In February of 2009, we lost a great friend and Director of the Mississauga Terriers, John Vella, after a short but courageous bout with cancer. John started with the Terriers in 1983 when his son, John Jr., began playing AA hockey, and volunteered with our organization for 25 years. John became a member of the Executive of the Terriers as the equipment manager. He also assisted with bingo, the Terry Terrier Tournament and many other tasks for which he freely volunteered his time. When I think of John Vella I not only think about an incredibly nice gentleman, but I think about how “giving” he was, and how you could always count on John to be there, to smile and help. I am proud to call him my friend. Our world was a better place when he was here with us.

Thank you John.

In John’s memory we have created the John Vella Mississauga Terrier Volunteer of the Year Award, which will go to one person, who like John, volunteers their time to help out the Terriers.

Award Recipients

2021 – 2022 Rick Murphy 2021 – 2022 Lori Szabo
2019 – 2020 Karyn Teixeira 2018 – 2019 John Henriques
2017 – 2018 Piera Cappello 2016 – 2017 Mark Hrinco
2015 – 2016 Dave Emerson 2014 – 2015 Scotty Bowman
2013 – 2014 Dave Ohashi 2012 – 2013 Kathi Melo
2011 – 2012 Ray Heslop 2010 – 2011 Gina Baiao
2009 – 2010 Lori Johnston 2008 – 2009 Susan Anderson
2021 – 2022
Rick Murphy
2021 – 2022
Lori Szabo
2019 – 2020
Karyn Teixeira
2018 – 2019
John Henriques
2017 – 2018
Piera Cappello
2016 – 2017
Mark Hrinco
2015 – 2016
Dave Emerson
2014 – 2015
Scotty Bowman
2013 – 2014
Dave Ohashi
2012 – 2013
Kathi Melo
2011 – 2012
Ray Heslop
2010 – 2011
Gina Baiao
2009 – 2010
Lori Johnston
2008 – 2009
Susan Anderson