An Okotoks man says he was pleasantly surprised to receive one of Hockey Alberta’s biggest honours of the year.
Geoff Stewart, a longtime coach and board member with the Okotoks Minor Hockey Association, was named Hockey Alberta’s Volunteer of the Year at a special ceremony last weekend.
Stewart has served on the Minor Hockey Board for 10 years on top of 12 years coaching in the community.
He says that hockey has always been a special part of his life.
“I've loved the game and played it when I was younger and a little bit when I was older. Remembering how great of an experience I had over the years,” he said. “I grew up in Coaldale, Alberta in the Lethbridge area and just wanted to get back to the game.”
Hockey Alberta praised Stewart’s hard work and perseverance in honouring him at its Membership Awards Gala over the weekend.
“He has prioritized the player experience within Okotoks Minor Hockey and has led with integrity when faced with challenging situations,” the organization said in a statement.
Stewart, who coaches the U16 AA Oilers said he did not expect to receive a message earlier this month saying he was named Volunteer of the Year.
“I was actually watching my phone for a business call I was waiting for, and I was out in my backyard cutting the lawn and I happened to just check my phone and I saw this e-mail from Hockey Alberta, and I stopped for a second and read it and it was pure shock and excitement,” he said.
As for what gives him the greatest joy in coaching hockey and volunteering with the Oilers, Stewart says it’s all about giving back to the sport he loves.
"The most important thing is providing a place for all the athletes to play in and hoping that I can give back and hoping that they love the game as much as I do or at least enjoy it and have a safe place.”
Other winners from the Hockey Alberta Membership Awards included Hayley Butz of Duffield as Official of the Year, Darren Gnam from Fairview as Coach of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Debbie Northcott of Caroline.