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.