Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series that returns for it's fourth installment during the 2019-20 season. The segment features former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and the success they have enjoyed since leaving Laurier. Written by award-winning journalist David Grossman, different features will be released throughout the year that will emphasize the role Athletics and Recreation played in helping them achieve success.Steve Bienkowski: Chief Operating Officer, Kitchener RangersHe's the kind of jovial individual, modest, too, but mindful of fascinating stories that could entertain for hours.
There's no doubt that sports shaped Steve Bienkowski, but there is quite a bit more about how he approached life with enthusiasm, success and indefatigability.
Bienkowski has his roots in Oshawa and, as a youngster, community baseball was big time back then along with a thirst for high school sports.
It wasn't until his ninth birthday that hockey entered the picture. A quick learner, Bienkowski was embedded with talent and for him, things progressed quickly.
He attended Courtice High, but it wasn't for long. His father saw opportunities for his son and Bienkowski was off to a Toronto private school known for excellence in sport and academics - St. Michael's College School. But, there was more movement to come, and Bienkowski would go on to finish grade school in Kitchener.
It turns out, that hockey had lots to do with the shuffling of secondary schools.
Talented and fixated with prosperity, Bienkowski, who had heard the jokes about his early days of skating, got attached to playing goal.
“There was always time for road hockey but, I was eight or nine years old, a late bloomer for ice hockey and had some used skates from my dad,” recalled Bienkowski about his early years in the sport.
Things progressed for him - and quickly, too.
Bienkowski joined the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League as a player during the 1979-80 season after graduating from the St. Michaels Majors, who had won an Ontario silver medal. During the 1980-81 season, he was a member of the Kitchener's first OHL championship and Memorial Cup team.
“It was after St. Mike's that I was advised of a great program at Laurier,” he said. “I liked Laurier's Business programs and things worked out quite well. I got my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and remember getting seven job offers after graduating from Laurier.”
At Laurier, Bienkowski received quite a bit more attention playing a big role for the Golden Hawks. He was a member of the school's first Ontario University Athletic
Association's championship team in 1982/83 . One year later, Bienkowski was selected as a First Team OUAA all-star. In 1984/85, his name was on the list of First Team all stars in Canadian university hockey.
It was impressive for a player who was the target of friendly jokes from teammates about him being the worst skater on the team. Bienkowski would respond by saying he was the smartest as well, because he never got hurt despite stopping pucks that came his way at very high speeds.
“Laurier was great, more than just achievement - and I got more going there than I could ever have imagined,” he said. “It was small and you just knew everyone. School was important to me and I benefited from an excellent education. Hockey was huge, too, and I gained many friends for life.”
After Laurier, he focused on a career in economics and accounting. Bienkowski was hired by Clarkson, Gordon and Co., a leader in Canada. That company would merge with Ernst and Young, a large professional services organization, and Bienkowski would become a Vice President.
Hockey was back in the picture in 2002, when Bienkowski joined the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League as Chief Operating Officer, and turned it into a model franchise.
The top job came after he had served six previous years as a member of the OHL team's Board of Directors as its volunteer President and Financial Officer. He was a two-time recipient of the OHL's Executive of the Year award.
“There is always pressure to win, but in life you learn there is also more to winning hockey games,” he said. “You're in a community, like Kitchener, where you're part of what goes on and you support it as best as you can.”
Bienkowski received a special award from the Governor General of Canada in recognition of his many years of volunteer work with St. John Ambulance.
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David Grossman is a multi award-winning communicator and storyteller with a distinguished career in Broadcasting, Journalism and Public Relations in Sport and Government Relations. In 2018, he was the recipient of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Media Member of Distinction. 2016-17 FeaturesSteve Griggs - Chief Executive Officer and President, Tampa Bay LightningSophie Kotsopoulos - Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey LeagueMike McKenna - Former Director, Telecom, Media and Technology Investment BankingNicole Lee - Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey LeagueMike Bartlett - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment FoundationRebecca Watts - Manager, 2017 World Junior Hockey ChampionshipHugh Lawson - Director of Business Development, Staples Promotional ProductsCheryl Pounder - Former Canadian National Women's Hockey Team MemberJohn Morris - 2010 Olympic Men's Curling Gold MedalistBill Burke - Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Niagara Ice Dogs2017-18 FeaturesTania Pedron - Manager of Administration and Operations, Maple Leafs Sport and EntertainmentWayne Kemick - BMO Wealth AdvisorDenise Burke - President, Niagara Ice DogsKevin McDonald - Vice President of Football Operations and Player Safety, CFLDr. Megan Yaraskavitch - NeurologistAndrew Agro - Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Business Development, New York JetsMarcia Powers-Dunlop - Senior Manager of Professional Support Services, Toronto District School BoardJoe Vernon - Lawyer, Miller CanfieldEmily Rudow - Founder, Oneiric HockeyTodd Cooney - Vice President and Broker, CBRE LimitedJennifer Elliott - Sports Information Officer, uOttawa Gee-GeesRohan Thompson - Social Worker and Professor, Conestoga CollegeDr. Fiona Aiston - Family DoctorJeremy Hedges - Founder and President, InksmithSadie Anderson - FirefighterAndrea Elliott - Sports Information Specialist, Ryerson RamsAlyssa Lagonia - Professional Soccer Player2018-19 FeaturesAshley Stephenson - Teacher and member of Canada's national women's baseball programJ.R. Edwards - General Manager/Country Director, Carlsberg USAGinger Whitney - Vice President, Whitney and Company Realty LimitedSandy Nixon - Loopstra Nixon law firmChristina Polano - LawyerDonnie Ruiz - CFL alum, artist, personal trainer, and award-winning body builderJahmeeks Beckford - Support Worker, Carizon Family and Community ServicesMelanie Witzell - Founder and Agency Director, Mad Hatter TechnologyEric Calder - Owner and President, Skills Plus HockeyRyan MacDonald - Strength and Conditioning Coach, Volleyball Canada National Beach Team2019-20 FeaturesChrissy McEwan - Account Executive, Detroit PistonsIan Noble - LawyerTamika Marks-Grant - Marketing & Branding, Canadian Olympic CommitteeDean Boles - Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Swim OntarioAndrew Quattrin - Professional Rugby Player, Toronto ArrowsScott Driscoll - NHL Official
