Celebrating Hockey Canada Champions, Presented by Scotiabank

Hockey Canada and Scotiabank want to shine the light on Canadians who are making a significant impact on our game. Hockey Canada Champions can be a player, coach, official, parent, volunteer or anyone who demonstrates the values important to Canadian hockey.

Together with our 13 Members and valued partner Scotiabank, Hockey Canada is searching for those who lead the way to provide a best-in-class hockey experience for all involved, creating a safe and fun environment where everyone feels welcome and accepted, and has the opportunity to be part of our game!

Know someone who should be celebrated? Help us tell their story – nominate them today!

2021 hc champion gershman
HC CHAMPION: DR. STU GERSHMAN
After losing his son to suicide at 22, Dr. Stu Gershman founded Buddy Check for Jesse, which is working to end the stigma around mental health in the hockey community.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 e j09 ym9r03
HC Champion: Jill Fraser
Jill Fraser helped create a bubble to keep girls’ teams in the Kincardine MHA safely on the ice this season.
Hockey Canada Community
2020 volunteer week dean smith??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Champion: Dean Smith
Dean Smith is leading the charge to ensure hockey is safe and welcoming for anyone in Nova Scotia who wants to play.
Hockey Canada Community
2021 hc champion petrichuk??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Champion: Chris Petrichuk
Chris Petrichuk helped build three all-girls teams in Balcarres, Sask., and resurrected the U18 program in Melville.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 qn0p7 yp y xd
HC Champion: M. Estabrooks
Matt Estabrooks doesn’t just teach hockey, he teaches life skills that will benefit his young players outside the game.
Hockey Canada Community
hockey canada champion andrew boyle??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Champion: Andrew Boyle
He spends hours volunteering and captains his Junior B team. Just 21, Andrew Boyle is a community leader in Antigonish.
Hockey Canada Community
hockey canada champion chantel timmons??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Champion: Chantel Timmons
The LHA president and a hockey mom, Chantel Timmons has spent 13 years making sure the game thrives in Bow Island.
Hockey Canada Community
hockey canada champion kingo??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Champion: Mikael Kingo
A 16-year-old goaltender, Mikael Kingo is making a big impact off the ice, including helping other young netminders.
Hockey Canada Community

- AMBASSADORS BECOME CHAMPIONS -

As of September 2020, Ambassadors have been rebranded to Champions as part of the new-look Hockey Canada Community, presented by Scotiabank. Congratulations to the Canadians who have been previously recognized for their tireless work in their communities, and their efforts to #makehockeymore.

