BC HOCKEY AWARDS: DIAMOND STICK AWARD - RANDY HENDERSON
By MARIO ANNICCHIARICO
How does one describe the work, both on and off the ice, of Randy Henderson?
It might be best to leave that to Jeremy Ainsworth, the Chief Program Officer at BC Hockey, who has plenty to say about Henderson, the organization’s 2024-25 winner of the prestigious Diamond Stick award.
The award acknowledges outstanding service to hockey for a period of no less than 10 years in duration by any person who has rendered meritorious service to BC Hockey or its members.
“He is the type of person who is always available, assisting new board members along the way. He’s always so welcoming and thoughtful and shares his knowledge in a real friendly way that is received by other volunteers in a non-intimidating way,” began Ainsworth.
“A real selfless service that’s really inspirational to all of us. A guy who gives back to the community and is just invaluable with what he contributes to the growth of the game and helping others get involved as well.
“His commitment on inclusivity for hockey in Canada has been quite amazing,” Ainsworth added of Henderson. “His efforts at the national level and chairing our Indigenous Participation Work Group; he’s just very committed and passionate in that area, which is well needed at this time.”
A former teacher and administrator, Henderson has provided a lifetime of knowledge to the game, be it as a coach, board member or president.
“It’s been quite a ride, no doubt,” Henderson said from his home in Prince George. “I feel so lucky because I’ve been given so many opportunities to be involved in doing things that have made the game better for players, officials and coaches. It’s an incredible opportunity to be in that position to have that kind of impact.”
Henderson has maintained multiple roles over his nearly 60 years of involvement in hockey, from a player to coach to administrator and a passionate advocate for the game. His dedication to the sport has shaped the landscape of hockey at every level.
Henderson began his administrative journey as President of the North Central – Cariboo Amateur Hockey Association before joining BC Hockey in 2002. He served as a District Director for three seasons before taking on greater responsibilities, including officer-at-large, president, and eventually chair of the board in 2014. His involvement with Hockey Canada from 2018-2020 saw him as a member of the Board of Directors, where he contributed to the growth and governance of hockey nationwide.
Even after his tenure with Hockey Canada, Henderson remained committed to the sport, rejoining the BC Hockey Board of Directors and continuing to serve as Chair of the Indigenous Participation Work Group, helping to foster greater diversity and inclusion within the game.
He volunteered his time to initiatives such as the Hockey Canada Safety Program and Speak Out!, and during his time with Hockey Canada, he represented the organization on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Team.
“With Hockey Canada, I was really lucky,” said Henderson. “When you’re going to meetings as a branch president you get to have some pretty incredible opportunities, like chairing the Cross-Ice Hockey Program. Getting into using science to mould what we should be focusing on with player development, instead of, ‘Oh, this is what we did when I was a kid and it worked for me.’
“As I worked my way through different positions from coaching to the district to the branch, you’re almost looking at the game from different altitudes. When you’re coaching, you’re boots on the ground and as you get to the district you’re up about 1,000 feet and as you make your way along, the altitude keeps climbing and so does the opportunity to have an impact on more than just players and programs in your local area. I really do consider myself so lucky,” said Henderson.
In 2023, Henderson was honoured with the Gordon Juckes award which Hockey Canada recognizes outstanding contribution to the development of minor hockey in Canada at the national level. He joined a list of recipients that includes Harley Hotchkiss, Ed Chynoweth, George Kingston, Jacques Martin, Roger Neilson, Clare Drake and Dave King, just to name a few.
He now adds the Diamond Stick award to his collection.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting it and it’s certainly a wonderful award to be receiving. There are so many people to thank,” said Henderson. “I’ve been trying to think exactly how many there are, but I think I can write a book about them.
“I’m proud but humbled,” he added. “When I look at the people who preceded me, the prior recipients, it’s awfully humbling. A lot of these people I know, and they’ve had a big impact on my philosophy towards the game and kids. It’s really a wonderful feeling to be in that same category.”
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.