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Awards and Scholarships

Every year at the Annual Congress, BC Hockey presents its yearly awards to members and volunteers that have shown dedication to hockey in B.C. and Yukon through the development and governance of our game. The awards recognizes outstanding achievements in all areas of our game from the grassroots player to its volunteer Executive Committee. A call for nominations occurs in the latter part of the hockey season. All nominations are reviewed and winners chosen by a committee. 

Diamond Stick Award

2023-24 RECIPIENT: NONIE MIYAZAKI

Diamond Stick Award

This award honours an individual who has provided outstanding service to the game of hockey for 10 or more years. The meritorious service may be provided to national or international hockey programs, BC Hockey or its member clubs.

Chair of the Board Award

2023-24 RECIPIENT: MAEGAN THOMPSON

Chair of the Board Award

This award is given to a Minor Hockey Association (MHA) showing the greatest percentage increase in player registration over the previous years registration or to an individual, team, league or Association that has brought honour to the amateur hockey fraternity through an outstanding humanitarian endeavour.

Indigenous Impact and Legacy Award

2023-24 RECIPIENT: CALVIN SWUSTUS JR.

Indigenous Impact and Legacy Award

This award will be presented to an individual, team, league or Association that has demonstrated a commitment to increase Indigenous inclusivity and participation in the sport of hockey.

BC Hockey Safety Award

2023-24 RECIPIENT: BRAD BEMIS

BC Hockey Safety Award

This annual award acknowledges outstanding service by a volunteer who has devoted his or her time to assist safety and risk management within BC Hockey.

Frank Spring Award - Minor Hockey Association of the Year

2023-24 RECIPIENT: LANGLEY MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Frank Spring Award - Minor Hockey Association of the Year

Each season, a Minor Hockey Association is recognized by BC Hockey in honour of Frank Spring, past president and life member of BC Hockey. Awarded annually to the minor hockey association judged to have made an outstanding contribution to its community by providing a properly organized program where a youngster can learn the basic skills and the fundamentals of good hockey.

Ernie Gare Award - Coach of the Year

2023-24 RECIPIENT: KAREN KOS

Ernie Gare Award - Coach of the Year

This award is awarded to BC Hockey's top coach who shows leadership to players, demonstrates skill development and has a sound philosophy. Winning is a consideration but is not the only consideration. This award is given in memory of the late Ernie Gare of Nelson, BC who demonstrated what BC Hockey feels are the ideal elements of a coach.

Official of the Year Award

2023-24 RECIPIENT: MELISSA BRUNN

Official of the Year Award

This award is given to an official that exemplifies dedication and support for the BC Hockey Officiating Program, BC Hockey and Hockey Canada Rules and Regulations. He or she also contributes to hockey beyond the on-ice requirements and combines leadership and ability both on and off the ice. This person must be carded for the year to be eligible.

Development Award - Coaching

2023-24 RECIPIENT: BRIAN SUGIYAMA

Development Award - Coaching

This award is for service to the National Coaches Certification Program in BC Hockey. The purpose of this award is to annually acknowledge outstanding service by a volunteer who has devoted his or her time to assist coaching within BC Hockey.

Mike Landucci Development Award - Officiating

2023-24 RECIPIENT: LARRY LENARDUZZI

Mike Landucci Development Award - Officiating

This award recognizes outstanding service by a volunteer who has devoted their time to assist officiating in BC Hockey.

Resources

All graduating high school members, we have scholarships for you! That's right BC Hockey has a big list of scholarships to help you pay for your post secondary education.

These scholarships are awarded annually and they range in value between $500 to $2,000. Pay for a couple of classes or your books!

Are you eligible? Let's find out.

- Your graduating year of high school is at the conclusion of this school year
- Currently a registered member of BC Hockey or;
- a former member of BC Hockey currently playing in the Western Hockey League. What will you be evaluated on?
- Academic achievement
- Sportsmanship
- Hockey participation
- Quality of your contribution to your school and community

Make sure to apply today and get some help paying for your education!  

Applications for scholarships has closed for the 2022-23 season. Applications for scholarships for the 2023-24 season will open at the end of March 2024. More details will be released as they become available.

