Builder
Evidence of development of the sport as a coach, athlete, official, volunteer, or administrator as we build a future of speed skating. This award can be given to an individual and/or a club. Some examples could be; Increased retention of athletes in a club because of a volunteer’s activities. A coach’s dedication to their athletes resulted in a significant increase in the number of PBs at provincial championships.
As a Builder we are: “Who Members can rely on to build our sport by building on our successes. Whether it is the development and retention of our athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers or working with our clubs to support their development and growth, we build a future together.”
Criteria: Nominations will be reviewed and compared to the objectives identified in the Builder description from the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Other factors will be considered such as Membership growth, Member retention, Club satisfaction, Member satisfaction, and/or Participation in developmental activities.

Previous award winners: Keven Fitzpatrick (2024)

Innovator

Evidence of new and innovative approaches to improve the experience of SSBC’s members. This award can be given to an individual and/or a club. Examples could be: A coach who develops a new program to make speed skating more accessible to underrepresented groups.
As an Innovator we are: “Who Members can rely on to look to the future development of the sport. Being knowledgeable of the best practices for development of technical programs and good governance will create and maintain a high-quality experience for all SSBC members.”
Criteria: Nominations will be reviewed and compared to the objectives identified in the Innovator description from the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Other factors will be considered such as Programs adopted by other organizations, Member satisfaction in terms of inclusion and safety, Member retention rates, and/or Papers or technical presentations to other organizations.

Previous award winners: Desiree Lillico (2024), Kamloops Long Blades Speed Skating Club (2024)

Champion

We are who Members can rely on to generate awareness about the sport, promote the sport, communicate effectively, recognize excellence, and advocate for the sport and our members.
This award celebrates those who have achieved excellence either by championing speed skating or recognition of significant personal or club achievements. This award can be given to an individual and/or a club. Examples could be; An athlete overcoming adversity to achieve their personal goals. A Club creates new partnerships within their community that results in more people speed skating.
As a Champion we are: “Who Members can rely on to generate awareness about the sport, promote the sport, communicate effectively, recognize excellence, and advocate for the sport and our members.”
Criteria: Nominations will be reviewed and compared to the objectives identified in the Champion description from the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Other factors will be considered such as Social media statistics, Member satisfaction in communication and/or Recognition of members.

Previous award winners: Raistlin Van Spronsen (2024), Fort St. John Speed Skating Club (2024)

• Nominations are accepted via online nomination form. The award will be presented annually at the AGM

• Nominations are accepted via online nomination form. The award will be presented annually at the BC Short Track Championships.
• Previous award winners: Ariana VanDerStarre (2025-Provincial), David Zeibin (2025-Recreational), Barb Beck (2024-Recreational), Lucy Lee (2023), Desiree Lillico (2022), Sylvie Lloyd (2021), Meredith Thorton (2020), Julian Green (2019), Richard Stickel (2018), Louise McLaren (2017), Ariana VanDerStarre (2015), Adam Ingle (2014), Erik Norlander (2013), Lucy Lee (2012), Dave Shields (2011), Christina Acton (2010).

• Nomination process: club delegates are allotted a short time to present their club’s good news from the season at the SSBC AGM. The award will be presented annually at the conclusion of the SSBC AGM.
• Previous award winners: Cowichan Valley (2019), Fort St James (2017).

No longer awarded

This award is given to the club with the most skaters competing at the highest levels of speed skating competition.

• Nomination process: points calculated by the SSBC Awards Committee at the completion of each season.
• Previous award winners: PoCo Lightning (2023), Fort St John Elks (2019, 2018, 2017), Ridge Meadows (2016), Prince George (2015), Fort St. John (2014), Kelowna (2013).

No longer awarded

This award is in recognition of Archie Field and Bud Geer, of Dawson Creek, and Pat Underhill, all of whom were pioneers of the sport of speed skating in British Columbia.

• Nomination process: points calculated by the SSBC Awards Committee at the completion of each season.
• Previous award winners: Kamloops (2019), Fort St John Elks (2018, 2017, 2016), Prince George (2015), Mission (2014), Ridge Meadows (2013).

The Pat Underhill Spirit of Competition Award was established during the 60th anniversary season of SSBC. Pat Underhill, a pioneer of speed skating in BC, explained that she wanted the award to value the participation of all club skaters in competition, where everyone can contribute to a team total, regardless of age or ability. Pat envisioned a system where every club participant in a sanctioned meet proudly earned a point for their club.

• Previous award winners: Kamloops (2020, 2019), Burnaby (2018)

This award recognizes the long term contribution of Ritha Johnson to our sport and was first awarded in 2012.

•  Nominations are accepted via online nomination form. The award will be presented annually at the BC Short Track Championships.
• Previous award winners: Dmitri Ostrichenko (2025-Regional), Amanda Leonard (2025-Ritha Johnson), Tina Peters (2024-Ritha Johnson), Katharine North (2023), Maurice Legros (2022), Sterling Audet (2021), Kristina Krieck (2020), Tina Peters (2019), Carol Dougan (2018), Brian Holt (2017), Ted Houghton (2016), Ariadne Holness de Hiller (2015), Dee-Ann Stickel (2014), Stuart Gibbs (2013), Doug Wright (2012), Stuart Gibbs (2011), Trish Archibald (2010).

The Speed Skating BC Graduation achievement Award will be presented annually to Speed
Skating BC member-students in Grade 12 to assist with any postsecondary education. Up to two
(2) skaters are awarded in the amount of $500.

