Here’s to you, Joe Drago
He is one of the good guys of the game. They don’t come much better than this guy.
The venerable Joe Drago has been acclaimed as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for Hockey Canada.
In getting the prestigious appointment, Drago — a lifelong resident of the Sudbury area — becomes the first person from northern Ontario to chair the national body.
The announcement of Drago’s elevation up the ladder came at the conclusion of Hockey Canada’s 96th annual meeting, which was held last week in Ottawa.
No stranger to the game, the highly-respected Drago had previously served Hockey Canada as its Executive Vice-Chair.
To be sure, Drago is looking forward to serving in his new role as Hockey Canada’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.
“I’m very pleased to be named Hockey Canada’s first chair under our new governance model,” stated Drago, a retired educator who is also a former owner and general manager of the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League and a former commissioner of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
“I also look forward to working with the Board of Directors, recently appointed CEO Tom Renney, the Hockey Canada staff as well as the thousands of participants and volunteers from across the country, who have dedicated countless hours to help strive and continually better our wonderful game,” added Drago.
Besides education and hockey, Drago is also well-known for his volunteerism and charity work in northeastern Ontario.
NOJHL commissioner Rob Mazzuca offered his thoughts on Drago’s appointment.
“This is a tremendous honour for Joe, a proud moment for all of northern Ontario and the NOJHL,” said Mazzuca.
“His many years of service within the game, as well as multiple charitable endeavours, truly shows a dedicated passion that all of us in the region can only strive to emulate,” added Mazzuca, in praise of Drago.
PHOTO: The legendary Joe Drago was born and raised in the Sudbury area. (Photo by Northern Life.)
A well deserved honour for a friend and a former school chum here in Espanola. Joe started me on my OHL Statisticians job back in 1972 and has continued to this day. Congratulations Joe. A true hockey man.
They dont come any better than Mr. Drago.
Congratulations to Joe. And good luck to Brenden Locke of Abitibi and Luc Soares of Kirkland Lake at the Team Canada Selection Camp.
Congratulaions Mr. Drago
Class = Mr. Joe Drago a one of a kind gentleman.
Anybody see what happened that caused Kirkland Lake’s Tyler Romaine to receive a 12 game suspension?
Appeared to be the result of a shove to an official after a scrap here on Friday night. Juras accepted the challenge and let’s say it didn’t go well for the KL player.
I see the T-Birds have dealt Travis Campbell to a team closer to home, Leamington Flyers.
Very sad to hear of the death of Joe’s wife Sylvia this past weekend. Sylvia was always in Joe’s corner during his travels through the hockey scene. My wife and I wish Joe and his family the best in this tough time.
Very sad indeed, David. I heard of Sylvia’s passing from Joe on Sunday morning. Sylvia and Joe were such a grand couple.