g7 r9 e j09 yb rr03
HC AMBASSADOR: BILL NICHOLSON
Bill Nicholson has been the face of the Timbits program with the Port Arthur MHA for 15 years, helping more than 2,000 kids enjoy their first strides in the game.
Hockey Canada Community National Volunteer Week
g7 r9 y w b ka nyy xj
HC Ambassador: S. Piller
From a simple first step – find a team for his daughter – Shaun Piller has built an entire girls’ hockey program.
Hockey Canada Community National Volunteer Week
g7 r9 lm4j ywey b3
HC Ambassador: Trevor McLellan
In 2010, Caronport had no hockey. Enter Trevor McLellan, who has rebuilt the game in small-town Saskatchewan.
Hockey Canada Community
richard powell large??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Ambassador: Richard Powell
Richard Powell got involved in minor hockey to be part of his kids’ experience, but he ended up a community leader.
Hockey Canada Community
doug lowther large??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Ambassador: Doug Lowther
Doug Lowther has spent more than 30 years as a coach, and half of it has been introducing young players to the game.
Hockey Canada Community
shellany brewer large??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Ambassador: Shellany Brewer
Girls were choosing to leave hockey until Shellany Brewer created the Central Female Hockey Association in New Brunwick.
Hockey Canada Community
roy sakaki large??w=640&h=360&q=60&c=3
HC Ambassador: Roy Sakaki
Roy Sakaki loves the game as much as anyone, and the City of Salmon Arm wouldn’t be the same without its ‘Mr. Hockey.’
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 ap b m a zb9 b z
HC Ambassador: Andrea Laycock
With tireless behind-the-scenes efforts in hockey and soccer in Chilliwack, Andrea Laycock makes the most of her 24 hours.
Hockey Canada Community Hockey Canada Foundation
g7 r9 je0 w6vgo x k
HC Ambassador: Sharon Oldford
After seeing para hockey close to home in Yellowknife, Sharon Oldford has become a champion of the sport in the North.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 6p x p ne9w b9
HC Ambassador: Ava Foote
An accident left her young hockey career in doubt, but the eight-year-old Nova Scotian never took no for an answer.
Hockey Canada Community Hockey Canada Foundation
g7 r9 1 v0 yzk e o b8
HC Ambassador: Justin Charest
Born with a congenital malformation in his knees, the 11-year-old persevered to make his minor hockey dreams a reality.
g7 r9 lm4j yavb b3
HC Ambassador: Paul Rutherford
More than 50 years after he first pulled on the stripes, the long-time official has become a Saskatchewan hockey staple.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 lm4j y yl r b3
HC Ambassador: Eric Payne
Not wanting to give up the game following a motorcycle accident, Eric has become a leader for sledge hockey on P.E.I.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 je0 w66 e g x k
HC Ambassador: Eleanor Muir
More than 30 years after she first pulled on the stripes, the grandmother continues to mentor young officials in Russell.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 o v4aqq e948
HC Ambassadors: Jennifer & Drew James
The couple is dedicated to making the West Carleton MHA better, planning events off the ice and developing skills on it.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 gp b8 k wy909
Who’s your Hockey Canada Ambassador?
Calling all Canadians! Who makes hockey happen in your community? Nominate a local leader as a Hockey Canada Ambassador.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 8 z xr3 lm0 v l
HC Ambassador: Morgan Mullin
She is a former player, a coach, a mother and a driving force behind the 2017 Esso Cup, helping develop the female game.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 3q0 oqn a4 j9
HC Ambassador: Mike Campbell
His birth certificate says 91 years old, but the New Waterford, N.S., native isn’t ready to hang up his skates quite yet.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 3q0 oq lv4 j9
HC Ambassador: Michael Small
He has only lived in Sanikiluaq for a few years, but Michael Small is changing lives by giving young girls a chance to play.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 m v b d g yl0 nn
HC Ambassador: Kobe Poulin
Born without his left arm, eight-year-old Kobe Poulin is overcoming obstacles and leaving his mark on hockey in Regina.
Hockey Canada Community
g7 r9 o v4a o k r08g
HC Ambassador: Ian Corkin
He fills a role behind the scenes, but it’s his dedication to the sport that proves he’s deserving of the spotlight.
g7 r9 o v4a o eb08g
HC Ambassador: Ryan Nelson
Between coaching, refereeing and helping new Canadians, the volunteer has made a second home at Hillsborough Arena.
g7 r9 j l4me zq4b9
HC Ambassador: Nolan Moores
The seven-year-old has faced his struggle with autism on and off the ice, but his love for Canada’s game has never faltered.
g7 r9 gn0g kz d0kr
HC Ambassadors: Lebouthillier and Lewis
