{{Short description|Canadian ice hockey administrator (1895–1975)}} {{Distinguish|Al Picard}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Use Canadian English|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox person | name = Al Pickard | image = Allan Wilfrid Pickard photo.jpg | alt = Black and white portrait of Pickard in a suit and tie | birth_date = {{Birth date|1895|1|2}} | birth_place = Exeter, Ontario, Canada | death_date = {{Death date and age|1975|4|7|1895|1|2}} | death_place = Exeter, Ontario, Canada | alma_mater = University of Western Ontario | occupation = Principal and schoolteacher | known_for = President of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association | awards = Hockey Hall of Fame (1958) | module = {{Infobox military person | embed = yes | allegiance = {{flag|Canada|1868}} | branch = Canadian Expeditionary Force, Canadian Air Force | service_years = 1918{{spnd}}1920 | battles = World War I }} }}
'''Allan Wilfrid Pickard''' (January 2, 1895{{spnd}}April 7, 1975) was a Canadian ice hockey administrator, who served as president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) from 1947 to 1950. When Canada opted out of the 1947 Ice Hockey World Championships and decided not to participate in the 1948 Winter Olympics, Pickard felt that Canada was obliged to send a team due to its place as a top hockey nation, and nominated the Ottawa RCAF Flyers who won the gold medal for Canada and lived up to the requirements of the Olympic Oath as amateurs. Despite disagreement with the International Olympic Committee, he sought for the International Ice Hockey Federation to adopt the CAHA definition of amateur in the face of increasing difficulty in selecting the Canada men's national ice hockey team.
Pickard was against proposals by the National Hockey League and the Ontario Hockey Association to semi-professionalize player contracts in 1948, which coincided with calls for the word amateur to be dropped from the CAHA name, and to retire the Allan Cup and Memorial Cup since the trophies were no longer perceived to represent amateur competition. Pickard sought to maintain the existing professional-amateur agreement, and keep regulations which limited player movement across Canada to suit the amateur needs. In response to alleged exploitation of players by professional teams, Pickard embarked on a campaign to establish hockey as a reputable profession with the co-operation of the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States and professional leagues. He was opposed to granting exclusive radio broadcast rights to any station for the CAHA playoffs, and wanted to see ice hockey rules more strictly enforced for player safety while condemning the failure players and coaches to respect the on-ice officials.
Pickard previously served a vice-president of the CAHA for five years, was chairman of both the finance and minor ice hockey committees, and annually sought to increase grants for the development of minor hockey in Canada. He founded a YMCA hockey league in the mid-1920s which evolved into the Regina Parks Hockey League, and later founded the Regina Aces senior ice hockey team in the late 1920s. He served as president of the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association and the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League during World War II, where he facilitated the participation of Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army teams. After his time as CAHA president, Pickard served the 1950–51 season as president of the Western Canada Senior Hockey League when the Major Series of senior hockey and the Alexander Cup were introduced. He later returned as president of the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League, then became a governor of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He retired from hockey in 1955 after managing the first CAHA general meeting to be held in Saskatchewan.
Pickard was born and raised in Exeter, Ontario, and graduated from the University of Western Ontario before moving to Saskatchewan. After working for the Regina Public School Board as a school principal for 30 years, he returned to Exeter and served as the chairman of town's first planning committee. He oversaw the preparation of its zoning by-laws and development strategy, and later sat on the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. Pickard was inducted into the builder category of both the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1958, then was a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee.
==Early life and move to Regina== thumb|Old town hall in Exeter|alt=Exterior photo of two-story building with a bell tower
Allan Wilfrid Pickard was born on January 2, 1895, in Exeter, Ontario.<ref name="Ferguson">{{cite book|last=Ferguson|first=Bob|author-link=Bob Ferguson (journalist)|title=Who's Who in Canadian Sport, Volume 4|publisher=Fitzhenry & Whiteside|date=2005|location=Markham, Ontario|isbn=1-55041-855-6|page=350}}</ref><ref name="Legends">{{cite web|url=https://www.hhof.com/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/LegendsMember.jsp?mem=b195804&type=Builder&page=bio&list=ByName|title=Pickard, Allan — Biography — Honoured Builder|website=Legends of Hockey|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=November 21, 2020}}</ref><ref name="LAC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=575638|title=Item: Pickard, Allan W (276949)|date=October 27, 2015|website=Library and Archives Canada|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> He was the second of three sons born to Robert E. Pickard and Elizabeth Verity.<ref name="London-Free-Press">{{cite news|title=Pickard, Alan|date=April 9, 1975|newspaper=The London Free Press|location=London, Ontario|page=74}}</ref><ref name="Advocate-p3">{{cite news|title=Al Pickard (continued from main page)|date=April 10, 1975|newspaper=The Exeter Times-Advocate|location=Exeter, Ontario|page=3}}</ref> His father owned a farm near Frobisher, Saskatchewan, where Pickard worked during the summers as a youth.<ref name="Legends" /> Pickard played minor ice hockey in Exeter, completed secondary school at the South Huron District High School, then played senior ice hockey on a combined team from Exeter and nearby Zurich, Ontario.<ref name="Advocate-p1">{{cite news|title=Hockey Hall of Fame member dies|date=April 10, 1975|newspaper=The Exeter Times-Advocate|location=Exeter, Ontario|page=1}}</ref> He graduated from the University of Western Ontario and moved to Saskatchewan.<ref name="Advocate-p1" /><ref name="Leader-Post-1975">{{cite news|title=Allan Pickard Dead|date=April 9, 1975|newspaper=Regina Leader-Post|location=Regina, Saskatchewan|page=31|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/495564936/}}{{subscription required}}</ref>
