Volunteer Manager Of The Year – Fort McMurray Minor Hockey

Manager of the year

The Manager of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional team manager who has gone above and beyond the standard duties of the role. More than just scheduling games, organizing team events, and managing budgets, this award celebrates a manager who creates a true hockey family—fostering a positive, supportive, and well-organized team environment.

Managers play a crucial role in keeping teams running smoothly, supporting coaches, handling discipline, and ensuring that their team remains accountable to FMMHA’s guidelines. They do all of this with dedication, passion, and a love for the game.

Each season, one outstanding team manager will be selected from the nominees for their exceptional contributions. The recipient will have demonstrated commitment beyond the minimum requirements, served as a key support for coaches and parents, and played an instrumental role in their team's overall success.

Nomination Deadline

July 30, 2025

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Manager of the Year Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

Served as a team manager for an FMMHA team in any program for a minimum of one full season.
Adhered to all FMMHA directives regarding budget, fundraising, and branding.
Fostered an inclusive and supportive team environment, creating a true hockey family atmosphere.
Organized a team event that made a meaningful contribution to the community through giveback initiatives.

The Executive Board will review and vote on all nominations that meet the eligibility criteria. Selection will be based on the nomination details and how well the nominee’s contributions align with FMMHA’s philosophy of volunteerism and community impact.

Nominate Manager of the Year Now

2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20

2023-24

Manager of the Year – 2023/2024 Season

Recipient: Cory Bailey

We are proud to present the Manager of the Year award to Cory Bailey. Taking on the role for the first time last year, Cory demonstrated exceptional dedication and went above and beyond to ensure the U18A team had a successful season.

Cory organized participation in Minor Hockey Week, community give-back initiatives, and several tournaments, all while keeping the players engaged and motivated. His efforts played a significant role in the team’s achievements and set a strong foundation for their success this season.

Congratulations, Cory, on this well-deserved recognition!

2022-23

One Winner was selected this season for Manager of the Year

Nominations:

Natasha Hynes(U18 Huskies)
April Giles (U13 Falcons)
Paul Hutchins (U11 WBHL Huskies)
Amanda Abbott ( U13 Falcons)
Steve Morrai (U11 Stars)
Kim Bole (U11 Huskies)

Manager of the Year - Paul Hutchins

Paul has been a dedicated supporter of Minor Hockey, serving as Director of Development, coaching various levels, and managing several teams. His work with the U11 Huskies Travel team is especially notable, as the team competes in the WBHL and aims to join female tournaments.

Paul excelled in budgeting, ensuring the team managed its resources well. His efforts in team building created a positive and supportive environment for the players. Beyond his official duties, Paul consistently looked for ways to enhance the players' experiences and development.

Paul's dedication strengthened the U11 Huskies Travel team and promoted female participation in hockey. His leadership and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on the players, their families, and the hockey community.

"Paul was exceptional this season. In my seven years in Minor Hockey, I have never had a more involved and dedicated manager. He made all of our lives easier, almost too easy. Paul often stepped in to do timekeeping, always showed up with a great attitude, and the kids all loved him. His excellent management skills made this year truly special" - Nomination Form

2021-22

The 2021 - 2022 Manager of the Year is awarded to Taralynn McIver!

There were so Many great things said about Taralynn in the many nomination forms that came in her ability to really bring a team together. A few Examples were noted such as:

When there was some issues between players causing churn, Taralynn worked with the coaches and organized team building and events structured to help the kids work it out and become a stronger team.
Every year Taralynn ensures the team she manages participates in off ice community givebacks including having the team participate in the food bank drive, and supporting any team challenges such as the SPCA food drive.

"Ultimately - Taralyn takes a group of people, turns them into a Team and a Hockey Family" - nomination form

Nominees

Jamie Strong ( u7 Stars)
Peggy Rice (U18AA Junior Oil Barons)
Taralynn McIver (u13 Mustangs)
Cassandra Feltham (U13 Hurricanes)
Nicole Cyr (U9 Panthers)
Andrew Boutillier ( U13A Junior Oil Barons)
Laura Niven (u7 Hawks)

2020-21

The 2020 - 2021 Manager of the Year is awarded to Mike Butler!

Mike is currently moved on for our Organization as his son is playing elsewhere. However for multiple years Mike has been the manager for several Coaches at all levels of the Junior Oil Barons program. In the 2020-21 season Mike managed the U15 AA Oil Barons, where he needed to be extra creative and quick with planning with all the COVID 19 curve balls. In addition to his managing duties Mike has been a help to the Executive on advising on directives and implementing financial policies and a mentor to many other managers. Mike is also a ‘handyman” and gifted many managers and organizers that “Hockey Puck” phone holder so we can go live in style.

“ Mike is one of the hardest working people I have had working with me as team staff; from jersey collection to organizing parents and bus trips. Always on top of things, and no details are ever missed” from the nomination form.

2019-20

The 2019 - 2020 Manager of the Year is awarded to Diana Anthony!

Diana has been a manager in our organization for many years. During the 2019-2020 season she managed 2 teams; the Bantam Eagles and the Atom Huskies. Her commitment and organization allowed both teams to enjoy multiple tournaments and many team building activities. She is very passionate about her role and puts many countless hours into helping the coaches make it the best experience with lasting memories.

“If Diana put the effort she did into the other teams she managed for Minor Hockey (which I know she did) she would be responsible for a positive influence for over hundred individuals and families.”

From her Nomination Form

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I authorize the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association to release my name and to quote my nomination submission

Your Information

Full name:

Email to contact:

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I certify that I am nominating as a Member in good standing with FMMHA as a:

Information about the Manager you are nominating
Full name:

Email to contact:

Phone number to contact:

Approximately how long has the nominee volunteered as a team manager with FMMHA?

Team Name (Division Animal):

How has this manager gone above and beyond their standard responsibilities to support their team?
Provide examples of how they have exceeded expectations, including efforts to create a strong hockey family atmosphere, support coaches, manage team challenges, and uphold FMMHA’s budget directives and guidelines.

What specific actions has this manager taken to support player development and team success?
Describe any additional courses, certifications, or strategies they have pursued (e.g., coaching clinics, leadership training) and how their dedication has positively impacted the players, coaches, and families.

How has this manager kept their team engaged and thriving during challenging situations?
Share examples of how they have maintained team morale, fostered inclusivity, and supported coaches—especially in difficult circumstances—while also organizing meaningful community giveback initiatives.