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!

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HC CHAMPION: GARRETT MCFADDEN
Garrett McFadden started McFadden’s Movement in 2016 to grow mental health awareness as a member of the Guelph Storm. Now, the Movement continues with Acadia University.
Hockey Canada Community McFadden's Movement
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HC Champion: Scott Henderson
An unwavering commitment to help players fall in love with the game makes Scott Henderson a real Champion of the game.
Hockey Canada Community
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HC Champion: Stu Gershman
After losing his son at 22, Dr. Stu Gershman founded Buddy Check for Jesse to end the stigma around mental health.
Hockey Canada Community
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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HC CHAMPION: SCOTT HENDERSON
An unwavering commitment to starting players the right way through introduction programs like the First Shift, makes Scott Henderson a real Champion of the game.
Hockey Canada Community
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HC Ambassador: B. Nicholson
Bill Nicholson has helped more than 2,000 kids enjoy their first strides through the Timbits program in Thunder Bay.
Hockey Canada Community National Volunteer Week
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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HC Ambassador: Ryan Nelson
Between coaching, refereeing and helping new Canadians, the volunteer has made a second home at Hillsborough Arena.
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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.
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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
Shannon Coulter - September 18, 2021
Coaching as friends
After meeting on the ice as teammates, Piper Hays and Hayley Palmer’s friendship grew stronger when they began coaching together with the Vancouver Angels
Jennifer Robins - September 14, 2021
Telling the stories of our game
The Hockey Canada Community, presented by Scotiabank, returns for a second season of celebrating the best of Canadian hockey
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
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