Awards (Northumberland Minor Hockey)

Justin grew up in Cobourg and played minor hockey in Port Hope before gaining a reputation as a skilled playmaker with the Cobourg Cougars of the OJHL in 1997–98. His favourite players growing up were Sergei Fedorov and Wayne Gretzky. Justin was drafted in the sixth round, 125th overall, by the Plymouth Whalers in the 1998 OHL Priority Selection. Justin is a 3X Stanley Cup Champion and winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Josh played most of his minor hockey with the Cobourg Community Hockey League. His elite level of play and determination to be the best propelled Josh onto AAA where he was selected in the 2nd round of the 2012 OHL draft by the Peterborough Petes.

Shane grew up in Port Hope and comes from a linage of hockey players. Solid on the blue line, Shane’s talents took him to the Kingston Frontenacs for the 2000-2001 season. After playing 3 seasons in the OHL, Anaheim drafted Shane in the 8th round on the NHL draft. Shane has had a 13 year professional hockey career.

Dan tended the net for his hometown association, The Beaver Athletics Association. After playing junior in nearby Cobourg and Lindsay, Dan moved on to the OHL before turning his sights to his schooling. Upon completion of his schooling, Dan’s love of the position turned his aspirations on to others. Dan is credited with owning one of the elite goalie hockey businesses going. Dan has returned to his home communities and has been a huge supporter in their minor hockey programs.

Ron’s early playing days were spent in Port Hope before earning a position on the blue line for the Cobourg Cougars in the OHA. From there, Ron’s career span another 4 years, ending with the Cornwall Royals where he captured a Memorial Cup in 1972. The New York Islanders selected Ron 49th overall in the 1972 NHL Draft. Smith retired from professional hockey in 1977.

Gord was a forward that grew up playing minor hockey in Cobourg. After an impressive junior career, Gord was drafted 51st overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1970 NHL Draft. He retired after 17 years of professional hockey.

Steve took the road less travelled for most professional hockey players. After being a walk on with London Knights of the OHL, Steve enjoyed a 3 years in the OHL. The powerful Edmonton Oilers took a shot at Steve with the 111th pick in the 1981 NHL draft. After a brief stint in the minors, Steve’s NHL career took off. Winning 3 Stanley Cups, over a 15 year career, Steve also represented his country in a Canada Cup tournament. Steve is now an assistant coach in the NHL.

Brain was a stand-out goalie in the OHL having played for 3 seasons with the Oshawa Generals and Windsor Spitfires. After hockey, Brain took up roots in Cobourg and raised his family there. Brian could often be found at the local arenas offering advice to aspiring goalies. Brian is also the grandfather of Josh Maguire, and after his passing, the family created the Brian Rose Sports Fund. Each year the fund makes a donation to support our goalie training within our association.

Growing up in a small community, it didn’t take long for people to know the name Dennis O’Brien. Dennis could always be found playing solid defense for his hometown Port Hope teams. After minor hockey took him to a successful junior career in St. Catherines, Dennis was drafted 14th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in 1969. Known for his toughness, teams fought for Dennis’s services during the 1977-78 season. Dennis retired after a 10 year career.