Brian McCutcheon

Brian Kenneth ‘Boom Boom’ McCutcheon is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 37 games in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings between 1974 and 1976.
Growing up in Etobicoke, McCutcheon began his sports career with Faustina hockey and Alderwood lacrosse. Excelling at both sports, he earned bragging rights as an NCAA Champion in hockey and a Minto Cup Champion in lacrosse.
He played minor ice hockey in Toronto, and went to the 1962 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Toronto Shopsy’s youth team. He was recruited to play at Cornell under Ned Harkness. In his junior season McCutcheon led his team in goals while the Big Red compiled the first (and thus far only) undefeated national championship in NCAA history. After graduating in 1971 McCutcheon embarked on a professional career. Despite going undrafted, McCutcheon was signed by the Detroit Red Wings.
A year after hanging up his skates McCutcheon reappeared behind the bench at Elmira, a Division III program. Over six seasons with the Soaring Eagles McCutcheon saw a good amount of success, posting 5 winning records, and an appearance in the 1986 tournament. In 1987 he returned to his alma mater taking over as head coach from Lou Reycroft, becoming the second player from the 1970 team to coach the Big Red (Dick Bertrand being the first).
McCutcheon was tasked with rebuilding Cornell to its former glory after having declined over the previous ten years. The initial years were good, seeing the big Red post five consecutive winning seasons and making the tournament in 1991 but from 1992–93 on the team struggled and finished with three straight losing campaigns.
Despite the ending in Ithaca McCutcheon didn’t stay idle for long, accepting a position as an assistant with the Los Angeles Ice Dogs for the 1995–96 season. The following year he became the head coach for the Columbus Chill of the ECHL, leading the team to its first division title and receiving the John Brophy Award for his efforts. As further recognition he was promoted to the AHL and coached the Rochester Americans to consecutive Calder Cup finals. McCutcheon eventually made his way back to the NHL, becoming an assistant with the Buffalo Sabres under Lindy Ruff. McCutcheon was named as an associate in 2006 but left the team five years later when his contract was not renewed. Since leaving the NHL McCutcheon has coached several teams in Europe in varying capacities.

Michael Futa

Michael Futa is a prominent Canadian hockey executive and scout, best known for his
role in building the Los Angeles Kings’ 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup-winning rosters as
director of amateur scouting and later assistant general manager. He previously served
as the OHL Executive of the Year with the Owen Sound Attack and has worked as a
senior consultant for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Key Accomplishments and Roles:

  • NHL Executive: Served with the LA Kings from 2007 to 2020 in various roles including
    Co-Director of Amateur Scouting, Director of Player Personnel, and Assistant General
    Manager.
  • Draft Success: Credited with scouting and drafting key Kings players like Drew
    Doughty, Brayden Schenn, and Tanner Pearson.
  • OHL Career: General Manager of the Owen Sound Attack (2002–2007), earning OHL
    Executive of the Year in 2005.
  • Other Roles: Senior consultant to the GM for the Carolina Hurricanes (2021) and
    scouting/coaching roles in the OHL.
  • Background: Played for York University, winning the 1989 CIAU National
    Championship.

Billy Bridges

Canada’s most successful Para ice hockey player!! Beijing 2022 was the sixth Paralympic Winter Games for the high scoring Bridges. He won his fourth career Paralympic Winter Games medal and second straight silver for Canada in Para ice hockey.  He also helped Canada to silver medals at the 2019 and 2021 world championships. He was sixth in tournament scoring at the 2019 worlds with 10 points. At the 2018 Games, he was seventh in tournament scoring with 10 points in five games. He was also a points machine at the 2017 IPC World Championships. He was fifth in tournament scoring earning 16 points (six goals and 10 assists) including three assists in the 4-1 gold medal final victory over the U.S. It seems every big Canadian game this century, Bridges’ name is spread across the scoresheet.

He scored two goals in the third-place game against Norway at the Sochi Paralympics in 2014 to help Canada to a 3-0 victory and the bronze medal. Sochi was a fourth Paralympic Games for Bridges, regarded among the best Para ice hockey players of all time. He was on Canada’s fourth-place teams in 2002 and 2010 and took gold in 2006. At the 2006 Paralympic Games, he was named to the tournament all-star team. He is also an eight-time world team member, including Canada’s 2000, 2008 and 2013 gold medal squads.

In 2010, he became the first national team player to record 200 points and 100 careergoals and in 2011 he collected his 100th assist. He was born with Spina Bifida which limits his mobility. He uses crutches and a wheelchair. The 22-year national team veteran has a one-arm slapshot that’s been clocked at 80 miles per hour.

Bridges played wheelchair basketball professionally in Spain. As a member of Team Ontario, he won seven consecutive national championships and a gold medal at the Canada Games. He also helped Canada to gold at the 2001 World Junior Wheelchair Basketball Championships. Bridges began playing sledge hockey with the Kitchener Sidewinders in 1997 at the age of 12… He made his national team debut in 1998 aged 14, at the time making him Team Canada’s youngest ever player. In 2011 and 2012 he was named Mississauga Disabled Athlete of the Year and is a spokesperson for Right to Play, an organization that promotes a healthier and safer world for children through sport.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • World champion in 2000, 2008, 2013, 2017
  • Six-time Paralympian (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
  • Paralympic champion in 2006, silver medallist in 2018, and bronze medallist in 2014
  • First player to record 200 points, 100 goals, 100 assists.

