Ontario Lacrosse Officials Association Announces 2024 Awards
TORONTO, ON – April 7th, 2025 – The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA, @ontariolacrosse) and the Ontario Lacrosse Officials Association (OLOA, @ontariolacrosseofficials) today announces its award winners from the 2024 season. Congratulations to the following individuals on their achievements:
Jack Mann Award:
Emily Hiltz (Peterborough) Emily Hiltz has grown up in lacrosse, the game has been part of her life. Along with being one of the top officials at U17/U19 Men’s Nationals in 2024, Emily continues to be a leader in the men’s field mentor program, has broken down gender barriers (as the first women to officiate a Junior “A” Box game), is a Director of Mimico Lacrosse, a Women’s Field Lacrosse Coach and continues to play. We are happy to announce Emily as the winner of the 2024 Jack Mann Award for combining officiating with lacrosse development.
Jim Richardson Award:
Connor Gillis (Hamilton) Connor Gillis demonstrated exceptional officiating skills at the 2024 Ontario Lacrosse Festival (OLF), earning recognition for his performance, professionalism, consistency, and game management. As an official, Gillis displayed a strong command of the rules, ensuring fair and well-controlled gameplay throughout the tournament. His ability to communicate effectively with players and coaches, maintain composure under pressure, and make decisive calls highlighted his expertise and dedication to the sport. Gillis’ performance at the OLF reflects his commitment to upholding the integrity of the game of lacrosse.
Minor & Men’s Field Award:
Owen Rampersad (Oshawa) Owen Rampersad showed exemplary performance throughout the entirety of the 2024 Men’s Field season. He showed dedication to both bettering his craft as an official, as well as taking a big step forward into assisting with evaluation and teaching our newer officials. He capped off his season by officiating the U17A gold medal game at the OMFLL provincial championships, as well as being invited to attend his first national championship. We look forward to what Owen will accomplish in the future.
Molly McIntyre Award:
Heather Anderson (Owen Sound) The Molly McIntyre Award is annually given to the official who shows excellence on field, service to the game, and dedication to mentoring fellow officials. Heather Anderson has reached above and beyond these qualifications. She works hard towards building the officials mentorship program within the OWFL, partly because she has greatly been impacted by mentorship from more experienced officials, since she began officiating at 14 years old in her local house league program. Heather attended the Jenny Kyle Cup in 2023 and achieved her National rating. This June she will be attending the 2025 PALA Women’s Qualifying Championship in Auburndale, Florida in hopes of achieving her international certification.
Jane Acton Award:
Lyndsay Brooks (Owen Sound) Lyndsay, an Owen Sound native, and former Western University player, started officiating women’s lacrosse in 2005. She worked her way through the ranks and attended her first World Cup in 2013 in Oshawa, Ontario, shortly after receiving her National Certification. She has attended three U20 Championships in 2015, 2019, 2024. She earned her international ranking in Scotland 2015, and officiated the Gold Medal Match in 2024 Hong Kong. She has also officiated at two Senior championships in 2013 and 2017 and two World Games in 2017 and 2022. She is Canada’s OIC for Sixes, having officiated the inaugural World Games in Sixes in Birmingham Alabama. Outside of lacrosse she is a teacher and is actively involved in the lacrosse community having coached High School, Club, Team Ontario and the National Development program.
Gerry Ravery Award:
Neil Macdonald (Brantford) Neil has shown an unwavering dedication to the development of officials in all sectors of the game, and has been instrumental in the success of many of our current officials. Neil’s contributions to the officiating program in Ontario have been significant across all sectors and will leave a lasting impression on the officiating foundation. He is a positive influence on officials, and is a tremendous mentor for officials in all sectors. Neil continues to be a strong advocate for the officiating community in Ontario.
Women’s Box Award:
Joanne Latimer (Whitby) Joanne showed true dedication and resilience at the 2024 Ontario Lacrosse Festival. Joanne combined hard work and a great attitude, which led her to a strong performance in multiple divisions. Joanne continued to be a mentor for new officials, while maintaining the talent required for success at a Provincial Championship. Joanne’s on-floor performance continues to inspire the next generation of officials.