• Nomination process
• Online Submission form closes April 30, 2025
• Congratulations to our previous award winners:
  • Bosco Wong (2024, Emma North (2024)
  • Barnett Liu (2023), Patrick Gu (2023)
  • Charlotte Sernoski (2022), Katherine Wagner (2022)
  • Brooke Braun (2021), Hana Hoffman (2021)
  • Annabelle Green (2020), Noah Hyun (2020)
  • Sherilyn Chung (2019), Yuna Lovell (2019)
  • Bryan Leon (2018), Jane Green (2018)
  • Jessie Lee (2017), William Park (2017)
  • Mike Shi (2016), Eric Spence (2016)
  • Maria Demishkevich (2105), Alison Desmarais (2015)
  • Abigail McCluskey (2014), Jacob Graham (2014)
  • Emilie Medland-Marchen (2013), Dominic Villeneuve (2013)
  • Josie Spence (2012), Clifton Stewart (2012),
  • Alison Banwell (2011), Cameron Bennett (2011)
  • Tori Spence (2010), Tim Hempsall (2010)
  • Michelle MacKay (2010), Nicole Maseja (2010).

For more information, please contact info@nullbcspeedskating.ca

The Provincial Skater of the Year will be the highest ranked skater in the province based on the ranking system as determined by the SSBC Athlete Development Committee. There will be four awards: Female Short Track, Female Long Track, Male Short Track and Male Long Track.

• Nomination process: the SSBC Athlete Development Committee will select an award winner in each of the four categories at the completion of each season. Awards will be presented annually at the SSBC AGM.

2024:

Neo-Junior Short Track: Kierana Laut

• Previous award winners: Annabelle Green (ST 2023), Erik Orlowsky (LT 2023), Erik Haaheim (ST 2023), Kiersten Hagen (LT 2023), Sidney Bennie (LT 2022), Matthew Mitchell (LT 2022), Charlotte Sernoski (ST 2022), Ryan Bolton (ST 2022), Emily Coons (ST 2020), Kiersten Hagen (LT 2020), Lukas MacDonald (ST 2020), Sherilyn Chung (ST 2019), Keanan St. Rose (ST 2019), Anders Johnson (LT 2019), Victoria Spence (LT 2018), Eric Orlowsky (LT 2020, 2018), Hamish Black (LT 2017), Alison Desmarais (ST 2017), Abi McCluskey (LT 2017, 2016), Sara Spence (Female LT 2019, 2015), Josie Spence (Female LT 2014, 2013, 2012), Jacob Graham (Male LT 2015), Nick Goplen (Male LT 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012), Jamie Lee (Female ST 2108, 2016, 2015) Jamie Macdonald (Female ST 2014), Michelle MacKay (Female ST 2013, 2012), Chris Poljer-So (Male ST 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015), Zack McLaren (Male ST 2014, 2013, 2012), Keara Maguire (Female LT 2011), Alec Janssens (Male LT 2011), Courtney Shmyr (Female ST 2011), Timothy Hempsall (Male ST 2011).

The National Skater of the Year will be the highest ranked skater at the highest level of competition as determined by the SSBC Athlete Development Committee. There will be four awards: Female Short Track, Female Long Track, Male Short Track and Male Long Track.

• Nomination process: the SSBC Athlete Development Committee will select an award winner in each of the four categories at the completion of each season. Awards will be presented annually at the SSBC AGM.
• Previous award winners: Carolina Hiller (LT 2023), Josh Telizyn (LT 2023), Abigail McCluskey (LT 2022, 2020, 2019), Eric Orlowsky (LT 2022), Annabelle Green (ST 2022), Samuel Green (ST 2023, 2022), Jacob Graham (LT 2020, 2019), Josie Morrison (Female LT 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015), Tori Spence (Female LT 2014, 2013, 2012), Braden Clouthier (Male LT 2016), Denny Morrison (Male LT 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), Jamie MacDonald (Female ST 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015), Courtney Shmyr (Female ST 2013, 2012), Jessica Hewitt (Female ST 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011), Nicole Garrido (Female LT 2011).

• The best part about coming together for racing is the opportunity to be with others who love speed skating as much as you do.  Speed Skating has a wonderful community that encourages everyone to be their best both on and off the ice.  We believe a great way to express what our community is, is through the True Sport Principles of Go For It, Play Fair, Respect Others, Keep It Fun, Stay Healthy, Include Everyone and Give Back.
   
  The Spirit Award is an opportunity to recognize a skater at a BC event (BC Cup or Championship) who demonstrates these True Sport Principles.  True Sport Sport Principles
   
  Nominations are submitted at a BC event.

Introduced in 1991, this award recognizes the contributions of volunteers in the Association.

• Nominations are accepted via online nomination form. Awards will be presented at the BC Short Track Championships.
• Previous award winners: Corrie Bennie (2025), Emily Klapstein (2024), Terry Lazaruk (2023), Trish Archibald (2022), Wade Turner (2021), Gerry Christenson (2020), Mae Shupe (2019), Jodi Roberts (2018), Mel Chizawsky (2017), Rick Hofmann (2016), Margaret Krieck (2015), Colleen Bennett (2014), Bruce Wenting (2013), Glen Vogl (2012), Wendy Neville (2011), Donna Bilous (2011), Cheryl Giffin (2010).