T.B. McCormack
| Thomas Bernard McCormack | |
|---|---|
| Bones | |
| Years in Thunder Bay | by 1939; 1946–1970; at least 1978–1984 |
Thomas Bernard McCormack was a Northwestern Ontario hockey player and executive who served as a high-ranking official with the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. Thomas Bernard McCormack was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 as a builder.[1]
Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame
Thomas Bernard McCormack was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame on 26 September 1987 in the builder category for hockey.[1]
Career and service
Thomas Bernard McCormack, commonly known as "Bones," was raised in Port Arthur and established himself as a prominent figure in amateur hockey. His playing career reached its peak during the 1938-39 season when he was a member of the Port Arthur Senior Bearcats. That year, the team captured the Allan Cup, the national championship for senior amateur hockey in Canada. Following this success, he enlisted in the Navy and served until 1946.[1]
Upon returning to Port Arthur after World War II, he transitioned into the administrative and coaching aspects of the sport. He spent two years as the coach of the Current River Comets, a juvenile team. He subsequently joined the West End Bruins hockey club, where he acted as the secretary-treasurer for a six-year period and managed the organization's minor hockey operations.[1]
In 1956, he joined the executive of the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association. Over the course of 14 years as a director with the regional body, he held the offices of both Vice-President and President. His work at the branch level led to his election as Vice-President of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association in 1970. During his six-year tenure in national office, he chaired the minor hockey committee and influenced the development of amateur programs across the country.[1]
His decades of volunteerism were recognized with several prestigious honors. In 1978, the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association granted him its Meritorious Award, the highest distinction offered by the governing body, in recognition of over 30 years of dedication. That same year, he became the inaugural recipient of the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association Meritorious Award. In 1984, he was granted a life membership within his local hockey association.[1]
Residence in the Thunder Bay area (by 1939; 1946–1970; at least 1978–1984) rests on the following dated evidence. Grew up in Port Arthur and won the Allan Cup in 1939, returned from the Navy in 1946, served in local hockey roles until 1970, and received local awards in 1978 and 1984.[1]
Residence in the Thunder Bay area (by 1939; 1946–1970; at least 1978–1984) rests on the following dated evidence. Grew up in Port Arthur and won the Allan Cup in 1939, returned from the Navy in 1946, served in local hockey roles until 1970, and received local awards in 1978 and 1984.[1]
Honours and achievements
- Won the Allan Cup with the Port Arthur Senior Bearcats in 1939
- Served as Vice-President of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association from 1970 to 1976
- Acted as President and Vice-President of the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association during a 14-year tenure
- Received the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association Meritorious Award in 1978
- Named the first recipient of the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association Meritorious Award in 1978
- Elected as a life member of his local hockey league in 1984[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 "T.B. 'Bones' McCormack", builder profile, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, https://www.nwosportshalloffame.com/builder-profile/edb92bdf-e174-4b45-82a8-4efb68e00d9d (accessed 31 October 2026). Archived copy on datum.locker.