It was 1999 when Gordie Montgomery decided it was time to give back to the game he spent years playing. This time, though, it would be from the other side of the bench, as a volunteer. Gordie has served in various roles with the Summerside and Area Minor Hockey Association (SAMHA), including, most prominently, as a devoted member of the board of directors for more than 20 years.

With Gordie’s children – Brett, Matt and Stacy – enrolled in minor hockey, it only made sense for the hockey dad to get involved and help out where needed. Little did he know he would be doing it for over two decades – with still no sign of slowing down.

Gordie first became involved as a coach, spending several years guiding his children through the minor hockey system. He has served as technical coordinator with the SAMHA, played a lead role in the delivery of pre-season camps, in-season camps and clinics, and has been a lead instructor with the association's First Shift program since its beginning.

Whether it was coordinating Esso Fun Days, Come Try Hockey events, growing the women’s game or doing his day-to-day duty as a board member, Gordie stepped up anytime, and for anything. He was always there for his kids, his association and his community, no matter the challenge.

“Gordie has been a valued volunteer with our association for a very long time, providing leadership to several programming initiatives, as well as serving as a wonderful mentor and role model to players, coaches and officials,” says Doug Dexter, president of the Summerside and Area Minor Hockey Association. “He is very dedicated to the development of young people through their participation in the sport of hockey and has been a key contributor to the many successes our association has enjoyed over the past number of years.”

Gordie’s experiences with the SAMHA led him to get involved at the provincial level with Hockey PEI. He put on body-checking safety clinics, was a member of the Hockey PEI Development Committee, sat on the female advisory committee and was a member of the Canada Games selection committee.

A big reason why Gordie has stuck with it all these years has been the rewarding factor of seeing his time and efforts be reflected in the development and advancement of members of the association.

“It's about giving back to the hockey community,” he says. “I find it rewarding to watch young players develop new skills while having fun at the same time, as they continue with their personal and hockey development.”

Gordie could not have devoted so much of his time to hockey without the support of his wife, Cathy, and three children.

Gordie Montgomery has worked quietly behind the scenes for so long. He's been the one who can be called on when needed most, is relentlessly reliable and is an unsung hero to the Summerside hockey community.

“It's funny, once you get involved with something that you care about and put a lot of time into, it's hard to step away, especially as a volunteer.”

Find out how you can get involved as a volunteer with your local hockey association on Prince Edward Island.