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Local unsung hero just can't stay out of the penalty box

Josh Lahay has been a timekeeper for multiple local sports/leagues for two decades; 'I love being in the atmosphere of sports,' he says

Not all of the stars in minor sports wear equipment.

Josh Lahay is a prime example - a person who toils behind the scenes, who never gets an ovation, but is part of the fabric of the Orillia sports community.

Lahay has been serving as a timekeeper for various sports and leagues since he was 15 years old.

At that time, he lived with a family that was home to two young boys beginning the early stages of their lacrosse careers.

“Someone from the Orillia Minor Lacrosse Association (OMLA) asked me if I would be interested in time keeping, so I got into it,” says the now 37-year-old.

Lahay had a natural talent for keeping everything in order in the timekeeper's box, so much so that he kept being offered the role with multiple teams and sports within the city.

Lahay now keeps track of goals and shots and penalties, hits and runs for four different slo-pitch teams, Orillia's Jr. B lacrosse team, Orillia's Jr. C hockey team, Orillia minor hockey teams, girls’ hockey teams and, in his spare time, pick-up hockey.

“I’m always busy,” said Lahay with a chuckle.

Lahay has made local sports not only a hobby, but his full-time job. Although the job doesn’t pay a ton, it’s never been about the money for him.

“I love it. It keeps me busy and you get to meet new people," he explained. "And I love being in the atmosphere of sports,” said the Orillia native.

Lahay has been recognized in the community for his efforts multiple times.

He was awarded volunteer of the year by the OMLA and the Couchiching Terriers Junior A hockey club recognized him in 2010. He was also the recipient of the Hockey Day in Orillia Unsung Hero Award in 2014.

Lahay is also often recognized for his efforts by teams from out of town.

“It’s the best feeling in the world to be recognized by other teams and you get asked to come score-keep for them. It’s a good feeling,” says Lahay.

Although Lahay’s role on paper is timekeeper, many long-time local athletes consider him a teammate.

Kyle Heitzner was a young minor hockey player when he met Josh.

"He always has a smile on his face and he creates a positive environment for everyone to be around,” Heitzner said of Lahay.

"As a kid going to the rink, I always looked forward to seeing Josh and that hasn't changed,” said the current captain of the Orillia Jr. C Terriers and former member of the Barrie Colts.

"I consider Josh a teammate 100%," said Heitzner. ”It’s pretty special having him around the rink.”

Those kind of sentiments are what keeps Lahay coming back.

“I’m always there for the kids and they are always there for me,” said the long-time sports enthusiast.

Lahay has seen and heard just about everything you could imagine working from in between the penalty boxes, including a time when a player tried to get from one box to another to continue a fight.

But Lahay prefers to focus on the athletes - and their evolution.

“It’s nice watching them grow up and now watching their kids grow up to be like their parents,” Lahay said with pride.

Lahay says he expects to continue scorekeeping for the foreseeable future, as his passion for the sports community has not faded.

“I love my Orillia sports, and meeting all the people around the community,” he said.


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Tyler Evans

About the Author: Tyler Evans

Tyler Evans got his start in the news business when he was just 15-years-old and now serves as a video producer and reporter with OrilliaMatters
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