- Previous award winners: Jack Hanson (2023), Jacob Rubuliak (2019), Josh Telizyn (2020, 2018), Morgon Bennison (2017), Eric Orlowsky (2016).
Awards
SSBC Annual Awards
- Nomination process: club executives and/or members of the SSBC Board of Directors may nominate nominees. Nominations are accepted via online nomination form until February 20. The award will be presented annually at the BC Short Track Championships.
- Previous award winners: 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).
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: Fort St John Elks (2019, 2018, 2017), Ridge Meadows (2016), Prince George (2015), Fort St. John (2014), Kelowna (2013).
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. The award was formerly known as the SSBC Official of the Year Award.
- Nomination process: club executives and/or members of the SSBC Board of Directors may nominate nominees. Nominations are accepted via online nomination form until February 20. The award will be presented annually at the BC Short Track Championships.
- Previous award winners: 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).
This bursary is awarded to up to two skaters per year who will be attending a Canadian post-secondary institution the following school year.
- Nomination process
- Online Submission form closes May 10, 2023
- Congratulations to our previous award winners:
- 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.
- Previous award winners: 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: Abigail McCluskey (LT 2022, 2020, 2019), Eric Orlowsky (LT 2022), Annabelle Green (ST 2022), Samuel Green (ST 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).
Introduced in 1991, this award recognizes the contributions of volunteers in the Association.
- Nomination process: club executives and/or members of the SSBC Board of Directors may nominate nominees. Nominations are accepted via online nomination form until February 20. Awards will be presented at the BC Short Track Championships.
- Previous award winners: 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).
SSBC Event Awards
The BCRC, sponsored by the Fort St James Falcons Speed Skating Club in recognition of coach Keith Gordon, is contested annually at the BC Short Track Championship. The relay race intends to develop team and relay skills while encouraging club spirit and interclub relations. There will be three awards: L2T, T2T males & T2T females.
- Nomination process: the SSBC Competitions Committee will collaborate with the Meet Recorder at the BC Short Track Championship to determine the award winners in each of the three categories.
- Previous winners: Coastal (2019, 2017 L2T Mixed), Coastal (2019, 2017 T2T Male), Coastal (2019, 2017 T2T Female).
This trophy was presented by the Ridge Meadows Racers Speed Skating Club in recognition of the outstanding efforts on behalf of speed skating in BC made by Mrs. Clara Overend. It is based on points earned by clubs participating in the annual BC Short Track Championship.
- Nomination process:
Club Ranking for the Clara Overend Trophy:
(a) Points will be allocated to clubs based on the overall results of each participant, as per the Competition Format Bulletin of the current season. Points earned by a skater accumulate to their club as follows:
i) 100% of points earned by T2T skaters & L2T skaters
ii) 50% of Jun A, Jun B & Neo-Sen skaters
iii) 25% of Points earned by Senior and A4L Skaters.
(b) The winning Club is to be awarded the trophy at the end of the Competition.
- Previous award winners: Burnaby (2019, 2018), Poco Lightning (2017), Ridge Meadows (2016, 2015), Port Coquitlam (2014), Prince George (2013, 2012), not awarded in 2011, Prince George (2010).
These awards recognize club participation in the annual FUNales.
- Nomination process: points calculated by the SSBC Awards Committee at the completion of each season.
- Previous award winners: Sardis (2019 Fraser Valley), Fort St. John (2019 Northern), Kelowna (2019 Interior), Vanderhoof (2019 Central), Matsqui Blades (2017 Coastal), Kamloops Long Blades (2017 Interior), PG Blizzard (2017 North/Central).
Neil Dyer Memorial Shield (Revised 2023)
This shield is presented by the Fort St John Elks Speed Skating Club, for perpetual annual competition by clubs in the BC Long Track Championships, in memory of Neil Dyer.
