Hughes honoured by OHL for distinguished service
Wed May 21, 2008
By: By Brian McNair
KITCHENER -- Gil Hughes's association with the Oshawa Generals began and ended in inauspicious fashion. But for everything he did in between, he has been bestowed the rare honour of the Bill Long Award by the Ontario Hockey for distinguished service to the league. Hughes, who resigned from the Generals earlier this month after more than 20 years as a scout for the club, admits he was surprised by the news of the award, which was delivered Sunday as part of the Memorial Cup festivities in Kitchener. "I was actually quite surprised, that's for sure," says Hughes, who was asked to attend the governors' reception a couple of days prior. "It kind of blew me away because it is a wonderful award." Hughes, an Ottawa native, had a tryout with the Generals when he was a teenager, but didn't make the grade as a player. He eventually settled in Oshawa, coached just about every level of minor hockey and became a scout for the Generals after a stint as the same with the Hamilton Steelhawks. Hughes resigned his position with the Generals after the recent OHL draft, citing disenchantment with the ownership and loyalty to head scout Rob Honighan, whose contract was not going to be renewed. "I have to be very honest, I certainly never expected an award at the end of all this stuff," he says with a laugh. "It's presented in recognition of distinguished service and outstanding contribution... Did I do that? You wouldn't know that this past month anyway." The Bill Long Award is not awarded annually, but rather bestowed upon notable achievements over time, as noted by the OHL board of governors. It was initiated in 1989 to commemorate the efforts and contributions of Long during his days in the OHL, spanning over three decades as a coach and manager of the Niagara Falls Flyers, Ottawa 67's and London Knights. Hughes was honoured at the same time as longtime London Knights trainer Don Brankley, who retired at the end of the season, bringing the list of winners to just 15. Past winners with strong local ties include Wren Blair in 1997 and Sherry Bassin in 1990.