W. A. Hewitt

W. A. Hewitt, affectionately known as Billy Hewitt, was a prominent Canadian sports executive and journalist whose influence spanned several decades. Born on May fifteenth, eighteen seventy-five, he dedicated his life to the advancement of sports in Canada, particularly in hockey and football. Hewitt served as the secretary of the Ontario Hockey Association from nineteen hundred three until nineteen sixty-six, and he was the sports editor of the Toronto Daily Star from nineteen hundred to nineteen thirty-one.

His contributions to hockey were monumental; he played a pivotal role in establishing the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and held various key positions within the organization, including secretary-treasurer and registrar. Hewitt was instrumental in standardizing player registrations across Canada and was a key figure in negotiating agreements with the National Hockey League. His leadership extended to overseeing referees and establishing common rules of play for both amateur and professional leagues.

Beyond hockey, Hewitt made significant strides in Canadian football, managing the Toronto Argonauts and serving as vice-president of the Ontario Rugby Football Union. He was also a steward in horse racing, dedicating over three decades to the sport. His legacy continued through his family, as he was the father of radio sports announcer Foster Hewitt and the grandfather of television sports commentator Bill Hewitt.

In addition to his extensive career, Hewitt was a life member of both the OHA and the CAHA, and he was honored with multiple accolades, including induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His later years were marked by personal tragedy, including a car accident that claimed his wife's life and a heart attack during a tour in Czechoslovakia. Despite these challenges, his contributions to Canadian sports remain celebrated and enduring.