) for many years,” Greg Lockeyer wrote. “However, it was during my five years as District 7 referee-in-chief that I reaped the rewards of Gayle’s knowledge and experience. Gayle was always truly supportive of all officials within our district, and I knew I could reach out anytime if I needed to consult on a situation.”
“When I was humbled last year to be the recipient of the 2021-2022 Angus Campbell Merit Award, I was able to sit back and look at my involvement with hockey over the decades and also other community activities,” wrote Mr. Lockeyer. “When asked if I would support the nomination of Gayle Payette as this year’s recipient, it was a no-brainer. I wholeheartedly believe if it was not for the support I had received from Gayle (and family) over the decades, that my nomination for the award would not have been successful.”
“The hockey community and community as a whole has been blessed to receive the riches that Gayle has provided over the many years,” added Mr. Lockeyer.
