Heinzelmann receives WHL Distinguished Service Award

Western Hockey League Commissioner Ron Robison announced Tuesday, on behalf of the WHL board of governors, that the late Norbert Heinzelmann has been named a recipient of the WHL Distinguished Service Award for the 2016-17 season.

Heinzelmann was honoured by Robison in Kelowna in a special ceremony prior to tonight’s game between the Kelowna Rockets and Everett Silvertips.

“Given his remarkable dedication and commitment to the Rockets franchise and the WHL for over 20 years, it is only fitting Norbert Heinzelmann is honoured tonight with the WHL Distinguished Service Award,” said Robison. “We salute Norbert and his family for their love of the game and for being such an integral part of Rockets WHL hockey games for over two decades.”

Heinzelmann served as the head scorekeeper and head of off-ice officials for the Kelowna Rockets since their relocation from Tacoma, Wash., in 1995. In addition to his regular duties on Rockets’ gamedays, Heinzelmann worked national events hosted by the Rockets, including the MasterCard Memorial Cup, IIHF World Junior Championship, Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and CIBC CanadaRussia Series games.

By all accounts, Heinzelmann was renowned for his courteous and respectful disposition towards all visiting coaches and trainers, as well as for paying great attention to detail while ensuring the official scoresheet was properly completed for each game.

“Norbert could write a book on what he heard sitting in the penalty box between some of the great characters in the WHL,” said Bruce Hamilton, the Rockets’ owner, president and GM. “He was one of the most respected off-ice officials to work in the Western Hockey League.”

Heinzelmann died Sept. 2, 2016, at the age of 57.

The WHL Distinguished Service Award, which was introduced by the WHL in 2004, is presented annually to individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of franchises and in doing so have made an extraordinary contribution at the club or league level over an extended period.