Coach Ryan Hickman has been selected as the winner of the Speed Skating Canada Award of Excellence.
Ryan split his time between two clubs this season, encouraging athletes from both to support one another while remaining competitive. He is known to offer advice and coaching tips to any skater, even if they aren’t with his club, and is building a strong sense of community among his young athletes. As Alberta’s Head Coach at the Canada West Short Track Championships, Ryan led a team that brought home more medals than any other province. But his biggest feeling of achievement comes when skaters he has mentored become coaches themselves and pass along his lessons to younger athletes.
We can’t think of a more deserved winner than Ryan. Well done Ryan, we are all very proud to call you our Coach.
And if anyone is keeping score… Ryan is our second Coach to receive this coveted award. Head Coach Ian Mellors won a few years back. Just sayin…