2009 Schroeder Award Winner: Phil Pritchard

Phil Pritchard, Vice President and Curator of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has been named the 2009 winner of the Schroeder Award by the International Sports Heritage Association (ISHA). The Schroeder Award is the highest honor presented by ISHA and is awarded to an individual for his/her meritorious service of lasting nature in the sports heritage industry.

PHOTO: Phil Pritchard received the 2009 Schroeder Award during "An Evening of Champions" dinner at ISHA’s 39th Annual Conference at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore on October 28. Presenting the award to Pritchard was ISHA President Sheila Kelly.

"I am certainly honored and deeply humbled," stated Pritchard. "Looking at past winners, it is great to see that we all have one goal in mind…to preserve the history of sport...and for that, I am grateful and thankful."

Pritchard joined the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 and has been instrumental in the museum’s growth highlighted by its move to a new location in downtown Toronto in 1993.  He continues today to play an integral role in the Hall of Fame’s growth with his involvement in its latest expansion project. In late 2007, the Hall of Fame agreed to a long-term lease commitment to relocate the Hockey Resource Centre and Archives (HRCA) to a new $34 million, four-pad arena complex to be constructed in Toronto's Lakeshore West district. The facility also is the permanent training and practice facilities for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies Hockey clubs. Opened in early September, the HRCA now occupies approximately 18,000 square feet. The new state-of-the-art archive and research facility further supports the Hockey Hall of Fame's continued growth and development.

During his more than 20-year career with the Hockey Hall of Fame, Pritchard has traveled the globe to promote the museum and exhibit its collection. In all, he has visited more than 35 countries and he has attended a number of key amateur, pro, and international hockey (men and women) championships including Olympic Games and World Championships.

Pritchard has also gained great notoriety for his role of walking the Stanley Cup out onto the ice to be presented to the NHL champions, a duty he has performed since 1994. His recognition with the Stanley Cup became the subject of a MasterCard "Priceless" TV commercial in Canada.

Born in Oakville, Ontario, Canada Pritchard began his professional career in 1986 starting in media relations with the Ontario Hockey League. He also worked the 1986 IIHF World U20 Junior Championship. In addition to his responsibilities with the Hockey Hall of Fame, Pritchard served many years on the Board of Directors for the ISHA including multiple terms as an officer.