Pickard enlisted the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Regina on June 4, 1918,<ref name="LAC" /> and served in the Canadian Air Force during World War I.<ref name="Advocate-p1" /> His younger brother Cecil G. Pickard was killed in action in Europe.<ref name="London-Free-Press" /><ref name="Advocate-p3" /> After the war, Pickard worked as a farmer,<ref name="Advocate-p1" /> then taught school for a year in rural Saskatchewan before moving to Regina to continue as a teacher.<ref name="Legends" /><ref name="Leader-Post-1975" /> He also taught Sunday school in Regina and was a Methodist.<ref name="Advocate-p1" />
==Early Saskatchewan hockey career== Pickard founded a hockey league based at the YMCA in Regina during the mid-1920s, which evolved into the Regina Parks Hockey League.<ref name="Legends" /><ref name="SSHOF">{{cite web|url=https://sasksportshalloffame.com/inductees/allan-al-pickard/|title=Allan "Al" Pickard|year=1967|website=Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame|access-date=November 21, 2020}}</ref> In the later 1920s, he formed the Regina Aces senior hockey team and was its coach and president.<ref name="Legends" /><ref name="Leader-Post-1975" />
The Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League was formed in 1938, when teams from the north and south of Saskatchewan combined to play in one league instead of two separate groups without formal organization.<ref name="Legends" /> Pickard became a team representative in the new league,<ref>{{cite news|title=Flin Flon Bombers Finally Find Home|date=October 17, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-17-1938-2099387/}}</ref> and an executive member of the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association (SAHA) from Regina.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saskatchewan Hockey Body Clears Its Decks|date=November 1, 1938|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-01-1938-2096992/}}</ref> Due to a shortage of players during World War II, the Regina Aces and the Regina Victorias amalgamated into the same club for the 1939–40 season, with Pickard remaining as team president and Victorias' coach Duke Dutkowski taking over behind the bench.<ref>{{cite news|title=Regina Vics and Aces Form Hockey Union|date=September 25, 1939|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-25-1939-2099389/}}</ref> Pickard served as president of the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League during the 1940–41 and 1941–42 seasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Somers Suffers Suspension|date=December 10, 1940|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-10-1940-2099394/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sask. Puck League Opens November 12|date=September 12, 1941|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-12-1941-2097011/}}</ref> He was also vice-president of the SAHA for the 1940–41 season, and was elected its president on October 27, 1941, to succeed Cliff Anderson.<ref>{{cite news|title=Al Pickard Named President S.A.H.A.|date=October 27, 1941|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-27-1941-2099409/}}</ref>
Before the 1942–43 season, Pickard met with Lionel Conacher who indicated potential teams from the Royal Canadian Air Force which expected to operate teams based in Saskatoon and Yorkton, and the Canadian Army which might have teams in Regina and Moose Jaw. Pickard and Conacher met with local rink managers to discuss securing ice for games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air Force Will Operate Teams In Saskatchewan|date=October 5, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-05-1942-2100176/}}</ref> Pickard was unanimously re-elected president in 1942, and the SAHA agreed to facilitate Canadian military hockey teams as much as possible since those teams would be the majority of the league.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pickard Again Heads Sask. Hockey Body|date=October 20, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-20-1942-2100198/}}</ref> During the season, Pickard and the SAHA received complaints that boys as young as age 14 were being signed up by hockey clubs and offered $50 per week to play hockey instead of attending school. The SAHA responded with required proof of age and parental signatures for all players aged 14 years and older. Pickard was succeeded by J. H. Abbott as president in October 1943.<ref>{{cite news|title=Picture of Senior Hockey Brightens in Saskatchewan|date=October 4, 1943|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-04-1943-2100208/}}</ref>
==Canadian hockey vice-president== thumb|upright=0.8|The T. B. Patton Cup was the championship trophy for amateur senior ice hockey in Western Canada.|alt=Photo of trophy at the Hockey Hall of Fame
Pickard was elected second vice-president of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) in April 1942, at a time when it looked to maintain hockey during the war and reinvest profits into minor ice hockey.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sargent C.A.H.A. Prexy|date=April 21, 1942|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-21-1942-2097061/}}</ref> He annually oversaw senior and junior ice hockey playoffs in Western Canada as a vice-president.<ref>{{cite news|title=Western Ice Dates|date=March 30, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-30-1943-2097644/}}</ref><ref name="dec-31-1945">{{cite news|title=To Resume Allan Cup Play Finals In West|date=December 31, 1945|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=9|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-31-1945-2101115/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Toronto May Get Junior Finals Again|date=December 28, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=27|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-28-1946-2098460/}}</ref>
Pickard was re-elected in April 1943, and named a trustee for the T. B. Patton Cup, the championship trophy for senior hockey in Western Canada. He was appointed chairman of the CAHA's committee to oversee and develop minor hockey with more grants. The CAHA supported the war effort with a C$5,000 donation to the Government of Canada and purchased $10,000 in Victory bonds.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sargent Is Returned As C.A.H.A. President|date=April 27, 1943|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-27-1943-2097669/}}</ref>
