Lucas Punkari
It’s not very often that Jim Fowler is at a loss for words.
But that is exactly what happened to the 70-year-old earlier this month, as he was given the Western Zone volunteer award at the annual general meeting for Hockey Northwestern Ontario in Thunder Bay.
“That’s probably the highlight of my life, as I have never won anything that big before,” Fowler said.
“I was very appreciative of the honour and I was quite overwhelmed really.
“Everyone that was there came over to shake my hand, which was really nice as well,” Fowler added.
Fowler has been involved with the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association in some sort of capacity since the 1970’s, having been involved as a manager, director and board executive over the years.
However, he may be most recognized for being behind the microphone at numerous FFMHA tournaments, Fort Frances Muskies contests, along with junior and senior hockey games.
For Fowler, there is still a number of reasons as to why he still loves to take part in the game after all of these years.
“I still like being around the kids, and the rewards that come from that are great,” Fowler enthused.
“At my age, it also keeps me really busy, and it makes you actually get out of the house instead of just sitting at home in your chair,” Fowler stressed.
Fowler was given the award by HNO member Wayne Allen at a ceremony at the Prince Arthur Hotel, but when it came time for the man of the hour to make a speech, he just couldn’t find the words.
“I was very choked up about getting the honour,” Fowler said.
“I could hardly talk, which is quite different from how I usually am, so all I could say was ‘I’m very humbled, and thank you,” Fowler added.
At the moment, Fowler is currently spending his time coaching little league baseball in International Falls, and will be involved with both the FFMHA and the Fort Frances Lakers again this coming winter.
But after that, Fowler might just finally put his feet up and relax.
“Once the season comes to an end I’ll probably take a look at things, but I think I might be done then,” Fowler added.
