The Rory Bradley Volunteer of the Year Award

Two years ago, SMHA established the Rory Bradley Volunteer Award.  Rory was a man who was dedicated to giving his time whenever and wherever it was needed. Sadly, we lost Rory suddenly in the spring of 2010. For those people who knew him, they would probably say “his boots will be big ones to fill”. Here is a short hockey synopsis on Rory.

Rory grew up playing minor hockey in both Richmond and Stittsville. He played for the Richmond Royals and Nepean Junior A team getting a hockey scholarship for a university in the U.S. before he eventually came back home to Stittsville where he married his first love, Carolyn.

Rory began his coaching career when his son Joel started playing hockey in Stittsville. Joel was soon joined by his sister Courtney, and Rory coached each and every year they were in hockey. Although Rory’s first passion was being on the ice or behind the bench coaching, his dedication to the minor hockey organization led him to take on some roles off the ice too. When a call went out for volunteers, Rory was always finding a way to fit “just one more” thing into his schedule. One year Rory even took out his cheque book and paid the membership fee for a child who couldn’t afford it because he felt every kid deserved to play hockey.

Rory’s love of the game and his commitment level to each and every player was what set him aside from others. He emphasized team sportsmanship above all and one of his many special sayings was “before saying anything negative about your teammate, better have a look in the mirror.”

At the AGM last April, this award was presented to Scott Bradley

Scott has been an assistant coach, head coach, and convenor for SMHA. He has also helped out during evaluations and whenever help was needed.     
Scott was a Head Coach of a Bantam A team last year while also an Assistant Coach of the minor Atom Rep B team.  He is a soft spoken, hockey knowledgeable man who is always willing to help out when needed.  Everyone who has the opportunity to get to know him walks away a better person for it. He treats everyone with respect irregardless of who they are, whether it is the opposing team, his fellow coaches or on-ice officials. Whether his team is winning or losing, his demeanor does not change.  He is someone for whom his team can look toward for guidance when they need it. Ever since his boys have started playing hockey, Scott has volunteered his time on and off the ice. 

Scott has and continues to provide a positive voice for the Stittsville Minor Hockey Association. Scott continues to support and advocate the mandate of the SMHA: The objectives of SMHA are to foster, improve and perpetuate the sport of hockey; to encourage sportsmanship and fair play among its members; to exercise a general supervision and direction over its players, team and game officials and executive officers with emphasis on the enhancement of healthy recreation, good sportsmanship and citizenship; and to provide equal opportunity for all eligible players within the prescribed Association boundaries to participate in the sport. 

Congratulations Scott! We are fortunate to have you as part of the organziation.

Rory Bradley Volunteer of the Year Nominations