Pickard was re-elected in April 1944, and continued as chairman of the finance committee and increasing grants for minor hockey.<ref name="13-1944">{{cite news|title=Old Slate of Officers Re-elected by C.A.H.A.|date=April 13, 1944|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-13-1944-2101064/}}</ref> In February 1945, the physical fitness branch of the Canadian Ministry of Health announced plans to become a liaison between sports organizations and the Government of Canada. Pickard felt that the CAHA and the government could mutually work together to improve the general fitness of teenaged boys, and that junior hockey would benefit from increased interest in sport.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sports Officials Divided In Opinions|date=February 21, 1945|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-21-1945-2097676/}}</ref>
In 1944, the CAHA sought to establish a closer working relationship with the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States (AHAUS) and the British Ice Hockey Association (BIHA). The CAHA approved severing its relations with the Ligue Internationale de Hockey sur Glace (LIHG) which had become inactive due to the war, and recognize the International Ice Hockey Association instead as the authority of global hockey since it was still active during the war.<ref name="13-1944" /> The International Ice Hockey Association was led by past CAHA president W. G. Hardy, and negotiated professional-amateur agreements with the National Hockey League (NHL) on behalf of the CAHA.<ref name="13-1944" /> Pickard named to the corresponding negotiating committee.<ref name="may-06-1946">{{cite news|title=Amateurs To Press For Better Deal|date=May 6, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-06-1946-2101166/}}</ref>
Pickard was elected first vice-president of the CAHA in April 1945. He was named chairman of the resolutions committee, which received recommended changes from the rules committee which the CAHA enlarged to include representation from each branch.<ref name="apr-17-1945">{{cite news|title=Hanson Dowell Heads C.A.H.A.|date=April 17, 1945|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=8|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-17-1945-2101093/}}</ref> He expected a boom in global hockey during the post-war period, and stressed the importance of grants towards building minor ice hockey as a foundation for the expected growth.<ref name="apr-17-1945" /><ref name="oct-29-1945">{{cite news|title=Post-War Plans Show Optimism|date=October 29, 1945|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-29-1945-2101100/}}</ref>
The CAHA resumed the national Allan Cup championship for senior hockey after a hiatus in 1945 due to travel costs during the war,<ref name="dec-31-1945" /> and increased travel allowances for teams which reached the inter-provincial playoffs for the Allan Cup and the national Memorial Cup championship for junior hockey.<ref name="apr-17-1945" /> The CAHA declared that any player from a defunct military hockey team would now be a free agent and could register to play where he resided post-war without requiring the usual transfer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Free Agent Ruling Can Cause Trouble|last=Smith|first=Maurice|author-link=Maurice Smith (journalist)|date=September 29, 1945|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-29-1945-2098041/}}</ref> Pickard remained in charge of Western Canada playoffs and clarified this ruling by stating that any player still in an active military service, remained the property of the same hockey team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ice Rulings Are Clarified|date=November 2, 1945|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=27|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-02-1945-2101109/}}</ref>
Pickard was re-elected in May 1946, when the CAHA wanted to renegotiate and improve the financial terms of its professional-amateur agreement with the NHL. The CAHA sought a $2,000 fee per player signed to a contract in the NHL, and $1,000 per player signed to a minor league contract. The CAHA rejected the initial flat rate offer of $20,000 by the NHL for any number amateur players signed as a professionals.<ref name="may-06-1946" /> The flat rate was later accepted with the stipulation that a junior-aged player could sign a contract at age 16, but remain in junior hockey under CAHA jurisdiction until age 18.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. and N.H.L. Reach Hockey Player Agreement|date=June 20, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-20-1946-1493559/}}</ref>
thumb|upright=0.8|The Memorial Cup was the championship trophy for junior ice hockey in Canada.|alt=Silver bowl trophy with two large handles, mounted on a wide black plinth engraved with team names on silver plates
During game three of the 1947 Memorial Cup played at the Queen City Gardens in Regina, Moose Jaw Canucks defender Jim Bedard was assessed a penalty which spectators protested by throwing bottles onto the ice surface. Pickard used the public address system to ask for calm, but spectators continued to litter the ice, and he subsequently forfeited the game in favour of the Toronto St. Michael's Majors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Irish Cop Wild Tilt|date=April 21, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-21-1947-2101206/}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Block|first=Frank|title=The Metro Prystai Story: A Legend from the Golden Age of Hockey|publisher=Friesen Press|date=2015|location=Altona, Manitoba|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZdacCgAAQBAJ|pages=24–25|isbn=9781460256374|via=Google Books}}</ref> He warned that any repeat of the incident would result in the series being awarded to St. Michael's.<ref>{{cite news|title=St. Mike's Should Finish It Tonight|date=April 22, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-22-1947-2101226/}}</ref> He was later criticized by the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) for playing the series in Western Canada, but he felt that supporters of junior hockey in Western Canada deserved a chance to see the games despite the recent practice of playing all Memorial Cup finals at Maple Leaf Gardens to bring the greatest profit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hold Junior Finals In Toronto|date=April 28, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-28-1947-2101230/}}</ref>
