MANITOULIN—A pillar of minor hockey is going to be recognized by both the Manitoulin and Western Manitoulin (Gore Bay) Minor Hockey Associations (WMHA-GB) for his outstanding commitment to minor hockey for close to 40 years.
Randy Thibault has stepped down as a member of the MMHA executive board, as of the end of this hockey season. “Randy has been one of the real mainstays that has kept the Manitoulin (MMHA) together all these years,” stated Greg Lockeyer of the MMHA last week.
“Randy was a pillar of our organization for many years,” stated Sandra Rayner, secretary-treasurer of the WMMHA this year.
“He has always been fair and has demonstrated a tremendous knack for solving issues in a fair and diplomatic way,” said Ms. Rayner.
“Randy is retiring from hockey and the MMHA and WMHA-GB minor hockey associations are holding a social on May 20,” said Mr. Lockeyer. The WMHA-GB association will be recognizing Mr. Thibault during the Gore Bay Bruins hockey banquet on Tuesday, May 20 from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Gore Bay Community Hall, and this will be followed by a social for Mr. Thibault at the Gore Bay Legion from 8 to 11 pm the same evening.
“We are honouring Randy for all his years of service to minor hockey,” said Mr. Lockeyer, “and we are hoping representatives from each community on the Island who are or have been involved in minor hockey will attend the social.”
“Randy is retiring this year from active involvement with Manitoulin Minor hockey a role in which he has served in many different capacities such as community rep, coach, second vice-president, first vice-president, as a coach, discipline committee, president, past president, president and past president. Along with his work with Western Manitoulin Minor Hockey it is estimated Randy has been a volunteer with minor hockey for close to 40 years,” said Mr. Lockeyer.
Mr. Lockeyer said Mr. Thibault’s committment to minor hockey has been huge. “Randy’s continued dedication has allowed our sons and daughters to play a game they love. While some volunteers come and go, Randy’s fixture has been a permanent one and has allowed MMHA to function from year to year in a relatively smooth manner. While Randy will be the first to tell you he has worked with many dedicated people from around Manitoulin Island throughout the years, he has been the one constant and we should all be grateful. Yes, there are decisions made that perhaps people not always agree with, but Randy has stuck through the hard times to ensure that our children have a great organization looking after their well-being.”