Ron MacLean

Ron MacLean brings more than 30 years of award-winning experience to his role as host of Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet. MacLean’s extensive knowledge and passion for the game of hockey, combined with 30 years of hosting Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers Hometown Hockey, has made him one of the country’s most famous and beloved broadcasters. In 2015, MacLean was inducted to Canada’s Walk of Fame, a prestigious honour acknowledging the achievements and accomplishments of successful Canadians. MacLean began his broadcasting career in 1978 at CKRD Radio in Red Deer, Alberta, and in 1984 became host of the Calgary Flames television broadcasts on CFAC in Calgary. He became the sports anchor on the local evening news before joining CBC in 1986 as host of the Toronto Maple Leaf broadcasts on Hockey Night in Canada. In 1987, MacLean became national host of Hockey Night in Canada.

During his career with CBC, MacLean also hosted 10 Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, IAAF World Championships, World Cup of Hockey, the Calgary Stampede and Queen’s Plate. In 2015, MacLean was recognized for his work on Hockey Night in Canada with a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host in a Sports Program or Series, adding to the already 10 Gemini Awards he’s received, including Best Host / Broadcaster in a Sports Program (1992, 1994, 1998, 2001 and 2007), as well as Best Host for Hockey Day in Canada (2004, 2006 and 2008). He is also a two-time George Gross Award recipient, honouring excellence in sports broadcasting.

MacLean published his second book “Hockey Towns: Untold Stories from the Heart of Canada” in October 2015. Co-authored by Kirstie McLellan Day, the book tells untold hockey stories from towns across the country. His first book, “Cornered”, also co-authored by McLellan Day, is a Canadian best seller.

Lauren Brazel

Lauren Brazel has dedicated more than 11years to playing competitive hockey for the Dolphin organization. Over the years she has won playoff titles, a Lower Lakes Female Hockey League (LLFHL) title, and even a provincial bronze medal.

 

She has made friends, memories and learned many crucial lessons, including; team work, social skills, and how to maintain a reputation as a top student at Father John Redmond High School. She is a leader both on the ice and in the classroom, and is recognized by Father John Redmond high school as a high honour student. Her passion for sports and her work ethic has led her to become a defensive force to reckon with in school and on teams. Lauren is an executive member of Key Club, a team dedicated to raising money for several charities over the course of the school year. This includes; St. Vincent De Paul’s women’s shelter and families in need, Dr. Simone’s food and candy drive, and even families within the community who need support. Furthermore, Lauren is a proud member of Redmond’s “Relay for Life” team, where she organizes an event to raise money for cancer research.

 

She is grateful for all the opportunities sports has provided for her, and hopes to continue her athletic journey as she departs for university. Lauren plans on attending McMaster University, where she will study Life Science, with intention to specialize in neuroscience.

Amelia Gardiner

Amelia Gardiner is a dedicated student currently enrolled at Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School. Her journey with hockey began at the age of five, and since then, she has thrived in the sport, particularly with the Etobicoke Dolphins where she has played rep hockey. This experience has not only honed her skills but has also enriched her life with lasting friendships and a strong work ethic.

 

Amelia’s passion for sports extends beyond hockey. Throughout her four years at Redmond, she has actively participated in various sports including softball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, flag football, and volleyball, contributing vibrantly to the school’s athletic community.

 

A notable highlight of her high school career was representing Redmond at OFSAA as a member of the girls’ hockey team, an achievement that underscored her commitment and skill in the sport.

 

Looking ahead, Amelia is eagerly anticipating her next academic chapter at Dalhousie University, where she plans to pursue Commerce. Her enthusiasm for learning and her diverse interests in sports exemplify her proactive approach to both academics and extracurricular activities.

Aya Kinsey

Aya Kinsey is a Grade 12 student-athlete at Father John Redmond, playing hockey and numerous other sports. As the only female goalie with the AA Mississauga North Stars hockey team for seven years, she earned recognition for her dedication through the “Longstanding Service Award.”

 

Aya enjoys playing on her school varsity badminton, softball, ultimate frisbee, track and field, basketball, and flag football, leading her team to multiple city championships. Most recently, she was awarded team MVP for the Varsity Girl’s Hockey team at OFSAAs.

 

She also holds leader-ship roles as co-head of the athletic council and the female athletic representative for the student council, advocating for inclusivity and fairness in sports.

Bernice Carnegie

Bernice Carnegie is the Co-Founder and President of The Carnegie Initiative (CI), an organization named after her father, the legendary Canadian hockey player and changemaker Herb Carnegie. Continuing the work her father started over 60 years ago, the CI is on a mission to continue to make hockey accessible, inclusive, and diverse. As an international speaker and author, Bernice’s storytelling capabilities illuminate the struggles and triumphs of her ancestral journey, igniting a flame of understanding and the importance of inclusion.