==Canadian hockey president== ===First term=== Pickard was elected president of the CAHA on May 5, 1947, to succeed Hanson Dowell.<ref name="may-06-1947-2098499">{{cite news|title=U.S. Body Declines To Pay Transfer Fee|date=May 6, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-06-1947-2098499/}}</ref> The CAHA established the permanent position of a secretary-manager for the CAHA, which was filled by George Dudley.<ref name="may-06-1947-2098499" /> The CAHA renegotiated its professional-amateur agreement with the NHL, which included $2,000 per player signed to the NHL and $1,000 per player signed to the minor leagues. Dudley anticipated that the new deal would exceed the existing $20,000 flat rate agreement signed in May 1946.<ref>{{cite news|title=Outlines New Pro Agreement|date=May 5, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-05-1947-2098493/}}</ref> The CAHA ratified the proposed merger of the International Ice Hockey Association into the LIHG, which became the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Pickard stated that the CAHA and AHAUS would be assured of autonomy under the agreement which governed relationships between national ice hockey organizations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Harmony Prevails In Hockey Circles C.A.H.A. Announces|date=May 6, 1947|newspaper=Brandon Daily Sun|location=Brandon, Manitoba|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-06-1947-2106902/}}</ref>
Pickard attended the IIHF congress that debated whether ice hockey at the 1948 Winter Olympics would be played according to the strict International Olympic Committee (IOC) definition of amateur, or whether the IIHF would hold its Ice Hockey World Championships separate from the Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite news|title=Olympic Hockey To Be Discussed|date=July 5, 1947|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-05-1947-2106921/}}</ref> Canada did not participate in the 1947 Ice Hockey World Championships and the CAHA had decided not to participate in the 1948 Winter Olympics in disagreement with the definition of amateur by the IOC.<ref name="jan-10-1948">{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Remains Opposed To Olympian Amateur Idea|date=January 10, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=32|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-10-1948-2108459/}}</ref> Pickard felt Canada was obliged to send a Canada men's national ice hockey team truly representative of the "greatest hockey country" in the world, and honestly take the Olympic Oath as amateurs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Decision Soon on Olympic Ice Entry|last=Knight|first=Jack|date=October 6, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-06-1947-2108379/}}</ref> He stated that Canada would have been misunderstood, "if we had refused to participate because we did not get our own way".<ref name="jan-10-1948" />
thumb|left|The Ottawa RCAF Flyers at the 1948 Winter Olympics.|alt=1948 Ottawa RCAF Flyers team photo
The Canadian Olympic Association indicated it would accept any team nominated by the CAHA which met amateur eligibility. Pickard announced the Ottawa RCAF Flyers were chosen to represent the country and appeal to patriotic support for the RCAF, but still continued to press for international recognition of the CAHA's definition of amateur.<ref>{{cite news|title=R.C.A.F. Puckmen To Represent Canada|date=October 16, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-16-1947-2108385/}}</ref> He also confirmed that the CAHA would pay the national team's expenses for the Olympics, and provide support to use the best Canadian players available.<ref>{{cite news|title=R.C.A.F. Plotting All-Out Olympic Hockey Offensive|date=October 17, 1947|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=17|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-17-1947-2108391/}}</ref> The RCAF Flyers won the gold medal at the Olympics, and were given special consideration to enter the 1948 Allan Cup playoffs upon their return from Europe.<ref>{{cite news|title=Flyers May Get Allan Cup Chance|date=February 10, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-10-1948-2098543/}}</ref> Pickard later stated that the national team was highly regarded in Europe and were noted for being gentlemen both on and off the ice.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jimmy Dunn Returned As Manitoba Puck Chief|last=Smith|first=Maurice|author-link=Maurice Smith (journalist)|date=September 27, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=19|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-27-1948-2098593/}}</ref>
thumb|Foster Hewitt|alt=Black and white photo of Hewitt sitting at a desk piled with papers
Pickard oversaw the playoffs in Western Canada for the Allan Cup and Memorial Cup. He supported a resolution where any radio station which broadcast a team's games during the regular season would not pay a premium for the additional playoffs games, and the appointment of Foster Hewitt as the national radio commissioner.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. To Debate Affiliation Topic|last=Clarke|first=Robert|date=May 3, 1947|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-03-1947-2098489/}}</ref> CKFI protested to Pickard regarding a $25-per-game fee imposed by Hewitt to broadcast games for the Fort Frances Canadians during the 1948 Allan Cup playoffs, and claimed that no radio station paid fees to broadcast the 1948 Memorial Cup playoffs.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fort Frances Radio Station Balks At Fee|date=April 13, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-13-1948-2108761/}}</ref> Pickard did not want to grant exclusive radio broadcast rights to any station, and the CAHA decided that only out-of-town radio stations would pay a broadcast fee for final games in the Allan Cup and Memorial Cup.<ref name="apr-28-1948">{{cite news|title=Pickard Re-elected C.A.H.A. President|date=April 28, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=22|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-28-1948-2108876/}}</ref>
Pickard scheduled the seventh game of the Western Canada junior final at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, where the 1948 Memorial Cup finals were also scheduled. CAHA by-laws at the time stated that a seventh game be played at a neutral site and the Winnipeg Amphitheatre was unavailable. The decision was criticized in Western Canada, and the ''Winnipeg Free Press'' charged that the CAHA was "doing anything for a profit".<ref name="apr-22-1948">{{cite news|title=Pickard Claims Three-Fourths Of C.A.H.A. Take Goes Back To Clubs|date=April 22, 1948|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=6 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-22-1948-2108821/}}</ref> Pickard responded that any money collected by the CAHA was contributed to the "good of hockey in Canada", and that approximately $78,000 of its annual $100,000 intake was reinvested into future development and covered travel expenses for teams during Allan Cup and Memorial Cup play.<ref name="apr-22-1948" />
