North Bay's Rick Mitchell is this year’s winner of the Judge Henry J. Reynolds Memorial Trophy for his dedication to the sport of hockey.
Mitchell’s involvement in hockey started at an early age playing his minor hockey in the West Ferris minor system. He was a Rep player throughout his time in West Ferris Minor Hockey. Once he reached high school he began playing for the Trojans.
He played four years of high school hockey winning 2 NDA and 1 NOSSA Championships. His team qualified for OFSAA in 1974 losing in the semi-finals to London, 4-3 in overtime. It became more heartbreaking as London thumped Fort Frances 7-1 in the final.
Rick began coaching hockey at West Ferris high school in 1992. In 27 years, his teams captured five NDA titles and reached the NDA finals seven times.
He has captured three NOSSA championships and reached the finals on 6 occasions. His 1995 team reached the quarter-finals at OFSAA. Retiring from teaching in 2013, Mitchell continued coaching Trojan hockey over the years. He has also officiated minor hockey for 3 years.
Rick has been NDA Hockey convenor five times during his career. He also has worked tirelessly in working various fundraising activities to reduce the cost of hockey for his players.
John Weber, who coached with Mitchell for 15 years added, “I played with Rick for 2 years in high school and then coached the Trojans with him for 15 years. He was coach, manager, fundraiser as well as being involved with player’s issues and helping out those less fortunate players through moral and financial support. Rick has a knack for seeing the game from the bench and being able to adjust the game plan as warranted.”
The Board of Directors of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame's 40th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner was scheduled for Saturday, May 2 and was cancelled back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2019 Hall of Fame Award Winners will be recognized and presented their awards at a later date this year.