For 17 years, Bernice led her family charity with unwavering dedication, pioneering safe school programs that have made a lasting impact across Ontario. Alongside her father, she sculpted futures through the transformative power of the Future Aces Philosophy, a message that instills ethics, character-building, and exceptional citizenship in countless youth. Additionally, Bernice works with police, corporations, and various organizations helping to introduce new perspectives to traditional ways of thinking.

In 2022, Bernice was chosen as one of the top 22 most influential people in hockey in North America. Bernice etched her name in history as part of the groundbreaking BIPOC ownership of a professional women’s hockey team, the Toronto Six, in 2021. The following hockey season, the Toronto Six became the first and, to date, the only Canadian team to hoist the prestigious Isobel Cup which will be housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame, further cementing their legacy.

Bernice unveils the rich tapestry of her family’s journey on her personal website and in the co-authored autobiography, A Fly in a Pail of Milk: The Herb Carnegie Story. In the book, she reveals how her life was shaped by lessons passed on from father to daughter, celebrating the indelible contributions of Black Canadians throughout the course of the nation’s history.

As a community leader for four decades, Bernice has been the recipient of numerous federal, provincial, and community awards for education, development, communication, speaking, and volunteerism. She is the Executive Producer of the captivating documentary Beyond Their Years whose work stands as a testament to her father’s enduring legacy, inspiring generations to come.

Bernice was born in Toronto in 1945 and was raised in North York. Though she is a renowned speaker, author, and storyteller, she feels her most significant accomplishment is the loving relationship she has with her three children, Vaughn, Brooke, and Corey.

Bill O’Flaherty

When Clarkson fans think of the modern era of Clarkson Hockey, many can point to the influence of Bill O’Flaherty on the winning culture he helped create.

Bill O’Flaherty began attending Clarkson in 1967, playing under legendary coach Len Ceglarski for two full seasons and graduating in 1971.  O’Flaherty transitioned immediately to coaching after graduation, taking a position at Clarkson first under Ceglarski, then Hall of Fame Coach,  Jerry York.  O’Flaherty remained as an assistant until York himself left to take over at Bowling Green and O’Flaherty was chosen as his successor.

O’Flaherty had immediate and consistent success with the Golden Knights, winning 21 games in his first season (1979–80) and continuing that trend for his entire time behind the bench at Walker Arena. In his second and third seasons, O’Flaherty got Clarkson 26-wins, which provided the team with their only 2 back-to-back ECAC Hockey regular season titles in school history and got them to their first NCAA tournament in over a decade.

In six seasons behind the bench, O’Flaherty achieved five 20-win seasons,  with a record of 134-59-12 (.683 winning percentage),  3 NCAA tournament berths, and 2 conference regular season titles. Billy O was selected as Spencer Penrose Award recipient as National Coach of the Year in 1981. His .683 winning percentage lands him 8th best all-time among NCAA Div. I coaches.

He coached several NHL’ers, when the path to the NHL was still difficult for college players, including Clarkson’s first Stanley Cup Champion, Colin Paterson.  Nine Golden Knights would achieve All-American status under Coach O’Flaherty.  In the ECAC, which included BU, BC, Northeastern, UNH among others at the time, O’Flaherty would coach two players named ECAC Player of the Year (Ed Small 1981 & Steve Cruickshank 1982), Rookie of the Year Don Sylvestri, and Dave Fretz, who was named to the ECAC Top 50 players of all time.  O’Flaherty was named ECAC Coach of the Year in 1981,

After his coaching career, O’Flaherty became Clarkson Athletic Director and held the post for more than a decade, where he would oversee the continued success of the Hockey program and the growth of sports offerings during his time.

Bill moved to the NHL to serve as Director of Player Personnel for the LA Kings. With Dave Taylor as the GM of LA Kings, they helped build the framework for what would become 2 Stanley Cup teams in the 2000’s.

O’Flaherty’s eye for the details of the game would lead him to stay in the game at the highest level as a scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Director of Pro Scouting for Florida Panthers until 2010.

Bill is the son of former NHLer John “Peanuts” O’Flaherty who spent most of his career in the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Hornets. Bill’s brother Gerry O’Flaherty was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1970 and spent parts of 8 seasons in the NHL as a player, eventually winning 3 Stanley Cups as a scout.

Daniel De Ponte

Daniel De Ponte, now enrolled at George Brown College in the Construction Trades Techniques program, hopes to work in the electrical trade one day. Graduating from Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School, Daniel has been an outstanding goaltender for various rep hockey teams. He previously played for the Etobicoke Bulldogs hockey team, also as a goaltender. As much time as Daniel puts into playing hockey, he dedicates an equal amount of time to his school studies. In grade 11, he received the Smodis-Martinez Award for Community Service. In grade 12, he received the Christian Athlete Award and the Father Fogarty Award from the Catholic Education Foundation of Ontario for being the Catholic Student of the Year for Father John Redmond CSS. No longer playing any competitive sports, Daniel is focusing primarily on his studies.