In the 1948 Memorial Cup final, Barrie Flyers' coach Hap Emms threatened that his team would not play the fourth game without a change of referees. Pickard declined to change the referees and the Port Arthur West End Bruins won the series in the fourth game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chlmemorialcup.ca/1948-port-arthur-west-end-bruins/|title=1948 — Port Arthur West End Bruins|year=2018|website=Memorial Cup|publisher=Canadian Hockey League|access-date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> Pickard suspended Flyers' player Alf Guarda two years for striking referee Vic Lindquist during game four, and condemned the behaviour of Emms and the team's failure to respect on-ice officials.<ref>{{cite news|title=Two-Year Ban For Barrie Junior|date=May 10, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-10-1948-2109242/}}</ref>
===Professionalism proposals=== thumb|Clarence Campbell|alt=Photo of Campbell dressed in a suit and tie sitting on a desk with the Stanley Cup
In the weeks leading up to the 1948 general meeting, the CAHA considered two proposals to semi-professionalize player contracts in junior and senior hockey in Canada.<ref name="apr-20-1948">{{cite news|title=Seven-Man Committee To Air Semi-Pro Plan|date=April 20, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-20-1948-2108806/}}</ref>
NHL president Clarence Campbell, suggested to create professional leagues from the top amateur leagues in Canada. He proposed that such professional leagues could have a reserve list not exceeding twenty players from an amateur senior league who were signed to a contract with a reserve clause. He also proposed that senior leagues agree to a salary limit and a player draft by professional leagues.<ref name="apr-12-1948">{{cite news|title=Campbell To Use Duster To Wipe Out Phoney Amateurism|date=April 12, 1948|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-12-1948-2108754/}}</ref> The plan would pay $5,000 per amateur player signed by each NHL team, or $3,500 by each American Hockey League team, and eliminate the existing annual grant of $31,000 to the CAHA.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Plan Acceptance Is Urged By Campbell|date=April 24, 1948|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=33|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-24-1948-2108824/}}</ref><ref name="apr-26-1948">{{cite news|title=Contract Plan Will Be Discussed Today|date=April 26, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-26-1948-2108840/}}</ref> The Canadian Press noted that clubs which operated under CAHA jurisdiction were exempt from the 20 per cent federal amusement tax, and that accepting the proposal might remove that benefit.<ref name="apr-12-1948" />
OHA president George Panter, made a separate proposal that called for a contract system for the A-level players in senior and junior hockey, where a maximum of six players could be on a professional-style contact that could be sold or traded openly. A third proposal from CAHA past-president Cecil Duncan, was to establish a major series in senior hockey for the teams which dominated Allan Cup play.<ref name="apr-20-1948" /> CAHA life member and former Allan Cup trustee William Northey, wrote a letter to Pickard which recommended that both the Allan Cup and Memorial Cup be retired since they no longer represented amateur competition, and that the CAHA should drop the word amateur from its name.<ref>{{cite news|title=Would Retire Amateur Trophies|date=March 17, 1948|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-17-1948-2108686/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Suggestion|date=March 24, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-24-1948-2108706/}}</ref>
Pickard favoured renewing the existing professional-amateur agreement signed in 1947,<ref>{{cite news|title=Campbell's Contract Plan Goes Before C.A.H.A. Today|date=April 24, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-24-1948-2108825/}}</ref> and stated that the proposals "would have a profound effect on the future of the CAHA if accepted".<ref name="apr-26-1948" /> Campbell was invited by Pickard to present and discuss the NHL's contract proposals before a seven-man committee in advance of the general meeting.<ref name="apr-20-1948" /> The committee declined to present Campbell's and Panter's proposals to the delegates for voting. Pickard stated they would be tabled for further consideration, and Campbell understood that it would not affect the existing agreement between the NHL and the CAHA which included the annual grant. The committee also rejected Northey's calls to drop the word amateur, and explained that the CAHA was built upon teams which operated as a community efforts and that profits were invested into development of minor hockey.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Rejects Pro Contracts Temporarily|date=April 27, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=15 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-27-1948-2108861/}}</ref>
===Second term=== thumb|upright=0.8|Danny Lewicki|alt=Hockey card with in-game action photo of Lewicki playing for the New York Rangers
Pickard was re-elected president in April 1948,<ref name="apr-28-1948" /> despite speculation from the Canadian Press that he would be replaced.<ref name="apr-27-1948">{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Delegates Pick New Officers|last=Morris Jr.|first=Vic|date=April 27, 1948|newspaper=Medicine Hat Daily News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=7 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-27-1948-2108855/}}</ref> The CAHA had no first vice-president at the time since Norman Dawe died unexpectedly in January 1948. No replacement had been named for Dawe, and Western Canada delegates reportedly sought to have OHA president George Panter elected.<ref name="apr-27-1948" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Semi-Annual Puck Meet Starts Today|date=January 9, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-09-1948-2108454/}}</ref>
Pickard attended the IIHF congress in Zürich in July 1948,<ref>{{cite news|title=Hardy, Pickard Head For Hockey Parley|date=July 12, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-12-1948-2109278/}}</ref> and sought for the adoption of the CAHA definition of amateur in an effort to ice an international team truly representative of Canada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Seek Clearer Status For Puck Amateurs|date=August 12, 1948|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-12-1948-2098586/}}</ref> W. G. Hardy was elected president of the IIHF, and Pickard felt that Hardy had represented Canada well and "did a superb job of cementing hockey relations in Europe".<ref>{{cite news|title=Harmony Reigns In Hockey World|date=September 29, 1948|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-29-1948-2109310/}}</ref>
