Brittany Bortolon, August 15, 2024, VOL. 5 ISSUE 25
Craig Spada says his focus as he takes on this new role is player development and ensuring the league is one all players can thrive.
The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) is proud to announce it has appointed Craig Spada as its new Commissioner of Junior Hockey. Craig brings years of hockey experience, having held various influential roles, including a referee for the National Hockey League (NHL), where he managed 247 NHL games, Memorial Cup and Calder Cup Finals. Craig’s extensive hockey background and commitment to player development make him the ideal leader to guide the GOJHL into its next chapter.
“As I step into this new role, I want to emphasize that player growth remains a top priority for the league,” says Spada. “The GOJHL’s ability to be a leader in player development is what makes me most proud to be a part of this league. We have consistently moved players onto the OHL and helped them further their skills and careers.”
Four players were recently drafted in the NHL’s first round just a year out of the GOJHL. The league has also made strides for player safety and experience that contribute positively to development, including establishing a first responder program for the immediate safety of players on the ice and the realignment of our conferences. The 2024-25 Spotlight Game of the Week will kick off this season, where each team will have an opportunity to be showcased to fans of the league and their communities.
“I am pleased and proud of where the GOJHL has come over the past few years,” adds Spada. “Much more is ahead for the league’s players, and I thank the GOJHL family for this opportunity.”
The GOJHL Board of Directors says Spada is a strong individual who possesses high-level leadership skills and a successful business background. His hockey knowledge, strength in discipline and most important, care for the development of the athlete makes Craig a valuable asset to the GOJHL.
Spada has been an integral part of the GOJHL, initially serving as the Director of Player Safety. Given his strong business sense and leadership skills, he was quickly promoted to handle much of the business side of the league. Now, as Commissioner, Spada’s focus will primarily be on enhancing the development of athletes within the GOJHL, ensuring that the league continues to be an environment where players can thrive.
The GOJHL would like to thank former Interim Commissioner Tim Simmons for his leadership during his time in the role. Simmons is moving into the role of Executive Director of Hockey Operations within the GOJHL, where he will continue to contribute his expertise to the league’s ongoing success.
For more information on GOJHL please visit, www.gojhl.ca/.
ABOUT THE GOJHL
The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League is a Canadian junior ice hockey league based in Southern Ontario, Canada. The league is sanctioned by the Ontario Hockey Association, Ontario Hockey Federation, and Hockey Canada.
