NOMINATIONS FOR 2024 BC HOCKEY AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN

For Immediate Release

March 20, 2024

Saanichton, B.C. - BC Hockey is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 BC Hockey Awards. There are thousands of individuals in B.C. and Yukon who dedicate countless hours towards the betterment of our game. BC Hockey wants to celebrate these deserving volunteers and thank them for everything they've done to help improve hockey in their communities.

The awards will be announced at the 2024 BC Hockey Awards Ceremony on June 8, 2024, at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

Nominations will be accepted until April 21, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

NOMINATE SOMEONE HERE

About the BC Hockey Awards

DIAMOND STICK AWARD

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

2022-23 Winner: Don Freer (Victoria, B.C.)

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 endeavor.

2022-23 Winner: Larry Krause (Chilliwack, B.C.)

MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR - FRANK SPRING AWARD

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

2022-23 Winner: Capital Region Female MHA

INDIGENOUS IMPACT AND LEGACY AWARD

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

2022-23 Winner: Vancouver Female IHA

COACH OF THE YEAR - ERNIE GARE AWARD

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, B.C. who demonstrated what BC Hockey feels are the ideal elements of a coach.

2022-23 Winner: Blaine Markwart (Kitimat MHA)

OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

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 in ways other than the on-ice requirements and combines leadership and ability both on and off the ice. This person must also be carded in the current year.

2022-23: Graedy Hamilton (Cowichan Valley MHA)

LIFE MEMBERS' VOLUNTEER - EXECUTIVE AWARD

This award is presented by BC Hockey life members to an amateur hockey administrator who has made an outstanding contribution to the development and growth of amateur hockey. This award is presented on behalf of BC Hockey's Life Members.

2022-23 Winner: Roy Sakaki (Salmon Arm MHA)

SAFETY RECOGNITION 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.

2022-23 Winner: Michael Liu (Greater Vancouver Comets)

DEVELOPMENT AWARD - COACHING

This award is for service to the National Coaches Certification Program (NCCP) 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.

2022-23 Winner: Kurt Corman (Kelowna, B.C.)

DEVELOPMENT AWARD - MIKE LANDUCCI OFFICIATING

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

2022-23 Winner: Galen Brewer (Juan de Fuca MHA)

HOCKEY CANADA OFFICIATING AWARD - MOST DESERVING

2022-23 Winner: Roy Kozuki (Williams Lake MHA)

HOCKEY CANADA OFFICIATING AWARD - MOST IMPROVED

2022-23 Winner: Dana Edamura (Vancouver Female IHA)

HOCKEY CANADA OFFICIATING AWARD - MOST PROMISING

2022-23 Winner: Erika Denis (Kamloops MHA)

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