by Dan Carle
Cambridge, ON – after completing 47 years in the fire service with 22 years as a fire chief, Rick Richardson is now the go-to for two men’s senior hockey circuits in Ontario as both league commissioner and principle sales person.
In retirement, one hat became four.
“I never thought of it that way. I better ask for a raise,” he demanded.
“Keeps me busy,”
The Commissioner of both the Allan Cup Hockey League (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA), Richardson holds a leadership role in the day-to-day, expansion efforts and future plans of both leagues.
“It’s not supposed to be a full-time job, but some days my wife just laughs at me, because I never leave my office.”
In Allan Cup Hockey, Richardson administrates the league while being ever-on-the-lookout for interested parties to consider fostering a stable team and boost league numbers and league options.
“Six good, solid teams to comprise the league next year. More than six would be a bonus,” said Richardson.“The Niagara Peninsula, Kitchener-Waterloo, Barrie, the GTA – all large populations with many retired players.”
Richardson says information packages for prospective owners will be available at the 2024 Allan Cup championship the third week of April in Dundas.
“The Allan Cup season starts November 1. There is a two-week break for Christmas. The first round of playoffs begin March 1. And the Allan Cup is awarded in April.” Richardson said the ideal would be for all new AHC teams for next season to be in place by June.
“They always say take baby steps. But I am trying to take big steps to get caught up.”
From chief in Blandford-Blenheim to leading the present and future expansion of AA and AAA senior hockey in Ontario – that’s an unsung hero with a plan.
“Once we get caught up, it will run really smooth,” said Richardson.
Richardson can be reached at [email protected]
About the Ontario Hockey Association
The Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) was founded on November 27, 1890, and is the governing body for the majority of Junior and Senior hockey in the Province of Ontario. The OHA is a Member Partner of the Ontario Hockey Federation which is one of thirteen Provincial and Regional Branches of Hockey Canada.
It is comprised of three Junior hockey leagues and two Senior hockey leagues: Junior A – Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior B – Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League; Junior C – Provincial Junior Hockey League, Senior – Allan Cup Hockey (AAA) and Ontario Elite Hockey League (AA). For the 2023-24 season, these five leagues encompass 125 teams.
The objectives of the OHA are to foster and encourage the sport of amateur hockey, to conduct competition in the various categories established, to determine teams for entry into the inter-branch competitions that may be provided by Hockey Canada, and to provide for the affiliation of other hockey organizations.
The OHA provides administrative resources, coordinates programs, services and events for hockey participants and provides support to various Development Programs for coaches, officials, trainers and players, Safety and Risk Management Issues and offers resources for Harassment and Abuse education.
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For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Chris McCleary
General Manager, Operations & Marketing
Ontario Hockey Association
