When Doug Collins organized the 2025 Cowboys Annual Reverse Draw of Charity (like he had done every year for the past couple decades) he was in for a surprise.
He may not have noticed when the mayor of Richmond walked in the door, but a new face at this very popular event would not be unusual. Besides why shouldn't the mayor want to contribute to this worthy cause and perhaps score some political points. But the mayor was not there to score. He was invited there by Doug's teammate, Ed Whitby, to bestow an honour on the long time manager of the Richmond Cowboys Hockey Club.
You see, Ed had been at work for the last year and a half petitioning to the Canadian Adult Recreational Hockey Association to induct Doug into their CARHA Hall of Fame. To do so required the support of the community and Ed had successfully gathered that, including the Mayor of Richmond. Mayor Malcolm Brody was kind enough to show up to help present a letter from the city to accompany a plaque from CARHA signifying the induction of Doug Collins into the CARHA Hall of Fame in the Builder category.
Mr. Collins was suitably impressed and quite overwhelmed by it all.
Now he won't be getting stopped on the street for autographs, and the Mayor of Richmond probably won't even remember his name, but it does not diminish the significance of the honour. To be recognized by your peers in an area you have dedicated your life to is not soon to be forgotten.