The new OHA president, J. J. McFadyen, criticized the modern ice hockey rules and felt they were made to suit the American spectator and had been dictated by the NHL. Pickard wanted to see the rules more strictly enforced for player safety, but denied that rules were tailored to professional play in the United States and stated that the rules were made by mutual decision between the CAHA and the NHL.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hockey Rules "Stink" Says Ontario Gentleman|date=January 8, 1949|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=9|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-08-1949-2109322/}}</ref>
Toronto Maple Leafs team owner Conn Smythe threatened to have Danny Lewicki suspended from junior hockey, if he refused to report according to having signed a C-form at age 16.<ref name="apr-08-1949">{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Will Back Toronto Leafs In Lewicki Problem|date=April 8, 1949|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-08-1949-2098818/}}</ref> The form gave bonus money to a prospect played under age 18, in return for a future professional commitment and offer of a contract. Despite players signing the form and being aware of its contents, it was criticized as slavery by players, coaches, parents, and media in Canada since it was introduced in 1947. The CAHA was compelled to support the form according to the professional-amateur agreement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sports Camera|author=The Canadian Press|date=November 24, 1948|newspaper=Wainwright Star|location=Wainwright, Alberta|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-nov-24-1948-2124125/}}</ref> Lewicki refused to play for the Toronto Marlboros junior team, and wanted to play in smaller towns and return to the Stratford Kroehlers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lewicki Don't Like Toronto|date=September 16, 1949|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-16-1949-2109704/}}</ref> Pickard supported the Maples Leafs in the dispute, but would not suspend Lewicki from junior hockey since the player was only aged 17 at the time and had not yet signed or been offered the professional contract.<ref name="apr-08-1949" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Dan Lewicki Beaten At Every Corner|date=September 16, 1949|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=11 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-16-1949-2109706/}}</ref>
===Third term=== thumb|upright|The New Yorker Hotel|alt=Exterior view of the New Yorker Hotel
The CAHA held its first general meeting outside of Canada when it joined AHAUS and the IIHF concurrently at the New Yorker Hotel in May 1949. The joint meetings were arranged by AHAUS president Tommy Lockhart, who felt that it demonstrated international ice hockey co-operation.<ref name="may-30-1949">{{cite news|title=Hockey Leaders Gather|date=May 30, 1949|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-30-1949-2098759/}}</ref> The event was also the first time that the CAHA and AHAUS held a joint annual meeting.<ref name="may-30-1949" />
North American professional and amateur leagues agreed on a campaign to sell hockey to Canadians and Americans. A committee composed of Pickard, Hardy and Campbell, was made to "plan and develop a positive statement of hockey objectives for a vigorous presentation to the public".<ref name="jun-04-1949">{{cite news|title=Hockey Heads Plan Sales Campaign|date=June 4, 1949|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-04-1949-2109670/}}</ref> The campaign was in response to alleged exploitation of young hockey players by professional teams, and wanted to stress hockey as a career and an honorable profession.<ref name="jun-04-1949" /> Pickard sought to maintain the existing regulations which limited player movement across Canada to suit the amateur needs. Motions at the general meeting to increase the number of inter-branch transfers were all defeated.<ref name="jun-04-1949" />
thumb|left|Edmonton Mercurys jersey|alt=Photo of hockey jersey with a maple leaf crest
In August 1949, Pickard announced that the Edmonton Mercurys would represent Canada at the 1950 Ice Hockey World Championships in England. He conceded that Edmonton was not the strongest choice since it played at the intermediate level of senior hockey, but amateur requirements made it difficult to send a top flight team to the Ice Hockey World Championships. The CAHA scheduled a three-month European tour for the team and committed to finding the best available players as reinforcements.<ref>{{cite news|title=Edmonton Mercurys To Represent Canada|date=August 15, 1949|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=18|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-15-1949-2109694/}}</ref> Edmonton regained the World Championships title for Canada without losing a game, and avoided further disappointment after the second-place finish at the 1949 Ice Hockey World Championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.passionhockey.com/hockeyarchives/mondial1950.htm|title=Championnats du monde 1950|website=Passion Hockey|language=fr|access-date=December 22, 2020}}</ref>
In advance of the 1950 CAHA semiannual meeting, Pickard spoke out against the dump and chase style of hockey which led to skirmishes in the corners of the ice rink. He felt it was not interesting to spectators and noted that players were being injured along the sideboards. He believed that changes would eventually be made, despite difficulties in agreeing on rule changes to prevent the issue but not cause other problems.<ref>{{cite news|title=Al Pickard Dislikes Rink-Corner Clashes|date=January 2, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-02-1950-2109946/}}</ref> At the meeting, delegates from Ontario and Quebec wanted to eliminate the "east-west line" between the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association and the Ontario Hockey Association, over which no player transfers were allowed after a September 1 deadline. Western Canada supported the line to maintain its talent and prevent imbalance. Pickard refused to accept the motion and deferred it until a proper notice of motion was submitted to update the constitution.<ref>{{cite news|title=C.A.H.A. Approves Playoff Plans; Montreal Junior Reprimanded|date=January 9, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-09-1950-2109974/}}</ref>
