GTHL Awards season is here. To celebrate, we will be profiling each of the 12 award winners individually leading up to the ceremony on June 16.

Nine-year-old Don Hodgson just wanted to play hockey, but when an all-girls league was in dire need of officials, Hodgson’s Father insisted he give it a shot. Fifty years and countless games later, Hodgson still dons the stripes.

With stints in junior and the American Hockey League, Hodgson has officiated countless games, starting with the GTHL back when it was the Toronto Hockey League (THL).

“The biggest thrill for me has been to officiate games featuring future NHL stars,” said Hodgson. “I remember seeing guys like P.K. Subban and John Tavares before they made it big.”

Despite the initial reluctance to enter the world of officiating, Hodgson now sees it as somewhat of a family affair. He currently has several high profile NHL officials in his bloodline including John and Wes McCauley. Hodgson himself isn’t exactly under the radar either in the world of officiating, making a name for himself around the Toronto area.

“When I look back at my officiating career and knowing who Don Hodgson was, he was one of the more experienced guys when I started,” said GTHL Manager of Hockey Operations, Peter Kourtis. “The fact he’s still on the ice skating and teaching our officials, reffing some of our most competitive hockey is great.”

Hodgson will be presented with the Gus Gordon Memorial Officials Award at the GTHL Awards Ceremony. The Award is presented annually by the GTHL Supervisors to the official who displays a balance between positive attitude, dedication, competence, and improvement.