Doug Kennedy of Kincardine receives OHA Gold Stick Award

Doug Kennedy of Kincardine has received the Ontario Hockey Association’s Gold Stick Award for 50 years of outstanding service to hockey in Kincardine.

Nominated by Warren Beisel, general manager of the Kincardine Bulldogs, Kennedy was presented with the award Saturday afternoon in Alliston.

In his nomination, Beisel said that he has known Kennedy for more than 30 years.

“When Doug moved to Kincardine in the 1980s, he had a direct impact on our sports community,” wrote Beisel. “He coached baseball and hockey, and would go out of his way to make sure young athletes enjoyed their experiences with the sport they loved.

“He was the driving force behind starting a committee to see junior hockey return to Kincardine in the mid-’90s. Since the return of junior hockey in Kincardine, he has filled many different positions over his 25 years of service with the team, including coach, general manager, director of hockey operations, vice-president, and fund-raising chairman.

“Without Doug’s passion for the Kincardine Bulldogs and the community, we would not be in existence today. During his time with the Bulldogs, he was always involved with different committees within the league, and had many great ties to the OHA and its members.

“From 2016-19, he was the chairman of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) start-up committee, which has helped our league become one of the strongest and largest junior hockey leagues in Ontario.

“Doug currently holds the position of PJHL – North Conference Manager (Pollock and Carruthers divisions), where he is seen travelling to all the teams’ rinks, within both divisions, to make sure he is visible and available to those who require his support. His love for the game and its athletes has made him a perfect fit for this job. He truly has the best interests of all our teams in mind when holding this position.”

Kennedy is a two-time winner of the OHA Crystal Puck Award (2012 and 2019), said Beisel.

“I feel extremely confident that he is a perfect candidate to receive the prestigious OHA Gold Stick Award.”

Kennedy said he was honoured and humbled to receive this award.



Doug Kennedy of Kincardine receives the OHA's Gold Stick Award; photo by Cathy Alcombrack