The CAHA faced issues with the professional-style operation of its top-level senior teams during the 1950 Allan Cup playoffs.<ref name="apr-19-1950">{{cite news|title=Amateur Hockey Fading Out?|last=Park|first=Jack|date=April 19, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=22|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-19-1950-2135165/}}</ref> Conn Smythe threatened that the Toronto Marlboros senior team would not continue the playoffs unless the CAHA guaranteed the team against financial losses for travel to the finals in Calgary, and claimed that it cost $2,000 per week to keep the team operational.<ref name="apr-19-1950" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Smythe Wants C.A.H.A. Guarantee|date=April 20, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-20-1950-2110040/}}</ref> Although the CAHA offered to pay tourist-class train tickets, the Marlboros insisted they travelled only by first-class accommodations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Marlies Want "Jam On It"|date=April 24, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=23|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-24-1950-2135207/}}</ref> ''The London Free Press'' sports editor Jack Park, wrote that Smythe did not appreciate the prestige of winning the Allan Cup, and that the CAHA was essentially sponsoring teams by covering travel expenses. Park speculated that amateur hockey might be fading away, and that teams in larger cities would rather operate openly as professional to have more control over player salaries due to the competition for talent.<ref name="apr-19-1950" />
The CAHA's general meeting in 1950 was held in Banff, Alberta. Pickard did not seek a fourth term as president and expected to return to senior hockey in Saskatchewan.<ref name="jun-05-1950">{{cite news|title=Many Big Wigs To Attend CAHA Meet At Banff; Pickard To Head Up WCSHL?|date=June 5, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=12 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-05-1950-2110055/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Olympics Likely Minus Hockey|date=June 6, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-06-1950-2110058/}}</ref>
==Later Saskatchewan hockey career== thumb|upright=0.8|The Allan Cup was the championship trophy for amateur senior ice hockey in Canada.|alt=Silver bowl trophy with two large handles, mounted on a black plinth
Pickard was succeeded as president by Doug Grimston on June 10, 1950.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grimston Heads CAHA|date=June 10, 1950|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=21|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jun-10-1950-2110064/}}</ref> As the past-president, Pickard continued to assist in negotiations between the CAHA and professional leagues until 1954.<ref>{{cite news|title=Puck Chiefs Come To An Agreement|date=May 27, 1952|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=16|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-27-1952-2103267/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pro-Amateur Agreement High On CAHA Agenda|date=January 9, 1954|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jan-09-1954-2101258/}}</ref>
Pickard was elected president of the Western Canada Senior Hockey League (WCSHL) in September 1950,<ref>{{cite news|title=Al Pickard New President WCSHL|date=September 11, 1950|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=6 |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-11-1950-2106361/}}</ref> and succeeded D. P. McDonald who had been league's only president since 1945.<ref name="jun-05-1950" /> The WCSHL became part of the Major Series for senior hockey which was a new Canadian playoffs structure at a higher calibre of competition than the Allan Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pickard Says Major Series Is On Again|date=September 11, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=13|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-11-1950-2097787/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Super-Duper Series|last=Sullivan|first=Jack|author-link=Jack Sullivan (journalist)|date=October 27, 1950|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-oct-27-1950-2117569/}}</ref> The WCSHL was reduced to four members after the season concluded, and the remaining teams chose to become professional and merge into the Pacific Coast Hockey League for the 1951–52 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeyleaguehistory.com/Western_Canada_Senior_Hockey_League_1945.htm|title=Western Canada Senior Hockey League (1945–1951)|website=Hockey League History|access-date=December 14, 2020}}</ref>
With the end of the WCSHL, Pickard returned to overseeing the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League, and served as president of the league for the 1951–52 and 1952–53 seasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=CAHA To Gradually Scrap Icing Puck Rule|date=December 13, 1951|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=15|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-dec-13-1951-2103276/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Senior Title To Regina|date=March 11, 1953|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=10|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-mar-11-1953-2101287/}}</ref> He also became governor of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League in September 1951 to succeed Red Dutton, and welcomed the Edmonton Oil Kings as a new entry to the league.<ref>{{cite news|title=22 Home Games For Juniors|date=September 17, 1951|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=12|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-17-1951-2103278/}}</ref> After two seasons as the league's governor, he was succeeded by Ken Doraty in July 1953.<ref>{{cite news|title=Don Pilling|last=Pilling |first=Don|date=July 28, 1953|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-28-1953-2101275/}}</ref> Pickard also served as a governor of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the 1952–53 and 1953–54 seasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Parry To Head New SJHL Loop|date=July 25, 1952|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=3|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-jul-25-1952-2103258/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=48 Games For Saskatchewan Puck Squads|date=August 17, 1953|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=7|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-aug-17-1953-2101266/}}</ref>
