Mike Robinson Memorial Award
Honouring a Ridgeback whose legacy will live on.
Ontario Tech University and the Ridgeback community are proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Mike Robinson, a beloved teammate, student and friend whose impact extended far beyond the ice.
Mike, affectionately known as “Mikey Robs,” played five seasons with the Ridgebacks Men’s Hockey team (2014–2018), appearing in 114 games. A natural goal scorer, he ranks third all-time in program history with 48 goals and fourth with 89 points. But while his record-setting performances defined his time as a player, it was his leadership, charisma, and kindness that defined him as a person.
A Leader On and Off the Ice
In 2017–18, Mike joined the inaugural Ridgeback Leadership Council, serving as Vice President of Athlete Engagement. His energy and enthusiasm helped bridge the gap between the men’s hockey team and the broader athletics community, inspiring his teammates to support other Ridgeback teams and become active members of campus life.
“Mike was always very vocal in rounding up his teammates to get out and support the other sports here on campus,” recalls Head Coach Curtis Hodgins. “He truly was the driving force behind a culture change that made our team such an important part of the athletics community.”
That spirit of connection still lives on in today’s Men’s Hockey program, a testament to the culture Mike helped build.
A Student, Teammate, and Friend Who Made an Impact
A Stouffville, Ontario native, Mike graduated from the Communications and Digital Media Studies program in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. His professors describe him as kind, curious, respectful, and family-oriented.
“He went out of his way to include people and always came to class with a positive attitude,” shared Amanda Robinson, Academic Associate, Educational Studies.
Dr. Sharon Lauricella, Professor of Communication and Digital Media Studies, remembers Mike’s commitment to his family:
“In his fourth year, Mike worked on a multimedia project with his Nonna, who had Alzheimer’s. He wanted to preserve her recipes and raise awareness about the disease. He documented their time together, learning to cook family meals, finding joy, peace, and connection through that experience. His compassion and dedication shone through everything he did.”
Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos, Associate Teaching Professor, added:
“Mike was attentive, kind, and eager to learn. I’ll always remember the pride he took in his Ridgeback family. He loved hockey, his teammates, and his university community. Mike will be dearly missed.”
Leaving a Legacy for Future Ridgebacks
To honour Mike’s remarkable impact, Ontario Tech has established the Mike Robinson Memorial Award, supporting the next generation of Men’s Hockey Ridgebacks who embody his values of leadership, teamwork and community spirit.
Your gift to this award will help ensure that Mike’s legacy continues to inspire future Ridgebacks, both on and off the ice.
“Mikey Robs was one of the more impactful players to ever wear the Ridgebacks jersey. He was a terrific player on the ice, but more importantly, he had a special energy and charisma that endeared him to everyone around him. Mikey will be greatly missed.” - Curtis Hodgins, Head Coach, Men’s Hockey
Your donation to the Mike Robinson Memorial Award will help future student-athletes pursue excellence in sport, in the classroom, and in their community, just as Mike did every day.
Ontario Tech University employees can also support this fund through monthly payroll donations.
All donations of $10 or more will receive a charitable receipt.
Credit card donations
Our commitment is to ensure a sustainable, transparent, and efficient philanthropic program. To help achieve this, 5% of donations to expendable funds, with the exception of student financial support, are used to partially offset the costs of receipting, administering, tracking and distributing funds. Thank you for your support.