NEWS

The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) today announced that OJHL Director of Operations Izak Westgate (photo credit - Shawn Muir/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 Inwood, Ontario, the 42-year old Westgate has been the driving force behind the OJHL’s digital and social media presence for a number of years.  He also worked closely in assisting 2016 OJHL Chairman’s Award Recipient, Tim Bates, in the launch of OJHL Images.  Westgate is responsible for all press releases, OJHL official ceremonies, management of all OJHL Awards selection process and many other initiatives to promote the players within the league.  He was instrumental in the vision and development of the annual OJHL Guide and Record book that is released each season.

Westgate served as the OJHL Director of Operations on a part-time basis with his full time employment as the Manager, Outreach Exhibits & Assistant Curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame. 

The father of four young boys and husband to Sheila announced that he will be stepping down from his position with the OJHL in the coming months to focus more time on his boys hockey, which he will be coaching this coming season in Newmarket.

"What Izak has been able to do for the league over the last number of years in a part time role has been simply amazing," said OJHL Chairman of the Board Scott McCrory.  "He has spent countless hours on assisting the OJHL build our brand as the league of choice and it will be extremely difficult to replace him.”

2016-17 OJHL Award Winners

Award                          Winner                                     Runner-Up                                         
Top Scorer                  Jack Jacome (GEO)              Brayden Stortz (WEL)
Top Goaltender           Stefano Durante (COB)          Josh Astorino (GEO)
Executive                    Greg Walters (GEO)              Brent Tully (COB)
Humanitarian               Kyle Clarke (NYR)                  Josh Maguire (COB)
Trainer                         Sarah Ditmars (TRE)              Amanda Gilroy (WHI)
Volunteer                     Lorna Burrows (STO)             Joe Goldenberg (NYR)
Coach                         Greg Walters (GEO)              Mark Jooris (BUR)
Most Improved            Ryan Casselman (COB)        Ryan Heeps (WHI)
Scholastic                   Lee Lapid (PAT)                      Erik Urbank (BUF)
Gentlemanly                Nik Coric (WHI)                      Philip Lagunov (BUR)
Defenceman               Brennan Roy (COB)               Mark Paolini (STM)
Prospect                     Nick Campoli (NYR)               Matthew Kellenberger (OAK)
Goaltender of Year     Josh Astorino (GEO)              Connor Ryckman (WEL)
Rookie                         Mel Melconian (AUR)             Matthew Kellenberger (OAK)
MVP                            Jack Jacome (GEO)              Brayden Stortz (WEL)
Fan Favourite              Chris Janzen (TRE)                Mitchell Mendonca (WEL)

Previous OJHL Chairman Award Recipients

Year                            Winner                                                                                                
2015-16                       Tim Bates (OJHL Images)    
2014-15                       Brent Garbutt (OJHL)