The Central Canada Hockey League is pleased to announce Brett Bonisteel as the 2019 recipient of the Chris Messina Broadcasting Award.
As the team broadcaster for both the 73’s (also the Kanata Lasers), Brett is a stranger to no one in the local hockey community.. He does his job with a level of professionalism and enthusiasm that separates him from his peers. Brett’s unique game-calls, his intimate knowledge of in-game information, and all of the additional coverage he does for social media, demonstrate the passion and commitment for his work that is second to none. Fans watching online for both teams consistently comment on the quality of his work.
The award is presented yearly in memory of the late Chris Messina – the CCHL’s former and first Director of Broadcasting. Following Chris’ sudden passing at the young age of 32, the CCHL community received an outpouring of messages and support sharing the impact Chris had on the hockey broadcasting community.
As the first Director of Broadcasting, Chris was tasked with laying down much of the groundwork for creating the online broadcasting program for each of the 12 CCHL teams. Without Chris’ tireless efforts, the CCHL Broadcasting Program would not have survived its early challenges. Today the CCHL is among the leaders in North America in online broadcasting, and its technology is the most advanced of any league at this level. Without the foundation work laid out by Chris, the program would not have achieved the level of success and status it holds today.
Chris’ passion for sports – and more importantly, his passion for life – was apparent to all who knew him. In his short life, Chris accomplished so much. This memorial award is a celebration of Chris’ contribution to the league and recognizes the CCHL broadcaster who best exemplifies commitment to the league, its Broadcasting program, their club team, and other member teams and coaches.
