Paul Furman
Paul Furman was deeply involved with the development of youth hockey at the
local and state levels. He began his involvement as an assistant coach with the
Oswego Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and later served as the OMHA
treasurer for many years. He also served at the association’s scheduler and
registrar. In 1975, he received the Joseph J. Scanlon award for his contributions
to Oswego minor hockey.
In 1980, he was elected as vice-president of the New York State Amateur
Hockey Association (NYSAHA) Central Section, and served in that capacity for
many years. He was later named as the association’s State Tournament Director,
and oversaw more than 80 sectional and state tournaments annually. At the
conclusion of his service to the NYSAHA, he was named as an emeritus member
of that board. In 1992, he received the NYSAHA Peter Rush Award for his
dedication to youth hockey. The NYSAHA now bestows the Paul Furman Award,
named in his honor, to the winner of the state youth hockey championships at
every level.
In 2008, he traveled to Colorado to receive USA Hockey’s prestigious William
Thayer Tutt award, which is presented to an individual who has displayed a
selfless dedication to the enhancement of youth hockey in America