(a) Points will be awarded in both Olympic Style & Mass Start divisions, with points earned by a skater accumulating to their club as follows:
- 100% of points earned by Pre-Youth and Youth skaters (total of Mass Start and Olympic Style races)
- 100% of Olympic Style Points earned by NeoJunior and Junior skaters
- 50% of Olympic Style Points earned by Senior skaters
- 25% of Olympic Style Points earned by Masters skaters
- Where an interclub, FUNale or mini meet is associated with the Championship, clubs are awarded 10 points per minor participant (<19), and 5 points per adult participant (19+) in the competition, not per race.
(b) The winning Club is to be awarded the shield at the end of the competition.
Previous award winners: Fort St. John (2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010), Prince George (2013, 2012), not awarded in 2011, 2022.
The PRC recognizes teams of two skaters, who achieve the highest number of laps during the 10-minute, 2-person relay throughout the season. Full details and the format of the PRC are available here.
- Nomination process: applications are accepted throughout the skating season via the online application form. The SSBC Competitions Committee collates the results at the completion of each season. Awards will be presented annually at the SSBC AGM.
- 2021 award winners:
Category Skater 1 Skater 2 Junior All Female Sarah Song Tiffany Wong Junior All Male Adam Mong Ryan Bolton Junior Mixed Genders Sarah Song Barnett Liu L2T All Female Addison Hank Liliana Sturrok L2T All Male Caleb Van der Merwe Adam Turner L2T Mixed Genders Dain Song Daniel Jin T2T All Female Caroline Dong Eunice Ding T2T All Male Barnett Liu Adam Turner T2T Mixed Genders Dain Song Daniel Jin FUNd Mixed Gender Jacob Paradela Dylan Bastiaansen
The Randy Sulyma 5000m Open Race is skated annually at the BC Long Track Championship in memory of Randy Sulyma. The first skater crossing the finish line in the race is awarded this award.
SSBC Recognition Programs
In keeping with the recommendations in the LTPAD model, Speed Skating BC Provincial Records are kept exclusively for skaters in the Junior (14-18 years old) and Senior (19+ years old) age categories. Skaters must be residents of BC or must have completed the majority of their skating development in BC to be eligible to hold SSBC Provincial Records.
- Nomination process: club executives and/or members of the SSBC Board of Directors may nominate nominees. Nominations are accepted via an online nomination form which closes May 10, 2023. Awards will be presented annually at the AGM.
- 2022 award winners:
- Addison Hank
- Adriana Bastiaansen
- Bryn Hallam
- Calla Haaheim
- Mackenzie Adams
- Nathan Bastiaansen
- Peter Ely
- Rachel Martin
- Talia Halperin
- 2021 award winners:
- Ailia Norlin
- Cynan Thompson
- Finn Fairbairn
- Kieran Brown
- Lucas StonehouseSmith
- Meena Litt
- Nathan Bastiaansen
- Olivia Morphet
- Peter Ely
- Peyton StonehouseSmith
- 2020 award winners:
- Adam Abbott
- Aila Norlin
- Austin MacGregor
- Brooke Braun
- Darwin Havelka
- Devyn Hughes
- Emma North
- Hannah North
- Joshua Telizyn
- Cheyanne Key
- Kieran Hanson
- Leah Turner
- Maria Hansen
- Matthew Mitchell
- Nicholas Guliov
- Sidney Bennie
- Willa Ludeman
Adam Abbott (2019), Samuel Green (2019), Cameron Thomas (2018), Kaelan Sutherland (2018), Brooke Braun (2018), Allan Keeler (2018), Maria Keeler (2018), Hannah North (2018), Sidney Bennie (2018), Emma North (2018), William Brown (2018), Samuel Green (2018), Josh Telizyn (2017), Steven Lim (2017), Chantelle O’Donovan (2017), Holly Antifay (2017), Isaiah Jessie Uribe (2017), Sarah Graham (2016), Yolaine Kampman (2016), Eric Spence (2016), The Burnaby Group – Hannah Hoffman, Ally Hoffman, Nora Wagner, Katherine Brynjolfson & Anya Lui (2016), Ali Foster-Balloun (2015), Yolaine Kampman (2014), Sarah Ebert (2014), Sarah Leach (2014), Rachel Crook (2014), Andrea Stewart (2013), Anna Skaalid (2013), Dominic Villeneuve (2013), Braden Clouthier (2012), Dominic Villeneuve (2012), Kathryn Stickel (2012), Krista & Danielle Beleutz (2012), Mackenzie Neville (2011), Patrick Lau (2010), Ian Purvis (2010), Chelsea Reith (2010).
