WHL Western Hockey League

WHL Distinguished Service Award Recipients Announced

Published on March 14, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


CALGARY, AB - Ron Robison, Commissioner of the Western Hockey League, announced today that Ruth "Grams" Pollock and Dr. Ian Hill have been recognized for their extraordinary contribution to their respective WHL Club and were named the 2007-08 recipients of the WHL Distinguished Service Award.

The WHL Distinguished Service Award, which the Western Hockey League introduced during the 2004-05 season, is presented annually to an individual associated with the WHL who has made an extraordinary contribution over an extended period of time at the WHL Club or League level.

Ruth "Grams" Pollock has been a highly dedicated billet of the Prince Albert Raiders for twenty continuous years. She started billeting in the 1988/89 season when her grandson, Troy Hjertaas, made the Prince Albert Raiders roster. She has continued to billet every year since hosting at times up to three players. "Grams" will be presented her award Friday, March 14th prior to the start of the Raiders home game at the Art Hauser Centre by WHL Executive Committee Member Jack Brodsky and Prince Albert Raiders Governor Bob MacDonald.

For the past 40 years Dr. Ian Hill has committed his time and passion to the players, staff and family of the Regina Pats. Having served as the Club doctor, helping ensure health and well being of Regina Pats players and visiting teams, Dr. Hill has attending over 2000 WHL games. After decades of involvement with the Regina Pats and Western Hockey League, Dr. Hill will be retiring following the conclusion of the 2007-08 season. WHL Commissioner Ron Robison will present the prestigious award to Dr. Hill on Friday, March 14th at the Brandt Centre in Regina as part of a pre-game ceremony.

Ruth "Grams" Pollock and Dr. Ian Hill become the fifth and sixth recipient of the WHL Distinguished Service Award since the 2004-05 season. Previous winners include Seattle Thunderbirds Club Doctor of over 30 years, Dr. Alfred Blue; Doris Rubel, who served as a billet coordinator in Kamloops for 38 years; Swift Current Broncos Education Advisor Colleen MacBean and long-time Medicine Hat Tigers play-by-play announcer Bob Ridley.




Western Hockey League Stories from March 14, 2008


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