BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Local hockey guru Joe Drago likes to
work.
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Joe Drago |
He must because even at the age of 65, Drago,
who has already completed a 33-year career in education and
another 40-plus years in hockey, was elected as the new
president for the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF).
On June 25, Drago was elected at the OHF
annual general meeting, capping off an illustrious 40-year
career in hockey.
Drago was previously the first vice-president
of the OHF, which is the largest branch in Hockey Canada with
over 260,000 participants.
Drago had been looking for the challenge for
quite some time, and chaired his first meeting as president
this past weekend.
"I absolutely wanted to do this," said Drago.
"I have been in hockey a long time and had just about all the
posts in the OHF that suited me and I could help with, so the
last thing for me to do was the presidency. I am very happy.
When you work your way up the ladder, the ultimate thing before
you retire from the game is to head up the group, and now I
have that opportunity."
Drago's term is for two years, and he can run
again if he chooses. Drago has also been president of the
Sudbury Wolves, Commissioner of the NOJHA and vice chair for
the CJAHL over the years.
Drago will look to form balance and harmony
within the OHF during his reign.
"A major problem I have seen since I have
been there is that the OHF is made up of seven member partners
and because of that, they each have different concerns and
ideas," said Drago. "At times, it's difficult to put everybody
on one side with one common feeling.
My main goal is to bring those seven members
together to look at a common OHF."
Drago's placement has others in the North
beaming.
"It's great for the North," said Dick
Prescott, president of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association.
"I believe it mirrors the respect and dedication of the North's
strong position on the Ontario board, and Joe will do an
excellent job and has the respect of the entire board. I am
proud to be a part of Joe's working team."
If his first weekend in action was any
indication of just how busy the new job will be, Drago will be
in for wild, exhausting ride.
"We had meetings all weekend...day and
night," said Drago. "I was tired afterwards. I am taking the
day off to do absolutely nothing."
During the weekend, the OHF held an awards
banquet, and another local hockey man got recognition.
Gerry McCrory was given an Award of Merit for
his efforts, and Drago made the presentation to his son, Barry,
because Gerry was unable to attend.
Drago will now also sit on the Hockey Canada
Board of Directors, which gets his blood moving.
"It means am more involved with important
decisions and I get to be on strategic committees to help
hockey," said Drago. "This shows the province
and Canada that we have people here in
Northern Ontario who are heavily involved in the game and
making a difference."
Hockey in Ontario and Canada is doing quite
well according to Drago.
"The state of hockey is extremely good," said
Drago. "Look at the number of participants and our volunteer
base is fantastic. We are not taking a
back seat to anyone internationally. We are
still the fore runner, with other countries looking to Canada
as the benchmark. The OHF has been one of the most innovative
branches in this country for many years, and will continue to
be."
Drago replaces Edward R. Pupich.
