Former Guelph Storm Co-Owner and Governor Rick Gaetz is this year’s recipient of the Bill Long Award for Distinguished Service. The award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding contributions to the OHL.
“We’re proud to recognize Rick Gaetz as one of those outstanding leaders for his many contributions to both the Guelph Storm and the league as a whole throughout his 15 years of ownership,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford on Wednesday at the annual OHL Board of Governors meeting.
Between 2006 and 2021 Gaetz manned the helm during a bright time in Guelph’s history. During his tenure, the Storm were OHL Champions in 2014 and 2019. The 2014 win is especially noteworthy given how dominant Guelph was that season.
The Storm finished the 2013-14 regular season at the top of the standings with 108 points. They only lost 12 games all year and beat out Connor McDavid’s Erie Otters for the top spot going into playoffs.
Standout members of the championship-winning team included Robby Fabbri, Kerby Rychel Tyler Bertuzzi and Jason Dickinson. The team went on to defeat the North Bay in five games to take the championship.
Gaetz was named OHL Executive of the Year in 2010 and served on the OHL Executive Council starting in 2008. He acted as Chairman of the Board of Governors from 2015 to 2019.
The Bill Long Award was first presented in 1989 in recognition of Bill Long’s contributions to the OHL over the course of thirty years. Long served as a coach and manager of the Niagara Falls Flyers, Ottawa 67’s and London Knights.
Gaetz becomes the 23rd recipient of the award, and the first individual from the Guelph Storm to receive the award.
Source Agencies
