Bill Rowney - Builder (Ice Hockey) - Class of 2020
Bill Rowney has been involved in minor hockey for over 60 years in Milton. He is recognized as the ultimate hockey volunteer, with an all encompassing passion and dedication that has manifested itself in many ways.
For over 40 years, Bill held the position of Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) treasurer. But his dedication to town wasn't limited just to hockey. He also sat on the Milton Hydro Board for an unbelievable 44 years.
His hockey leadership includes managing in the Milton Legion Bantam Hockey Club for nine years, with multiple Tri-County Championships secured, as well as leading the OMHA as District Convenor for the Tri-County Area. Bill was also president of the Tri-County Minor Hockey Association for two years.
Bill was the tournament director of the Tri-County Juvenile Tournament in the late 1960s - a highly successful annual Easter weekend competition of 500 players from 36 towns. The tournament was a fundraiser for the 1959 Listowel Arena collapse disaster fund. There were teams from across the province and across the border suiting up in Milton. Even with all of that success, Bill was always quick to identify areas for improvement and follow through the next year on those perfections.
Additionally, Bill has held the position of President of Milton Minor Hockey from 1967-69. In 1972, Bill received the Jim Brockle Memorial Trophy for his service to the 95-team Tri-County League.