· Niagara Falls Public Library

Player Name

Strohak, Edward (Ed)

Type

Builder

Sport

Hockey

Inducted

2011

Era

1971 – 1990

Description

Inducted into the City of Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame January 2011 ; Builder Hockey 1971 - 1990 ;
As far as recreational and adult hockey in Niagara Falls is concerned, Ed Strohak has been a very influential part of the local hockey scene for more than 30 years. He assisted in the formation of the Niagara South Oldtimers hockey club in 1978, serving as secretary, team captain and tournament organizer.
Ed also was involved with Niagara Falls minor hockey, coaching at various age groups and enjoying success each season he coached including championships in four consecutive years. His passion towards the game and his awareness to the game led to him creating the Niagara Falls “Play the Puck 55+” hockey association in 1996, a recreational league for individuals of all skill levels to participate in the game while also having an enjoyable social experience.
Following heart surgery in 2002 , he brought the Niagara Falls Seniors Pond Hockey into action, which uses no goalies and truly resembles old fashioned pond hockey. He then brought in the Skate ‘N Puck program which is an open skating session were sticks and pucks are simply shot around with no teams or games. In 2007, he was recognized for his efforts with the City of Niagara Falls Doug Austin award, as volunteer Sportsperson of the Year. In recent years he has been influential in organizing health awareness for participants in his programs by providing an Emergency Awareness Plan, and the “Remember Minutes Count” life saving awareness programs in development with Heart Niagara and the City of Niagara Falls.
His efforts with this program were recognized by CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada, a truly proud moment and recognition for his influential contributions to hockey, which was seen nationally.

Subject

Awards
Portraits - Biographical
Sports - Recreation - Leisure
Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame