BATES RECEIVES CHAIRMAN'S AWARD
The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) today announced that OJHL Director of Photography Tim Bates (photo credit: Andy Corneau/OJHL Images) has been named the recipient of the OJHL Chairman's Award for service and dedication to the OJHL, as well as the game of hockey as a whole.
The OJHL Chairman's Award is presented at the OJHL Chairman of the Board's (Scott McCrory) discretion to an individual who demonstrates the core values of the OJHL - Integrity, Professionalism, Sportsmanship and Personal Growth - and who has gone above-and-beyond the normal course of his or her responsibilities for the betterment of the league and the game of hockey as a whole. This year's recipient is a true representative of everything that the OJHL strives to represent.
A native of Bowmanville, Ontario, the 51-year old Bates was the driving force behind the vision and development of the industry-leading OJHL Images program, that has become one of the most highly successful programs in junior hockey across North America.
Bates' dream was to combine his passion for both the game of hockey and photography, while assisting in the promotion of more than 500 young, up-and-coming athletes that participate in the OJHL each season. He approached OJHL staff in June of 2012 with his vision and through his guidance, leadership and dedication, not only did the OJHL Images program come to fruition, but it made an immediate impact in all aspects of the league's operation; in particular the digital promotion of its most important resource - the players.
Involved with the OJHL for more than two decades, Bates spends countless hours editing, managing, supporting and overseeing the entire operation of the program, that includes more than 20 photographers. Despite the hundreds of man-hours spent maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the OJHL Images website, that is accessed by more than 410 media and sporting organizations, he still manages to find time for his true passion. Bates is most at home when perched over the boards, chronicling the journey of our teams and athletes, often forming bonds with many that will last a lifetime.
Bates is a member of the National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA) and many of his images have been displayed all over the world in numerous sporting publications, including the coveted cover shot of Lacrosse Magazine for his coverage of the World Cup of Lacrosse last year. Most recently, Tim and his crew were named the official Photographer for Hockey Night in Canada's Play On! street hockey tournament.
"The OJHL Images program has become an invaluable resource for the league's marketing and promotional efforts," said OJHL Chairman of the Board Scott McCrory. "We cannot begin to express our sincere thanks enough for the countless volunteer hours that Tim spends honing his craft and making the program a truly professional entity, while ensuring the OJHL remains as the League of Choice."
2015-16 OJHL Award Winners
Award Winner Runner-Up
Top Scorer Luc Brown (WEL) Zach Evancho (BUF)
Top Goaltender Daniel Urbani (TRE) Andrew Masters (GEO)
Executive John McDonald (TRE) Mark Jooris (BUR)
Volunteer Jodi Lanzarotta (MAR) Vivienne Bridgeford (AUR)
Trainer Joe Aiello (COB) Sarah Ditmars (TRE)
Humanitarian Stefano Durante (COB) n/a
Most Improved Luc Brown (WEL) Ryan DaSilva (STO)
Coach Mark Jooris (BUR) Greg Walters (GEO)
Scholastic Andrew Court (GEO) Ryan Garvey (OAK)
Top Prospect Matthew Cairns (GEO) Josh Dickinson (GEO)
Gentlemanly Brendan Jacome (GEO) Ryan Taylor (WHI)
Defenceman Patrick Kudla (OAK) Brennan Roy (COB)
Goaltender Andrew Masters (GEO) Daniel Urbani (TRE)
Rookie Jack Jacome (GEO) Mark Rozanov (NEW)
MVP Luc Brown (WEL) Daniel Urbani (TRE)
Fan Favourite Blayne Oliver (KIN) Andrew Lee (BUR)
Chairman's Tim Bates (OJHL) n/a
Previous OJHL Fan Favourite Award Recipients
Year Winner
2014-15 Brent Garbutt (OJHL)
