Bonnyville Pontiacs Honour Ron Rusnak’s Nearly Three Decades of Service

The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs are recognizing one of the organization’s longest-serving volunteers as Ron Rusnak officially retires from the team’s executive board after nearly 30 years of service.

Over the course of his tenure, Rusnak filled several key leadership roles with the AJHL club, including president, vice-president, treasurer, governor and director, helping guide the Pontiacs through decades of growth and change.

Rusnak first joined the organization in 1997 as a director before taking on additional responsibilities as treasurer and vice-president over the following years. After stepping away, he returned to the board in 2006 as treasurer, serving in that role until 2014.

In 2018, Rusnak once again answered the call, this time taking over as president. He remained in the position until 2025, when he stepped aside to help ensure a smooth leadership transition to current president Corey Wandler.

With that transition now complete, Rusnak has officially concluded his time with the organization after countless hours spent in board meetings, game nights and behind-the-scenes team operations.

“After spending 20 years with the Jr Pontiacs, it is time for me to step back and let some new faces come on board and experience the satisfaction of being a part of this outstanding organization,” said Rusnak.

“I have the utmost confidence in the people running the team and the personnel they have assembled.”

During his time as president, Rusnak’s financial and business experience proved invaluable. He played a key role in helping stabilize the franchise during challenging times, including securing a loan through Lakeland Credit Union that helped strengthen the organization’s long-term future.

Pontiacs Vice-President of Operations Neil Langridge said Rusnak’s contributions have left a lasting mark on the franchise.

“Our organization wouldn’t be here today without the contributions of so many community members, who have been woven into the fabric of the Bonnyville Pontiacs,” said Langridge.

“As we embark on our 35th season of operations, it’s important to recognize Ron, who has held the longest concurrent tenure as president in Bonnyville Pontiacs history.”

As the Pontiacs prepare to celebrate their 35th season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the organization is encouraging community members interested in supporting the club to consider joining the executive board.

For Rusnak, the greatest reward wasn’t measured in wins and losses, but in the people he met and the young athletes he helped along the way.

“I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some outstanding people and will cherish the relationships. It has been an honour to help promote so many young athletes to the next level of their hockey dreams,” he said.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs thanked Rusnak and his family for their years of dedication, leadership and commitment to the organization, recognizing his legacy as one that will continue to shape the club for years to come.