Steve Bienkowski
Inducted In
2019
Synonymous with professionalism on and off the ice, Steve Bienkowski has been essential to the Kitchener Rangers’ success for nearly 40 years.
Originally from Oshawa, Steve first joined the Rangers in 1979 as a player. He was a team member when the Rangers’ won their first Ontario Hockey League (OHL) championship in 1980-1981.
After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University, Steve became a chartered accountant in 1986 and had a successful business career prior to returning to the Rangers in the 1990s.
He served for six years on the Rangers’ Board of Directors Executive Committee. After significantly improving the professional operation and financial stability of the Rangers, Steve was appointed the Club’s first Chief Operating Officer in 2002. He is responsible for the operations of the franchise and represents the Rangers as an OHL Governor.
In addition, under Steve’s leadership the Rangers have created partnerships with Kitchener Minor Hockey (Junior and Lady Rangers programs), Cambridge Ice Hounds and Kitchener Ice Pirates (inclusive hockey programs), KW Poppy Fund, Grand River Hospital Foundation (Clarky’s Kids), and numerous other not-for-profit organizations.
For all of his contributions, Steve has twice received the OHL’s Executive of the Year award, in 2002-2003 and 2011-2012.
His lead role in assembling a bid for and hosting a Memorial Cup in 2008 is widely recognized as one of the most successful and memorable events in Waterloo Region sporting history.