In late 1999, I was approached by Phil Mazzone, a friend and longtime teaching colleague in the Niagara Region regarding an opportunity to assist in a trial project being launched by the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) labeled as the ‘Career Enhancement Program (CEP)‘. 

Since I had just retired from my position with the local district school board, some of my skills and knowledge were found to be a perfect match to the CEP structure being delivered to Members of the PHPA, so I gladly accepted. 

At the behest of PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon, it was Phil who had initiated and managed the program, and since he was also retired from the school board, he had me join him part-time, as he did not want to work every day of the week, which was a requirement of the program.

In 2004, Phil retired from the PHPA and I was tasked with continuing the program by myself.  There was no question I could not fill the void left by Phil, but we gave it a good go, and here I am after another 11 wonderful years. 

It is now time to move on.  It has been a wonderful journey with all of you and I am very proud of the growth of the Career Enhancement Program over all those years, which will continue long after I have left the PHPA.  And I know that many, many players are better off today for all the help we offered.

I would never have been able to share in the successes we experienced without the foresight and support of Larry and all my other colleagues in the office.  To build such opportunities that were offered over the years was huge for players, alumni, and their spouses – the post-secondary studies with Athabasca University, the small business management program (Basics Business Online – BBO) with Niagara College, and now the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) certification program at the Toronto Pearson International  Airport (training facility). 

I am turning all of this over to my successor, the new CEP Coordinator, Larry Downes, who I have known for several years.   Larry will do a superb job in building the program even more and taking it to new heights!

I say ‘Goodbye’ having made many new friends and will follow all of your successes in the future. 

Best wishes to all players, alumni, families, and colleagues I have had the pleasure of working with!  It has been a great ride.

Rick