The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) has announced the appointment of 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 officiated 247 NHL games, Memorial Cup and Calder Cup Finals.
The league says Spada’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,” said Spada who proudly calls Niagara home.
“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,” Spada added. “Much more is ahead for the league’s players, and I thank the GOJHL family for this opportunity.”
The GOJHL Board of Directors agreed 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.
Spada replaces former Interim Commissioner Tim Simmons, who 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.
The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League will move to a two-conference format in 2024 with 12 teams in the Western Conference, and 11 in the Eastern Conference including five teams that call the Niagara Region home in the Fort Erie Meteors, Pelham Panthers, Port Colborne Sailors, St. Catharines Falcons and Welland Jr. Canadians.
Puck drop on the regular season begins in the second week of September.
For more information on the GOJHL visit: www.gojhl.ca
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
