Saunders honoured with award from Ontario Hockey Association

A long-time volunteer with the Blenheim Blades Junior C hockey organization has been recognized for his efforts.

Bill Saunders was named winner of the Ontario Hockey Association’s Crystal Puck Award. The OHA’s Crystal Puck is awarded to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the Ontario Hockey Association.

Saunders was announced as the Crystal Puck recipient at the 2024 OHA annual general meeting held this weekend and will receive his award and be honoured at a Blades home game in the fall.

Saunders has done anything and everything as a volunteer with the Blades, including general manager and director of hockey operations. Saunders has been with the Blades in various capacities since 1998.

In 2016, Saunders was the recipient of the The Don Brooker Memorial Appreciation Award, which goes to a volunteer in the Stobbs Division as appreciation for all the hours and hard work that person has put in over the years to help a team in various ways.

Saunders is retired and was the former managing editor of the Chatham Daily News.