CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Thursday that Bill Chow has been appointed a Life Member of its organization, in recognition of his significant contributions to Jr. A hockey.
The outgoing president of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has served at the helm of the SJHL during the past 11 seasons.
He also spent a number of years as part of the CJHL’s Executive Committee.
Chow becomes the eighth individual in CJHL history to earn Life Member honours.
The others on this distinguished list include: Kim Davis; John Grisdale; Ron Boileau; Joe Drago; Frank McKinnon; Wayne Kartush and Marty Knack.
“The CJHL is extremely appreciative of the 11 years of service Bill has dedicated to our program,” offered league president Brent Ladds, on the announcement.
Ladds also provided: “When an organization loses a man of Bill’s integrity and commitment, it’s definitely a loss.”
Featuring a life-long involvement in the game, including many years as a scout, Chow joined the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League as its president back in May of 2011, following a distinguished and lengthy career with the Prince Albert, Sask., Police Service, where he retired with the rank of staff sergeant.
Under his tenure at the helm of the 12-team SJHL, Chow spearheaded a tremendous number of initiatives that improved the quality of the league, both on and off the ice.
This included he and his staff ramping up its marketing and social media platforms as well as establishing the SJHL/MJHL Showcase event, which all helped increase the exposure of its players, coaches and officials.
Following the Humboldt Broncos tragedy of April 6, 2018, Chow provided a significant front and centre guiding role, on behalf of the SJHL and CJHL, in dealing with the unfathomable circumstances of the horrific event.
He also played a pivotal part in the launch of the Fifth Line Foundation, formally the SJHL Assistance Program, where in conjunction with the National Hockey League (NHL) Foundation, an initiative was launched offering leading mental health awareness and suicide prevention services that were available to all Jr. A players and staff within the CJHL.
That support also allowed the CJHL to further implement Talk Today, a comprehensive sport-related mental health program delivered in partnership with local offices of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
“We certainly wish Bill well in his future endeavours and say thank you for his dedication to the CJHL,” added Ladds.
Photo credit: Matthew Murnaghan/Hockey Canada Images