The Gold Stick is an order of merit in hockey awarded by the Ontario Hockey Association for outstanding service to the game other than as a player. Such outstanding service must have been for a period of not less than 10 years continuous duration.
The 2019-20 recipient was announced at the OHA AGM on June 20.
This season, the OHA is pleased to announce that longtime official, executive and member of the hockey community, Don Robertson, as the 2019-20 recipient of the Gold Stick Award.
As a player, Robertson played in the OHA in the late 1960s and early 1970s before making the transition from player to become one of the youngest but most eager and confident referees in the 1970s.
Robertson’s passion and knowledge of the game helped him transcend his role and involvement from an official into management of operating hockey teams. He’s held such positions of General Manager, President and Director of Hockey Operations, all at a very young age.
His larger than life, straight shooting personality, has helped him make many connections at the top, including the NHL, which has helped him stock many of his Senior AAA (Triple A) teams.
Over the past four decades Robertson has been at the forefront of competitive senior and minor pro hockey in Brantford, Rockton, and Dundas. He holds six Robertson Cup Championships, more than 10 league championships and two Allan Cups. His first Allan Cup title came in 1987 with Brantford Mott’s Clamato’s and he won his second in 2014 as the host with the Dundas Real McCoys. In both his Allan Cup victories, Robertson didn’t only operate the team on the ice, but off the ice his marketing skills and business acumen helped him sell out his arena. His pro connections, dedication and tenacity as a General Manager helped Robertson build these championship teams.
Robertson’s involvement in the Brantford, Flamborough/Rockton, Dundas and Hamilton community in the hockey world is unmatched. His desire to ice competitive hockey teams while always finding a way to donate and give back money to community and charitable organizations each year speaks volumes to his character as a man outside of hockey.
Robertson’s commitment to the OHA, OHF and Hockey Canada over six decades as a player, referee, General Manager and franchise owner with more than 20 championships in multiple leagues, and well over 2,500 hockey games certainly makes him a well-deserved recipient of the Gold Stick Award.
Congratulations to the 2019-20 OHA Gold Stick Award recipient, Don Robertson of the Dundas Real McCoys.
To view the 2020 OHA Gold Stick video click the link below
You must be logged in to post a comment.