The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association is saddened to announce the passing of longtime member and hockey advocate Ray Kraemer at the age of 71.

Kraemer was MAHA’s vice president of adult hockey for a quarter of a century, overseeing all adult hockey in the state of Michigan and acting as chairperson of the state adult playoff committee.

He spent countless years serving the game of hockey and its participants, holding various coaching, administrative and leadership roles to support and grow the game at the state and national levels.

“The Michigan hockey community has lost an impressive individual,” said MAHA president George Atkinson. “Ray Kraemer meant a great deal to us, and he meant a great deal to the sport he cherished so dearly. The world won’t be the same place without him.”

At the national level, Kraemer served as a USA Director from MAHA for 18 years, working as a member of the USA Adult Council. As part of the Adult Council he helped expand adult hockey offerings including helping to develop what are now the USA Adult Classic  tournaments in Michigan.

Kraemer was recognized for his work with the adult hockey community when he was named the USA Hockey Adult Member of the Year in 2005.

A native of Clinton Township, he also worked as a District 3 district playoff coordinator and treasurer.

Kraemer also played an instrumental role helping develop and beta test the USA Hockey on-line player registration system and worked tirelessly to help organize and put on the first-ever USA Disabled Festival, which took place in Fraser in 2005.

His full hockey resume:

• USA Director from MAHA – 18 years
• MAHA Adult Director/Vice President – 24years
• District 3 Council and Director – 24 years
• MAHA Committees:
  • Rules Committee – 9 years
  • State Tournament Committee – 24 years
  • Guidebook Committee – 25 years
• Special Committees:
  • Physical & Sexual Abuse Committee
  • National Playoffs Committee
  • Redistricting Committee
  • Awards Committee
  • Arena Relations Committee
• Fraser Youth Hockey Club Board of Directors – 10 Years
• Fraser Youth Hockey Club President – 2 Years
• Adray Community Hockey League Board of Directors – 16 Years
• Adray Community Hockey League President – 2 years

Kraemer was also a Level 4 certified coach.

Away from the rink, Kraemer was a long-time employee of General Motors before retiring and giving even more of his time to hockey.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, son John and daughter-in-law Regina, and grandchildren Jack and Kylie.