The Quebec Amateur Hockey Association was suspended by the CAHA in February 1953 for not following proper transfer and registration procedures for Ron Attwell. Pickard was asked by the QAHA to be an intermediary with the CAHA for its successful application for reinstatement in May 1953.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chastised Quebec Coming Home|date=May 12, 1953|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=20|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-may-12-1953-2101276/}}</ref>
Pickard was in charge of senior and junior Western Canada playoffs in 1954,<ref>{{cite news|title=Dates Set For Allan Cup Final|date=April 28, 1954|newspaper=Winnipeg Tribune|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=24|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-28-1954-2101240/}}</ref> and was chosen to present the 1955 Memorial Cup which was played in Regina.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pats Gave Everything They Had Says Murray|date=April 30, 1955|newspaper=Lethbridge Herald|location=Lethbridge, Alberta|page=4|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-apr-30-1955-2099382/}}</ref> The CAHA held its general meeting in Regina in May 1955, which marked the first time that the SAHA had hosted the event. Pickard was named a co-manager for the general meeting, along with SAHA president Ken Mayhew.<ref>{{cite news|title=CAHA Decides Hold Parley In Regina|date=February 1, 1955|newspaper=Medicine Hat News|location=Medicine Hat, Alberta|page=6|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-feb-01-1955-2099376/}}</ref>
==Later life and return to Exeter== thumb|upright|Pickard family monument in Exeter Public Cemetery|alt=Large dark grey granite monument with engraved names
Pickard was named a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame inductee selection committee in April 1958, and remained on the committee until June 1964.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hhof.com/induction/selectioncommittee.html|title=Selection Committee|website=Hockey Hall of Fame|access-date=March 12, 2022}}</ref>
Pickard retired in 1960, after working 36 years for the Regina Public School Board. He served as a principal for 30 years, and worked at six schools which included Benson, Strathcona, Davin, Kitchener, Connaught and Herchmer. His hobbies included fishing and golfing. He was a member of the Wascana Golf and Country Club in Regina and served one term as its president. He returned to Ontario in June 1960.<ref name="Leader-Post-1975" />
Pickard soon became involved in civic duties in Exeter and served as the chairman of town's first planning committee. He oversaw the preparation of zoning by-laws and a development strategy, approved by the Government of Ontario in 1965. He later represented Exeter on the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.<ref name="Advocate-p3" />
Pickard died at the South Huron Hospital in Exeter on April 7, 1975.<ref name="Advocate-p1" /><ref name="London-Free-Press" /> He never married and was interred in family plot in Exeter Public Cemetery.<ref name="London-Free-Press" />
==Honours and awards== Pickard received the AHAUS citation award in 1950, for contributions to the game in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usahockey.com/layout_container/show_layout_tab?layout_container_id=27569776&page_node_id=837446&tab_element_id=54968|title=AHAUS citation award|year=1976|website=USA Hockey|access-date=November 22, 2020}}</ref> The SAHA made him the namesake of the Al Pickard Trophy in 1951, to be awarded the championship team of the C-division in the juvenile age group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sha.sk.ca/public/images/files/Past_Provincial_Champions_-_Online.pdf|title=Provincial Champions|year=2017|website=Saskatchewan Hockey Association|access-date=November 23, 2020}}</ref> He received the Ontario Hockey Association Gold Stick Award in 1953, for service to the game in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ohahockey.ca/view/oha/about-us/association-awards/gold-stick|title=Gold Stick Award|year=2020|website=Ontario Hockey Association|access-date=November 22, 2020}}</ref> He was made a life member of both the SAHA and CAHA,<ref name="Legends" /><ref name="SSHOF" /> was an honorary president of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association,<ref name="oct-29-1945" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Dunn Re-elected|last=Smith|first=Maurice|author-link=Maurice Smith (journalist)|date=September 30, 1946|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|location=Winnipeg, Manitoba|page=14|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/sports-clipping-sep-30-1946-2098085/}}</ref> and was inducted into the builder category of the Hockey Hall of Fame on April 27, 1958.<ref name="Advocate-p1" /><ref name="Legends" />
In 1967, Regina honoured Pickard with a plaque for his contributions to the city. The local board of education opened Al Pickard School the same year, and with the roadway in front of school was renamed Pickard Street.<ref name="Advocate-p1" /><ref name="Leader-Post-1975" /> He was inducted into the builder category of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1967,<ref name="SSHOF" /> and was posthumously inducted into the builder category of the Regina Sports Hall of Fame on October 7, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reginasportshalloffame.com/inductees.htm|title=Full List of Inductees|year=2019|website=Regina Sports Hall of Fame|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=September 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904192033/https://www.reginasportshalloffame.com/inductees.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pickard, Al}} Category:1895 births Category:1975 deaths Category:20th-century Canadian educators Category:Canadian Air Force personnel Category:Canadian Amateur Hockey Association presidents Category:Canadian Amateur Hockey Association vice-presidents Category:Canadian conservationists Category:Canadian Expeditionary Force soldiers Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches Category:Canadian ice hockey players Category:Canadian Methodists Category:Canadian schoolteachers Category:Canadian sports builders Category:Canadian sports executives and administrators Category:Canadian urban planners Category:Farmers from Saskatchewan Category:Hockey Hall of Fame inductees Category:Ice hockey people from Ontario Category:Ice hockey people from Regina, Saskatchewan Category:People from Huron County, Ontario Category:Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association executives Category:University of Western Ontario alumni Category:YMCA leaders