Bradley Girouard Award
In a hockey dressing room there are a varied lot of characters awaiting the coach's signal, "The ice is ready".
Up from the bench the players move as one unit because they are after all, a team with a common purpose. Among this team are individuals each with their own contributing talents. There is the high scorer, the setup man, the stalwart defenseman and determined goaltender. These players are easily identified and looked upon to lead the team to victory. But there is another player whose contribution is not measured in points or blocked shots. That player carries the team spirit and injects the intangible joy that surrounds minor hockey and teamwork. Every team has one, every team needs one if that team is to gain the ultimate objective which is - camaraderie and belonging. The players know the individual described here, the team identifies with this character.
Bradley Girouard was such a player in 1997, at eighteen, he was a victim of careless driving, leaving Orleans with a major void.
His value to team and our organization was evident so much so, that the Orleans Minor Hockey Association dedicated a trophy in his honour, to recognize the player that most contributes to their team by overcoming personal obstacles yet exhibiting a display of friendship to others to enhance the love of the game. It is fitting that this trophy bear Bradley's name. To know him better, visit his memory case adorning the hall between the Orleans Arenas. In his final act of selflessness, Bradley donated his organs so that others may enjoy a better life. The last trophy he received (posthumously) is a medal from a grateful Children's Hospital.
The Bradley Girouard Trophy is presented annually to the player that best personifies minor hockey's objective, an infectious joy of hockey as determined by grateful teammates. The player receiving this acknowledgement has made hockey a rewarding experience for all.
In Memory of Brad
OMHA Board
Up from the bench the players move as one unit because they are after all, a team with a common purpose. Among this team are individuals each with their own contributing talents. There is the high scorer, the setup man, the stalwart defenseman and determined goaltender. These players are easily identified and looked upon to lead the team to victory. But there is another player whose contribution is not measured in points or blocked shots. That player carries the team spirit and injects the intangible joy that surrounds minor hockey and teamwork. Every team has one, every team needs one if that team is to gain the ultimate objective which is - camaraderie and belonging. The players know the individual described here, the team identifies with this character.
Bradley Girouard was such a player in 1997, at eighteen, he was a victim of careless driving, leaving Orleans with a major void.
His value to team and our organization was evident so much so, that the Orleans Minor Hockey Association dedicated a trophy in his honour, to recognize the player that most contributes to their team by overcoming personal obstacles yet exhibiting a display of friendship to others to enhance the love of the game. It is fitting that this trophy bear Bradley's name. To know him better, visit his memory case adorning the hall between the Orleans Arenas. In his final act of selflessness, Bradley donated his organs so that others may enjoy a better life. The last trophy he received (posthumously) is a medal from a grateful Children's Hospital.
The Bradley Girouard Trophy is presented annually to the player that best personifies minor hockey's objective, an infectious joy of hockey as determined by grateful teammates. The player receiving this acknowledgement has made hockey a rewarding experience for all.
In Memory of Brad
OMHA Board