Local minor hockey grad became OMHA executive

By C. Scott Holland

After graduating from the Leamington Minor Hockey system and becoming involved in coaching at both minor and Jr. C levels, Richard Ropchan got involved with the development of hockey. It was via that route that he became an OMHA director.

Initially, he became a director of the OMHA’s Development Program and did that for about four years before being elevated to become an Executive Director.

During his time with the OMHA, he oversaw the introduction of online player registration, was instrumental in developing increased player movement opportunities, code of conduct standards and policies, plus the Respect In Hockey initiative.

He was responsible for managing the day-to-day business operations of the world’s largest minor hockey association as well as providing leadership and support to its 228 member centres. A key part of his work was increasing the OMHA’s online presence.

After 19 years with the OMHA, Ropchan retired on Dec. 31, 2016.

RICHARD ROPCHAN

At the time he stated, “It is the right time for me to step away personally and be able to spend more time with my family. It’s probably one of the most difficult decisions to make because of my lifelong passion for hockey development.”

For Richard, tons of thanks went to the board of directors as well as the office staff, both of which he dealt with on a day-to-day basis.

They earned his utmost respect and appreciation.

OMHA president at the time, Rob Ring said, “Richard has been an exemplary leader for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and we thank him for his many years of service and commitment to improving the OMHA.”

During his tenure, thousands of Ontario youngsters developed their hockey skills under programs that Ropchan oversaw.

He gained from his experiences in our own minor hockey system, as well as coaching Jr. C and minor hockey plus his time as an instructor with the Kirk Bowman Hockey School. Ropchan was a regular player in the local senior men’s ranks and that helped him along the way.

He was also a coach and heavily involved for a number of years with Canada’s Inline Hockey team, where he coached them to a IHF World Championship in 1995.