Greyhounds owner Tim Lukenda wins OHL's inaugural David Branch leadership award
Soo Greyhounds president and governor Tim Lukenda was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the David Branch Leader of the Year Award on Friday morning, presented at the OHL's annual meeting of its board of governors at the JW Marriott Resort in the Muskoka Lakes.
Article content
Formerly known as the OHL Executive of the Year Award, the honour has not been presented since Mike Vellucci of the Plymouth Whalers won it following the 2012-13 season. The re-introduced award will be given each year to an OHL executive who exemplifies leadership, work ethic, commitment, and dedication.
Article content
Article content
The honour was established in recognition of former commissioner David Branch, who spent 45 years working in the league's front office and retired last summer after first being named to the position in 1979.
Article content
Article content
Lukenda, the first representative in Greyhounds history to serve as chairman of the OHL's board of governors, has been a member of the board since 2017 and has also served on the league's executive council as secretary treasurer since 2019.
Article content
'Tim has done a tremendous amount of work and contributed a great deal of his time to not only the Soo Greyhounds, but the Ontario Hockey League as a whole this past year,' said OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford in a news release. 'As Chairman of the Board of Governors, he's been a valuable resource in the transition from David Branch's leadership throughout my first full season in the role of Commissioner. It is only fitting that he receive this award, named in recognition of David, with the tremendous leadership he has demonstrated.'
Article content
Lukenda's involvement with the Greyhounds spans decades. His father, Dr. Lou Lukenda, acquired majority ownership of the club in 2001, ensuring the club's continued presence in Sault Ste. Marie. Lukenda attended games at the old Sault Memorial Gardens during his youth, leading to his eventual ownership of the club.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ottawa Citizen
3 days ago
- Ottawa Citizen
Greyhounds owner Tim Lukenda wins OHL's inaugural David Branch leadership award
Article content Soo Greyhounds president and governor Tim Lukenda was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the David Branch Leader of the Year Award on Friday morning, presented at the OHL's annual meeting of its board of governors at the JW Marriott Resort in the Muskoka Lakes. Article content Formerly known as the OHL Executive of the Year Award, the honour has not been presented since Mike Vellucci of the Plymouth Whalers won it following the 2012-13 season. The re-introduced award will be given each year to an OHL executive who exemplifies leadership, work ethic, commitment, and dedication. Article content Article content The honour was established in recognition of former commissioner David Branch, who spent 45 years working in the league's front office and retired last summer after first being named to the position in 1979. Article content Article content Lukenda, the first representative in Greyhounds history to serve as chairman of the OHL's board of governors, has been a member of the board since 2017 and has also served on the league's executive council as secretary treasurer since 2019. Article content 'Tim has done a tremendous amount of work and contributed a great deal of his time to not only the Soo Greyhounds, but the Ontario Hockey League as a whole this past year,' said OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford in a news release. 'As Chairman of the Board of Governors, he's been a valuable resource in the transition from David Branch's leadership throughout my first full season in the role of Commissioner. It is only fitting that he receive this award, named in recognition of David, with the tremendous leadership he has demonstrated.' Article content Lukenda's involvement with the Greyhounds spans decades. His father, Dr. Lou Lukenda, acquired majority ownership of the club in 2001, ensuring the club's continued presence in Sault Ste. Marie. Lukenda attended games at the old Sault Memorial Gardens during his youth, leading to his eventual ownership of the club.
CTV News
6 days ago
- CTV News
Kitchener Rangers prepare to make bid for Memorial Cup
The Kitchener Rangers team bus is seen parked outside the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on September 2, 2024. (Shelby Knox/CTV News) Two local Ontario Hockey League teams will be competing to host a major tournament. A spokesperson for the Kitchener Rangers confirmed the team's intention to make a bid for the 2027 Memorial Cup to CTV News on Monday. The Memorial Cup is one of the most sought-after trophies in junior hockey. It was first awarded in 1919 to honour people who had died fighting in the First World War. Each year the top teams from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and the host team compete for the cup. The tournament is typically held during two weeks in May and attracts thousands of fans from across the country. The Guelph Storm has already announced their plans to also pursue the hosting duties as the city prepares to celebration its 200th anniversary during that same year. City council has already thrown their support behind the storm, pledging a one-time grant of $600,000 if the team's bid is successful. The Guelph Storm has never won the tournament, but the Kitchener Rangers claimed victory in 1982 and 2003.
CTV News
6 days ago
- CTV News
Soo Greyhounds won't host 2027 Memorial Cup
Soo Greyhounds won't bid to host 2027 Memorial Cup, citing local economy & tariff concerns. The OHL team says it aims to compete -- but it won't be on home ice.