Vancouver Canucks Alumni Scholarships

Dan Hamhuis Scholarship

Dan Hamhuis (Smithers, BC) moved to Prince George to play Junior hockey with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL in 1998. Hamhuis spent four (4) seasons with the Cougars and was drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2001, twelfth overall. Dan played his first season in the NHL in 2003-2004 but played his next year in the AHL due to the NHL Lockout. Hamhuis had incredible success on the international stage, competing for Canada nine (9) different times, at the World Junior Championship, World Championship and Winter Olympics. He has won two (2) World Championship gold and an Olympic gold, claimed two (2) World Championship silver and a World Junior silver and bronze. Hamhuis has played over 1,000 NHL games, making him a Silver Stick recipient, the nineteenth player from BC to achieve this milestone.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Jayden Whitford Fort St. John MHA
2021-22 Shawn Fisher Quesnel MHA 
2020-21  Hamel Jackson Terrace MHA
Doug Lidster Scholarship

Doug Lidster (Kamloops, BC) was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the seventh round of the 1980 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft. Lidster played 10 seasons in Vancouver, and served as an alternate captain for many years, before being traded to the New York Rangers in 1993. The Rangers beat the Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals of 1994, the same season Lidster was traded to the team. Lidster was a part of Team Canada on a few separate occasions and won two (2) silver medals at the World Championship. Following his retirement as a player in 1999, he moved to coaching, and has worked as an assistant coach for the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League (AHL), and his former team the Vancouver Canucks. Lidster also helped the national women’s team win Olympic gold in 2010, when he was an assistant coach on the team. Doug Lidster was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Sam Zulyniak Thompson Blazers
2021-22 Mason Ouchi Summerland Steam (KIJHL)
2020-21  Manny Panghli  Kamloops MHA

Cesare Maniago Scholarship

Cesare Maniago (Trail, BC) learned to play hockey in a town rich with hockey history and played all over before finding a steady job with the Minnesota North Stars. Prior to him joining the North Stars, Maniago played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers in the NHL. After nine (9) seasons with Minnesota, Maniago moved to Vancouver, where he would play two (2) seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before retiring. Maniago didn’t win any professional championships but won the Allan Cup with the Chatham Maroons in 1960, beating his hometown Smoke Eaters in the finals. Cesare Maniago was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Gabriella Campbell Grand Forks MHA
2021-22 Jake Manigo Greater Trail MHA
2020-21  Sam McLaren Greater Trail MHA
Willie Mitchell Scholarship

Willie Mitchell (Port McNeill, BC) was taken in the eighth round by the New Jersey Devils in 1996 NHL Draft. After two (2) years playing NCAA with Clarkson University, Mitchell bounced between the NHL and the AHL until the 2001-2002 season with the Minnesota Wild. Over the course of his career, Willie played for six (6) NHL teams: The Devils, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, LA Kings and Florida Panthers. He played 907 games in the NHL and scored 180 points. Mitchell won two (2) Stanley Cups during his time in Los Angeles and won gold at the 2004 World Championship with team Canada. Willie Mitchell was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Regan Chaplin Capital Region Female MHA
2021-22 Theodore St-Denis Peninsula Panthers (VIJHL)
2020-21  Norman Cheyenne Victoria MHA
Darcy Rota Scholarship

Darcy Rota was born in Vancouver, BC but played minor hockey in Prince George. Rota was a member of the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Canada Hockey League (now the Western Hockey League), and twice became WCHL champions with the Oil Kings during his three (3) seasons with the team. Rota was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1973 and played five (5) seasons in Chicago before being dealt to the Atlanta Flames during the 1978-1979 campaign. Rota finished his 11-year NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1984, playing a total of 794 NHL games and scoring 495 points. Following his on-ice career, Rota spent 14 years as the owner, general manager, and president for the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express from 2000 to 2014. Darcy Rota was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Mitchell Kehler Fraser Valley Thunderbirds
2021-22 Ryan Torok Langley MHA
2020-21  Jared Hall Burnaby MHA

BC Hockey Scholarships

Excellence and Extraordinary Scholarship

BC Hockey's most prestigious scholarship is awarded based on outstanding achievements both on the ice and in the classroom.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Casey Bergen Chetwynd & District MHA
2022-23 Wyatt Howell Semiahmoo MHA
2021-22 Katherine (Katie) Liu Burnaby MHA
2021-22 Sage Jull Capital Region Female MHA
Bruce Allison Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded in memory of the late Bruce Allison of Richmond. Allison was BC Hockey’s 26th president. He was instrumental in establishing and pursuing scholarship opportunities for members of BC Hockey and advocated the pursuit of educational goals through hockey excellence.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Rylan Hadden Port Moody AHA
2021-22 Alex Oh Richmond Jets MHA
Jeff Butler Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded in memory of the late Jeff Butler who was fatally injured during a Junior A game in September 1985. Jeff was a dedicated young man with rare qualities of character and determination.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Neala Gair Capital Region Female MHA
2021-22 Nathan Chu Richmond Jets MHA
Ted Hargreaves Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded in the memory of the late Ted Hargreaves of Nelson who was an integral part of hockey development and coaching. He also combined his passion for hockey with his artistic abilities, illustrating instructional manuals for Hockey Canada. This award was first presented in 2005-2006.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Alexis Kamiya South Delta MHA
2021-22 Esther Boelema Greater Vancouver Comets (U18F AAA)
BFL Jim Stirling Memorial Scholarship

