Celebrating the Future of Hockey: 2025 Future Leader Scholarship Recipients Announced
Nine post-secondary students from across Alberta have been recognized as the 2025 Future Leaders—an annual initiative that supports the next generation of hockey mentors and coaches.
The Future Leader Scholarship, made possible by the Hockey Alberta Foundation, celebrates individuals who are not only passionate about the sport but are actively committed to giving back to the game through leadership, coaching, and skill development.
These students are involved in various post-secondary institutions and have demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering the next wave of hockey talent in their communities:
- Avery Kendall (Olds College) – Team Alex
- Julie Wagner (Red Deer Polytechnic)
- Kyla Hansel (Red Deer Polytechnic)
- Owen Stevenson (University of Calgary)
- Kai Melnyk (NAIT) – Distinguished Future Leader – Mike Klass
- Matthew Kachmar (University of Alberta)
- Cassidy Rhodes (University of British Columbia) – Distinguished Future Leader – Larry Reid
- Tara Sanregret (Mount Royal University)
- Abby Robar (NAIT)
These recipients exemplify the qualities of leadership, community involvement, and a passion for developing future players through teaching, mentorship, and coaching. Whether through organizing minor hockey programs, working behind the bench, or creating inclusive opportunities for others to enjoy the game, these students are helping ensure that hockey continues to thrive for generations to come.
Today, we’re profiling the 2025 Team Alex Scholarship Winner - Avery Kendall.
The Team Alex organization was created by Brian Ennis following the tragic loss of his son, Alex, to suicide in 2019. From this grief came a powerful mission: to build “a world without suicide.” Through their work, Team Alex has become a symbol of hope, support, and mental health advocacy in the minor hockey community.
The organization focused on equipping coaches and volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to support young athletes, both on and off the ice. This included training on recognizing signs of mental health struggles and promoting team environments built on empathy, morale, and connection.
Alex Ennis played organized hockey until U13, eventually turning to pond hockey—a passion he shared with his father. Brian Ennis, also the founder of Red Deer Pond Hockey, continued to champion Team Alex’s work even after the organization officially shut down in 2023. The commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention lives on through the Team Alex Scholarship.
This annual scholarship is awarded to a post-secondary student who demonstrates leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of mental health challenges facing youth in sport and everyday life.
This year’s recipient is Avery Kendall from Olds College. Kendall’s longstanding dedication to hockey as both a player and a coach earned her a place in the Future Leaders Development Program. Through her experience, she has grown her skills and deepened her passion for ensuring everyone feels included in the game.
“Receiving the Future Leader Scholarship is a huge honor for me. It validates my commitment to growing within the game, not just as a player but as a coach and leader as well. This program allowed me to further develop my skills, gain valuable knowledge, and network with other coaching in Alberta. The resources and opportunities it provides will help me build the foundation I need to become a successful coach and leader in the hockey community, with the ultimate goal of creating an environment where players, especially women, feel empowered and supported in their hockey journeys,” said Kendall.
One of the most meaningful parts of the program for Kendall was learning from experienced coaches who showed her the true impact strong leadership can have—not just on team success, but on individual growth and confidence.
“It’s not just about winning games, but about inspiring players to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the ice,” she added.
Avery Kendall exemplifies the spirit of Team Alex through her commitment to inclusive leadership and her belief in the power of sport to uplift and empower. Her journey as a coach and leader is just beginning, but her impact is already being felt.
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Future Leaders Program. Please access the application form below.
The 2025 Future Leaders Program will take place in Red Deer on Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. Upon selection, successful applicants will receive the full schedule. The program will begin at 5:00 PM on June 6 in the Hockey Alberta Boardroom.