Paul Hicks never wanted any accolades for any of the volunteer time he punched for hockey at any level throughout his long association with the game.
He didn’t do it for a pat on the back. He didn’t do it for the awards. He did it all because he knew his efforts could make a difference in a hockey player’s life, so he continued to do what he could to ensure every boy and girl enjoyed the game to the fullest.
It wasn’t a big surprise that Hicks was thinking about others when he was acknowledged for his commitment to hockey in his community Tuesday night.
Hicks was presented with a Canadian Tire Hero of Play Award during a ceremony held in conjunction with the arrival of the Hockey Canada Century Tour in Corner Brook. One award is being presented to a dedicated minor hockey volunteer in each of the communities the Tour stops in this year.
Hicks only found out he was going to be presented with the award a few days beforehand. He was humbled when he won the award and was clearly uncomfortable being in the spotlight. The Hero of Play Award recognizes the dedication, passion and countless hours of “behind-the-scenes” support for minor hockey in their community.
Hicks was a tireless volunteer who made a contribution to the game at all levels throughout his life. His efforts are focused on minor hockey these days and he has served time as a coach, executive member and even left his mark on organizing major showcase tournaments and infrastructure projects including upgrades to arena canteens and dressing rooms.
He was rather humble when talking about winning the award after the crowd cleared out of the Hockey Canada caravan.
He said he felt it was only natural for him to want to give back to a game that was so good to him all his life. Through hockey, he learned a lesson or two in life from being mentored by some fine gentleman who showed him how to give back and be willing to help the little guy,
The late Ambrose O’Reilly, known for his craft at fixing hockey gear for young players when Hicks was a boy starting minor hockey in the 1960s. Then there was the late Cliff Gorman, the man he spent a lot of time with back in the 1980s as the Corner Brook Royals built a team that would go on to win the Allan Cup as national senior hockey champions in 1986.
Of course, that was a piece of history Hicks would cherish for a lifetime as the first Newfoundland and Labrador team to win the Allan Cup.
“I just wish those guys were around to see this today. It would be nice if they could see how they influenced me to give back to the game,” Hicks said.
A man known for his great sense of humour, his efforts are very much appreciated by the entire hockey community, said minor hockey president Cara-Leigh Wyllie. She believes Hicks is really a role model for being a strong supporter of the game at the grassroots level and has always gone beyond the call of duty.
The Corner Brook businessman also brings a smile to her face because of his generous nature. Of course, she wanted to talk about how he was well known for his popcorn deliveries to players on a regular basis. His mom had a store with a commercial popcorn machine he inherited so he just put it to good use.
He just wants to do what he can to make the game fun for boys and girls of all levels. It really is no big deal for him.
Brady Griffin-Hefford was joined by members of the Dennis GM Western Kings for the presentation. It was only last weekend that Hicks dropped off a load of popcorn for the Kings to enjoy on a road trip to Bay Roberts.
Griffin-Hefford had a big smile on his face when he talked about him being recognized for commitment to the game.
“He definitely deserves it,” Griffin-Hefford said. “There’s nobody else in this community who deserves it more than him.”
