Coach Johnny O passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday Feb 18, 2007 at the too young age of 51. Johnny was the on-ice lead for the Novice Program for five years and coached the House Girls team for the two years it existed.

Johnny gave unconditionally to Essex Youth Hockey without ever having a child in the program. His love and compassion for the kids and his love of teaching kids to skate was unparalleled. Johnny's energy and enthusiasm encouraged even the most timid and overwhelmed child to believe in themselves and succeed. He pressed them to keep trying and keep learning, falling down was just a bump in the road.

Johnny O instilled his love of hockey into many, many children. He has taught kids in our program, from 2nd year Mites to 2nd year Peewees, to skate and love being on the ice.

He will be dearly missed, and we are all very sad for his passing, but glad and proud of all he did for our organization.