Sudbury, ONT - Former Clarkson University Hockey player Joe Drago ’63 was recently named Executive Vice-Chair for Hockey Canada at the annual Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League general meeting held May 24-26 in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Drago formerly served as NOJHL commissioner.

In addition to being known for his volunteerism, charity work in northeastern Ontario and his 12-year stint as commissioner of the NOJHL, Drago is best known as the former co-owner of the Sudbury Wolves where he spent 17 years in varying capacities including coach, general manager and president.

He also served on the executive of the Ontario Hockey League and is a honoured member of the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame where the Hall’s coach of the year award is named in his honour.

A solid two-way player for the Golden Knights, who skated as both a wing and a defenseman, Drago played three seasons for the Green and Gold from 1960-63. On July 10, 2004, Drago was presented with Clarkson’s Arnold H. Barben Award.

NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca offered his thoughts on Drago’s appointment.

“Joe has left his mark on education, sports and community involvement and his well-deserved selection to this position is a proud moment for the NOJHL and northern Ontario demonstrating the quality of people involved with the game in our area.”

Drago’s accomplishments include being a member of the hospital board and foundation for 27 years with their foundation naming him their first Life Member.

He is also a Life Member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Alzheimer Society and the House of Kin.

Drago received the Community Builder’s Award for Sports and Recreation, a Hubby Award and is a Paul Harris Rotary Club recipient.

One of his proudest accomplishments was being named the first northerner to receive the Ontario Medical Association’s Centennial Award.

Drago expressed his pleasure with being named Hockey Canada Executive Vice-Chair.