Flyers volunteer humbled by award

One of the Leamington Flyers’ long-time volunteers has been honoured by the Ontario Junior Hockey League for her hard work and countless hours of volunteerism.

Cheryl Issell has been a volunteer with the Flyers for many years and was surprised by the accolade. It was announced last week that she’d been named the OJHL Volunteer of the Year.

“I’m humbled by this,” she said last Thursday at the arena where she was in her usual spot in the ticket booth. “I really enjoy working with such a great team of volunteers, and I’m very happy this award went to our team.”

Cheryl’s involvement with the Flyers organization is a family affair as her late husband Jim also volunteered for many years, as well as her son Ryan, who is also a volunteer with the Flyers. Ryan and his brother Mike are both die-hard Leamington Flyer fans and catch every game — either in person or live-streamed.

Flyers GM Justin Solcz praised Cheryl, who is often the first volunteer to arrive at the arena and the last to leave.

“Quite simply, Cheryl does it all,” he says. “Cheryl oversees 30 volunteers, ensuring each person is looked after and every position is staffed, week-in and week-out.”

Cheryl will be honoured along with the other OJHL award recipients at a ceremony during the OJHL Nutrafarms Championship Series in late April.