2025 FRED HESLOP AWARD - TERRY WOOD

For Terry Wood, hockey is about life lessons and he’s learned a few of his own over the years, both in Grande Prairie and now as President of Sicamous and District Minor Hockey Association.

It’s a role that he believes is only as strong as the people around him, and the determination the kids have on the ice.

“It’s less about the sport and more about the lessons we pull out of it. A lot of the stuff that kids pull out of this game, and the sport mentality – the team thing – is pretty big to me,” said Wood, one of five recipients of the Fred Heslop Minor Hockey Award, recognizing five individuals who have made significant contributions to BC Hockey, their association and community. “It’s more so than how they do or how many goals they get.

“It’s the lessons they learn about social nuances and how to work with others and generally be a good person – that’s what’s important to me.”

Described by his nominator as an extraordinary leader and volunteer who dedicates countless hours to revitalizing Sicamous and District Minor Hockey, Wood stepped into the role three years ago.

“Sicamous has a strong hockey history and a small portion of why we decided to land there (moving from Grande Prairie, Alberta.) was the hockey. When we arrived it had seen better days, I guess,” he recalled.

“A bunch of us clamped on to it right away and made a commitment to make sure that a community that loves hockey – with a junior team in town – continued to grow. You could see that the town bleeds hockey. They’re very passionate about it and they just didn’t have a leadership group there that was current enough to really get it growing and robust again.

“We were happy to take over and we’ve seen the effects its had on the community, especially in the U13, U15 range – it’s been pretty rewarding. A good bunch of kids back focused on camaraderie and fun and hard work and it’s fun to see.”

When he first started there were roughly 16 kids registered and that will reach up over 100 for next year.

“I guess it’s the culmination of a bunch of hard work,” said Wood who credits all the volunteers for the turnaround. “I tell you, this town and its love for hockey never ceases to amaze and some of the people we have helping out are the absolute best at what they do.

“They’re truly passionate and willing to learn. A lot of them are learning at the same rate I did. Some of them didn’t play hockey, some played hockey in Europe and some played in the Western Hockey League. They just continue to show up and do the work. I just try and keep them in their swim lanes and those guys do the actual work and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Wood has been involved in hockey in a number of capacities, coaching at the lower levels, despite never playing the game or even being able to skate. He’s now been involved as a volunteer for 10 years, filling positions as a commissioner of minor hockey in Grande Prairie to managing teams and even coaching.

It was baptism by fire for him, he said.

“I showed up at the wrong meeting the first time around. That U7 group was tough with everyone with headlights in their eyes. I didn’t even know what most of the positions entailed, but nobody was putting their hands up, so I did a couple of times and figured the roles out quickly as I went through,” he said of his experiences.

He’s managed many teams, volunteered as a safety person and eventually received his coaching certification besides not being able to skate.

Wood stepped into the role of president following the Covid-19, at a time when the registration numbers had dwindled.

“Under his leadership, the organization has not only grown, but has also established a strong foundation, adding new teams each year and continuing to expand into the future,” wrote his nominator Bailee Robertson. “Beyond increasing participation, Terry has played a pivotal role in bringing back representative hockey to Sicamous.

“He has also made the sport more accessible, encouraging high school students who had never played hockey before to join. These new players, in turn, have helped spread a love for the game throughout their school and the wider community.

“Thanks to Terry’s dedication, Sicamous Minor Hockey now operates with clearly defined policies, procedures, and roles, ensuring a professional and sustainable structure,” she added. “He has also fostered stronger connections between surrounding communities, creating a network of local hockey presidents who now collaborate regularly.

“Terry’s hard work often goes unnoticed, but his contributions have been instrumental in the success and growth of Sicamous Minor Hockey. We wouldn’t be where we are today without his commitment, vision, and passion for the sport.”

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.