2025 FRED HESLOP AWARD - TRACEY THOMPSON

The need was there and Tracey Thompson wasted little time filling the requirement.

The Island Health employee, who works in the field of addiction medicine as a harm reduction co-ordinator, has no children involved in hockey, but stepped up when she noticed the need to assist in building the female game.

Thompson began coaching in 2019 with Capital Region Female Minor Hockey Association and has never looked back, leading at the U7 level each and every year.

“It’s a privilege,” she said of receiving the Fred Heslop Minor Hockey Award, recognizing five individuals who have made significant contributions to BC Hockey, their association and community. “I was surprised to hear and it’s very kind to think that someone thinks you’ve made that kind of contribution to BC Hockey and our community.

“I’m committed to our community. I love doing what I can to support the broader community, even in my work,” added Thompson, who first answered the call when her sister had a daughter that played in integrated hockey, while trying to establish female hockey.

“It took years and I got to hear about it, see the wins and struggles. When it finally launched, I thought, goodness I can show up and just support girls playing hockey,” said Thompson, who played the game growing up.

In her day, it was either ringette or figure skating that drew girls to the ice. It’s not the case anymore, especially in B.C. and Yukon where the female game continues to grow, thanks to people like Thompson.

“I thought I could help out and got completely drawn into the community of female hockey. I love being on the ice with the U7s and love feeling like I’m being a part of something bigger than myself. That is great for female sport and our community,” she explained.

And Thompson makes it fun, according to her nominator.

“Yeah, I glue stuffed animals onto pucks. I take plungers and I put pool noodles on ends of plungers to make obstacle courses,” she said with a laugh. “Bingo dobbers are my best friends so I can draw spots on the ice to help with direction. We use whatever we can to get the girls engaged.

“If they’re not having fun at U7 or U9 levels then they’re not going to continue. There is lots of opportunity for growth and development and also competition later on. That’s why I focus on the fun end of things.”

It all leads to making kids comfortable on the ice and their surroundings.

“It’s about trying to get comfortable on the ice, have fun and develop fundamentals through good times on the ice. It’s great to see the relationships form off the ice because these are relationships that will be meaningful for the rest of their time in hockey or when they go on to do other things,” said Thompson, who resides and works in Victoria.

“It’s easy to be patient. I enjoy the girls. They give back a lot of humour and interest to me. They’re always keen and they’re enjoyable for me. I think some of my experience in work helps me be patient. Try and focus on effort instead of outcome.”

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.