Some of you may not like my editorial comment so out of respect for Mike I have posted this information separate from my blog.

Each year since 1948 the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) has identified an individual that they feel merits their highes award recognition.

That award is the "Honour Award" and it is determined by committee through the OMHA executive for presentation as part of the OMHA's annual general meeting.

The award description is very simple. To "honour a person who has made an outstanding  voluntary contribution to minor hockey for a considerable period of time"

I was pleased to be asked to attend last Saturday, June 14th to share in the enjoyment of seeing Mike recognized with this reward which he so richly deserves.

The original nomination letter for Mike which was submitted in 2005 is below and can be updated to add three more years to his presidential accomplishments and place the association at over 4,160 participants.

Thank you - Mike, Debbie and Rod.

Original Nomination Letter

April 4, 2005

Honour Award Committee

c/o Ontario Minor Hockey Association

25 Brodie Drive, Unit 3,

Richmond Hill, Ontario.’

L4B 3K7

Dear Committee Members;

On behalf of the Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA), please consider this letter as our Honour Award nomination for our President, Mr. Mike Zardo.

 Mike has made significant contributions to minor hockey over many years, both within Oakville’s Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA) and throughout the OMHA. Mike has always taken pride in championing what is the right decision for minor hockey participants, not necessarily what would be the easiest or most popular decision. Many times this has been a difficult process but Mike has always stood by his convictions, despite whatever criticisms are directed at him. The "kids" always come first.

Some of Mr. Zardo's key contributions over the years are as follows:

Association Leadership

Since 1986, Mike has been President of the MOHA for 17 of the 20 years. After a brief break in 1993 (when he was still called back as VP Town Rep, Discipline Chair and Equipment Manager), Mike returned as President to rescue an organization that had fallen on hard time. The association was literally bankrupt, with major ice bills outstanding with the Town of Oakville, as well as debts to other suppliers and significant organizational challenges.

Mike spearheaded the "turn-around" efforts that brought MOHA back to a solid financial footing. His roll up your sleeves and find it / fix it approach motivated his team and revitalized the organization. Thanks to Mike's untiring efforts, MOHA now operates on a sound financial basis, has built a responsible surplus and has established comprehensive financial and operating controls. All of this was accomplished without increasing registration fees for over eight years. In these days of pointed discussion around responsible spending and organizational transparency in minor hockey, Mike has already established the MOHA as a role model in that area with annual audited statements, mandated team budgets and regularly reviewed bylaws.

He has also established his board of directors as a “working board”. You can not “just” be a board member, you have to take on a meaningful administrative role as a board member to be allowed to participate.

Prior to assuming his Presidential role, Mike also contributed to the organization for a number of years, dating back to 1982, in a variety of roles, as a coach and convenor at a variety of levels.

Since taking over as President, Mike has shepherded Minor Oaks growth from less than 1,500 participants to more than double that level with over 3,800 players in 2005/06.

Mike is a firm believer that personal economics should not prevent young people from having the opportunity to play hockey. In addition to supporting a number of "Big Brother" candidates each year, Mike has established the "President's Fund" which allows us to waive or reduce registration costs for families facing challenging circumstances. Mike has never turned away a youngster because they did not have the financial means to pay.

Player Development

Mike has also been a strong advocate of Hometown hockey and local player development. He was a key driver in evaluating, introducing, establishing and growing the Mitron High Performance Hockey System for Oakville. Mike saw the need for a consistent tool for Town Rep coaches to develop players throughout the age groups and ability levels, and to help the coaches work together to achieve these results. The Mitron system was identified as the best choice and a franchise acquired for the Oakville area. An ongoing "backhanded" compliment to the success of this decision and MOHA’s development program continues to be the number of MOHA "import" players currently participating in other organizations while MOHA teams still remain perennial contenders.

Mike and his team have continued to work to evolve the use and application of a "Mitron approach" such that the Mitron organization references Oakville as their exemplary client. Mitron is also further recognizing Oakville's adaptation of the system by implementing some of Oakville’s initiatives such as Oakville’s Town Rep "supervisory coaches" support program into Mitron's revised curriculum.

House League development has also been a key focus for Mike with roots in coaching and convening. Mike recognizes the importance of giving kids a great start and was a key supporter of MOHA's revamped Initiation Program.

Oakville’s revamped IP “cross ice” and structured practice program is recognized both within minor hockey and by organizations like Tim Hortons and the Toronto Maple Leafs as a “Gold Standard” for introductory hockey.

Under his direction, MOHA's focus on coach development, with clinics and certification programs at all levels (that draw from all over the OMHA) has developed a House League program where teams have to play (and win) Select level tournaments as they are often deemed "too competitive" for other centres House or Local League events.

Peer Recognition

A key acknowledgement of Mike's contributions to minor hockey is the recognition of his peers. As a long term member of the SCTA and Tri County organizations, Mike is an acknowledged resource on issues and concerns and in sessions, it is often "what Oakville thinks" that carries the day.

The OMHA has also recognized Mike’s hockey acumen over the years. John Archibald appointed Mike as the original “905” area representative in the initial groundwork phase leading to the formation of the Lake Ontario Region. This recognition has continued with Mike's ongoing participation on the Lake Ontario Region committee within the OMHA. His strong support of what is fair for the members and his support for the rules and recognizing what is right or wrong is evident to the members.

Community Involvement

In addition to his MOHA duties, Mike has also taken an active role in supporting youth in the community. As a coach, Mike was approached by the Syl Apps Youth Centre (a correctional facility) and asked to take on two of their charges as players as an opportunity for these young men to enjoy a recreational outlet and support their rehabilitation.

While President, Mike also found the time to lend support to the local High School hockey program by serving as the Head Coach for the Purdue hockey team.

Mike is also respected within Oakville for his knowledge and experience. Mike served on the Oakville Sports Council for a number of years and also served as a member of the River Oaks Recreation Centre expansion building committee. He is also involved on an ongoing basis with the Town of Oakville with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and in contributing to the development of Oakville's Ice Allocation Policy.

Quite often, it is the individuals who make the difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions who do not get recognized for their efforts. Based on the above qualifications, as well as the myriad of day to day challenges faced and the untold hours that Mike has selflessly contributed over the years, we believe that he is an outstanding candidate for this award and recognition by the OMHA.

Should you be interested in any additional information in support of this nomination, we would be more than pleased to supply whatever is required.

Respectfully Submitted
on behalf of our Members,

Wayne Moorehead
Vice President, House League
Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA)

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