CRAWFORD NAMED TRAINER-OF-THE-YEAR
The Ontario Junior Hockey League today announced that Robb Crawford (pictured left with son, Cameron right - photo credit: Tim Bates/OJHL Images) of the Whitby Fury has been named the 2013-14 recipient of the OJHL Trainer-of-the-Year Award.
Crawford has been the Equipment Manager for the Fury for the past four seasons, beginning in 2010-11 and has not only been part of the staff, but a friend and mentor to the club's players. Almost always the first one at the rink due to a deep-seeded passion for the game and its personalities, he spends countless hours sharpening skates, fixing equipment, washing jerseys, stretching and taping the players, and just about anything else that is asked of him by the coaching staff. Described by his ownership group as the consummate team player, Crawford's love of hockey is evident by his desire to work with young players, especially those who are looking to develop and move on to higher levels of the game. Over the past two seasons, he has upgraded to his Level 3 Trainers Certificate and also is one of the team's trainers.
During his tenure in Whitby, Crawford has been selected to represent the OJHL at a number of significant events; a testament to his work ethic and abilities. First he was selected as Equipment Manager for Team Canada East at the 2011 World Junior 'A' Challenge that was held in Langley, B.C., helping his region capture a silver medal for fourth time in tournament history. Last year, Crawford was selected to represent the OJHL East Division All-Star Team at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge that was held in Wellington, Ontario and once again he would taste success as Team OJHL East won the tournament title for the first time in history. This season, he attended the Central Canada Cup again, this time as a member of the OJHL North-East Conference All-Star Team at the tournament held in Terrebonne, Quebec.
Before joining the Fury, Crawford was a trainer at the 'AAA' level that answered a request that was put out by his hometown Ajax Attack looking for new volunteers entering the 2006-07 season. Crawford was the first to arrive and would spend an hour talking hockey with Attack General Manager John Tugnutt before accepting a position as the club's Assistant Trainer and Assistant Equipment Manager. He would make an immediate impact in the dressing room and the following season became the Attack's Head Equipment Manager and would stay with the team through the 2009-10 season before leaving and ultimately joining the Fury.
Born on September 23, 1963, the 50-year old native of Toronto, Ontario, now resides in Ajax with his wife Linda and has two boys, Cameron and Marcus. He grew up playing minor hockey in North York, starting at age seven, also spending some of his teen years as an official. Settling in Ajax, he would coach and be trainer for a number of years while his kids were in minor hockey, including three years as Ajax Minor Hockey Association's Equipment Manager.
The OJHL Trainer-of-the-Year Award is awarded to the trainer, therapist or equipment manager that is adjudged to be the best at his profession for his/her member club throughout the course of the regular season, while past experience and time served will be taken into consideration.
Jason Izraelski of the North York Rangers was runner-up in the OJHL award selection to Crawford.
Izraelski is currently in his third season with the Rangers after joining the club prior to the 2011-12 OJHL season. Along with running the club's fitness program, Izraelski is constantly on top of every injury situation, including treating, diagnosing and referring to the appropriate specialist. He was also part of the training staff for Team Canada at the recent Maccabiah Games held in Israel.
Next week the OJHL Volunteer-of-the-Year, Coach-of-the-Year and Coach Canada Most Improved Player Awards will be announced.
2013-14 OJHL Award Winners
Award Winner Runner-Up
Top Scorer Taylor Best (WHI) Steve Hladin (GEO)
Top Goaltender Kevin Entmaa (AUR) Andy Munroe (AUR)
Executive Mike Tarantino (TLP) James Richmond (AUR)
Humanitarian Kevin Shier (TLP) n/a
Trainer Robb Crawford (WHI) Jason Izraelski (NYR)
Previous OJHL Trainer-of-the-Year Recipients
Award Winner Runner-Up
2013-14 Robb Crawford (WHI) Jason Izraelski (NYR)
2012-13 Jack Williams (BUF) Drew Laskoski (STO)
2011-12 Andrew Groombridge (GEO) Dave Campbell (WHI)/Drew Laskoski (NEW)