B.F Lorenzetti (BFL) is the insurance provider for Hockey Canada and its Branches. One of their objectives is to assist in the funding of young athletes and officials. In an effort to honor the contributions of long serving BFL colleague and friend Jim Stirling, BFL Canada has decided to change the name of the BFL Canada Risk and Insurance Scholarship program to the Jim Stirling Scholarship Program donated by BFL Canada.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Conner Turnbull Ridge Meadows MHA
2021-22 Samantha Kingcott Capital Region Female MHA
BC Hockey District Scholarships

BC Hockey Scholarships are awarded to recognize and enhance the opportunities presented when furthering one’s education. District Scholarships are awarded to players from each of BC Hockey’s eight (8) Districts: Lower Mainland (2), Okanagan (2), Vancouver Island (2), East Kootenay (1), West Kootenay (1), North Central (1), North East/Yukon (1), North West (1)

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Zachary Carlyle Terrace MHA - North West
2022-23 Cassandra Cebuliak  Whitehorse MHA - North East
2022-23 Koji Kasubuchi North Shore Winter Club - Lower Mainland
2022-23 Rachel Lee Vancouver Island Seals - Vancouver Island
2022-23 Payton Lovell Quesnel MHA - North Central
2022-23 Reanne Muller North Okanagan MHA - Okanagan
2021-22 Madison Roe Windermere Valley MHA - East Kootenay
2021-22 Nathan Medeiros Nelson MHA - West Kootenay
2021-22 Alicia Zhan Burnaby Winter Club - Lower Mainland
2021-22 Madigan Riplinger Williams Lake MHA - North Central
2021-22 Alyssa Maynard Fort Nelson MHA - North East
2021-22 Brooke Wandler Kamloops MHA - Okanagan
2021-22 Rory Sinden Kerry Park MHA - Vancouver Island
BC Hockey Officiating Scholarships

Hockey Canada Officiating Program (HCOP) Level 2 – 6 Officials are eligible for BC Hockey Officiating Scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded to BC Hockey officials who best combine the qualifications listed on the application form. The Officiating Committee will determine the number and amount of scholarships each season. BC Hockey wants to recognize officials who develop their academic career aspirations, at the same time growing their interest in officiating.

Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Ryan Fung Port Moody AHA
2022-23 Otto Krieger Cloverdale MHA
2022-23 Jaena McGarrigle Richmond Ravens FHA
2022-23 David Statham Richmond Jets MHA
2022-23 Trey Huculak Kelowna MHA
2022-23 William Grant Triport MHA
2021-22 Blake Moore Port Alberni Bombers (VIJHL)
2021-22 Bryn McColl Vancouver Thunderbirds MHA
2021-22 Taylor Knott Quesnel MHA
2021-22 Ferdinand Tesang Coquitlam MHA
2021-22 Andon Maynard South Okanagan MHA
2021-22 Joaquin Mattick Grand Forks MHA 
Vancouver Foundation - Yallouz/Thibeault Scholarship
Season Recipient MHA
2022-23 Caitlyn Moore Vancouver Island Seals (U18F AAA)
2021-22 Julia Clauzel Fraser Valley Rush (U18F AAA)
BCEHL - Wilsons Transportation Scholarship
Season Recipient Team
2022-23 Gillian Lapierre Fraser Valley Rush
2022-23 Jordan Luk Greater Vancouver Canadians
2021-22 Malika McDonald Vancouver Island Seals
2021-22 Nicholas Noren Okanagan Rockets 
Telus Legacy Scholarship
Season Recipient MHA/Team
2022-23 Rachel Loewen Northern Capitals (BCEHL)
2022-23 Parker White Parker White (BCEHL)
2021-22 Mitchell Lennox Cariboo Cougars (BCEHL)
2021-22 Karsyn Niven Northern Capitals (BCEHL)

Previous Scholarship Recipients