2025 FRED HESLOP AWARD - AUDREY ROSE

Where does Audrey Rose find the time?

It’s a question that residents of Valemount, B.C., may be asking as the physiotherapist not only has her hands full with clients, but the challenges of taking on several roles with the Valemount Minor Hockey Association (VMHA).

“All in a day’s, or week’s, worth,” said Rose, the treasurer, who also assists with the registrar’s position and assists with coaching with the association, which is led by her husband Jeremy, the president of the VMHA.

“I make time. I was once told that busy people make time for anything and that’s why busy people get asked to do everything,” said Rose, who along with Jeremy, are new to the board.

Her work has not gone unnoticed as she was named as one of five Fred Heslop Minor Hockey Award winners, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to BC Hockey, their association and community.

“It was pretty unexpected,” she said of the honour. “I was pretty touched and surprised that someone went out of their way (to recognize her). To be recognized is pretty cool.”

Aside from her roles on the board, Rose is also involved in baseball in the summer, after she is finished as an assistant coach with the U13 and U17 hockey teams. She’s also there when Jeremy needs assistance with his president’s duties.

“I call myself the liaison to the president,” she said with a laugh. “He’ll be, ‘Can you fax this,’ or ‘Can you call so and so.’ Luckily for me he does all the challenging stuff.”

But she takes on all her roles in a serious manner.

“Audrey’s commitment to the association is immeasurable,” said her nominator, Kimberley Duncan. She expertly balances her extensive responsibilities – being the wife of our minor hockey president, the mother of two hockey-loving boys and a dedicated physiotherapist – while maintaining her unwavering passion for the game.”

Rose grew up in Valemount, but later moved to Beautmont, Alberta, just outside Edmonton. She played hockey from the U11 to U18 levels and continued to play while at university, although not for the varsity team.

Moving back to Valemount, there was a need for new blood on the MHA board and she stepped forward.

“That’s, honestly, why I started to do it, because there was a need. The old board was getting burned out, they were doing it for a long time with nobody looking to help out or take over. When we moved here it was presented to us,” she said.

“My husband took on his role and they looked at me and said, ‘We need more.’ I took on the treasurer’s role, which wasn’t a strong suit of mine, but I’m learning while I go and helping out in other areas,” she said.

She continues to play hockey.

“I play co-ed, so we spend a lot of time at the arena, between the two boys’ practices and our own hockey, it was kind of home this winter,” said Rose. “But it’s a great outlet for the kids and if we can just keep a few of them in sports, and if they can have what we have as adults and the joy of doing it long-term; I feel pretty passionate about that. Not having them on gaming systems and at the arena - it’s a win.”

Mario Annicchiarico is a freelance writer based in Victoria who has previously covered the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers, as well as the Western Hockey League.