Mike Craig, a beloved figure in South Stormont and surrounding areas, touched many lives both on and off the ice. He dedicated his life to helping young athletes, especially in his roles as a coach and hockey scout. Mike was a well-known presence in local hockey, particularly with the South Stormont Hockey Association and the Lower St. Lawrence Hockey League. His tireless efforts helped shape the development of youth players, and his influence extended beyond hockey as he also served as a coach for the Special Olympics, where he fostered inclusion and empowerment for athletes with special needs.
“Cragier” played 283 games with the Smiths Falls Bears between 1992 and 1997, totaling 250 points (111G, 139A) in that span. He would then go on to scout for various CCHL clubs before joining the Oshawa Generals in 2010-11 where he would spend 15 years with them as a Scout.
Mike was not only a respected mentor in the sports community but also a beloved teacher at Cornwall Collegiate and General Vanier schools, where he guided and inspired countless students. His legacy was built on kindness, humility, and a passion for youth development, which is why the U15 hockey tournament was renamed the "Mike Craig Memorial Tournament" in his honor, ensuring that his contributions to the community and youth hockey will be remembered for years to come