Involved with the Capital City Condors since 2007, Shawn and Lloyd make sure everyone has a chance to play Canada’s game.
presented by Scotiabank
Community News
Around Canada
Lee Boyadjian - June 25, 2021
Power skills, power people
A hockey camp created by Wacey Rabbit and supported by the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta is giving Indigenous kids a place to be kids
Wendy Graves - May 14, 2021
Paying it forward
It was a simple request and one that was even simpler to fulfill, since the Central York Junior Panthers were giving back all along
Madison Koekkoek - January 22, 2021
Spirit of the season
Teamwork was on display as players worked together across Canada to give back to their communities
Madison Koekkoek - December 21, 2020
Warming hearts and heads
A simple idea – toques from old hockey socks – became a labour of love for three friends, and a way for the hockey community to give back
Madison Koekkoek - October 14, 2020
A different kind of road trip
The 330-kilometre walk to help get Aries Benuen back to school was about more than hockey – it was about community, culture and the values of the Innu First Nation
September 21, 2020
Hockey Canada Community, presented by Scotiabank, launched for 2020-21 season
Program to recognize monthly ‘Champion’ making a significant impact on the game
Wendy Graves - April 24, 2020
For their love of the game
Tanya Noble has volunteered innumerable – and invaluable – hours to the Tri-County Minor Hockey Association for one simple reason: to give all kids a chance to enjoy the sport
Chris Jurewicz - April 22, 2020
Looking to the future
Dean Smith has helped lead the charge for diversity and inclusion in Nova Scotia, getting a new generation of African Nova Scotians, including his two young sons, onto the ice
Paul Edmonds - April 20, 2020
Doing it all in Dewberry
Whether he’s coaching his kids, flooding the ice, sharpening skates or running the minor hockey association, there isn’t much Vern Nolin doesn’t volunteer his time for in his small town
Chris Jurewicz - November 11, 2019
Forces at play
CPO1 Line Laurendeau has two loves in life – hockey and the Canadian Forces – and both have played leading roles in shaping the person she is
Wallis Snowdon, CBC News - November 24, 2017
'Such an incredible rush': Blind hockey puts Edmonton man back between the pipes
Lorne Webber listens intently for the rattle and clang of the puck before he dives in the net.
Darren Desaulniers - Ottawa Sun - November 18, 2017
'It's amazing': 14-year-old Ottawa boy with prosthetic shines as hockey goaltender
An “able bodied” person is, technically, defined as someone who is strong and healthy with no physical disability.
CTV Atlantic - October 4, 2017
Sydney hockey player uses 50/50 sales to sign up friend who couldn’t play
An 11-year-old Cape Breton hockey player has raised enough money through 50/50 sales to help another boy register for the hockey season.
Colleen Schmidt -CTV Calgary - September 12, 2017
Garth Brooks gives back to Calgary kids at weekend hockey camp
American country music superstar Garth Brooks teamed up with Calgary Flames players and Team Canada alumni on the weekend to share life lessons and the ice with some of Calgary’s young hockey players.
Global News Calgary - September 11, 2017
Calgary event brings India’s all-girls hockey team to WickFest
Athletes Shelli Oaks and Sky Mathew join Global Calgary to talk about what inspired them to bring an all-girls hockey team from India to WickFest 2018.
John Robertson, CBC News - January 31, 2017
'Big hearts': St. Albert peewee hockey team helps Hope Mission
Players on a St. Albert peewee hockey team made a difference Sunday night in Edmonton's inner city, handing out bag lunches and donated clothing to people in need.
Eric Francis - Calgary Herald - December 20, 2016
Hockey community steps up big-time to help sister of murder victim continue to pursue her passion
Jody Porter, CBC News - December 15, 2016
First Nations girls suit up with donated gear for newly formed hockey team
Sportsnet Staff-Rob Kerr - November 29, 2016
Hockey Canada President & CEO, Tom Renney, discusses grassroots hockey
Mike Sanderson - Yahoo Sports - November 22, 2016
Playing for his mom, Cape Breton's Adam McCormick raises awareness for organ donation
Skating with the QMJHL team has provided the 16-year-old with a little refuge from what he and his family are facing.
Videos
Photos
More
GTG: Global Girls’ Game in St. John’s
40 players gathered for hockey, culture and empowerment.
2019 WGIHW: Canadians celebrate women’s hockey
The women’s game was in the spotlight Oct. 4-6 during the ninth annual World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend.
DEV: Girls go global in Calgary
Calgary hosted female players from every corner of the country for the Canadian leg of the IIHF Global Girls’ Game.
2018 WGHW: Celebrating the female game
Canada joined with 41 countries around the world as part of the eighth annual World Girls’ Hockey Weekend
More
Recent News
Most Popular
MORE