Skaters who represent Team BC at national championship events are awarded recognition certificates.
Skaters who represent TEAM BC at the Canada Winter Games every four years are provided with a keepsake to recognize their dedication and achievement.
Skaters are eligible for external graduation credits in the Athlete 10, Athlete 11 and Athlete 12 courses. Credits are automatically assessed by BCSSA staff in the spring of each season.
Students are eligible for external graduation credits in the Coach 11 course. Students who feel they are eligible should email Chris Acton.
Students are eligible for external graduation credits in the Officials 11 and Officials 12 courses. Students who feel they are eligible should email Chris Acton.
The Junior Coach Leadership Program recognizes Junior Coaches who contribute to their club but who have not yet received formal NCCP training. This program is administered by the club.
The Junior Officials Program recognizes Junior Officials who contribute to their club and who are progressing towards Officials certification. This program is administered by the club.
External Awards and Recognition
Sport BC celebrates athletes and volunteers involved in sport in British Columbia annually at their Awards Ceremony.
- Nomination process: the BCSSA Awards Committee will coordinate with ADC and CDC to nominate BCSSA members.
- Previous BCSSA award winners: Donna Bilous (President’s Award 2018), Keith Gordon (President’s Award 2017), Denny Morrison (Senior Athlete of the Year 2016), Lorna Holbech (President’s Award 2016), Bruce Wenting (President’s Award 2014).
Speed Skating Canada recognizes members in many award categories annually at their AGM.
- Nomination process: any BCSSA member may nominate a nominee following the Speed Skating Canada nomination process. Nominations should be submitted to the BCSSA Awards Committee, who will select one nominee from the province to submit to SSC.
- Previous BCSSA award winners: Tina Peters (Officials Excellence Award 2019), Sandi Vyse-Lloyd (Coach of the Year 2001), Dalphena Snively (Coach of the Year 2000), Bette Roberts (Coach of the Year 1997); George Donatelli (Coaches Awards of Excellence 2012), Keith Gordon (Coaches Awards of Excellence 2009), Bette Roberts (Coaches Awards of Excellence 2008); Stuart Gibbs (Renee Marleau Official of the Year Award 2013), Ritha Johnson (Renee Marleau Official of the Year Award 2006), Gary Roberts (Renee Marleau Official of the Year Award 2003); Ariadne Holness de Hiller (Officials Award of Excellence 2015), Darlene Chapman (Officials Award of Excellence 2009); Denny Morrison (Long Track Athlete of the Year, multiple years), Neal Marshall (Long Track Athlete of the Year 1997); Ted Houghton (Guy Marcoux Mentor Award 2016); David Reith (John Hurdis Volunteer of the Year 2016), Ted Houghton (John Hurdis Volunteer of the Year 2004); Morrison family (Gagne Family Award 2017), Stickel family (Gagne Family Award 2015), Thobo-Carlson family (Gagne Family Award 2004), Overend family (Gagne Family Award 1999); Lorna Holbech (Jean Dupre Administrator of the Year 2016), Lanyin Osborne (Jean Dupre Administrator of the Year 2007), Linda Vopicka (Jean Dupre Administrator of the Year 2000), Jen Fisher (Jean Dupre Administrator of the Year 1998), Linda Lee (Jean Dupre Administrator of the Year 1997).
This award was founded by the Coaches Association of BC and recognizes coaches from all levels of sport in BC. The award is celebrated annually at the Banquet of Champions.
- Nomination process: the BCSSA Awards Committee will coordinate with CDC to nominate BCSSA members.
- Previous BCSSA award winners: Taryn Vansickle (2021), Richard Stickel (2020), Julian Green (2019), Adam Ingle (2018), Nicole Ebert (2016), George Donatelli (2011), Karen McLaren (2008), Keith Gordon (2011).
