By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – The conclusion of the 2025-26 season marks a time to recognize those who make hockey in Saskatchewan not only possible but exceptional. Hockey Saskatchewan is proud to announce the recipients of its annual Awards, which highlight outstanding contributions to the game across the province.

Each year, individuals and organizations are nominated for their exceptional service and leadership. The awards celebrate two dedicated volunteers, a coach who has made a purposeful impact, and a Minor Hockey Association (MHA) that exemplifies excellence in programming, and organizational strength.

This season’s award recipients are:

• Trevor Michel – Northern Volunteer of the Year
• Lacey Zopf – Southern Volunteer of the Year
• Bailey Johnson – Coach of the Year
• Watrous Minor Hockey – MHA of Distinction

These recipients have gone above and beyond to support the game at the grassroots level. Their efforts have helped create inclusive, inspiring, and enduring hockey experiences for athletes, families, and communities across Saskatchewan.

Hockey Saskatchewan also extends its appreciation to all nominees and to those who submitted nominations. The ongoing success of the game relies on individuals who are willing to step forward, lend their time, and lead by example.

Congratulations to this year’s honourees, and gratitude to all who continue to strengthen the game across the province. The 2026-27 season promises new moments, new milestones, and more opportunities to celebrate the people behind the sport.

Volunteer of the Year - North

Trevor Michel (Humboldt, Sask.) has played a significant role in shaping the experience of more than 250 grassroots players within Humboldt Minor Hockey Association (HMHA) during the 2025-26 season. Serving his third year as president and fourth year on the HMHA board, Michel has provided leadership in overseeing association operations, chairing board meetings, supporting policy development, and helping guide seasonal planning for grassroots hockey. Alongside his executive responsibilities, he remained heavily involved behind the bench as head coach of two Under-11 teams, one mixed and one female, while also serving as assistant coach with the Under-9 Humboldt Broncos. Over 16 years as a coach, volunteer, and mentor, Michel has worked with athletes across multiple age groups, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive hockey experience for every player. He also contributed as a board member with the Northeast Aces female program, supporting the continued growth of female hockey in the region. Michel’s leadership has helped create a welcoming environment within HMHA, ensuring players and families feel welcomed, heard, and supported, while balancing opportunities for both recreational and competitive athletes. Through countless volunteer hours, mentorship of newer coaches, and even pitching in as equipment manager, Michel has strengthened hockey in Humboldt both on and off the ice.

Volunteer of the Year - South

Lacey Zopf (Rockglen, Sask.) has become an essential part of hockey in southern Saskatchewan through years of steady leadership and hands-on involvement with the Rockglen and Glentworth Minor Hockey Associations. During the 2025-26 season, she served as team manager for the Under-13 Glentworth/Rockglen/Lafleche/Mossbank Thunderhawks while continuing to oversee many of the day-to-day responsibilities that keep hockey operating in Rockglen. In a small rural community where the rink serves as the centre of winter activity, Zopf is heavily involved in nearly every aspect of the season. From organizing schedules and handling team logistics to coordinating volunteers and assisting with rink operations, she consistently steps in wherever help is needed. Her work behind the scenes allows players, coaches, and families to focus on the game while ensuring the program continues to run smoothly. A registered sports therapist, Zopf has also volunteered her time for many years supporting athletes beyond the Rockglen Minor Hockey Association. Over nearly a decade of involvement, she has built a reputation as someone her community can depend on, whether solving last-minute issues, supporting families, or helping create a welcoming environment at the rink. Her dedication has played a major role in sustaining and strengthening grassroots hockey in Rockglen and the surrounding communities.

Coach of the Year

Bailey Johnson (Shellbrook, Sask.) has become a driving force behind the growth of hockey in the Shellbrook Minor Hockey Association (MHA) through her work with both the Shellbrook Sirens and Elks hockey teams during the 2025-26 season. As a head coach, she has focused on building confidence, skill development, and enjoyment for every player who steps on the ice. Johnson grew up playing all-female hockey in Shellbrook under the guidance of honoured coach Brenda Cromartie. When an opportunity presented itself to build something new within the hockey community, Johnson took the lead to create something great once again. In 2024, she developed the female division, the Shellbrook Sirens, an all-female program that started with Under-7 and Under-9 teams. This season, the program welcomed 34 girls and is expected to continue growing, with plans to add an Under-11 team next year. Johnson coached both her daughter with the Sirens and her son with the Elks while balancing countless hours on and off the ice preparing practices, leading pre-game workouts, and introducing new drills to help players improve. Last season, she guided the Under-11 Elks team to a league championship and helped bring a banner back to Shellbrook for the first time in several years. Beyond the bench, Johnson serves on both the Shellbrook MHA board and the Under-18 AA Parkland Elks board while also attending regional meetings focused on the future of women’s hockey in northwestern Saskatchewan.

MHA of Distinction Award

Watrous Minor Hockey (Zone 5) had a strong 2025-26 season marked by growth in participation, success across multiple age groups, and a clear commitment to community-based hockey. The association supported 131 players across two Under-11 teams, two Under-13 teams, one Under-15 team, and one Under-18 team, continuing a steady increase from 122 players in 2024-25 and maintaining balanced programming throughout the divisions. On the ice, Watrous enjoyed a standout year with two provincial championships, as both the Under-13 C and Under-18 D Watrous Hawks captured titles. The Under-18 victory stood out as Watrous’ first minor provincial championship since 2018, while earning two provincial titles in the same season marked a first in association history. Much of Watrous’ success is tied to the way the association is run day to day. Volunteer coaches, team staff, and parents put in significant time to ensure teams are supported and players have a positive experience. Community involvement remained a defining feature, with fundraising events like Watrous Minor Hockey Weekend and a progressive 50/50 helping keep costs manageable for families while drawing strong local support. Player development also remained a focus through the 2025-26 MHA Matching Grant Program, which supported power skating development, along with skills programming included in registration that gave players consistent opportunities to build their game. Watrous continues to show what a community-driven minor hockey program can achieve.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the province. With a mission to advance hockey through innovation, engagement and participation, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 53,400 members comprised of players, coaches and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.