Ontario Lacrosse Award Nominations Are Now Open
The Ontario Lacrosse Association(OLA, @ontariolacrosse) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 OLA Awards Program, recognizing the outstanding individuals whose dedication, leadership, achievement, and service continue to strengthen lacrosse across the province.
Every season, thousands of volunteers, coaches, officials, players, administrators, and community leaders dedicate their time and passion to growing the game. The OLA Awards Program provides an opportunity to recognize those individuals whose efforts have made a lasting impact on their clubs, communities, and the sport as a whole.
We encourage club and league representatives to nominate deserving members and share the stories behind their contributions. All nominees must be registered members of the Ontario Lacrosse Association and must have maintained good standing throughout the applicable period.
Awards
Barb Boyes Award
The Barb Boyes Award is presented annually to a women’s field lacrosse player who demonstrates high proficiency in the sport, combined with outstanding achievement in academics and citizenship.
This award recognizes a student-athlete who is graduating from high school and entering postsecondary education, or is currently in their first year of postsecondary studies, and who has maintained a high standard of academic performance. Nominators must submit academic records (transcript) and demonstrate the nominee’s commitment to giving back through community involvement and volunteerism, both within and/or beyond lacrosse.
The recipient of this award receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Chuck Rowan Award
The Chuck Rowan Award is presented annually to a box lacrosse player who demonstrates high proficiency in the sport, combined with outstanding achievement in academics and citizenship. This award is open to both male and female recipients.
This award recognizes a student-athlete who is graduating from high school and entering postsecondary education, or is currently in their first year of postsecondary studies, and who has maintained a high standard of academic performance. Nominators must submit academic records (transcript) and demonstrate the nominee’s commitment to giving back through community involvement and volunteerism, either within and/or outside lacrosse.
The recipient of this award receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Jamieson Kuhlmann Award
The Jamieson Kuhlmann Award is presented annually to a field lacrosse player who demonstrates high proficiency in the sport, combined with outstanding achievement in academics and citizenship.
This award recognizes a student-athlete who is graduating from high school and entering postsecondary education, or is currently in their first year of postsecondary studies, and who has maintained a high standard of academic performance. Nominators must submit academic records (transcript) and demonstrate the nominee’s commitment to giving back through community involvement and volunteerism, both within and/or beyond lacrosse.
The recipient of this award receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Keeper of the Game Award (Formerly Mr. Lacrosse Award)
The Keeper of the Game Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained and outstanding commitment to the sport of lacrosse in Ontario through their stewardship of the game.
This is the highest honour, reserved for those whose impact extends across the province, beyond local or regional involvement, and who have played a meaningful role in preserving, advancing, and strengthening lacrosse. Contributions may be demonstrated through a lifetime of dedication, one significant act, or the accumulation of many efforts over time.
Recipients are individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have helped shape the game and ensure its continued growth and success in Ontario.
The recipient of this award is presented with the Thomas "Tip" Teather Trophy.
Ken Murray Award
The Ken Murray Award is presented annually to a minor lacrosse volunteer who exemplifies unselfish motivations through a strong commitment to "helping the kids."
Recipients are recognized for their contributions at the club or regional level, or through their involvement in events and programs, where their efforts positively influence the growth and enjoyment of youth in lacrosse.
Merv MacKenzie Award (Lacrosse Person of the Year)
The Merv MacKenzie Award is presented annually in memory of Ontario Lacrosse Life Member Merv MacKenzie to an individual who, throughout the current calendar year, has made a significant contribution to the promotion of lacrosse in Ontario.
This award recognizes those who have increased awareness, participation, and engagement in the sport through initiatives, leadership, or advocacy that elevate the profile of lacrosse. Contributions may be demonstrated through one impactful initiative or the accumulation of efforts throughout the current year that have helped grow and showcase the game across the province.
Years of Service Awards
Years of Service Recognition honours individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment and dedication to the Ontario Lacrosse community through their years of service.
This recognition is awarded at service intervals of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years, based on active years of involvement. Only years in which an individual was actively contributing to the sport will be counted; gaps in service are not included.
Eligible individuals must be registered members who have maintained good standing throughout their years of service, and whose involvement can be verified through a member club, association, or recognized program within the Ontario Lacrosse Association. This recognition is open to individuals in non-playing roles within the sport, including officials, coaches, and staff members, as well as other contributors who support the game.
Nomination Guidelines
Please ensure all required information is completed and provide as much detail as possible to support your nomination. Strong submissions clearly outline the nominee's accomplishments, leadership, impact, and contributions over the applicable season or period of service.
Important Dates
Ontario Lacrosse Awards | Nomination Deadline: September 15
Years of Service Recognition | Nomination Deadline: December 15
Ontario Lacrosse Award recipients will be recognized at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Years of Service Recognition recipients will be honoured separately at the Semi-Annual General Meeting (SAGM).
Nominations received after the applicable deadline will not be considered for the current year but may be submitted for consideration during the following award cycle.
Submit a Nomination
Every club has individuals whose dedication deserves to be recognized. Whether it's an exceptional student-athlete, a lifelong volunteer, a visionary leader, or someone whose years of service have helped build our game, we encourage you to submit a nomination and help celebrate those who make Ontario Lacrosse stronger.
