Since joining the OUA in January 2018, Garbutt has played a prominent role within the conference’s expansive sport slate. Coming to the organization with an impressive background in hockey, the Nepean, Ont. native was quick to apply that knowledge and experience to the university landscape as the Manager of Sport in a portfolio that spanned the ice and beyond.
Throughout his more than three years with the OUA, Garbutt was able to extend his reach to positively impact several of the conference’s 23 sports and 39 championships.
It is Garbutt’s strong ties to hockey, however, that have led the Laurentian University graduate back to a full-time role in the sport. It was announced on Tuesday that Garbutt has been officially recruited as the new Commissioner of the GOJHL, a position and challenge he looks forward to taking on.
Working in junior hockey will be nothing new for Garbutt, who spent more than six years with the Ontario Junior Hockey League, first as Manager of Hockey Administration and later as Director of Hockey Operations, before being welcomed into the university sport realm thereafter.
And while Garbutt’s presence with the OUA will be missed, President & CEO Gord Grace wishes him well moving forward.
“On behalf of the OUA, I want to thank Brent for his contributions to our organization over the last few years,” said Grace. “His knowledge and passion for sport, especially when it comes to hockey, has helped the OUA to take some important strides during his tenure, and I’m sure he will bring those same attributes to positively affect the GOJHL moving forward.
“The entire OUA community wishes Brent continued success in the next chapter of his professional career.”
