A staple in the Parry Sound hockey community is being recognized for his many accomplishments.
Rick Thomas, who currently works as the league Registrar for the Parry Sound Minor Hockey Association, was recently honoured as the recipient of the OMHA’s Honour Award.
The award recognizes persons who’ve made an outstanding voluntary contribution to minor hockey in an area over a considerable period of time.
For more than 30 years, Thomas has held many positions through the PMSHA from team manager to his two son’s teams to eventually being behind the bench as their head coach.
Thomas says he first received word of winning the award through the OMHA Regional Director for Parry Sound-Muskoka, Andy Cooke.
“He told me to log onto the OMHA website and take a look at the video, which I didn’t know what he was talking about,” Thomas said. “And he explained to me I had won the award. It was pretty surprising and it was emotional. This was something I never ever expected.”
Thomas admits his hockey knowledge was fairly minimal when he first took the reins as coach, but through his experience coaching baseball, he was able to adapt and become successful behind the bench.
In 1995, Thomas’ hockey team became all-Ontario Midget B champions.
“The first year I coached, we won the Ontario championship – like we only lost six games all year, so, that was very special. The last year I coached my younger boy and we were lucky enough to win another OMHA Championship. So, both my boys are OMHA champions.”
The 73-year-old had a significant impact on not only the hockey community but to thousands of kids in the Parry Sound area.
He even built an outdoor rink on Georgian Bay, which allowed kids to hone their skills.
Thomas says to him personally winning the award is a symbol for all he’s accomplished for hockey in Parry Sound.
“It’s very nice to have received so many wonderful messages from ex-players I’ve coached, parents, kids, coaches I’ve coached against and others who’ve helped me be where I am today after so many years,” he added.
Thomas also has a connection to hockey legend and Parry Sound native Bobby Orr – whom the former played baseball with in the 1960’s.
In 1963, Thomas played first base for a team from MacTier, while Orr played shortstop.
The longtime volunteer says he’s extremely thankful for all the love and support he’s received over the years that allowed him to be in this position.
You can watch the video honouring Thomas and his accomplishments here: