Jimmy Dunn (sports executive)

Lore & Background

Dunn began his hockey executive career as secretary of the Winnipeg Junior and Juvenile Hockey League in 1926–27, then served as secretary, convenor and timekeeper at the Olympic Rink for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) until 1943. He sat on the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) executive from 1929 to 1954, and was president from 1945 to 1950. His presidency coincided with the MAHA's biggest growth, best financial situation, and grants to develop minor ice hockey. He later served as commissioner of the MJHL from 1964 to 1966, agreed to televise games and sought to increase attendance.

Dunn assumed control of the CAHA when it failed to produce a Canada men's national team which would win the Ice Hockey World Championships, and recommended forming a national all-star team based on the nucleus of the reigning Allan Cup champion. He accompanied the Kenora Thistles on an exhibition tour of Japan, then arranged for the Japan men's national team to tour Canada. In junior ice hockey, he opposed mass transfers of players to stronger teams sponsored by the NHL, and supported weaker provincial champions to have additional players during the Memorial Cup playoffs.

Beyond hockey, Dunn was president of the Greater Winnipeg Senior Baseball League from 1942 to 1946, helped establish the Western Canada Baseball Association, and became founding president of the Manitoba Fastball Association. He was the original timekeeper of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for 42 years, and served on the Manitoba Curling Association executive. He co-founded an annual golf tournament to benefit retired hockey players, which led to the establishment of the Manitoba Hockey Players' Foundation.

Reader's Guide

Dunn's significance lies in his extensive leadership across multiple sports organizations in Manitoba and nationally. As MAHA president from 1945 to 1950, he oversaw the association's biggest growth and best financial situation, and encouraged rural communities to develop hockey programs. As CAHA president from 1955 to 1957, he recommended forming a national all-star team based on the Allan Cup champion and fostered international goodwill through tours to and from Japan. His 15 years on the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee and his induction into the builder category underscore his lasting impact on hockey governance. The Winnipeg Tribune wrote that 'no single individual in Manitoba has made a more significant contribution to sport', and that his leadership assured the success of any sport organization. He was a life member of multiple sporting organizations, and his co-founding of the Manitoba Hockey Players' Foundation created a lasting legacy for retired players.

Did You Know?

• Dunn was known locally as 'Mr. Hockey'.
• He co-founded an annual golf tournament that led to the Manitoba Hockey Players' Foundation.
• Dunn experimented with coloured hockey pucks in the midget age group, using orange and later yellow pucks prepared by the CN paint shop.