Angelo D’Amico shares faith, integrity of legendary father

Angelo D’Amico says he officiated in the National Hockey League the way his father, John, an NHL Hockey Hall of Fame official, taught him: with faith and integrity.

“I can look at my faith and my beliefs as a foundation of where I lead from, and where I come from,” D’Amico told The Catholic Register.

D’Amico, 49, said he brings this winning mindset, and his commitment to faith, personal integrity and the local community to his life post-retirement as an NHL official. This same commitment to living a life with integrity is seen in D’Amico’s new life off the ice as a real estate broker in Mississauga, Ont., west of Toronto, and his current involvement with the Knights of Columbus.

The younger D’Amico joined the St. Christopher’s Parish Knights of Columbus about four years ago, and has been a key driver of its event known as “Hockey Knight in Canada.” He credits two men for this drive: Jesus and his father.

“I have to use Jesus as an example again. Jesus was always consistent in everything He did. He led with the same purpose and when you look at my Dad’s career, leading up to the day he passed, he led with purpose. He led with integrity, he led with love and the legacy that he left touched, moved and inspired so many people and I have to say that I attribute that to his faith and commitment to that part of his life,” D’Amico said. 

This year’s second annual hockey fundraiser on April 15 will benefit Mississauga’s first residential hospice palliative-care centre, said St. Christopher’s Parish Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Michael Camilleri. The hospice hasn’t opened yet but is projected to have 220 long-term care beds available and a hospice centre. Mississauga is Canada’s sixth-largest city with a population of more than 600,000 people.

For Camilleri, the issue hits home. Camilleri said his father had to travel to a neighbouring hospice in Oakville, Ont., instead of staying in the area where he lived.

Camilleri said St. Christopher’s Knights of Columbus Council 12372 is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. There are 60 registered members, with 12 to 15 active members. The Council has raised money for the local food bank, women’s shelters and youth programs.

Camilleri appreciates D’Amico’s energy, his new ideas and community connections.

“(Angelo) has no fear of going to talk to people,” he said. “If you don’t ask, you don’t receive.” 

D’Amico followed his father into the NHL where he was a linesman from 2000 to 2006. Reflecting upon his father’s on-ice legacy, D’Amico said, “He absolutely, and I’m not just saying this because he’s my Dad, but (he was) one of the most respected and admired officials ever to step onto the ice in the NHL or professional hockey. And today, that still holds true. A lot of people have very fond memories of him on the ice and off the ice.”

John D’Amico was a linesman from 1964 to 1987 and after hanging up the skates would become a supervisor of officials. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993. He would pass after a battle with leukemia in 2005.