Trisha Girard of Martensville and Chris Gates of Dalmeny are among the recipients of this season’s Hockey Saskatchewan awards.
They demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the sport, and their contributions have had a significant impact on their communities.
Volunteer of the Year – North
Trisha Girard embodies the spirit of dedication and community engagement, making her the well-deserved recipient of the Northern Volunteer of the Year Award. The mother of three owns and operates four businesses, but also finds time to enhance the hockey experience for young athletes. As the team manager for the Under-13 B Martensville Pirates. This season, she spearheaded a collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), organizing a bottle drive that raised over $1,000 to buy toys as a donation. This initiative not only provided essential support to families with children receiving health care but also instilled a greater sense of community spirit in the young Pirates.
Coach of the Year
Chris Gates has set a great example behind the bench of the Under-15 Dalmeny Sabres, making him an exemplary candidate for the Coach of the Year Award. He has been a steadfast presence in the Dalmeny hockey community for 11 years, coaching 21 teams, including 12 as the head coach. Gates’ coaching philosophy centers on personal and team development. The Sabres head coach’s effective communication with both players and parents ensures a cohesive team environment, where everyone feels valued. His guidance extends beyond the rink, shaping the players into respectful, accountable, and community-minded individuals. A highlight was when NHL legend Jarome Iginla practiced with the team in April 2024. This extraordinary ice time was due to winning a Western Canadian contest prize for the Sabres’ outstanding community service, including Christmas caroling and teamwork initiatives.