A local hockey executive has been recognized for his efforts to help support the game of hockey.
Chris Dawson is the 2022 recipient of the Judge Harry J. Reynolds Memorial Trophy recognizing his long-time commitment and contribution to the sport of hockey. Dawson came to North Bay in 1996 as a reporter with MCTV. Utilizing the skills he had as a reporter, he developed a video production company that provided a unique opportunity for local athletes to prepare videos highlighting their skills in a variety of sports.
Over the years, he has created more than 200 scouting videos for North Bay athletes from hockey, baseball, golf, and basketball. Many videos were sent to major junior (hockey) and NCAA/OUA schools.
Commencing in 2006, Dawson was part of the inaugural committee that hosted the Canadian Pond Hockey competition. It was during that time that he, along with other hockey enthusiasts, took a lead role in submitting North Bay to the Hockeyville challenge. As a driving force for the event, North Bay got behind the venture, ultimately having North Bay named the 2007 winner! His efforts as part of this committee did not go unnoticed and that led to a series of roles at various levels of hockey in our area. In 2008, he became involved in Junior Hockey with the Temiscaming Royals as Director of Player Development and then moved to the Junior Trappers program in 2010 as Team President, and he ultimately became the General Manager.
Over the next five years, following on the coattails of the team’s success as the winners of the Copeland Cup in 2013, the team hosted the Dudley Hewitt Cup in North Bay; an event in which Dawson chaired the organizing committee.
After the departure of the Jr. Trappers franchise to out-of-town interests, Dawson was approached by a few hockey enthusiasts regarding the creation of the Powassan Voodoos hockey team to play in the NOJHL. Based on Chris’s record of success, NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca and Battalion head coach Stan Butler recommended Dawson for the position of General Manager and thus another string of successes ensued. Working with the coaching staff and owners, the Voodoos have attained much success and the franchise has maintained a strong presence in the junior A hockey including a Voodoos NOJHL championship in 2017.
The common thread of Dawson’s approach relates to the high levels of trust and respect he builds with others, therefore building positive relationships that have contributed significantly to his success and that of his teams at many levels.
When asked what has driven him to be as involved as his record has shown, he was quick to say, “whatever I was able to do or contribute was all aimed at providing the best experience for the players and their families.”
His efforts have been recognized by the leagues he has been involved with selection as the first team all-star general manager twice, NOJHL Director of the Year in 2011 as well as being the recipient of 2012 Diamond Jubilee award.
Chris is the first one to understand that success does not happen alone. He credits all of those people who believed in him and gave him the opportunity, but most importantly he credits his family for the ongoing support and understanding that he has received.
Chris Dawson will receive his award at the 42nd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner to be held at the Davedi Club on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. Tickets are available by calling Bill Jacko at 705-492-3961.
Editor's note: Chris Dawson is also a reporter with BayToday
