Bryan had an early start in girls’ sports. He fondly remembers his father’s involvement in starting up the Sarnia Girls’ Fastball league in the early 60s.  Bryan said with a smile that he and his brother Ron were “forced to volunteer” as umpires for the girls’ games.

But it wasn’t until his own daughters began playing for the Sarnia Starfires in 1980 that Bryan became involved in girls’ hockey through coaching, managing and of course, being a great fan.  In 1981, Bryan was appointed Chairman of Special Events and became a member of the Executive of the Sarnia Starfires. Bryan coached and managed Bantam and Midget teams in the Lambton County league, including the Bantam A team that won Provincial Championships in 1985, 1986 and 1987. 

 In 1986, Bryan laid the foundation of the Sarnia’s girls’ house league program.  In that first year, eight teams were formed in the Novice, Atom, Peewee and Bantam divisions. During this time, Bryan was also active in the Sarnia Minor Athletic Association boys’ hockey program as the Novice Convener from 1989 – 1992.

In 1992, Bryan was elected President of the Sarnia Starfires (competitive) and Sarnia Girls’ Hockey (house league) and held the position until 1999. He is currently a Director on the Sarnia Jr. Lady Sting (formerly Sarnia Starfires) and Sarnia Girls Hockey executives. From 1985 – 2000 he was an active volunteer with the Sarnia Starfires Celebration of Lights Girls Hockey Tournament.

In 1992, Bryan took his dedication to girls’ hockey to the next level when he was elected the Regional Director for Western Ontario in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA), an organization that oversees more than 35,000 female hockey players. He became Vice-President in 1995 and in 1999 was elected President, a position he continues to hold today. He can be proud to know that his is one of the longest running terms for a President in the history of the OWHA. He has been Chairman for the past eight years of the Girls’ OWHA Provincial Championships, where more than 400 teams compete annually.

One of Bryan’s most recognized local accomplishments is bringing the Girls’ Silver Stick Finals Tournament to Sarnia. The annual event began in 1999 with 76 teams participating. The tournament continues to grow year after year, now bringing over 100 highly competitive teams to our community. With a goal to further raise Sarnia’s reputation on a national level, Bryan was instrumental in bringing the ESSO Women’s National Championships to the city in 2005.

In 2003, Bryan was the Manager for Under 18 Team Ontario, which won the gold medal at the Ontario Winter games in Trois Riviere, Quebec. 

Other Awards
1992 - Peter Glabb Memorial awards for the SMAA Volunteer of the Year.
2004 – For Kid’s Sake award from Today’s Parent magazine, one of five winners chosen in Canada.  This award is presented to those who have made a difference in the lives of Canadian children.
2005 – 2006 – Point Edward Minor Athletic Association “Mr. Sportsman” award for his dedication to his grandson’s team over the years.

2007 - Recipient of the Ontario Volunteer Award

Bryan is married to Ruth and together they have three children Kelly, Kim and Tracy, and are the proud grandparents of six grandchildren.