Langton volunteer Roger Demeester has been named a national finalist in TIMBER MART's Local Leader contest in recognition of his 55 years of service to the Langton & Area Minor Hockey Association. The association has already won $8,000 and could receive an additional $10,000 through public voting to help reduce hockey registration costs for local families.
Longtime Langton volunteer Roger Demeester is receiving national recognition for more than five decades of dedication to minor hockey, and the honour could bring even more benefits to local families.
The Langton & Area Minor Hockey Association announced that Demeester has been named one of four national finalists in TIMBER MART's annual Local Leader contest after being nominated by Barry Long of Long's Timber Mart in Langton.
Long praised Demeester's 55 years of service, describing his commitment to local players and the future of small-town hockey as remarkable. Demeester, now 87, helped found the association in 1971 and has served as president, vice-president, coach, referee-in-chief, announcer and timekeeper while continuing to volunteer today.
As a finalist, Langton Minor Hockey will receive $8,000. If Demeester wins the national contest through public voting, the association would receive an additional $10,000 to help reduce registration fees for local families.
Association officials say lower costs could allow more children to participate in hockey while helping reverse declining registration numbers.
Voting remains open until June 29th, with Demeester sitting in second place as of last Friday.
