Awards & Scholarships

Justin Ikebuchi Memorial Award – Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations: Darryl Tatomir & Craig McGee (2025/26)

Team sports played a pivotal role in Justin’s personal development and fuelled his desire to give back to his community by making a positive impact on the lives of young athletes.  Fostering a love of sport, healthy competition, and having lots of fun while making awesome memories; he strove to make a difference within SMHA.   Justin truly believed that our association was only as strong as its volunteers. In honour of Justin’s passion for giving back to his community, through minor hockey, SMHA has named our Volunteer of the Year Award after him.

This award is given to the SMHA member whose volunteer efforts exemplify the qualities Justin valued. Justin volunteered at every level in SMHA as a Coach, Age Group Coordinator, and Board Member.  He volunteered with integrity, accountability and made decisions that were in the best interest of all SMHA players.

“You get what you give” – Justin Ikebuchi
https://video.hockeycanada.ca/en/c/hcc-the-power-of-the-hockey-community.105671

Appoints:

  • Membership submits nominations
  • The Current Board of Executives and the President appoints

Award type:

  • Trophy to keep
  • Plaque to hang in SMHA’s trophy case (located in Joe Phillips arena)

Past Recipients:

  • Ian Heron 2024/25
  • Meghan Roy 2023/24
  • Alice Davis 2022/23
  • Tammy Hangs 2021/22

Springbank Coach of the Year

Congratulations: Marc Joly (2025/26)

SMHA Coach of the Year is awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding contribution to our association, team, and players. This individual exhibits dedication and service beyond the normal expectation of a coach and follows Fair Play codes, emphasizing skills development and the fundamentals of the game.

Appoints:

  • Membership submits nominations
  • The Current Board of Executives and President appoints

Award type:

  • Trophy to keep
  • Plaque to hang in SMHA’s trophy case (located in Joe Phillips arena)

Past Recipients:

  • Mike Williamson 2024/25
  • Doug McNabb 2024/25
  • John Batchelor 2023/24
  • Jeff Brodowski 2022/23
  • Ed Bereznicki 2021/22
  • Justin Ikebuchi 2020/21
  • Derek Keller 2019/20
  • Brad Saville 2018/19
  • Mark Connors 2017/18
  • Ken Kunz 2016/17

Springbank Manager of the Year

Congratulations: Erin Warburton

SMHA Manager of the Year is awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding contribution to our association, team, and players. This individual exhibits dedication and service beyond the normal expectation of a manager and follows SMHA Code of Conduct.

Appoints:

  • Membership submits nominations
  • The Current Board of Executives and President appoints

Award type:

  • Trophy to keep
  • Plaque to hang in SMHA’s trophy case (located in Joe Phillips arena)

Past Recipients:

SMHA Long Term Service Award

Congratulations: James Collopy (2025/26)

This prestigious award is given out to 10 years (+) of volunteering. This volunteer has gone above and beyond in critical volunteer roles. It is usually given to retired or retiring members of the board or membership. Retirement is not a requirement, but outstanding long-term service is.

Appoints:

  • The Current Board of Executives and President

Award type:

  • This award is a painting of a hockey player on the pond with his back showing (pictured above), and the recipient chooses the number.
  • Plaque to hang in SMHA’s trophy case (located in Joe Phillips arena)

Past Recipients:

  • Grant Pellegrin 2024/25
  • Mike Masse 2023/24 (past Board member)
  • John Taylor 2022/23 (past Board member)
  • Darryl Tatomir 2021/22 (past Board member)
  • Trent Dean 2020/21 (past Board member)
  • Jason Martin 2019/20 (past Board member)
  • David Jurkowski 2016/17 (member volunteer)
  • Michael Mercier (past Board member)
  • Joanne Juriessen (member volunteer)
  • Kim Beloglowka (past Board member)
  • Tammy Yakemchuck (member volunteer)
  • Lori Black (past Board member)
  • Mark Connors (past Board member)
  • Kerry Tychonick (past Board member)
  • Darren Toews (past Board member)
  • Louis Bontorin (past Board member)

Hockey Calgary Volunteer of the Year – Member Club award

Congratulations: Tom Van Norman (2024/25)

Hockey Calgary’s acknowledgment of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their hockey association and to the game of hockey.

Appoints:

  • The Current Board of Executives and President

Award type:

  • Trophy to keep
  • Plaque to hang in SMHA’s trophy case (located in Joe Phillips arena)

Past Recipients

  • Derek Keller 2023/24 (board member)
  • Kate Pittman 2022/23 (coordinator)
  • Colin Grierson 2021/22 (board member)
  • COVID 2020/21
  • Sonja Saville 2019/20 (board member)
  • Jan Nicholson 2018/19 (coordinator)
  • Dave Findlay 2017/18 (board member)
  • Peter Trutina 2016/17 (board member)
  • Dave Simpson 2015/16 (board member)
  • Nicole Kraljic 2014/15 (coordinator)
  • Lori Black 2013/14 (board member)
  • Tammy Yakemchuk 2012/13 (coordinator)
  • Dave Jurkowski 2011/2012 (coordinator)
  • Sheelagh Wiggins 2010/2011 (coordinator)

Kyle James Stuart Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Kyle Stuart Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2002. It was originally titled the Springbank Minor Hockey Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to Springbank players who had enrolled in a post-secondary education program or participated in the Springbank Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) Junior program. In early 2004, the Scholarship Fund was proudly renamed to honour the memory and spirit of Kyle James Stuart (“Stuey”).

Kyle was highly regarded and respected as a fine young gentleman and a good friend. He was revered by his peers for his commitment to team play and his unwavering support of his friends. Kyle unselfishly devoted his spare time to assisting minor hockey players through evaluations and coaching, and he spent tireless, dependable hours as a referee. Through his actions, Kyle Stuart represented the true meaning of community participation and volunteering.


⚠️ Application Window: The application process opens annually on March 1st and closes strictly on April 1st at 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted through our online application portal during this window; submissions sent via email during this time will not be accepted. If you miss this period, you are encouraged to reapply the following year.

Applicant Rules & Qualifications

  • SMHA Association History: Applicants must be currently participating, or have previously participated, in the Springbank Minor Hockey Association as a competitive player or referee for a cumulative total of at least four (4) years.
  • Enrollment Status: Applicants must be currently attending, or planning to attend, an accredited post-secondary educational institution during the current or upcoming academic school year.
  • Course Load Requirements: Applicants must maintain a minimum course load of three (3) courses per semester and provide official proof of enrollment.
  • Document Submission Deadline: All required verification documents must be emailed directly to operations@springbankhockey.com. The absolute DEADLINE to have all supporting documents submitted is June 30th.
  • Flexible Academic Year: Applicants are not restricted to applying during their first year of post-secondary education; you may apply at any time throughout your undergraduate or college program.
  • Award Value: Approved applicants are eligible to receive a one-time scholarship award of $700 (maximum of one scholarship per recipient).
  • Review & Disbursement: All applications will be formally evaluated by the SMHA Scholarship Committee. Successful recipients will have their scholarship funds distributed before September 1st via the physical mailing address provided in the original application.