George (Daddy) Dawe was the founder of minor hockey in Corner Brook and played an important role in the establishment of hockey for young people, especially in Western Newfoundland.

His unselfish efforts on behalf of thousands of young people began in the early 1950s. Daddy Dawe, in his hands-on manner, provided opportunities for boys to play hockey. An excellent example of his devotion to minor hockey was displayed in the early 1950s when Corner Brook’s indoor rink closed and Dawe took it upon himself to construct an outdoor rink on his own property. This facility was made available to any boys or girls who wished to skate or play hockey.

The construction of Humber Gardens in the mid 1950s allowed Dawe an opportunity to become deeply involved in the organization of the Corner Brook Minor Hockey Association. Despite the fact that he was in his seventies when the organization came into being, he held office with the organization for a decade and made important contributions to the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association’s minor council. Because of his age at that time, his efforts are all the more amazing, since he was a day-to-day volunteer worker for many aspects of minor hockey.

In a very tangible manner, George (Daddy) Dawe was manager of many Corner Brook minor hockey all-star teams, working consistently well with coaches and parents of players. In 1959, at the age of 72, Mr. Dawe was named Corner Brook’s Citizen of the Year in recognition of his outstanding minor hockey work. The provincial hockey association recognized his efforts by naming the provincial Bantam A championship trophy in his honor, and posthumously dedicated an award in his honor as a founding father of Newfoundland and Labrador minor hockey.

Mr. Dawe was a determined and dedicated worker for minor hockey in Corner Brook and his devotion to the sport carried a legacy in that city that is still ongoing.