Ringette BC is proud to recognize Sarah Beairsto as our Community Coach of the Year. Sarah’s dedication to ringette reaches far beyond the bench, she is a coach, mentor, organizer, volunteer, and leader who gives tirelessly to her athletes and the Richmond community. Families and players describe her as “the glue” of the U10 and U12 programs, someone who always steps up wherever help is needed and who genuinely believes in the potential of every child she coaches. Coach Sarah’s dedication has made a lasting impact on these athletes and families.
Ringette BC is proud to recognize Troy Takasaki as our Competitive Coach of the Year. Troy’s leadership of the BC Thunder this season guided the team to a remarkable silver-medal performance at the 2026 Canadian Ringette Championships, complemented by a second-place league finish and two athletes earning All-Star recognition. After briefly retiring, Troy returned to help rebuild the program post-pandemic; his vision, dedication, and tireless work behind the scenes have been central to the team’s resurgence. For more than 25 years, Troy has committed countless hours to developing athletes and supporting coaches across Richmond and BC, consistently sharing his expertise, preparation, and passion for the sport.
Ringette BC is proud to recognize Sarah MacDonald as our Senior Athlete of the Year. Sarah had an exceptional season, representing Canada at the World Championships and earning a silver medal while also being consistently ranked among the top goaltenders in the National Ringette League. At the 2026 National Ringette Championships, Sarah played a pivotal role in leading the BC Thunder to a silver medal finish, recording two shutouts and earning First Team All-Star recognition for goaltending. Her incredible season was capped off by being named NRL Goaltender of the Year for the third consecutive season, an extraordinary achievement that reflects her consistency, skill, and dedication to excellence. Beyond her success on the ice, Sarah has also been a strong leader within the sport, giving back through athlete representation, camps, and development opportunities for future players across BC.
Ringette BC is proud to recognize Rohan Cooper as our Junior Official of the Year. Rohan has shown incredible dedication to developing his officiating skills, travelling many kilometres from Terrace to attend tournaments and officiate games across the province throughout the season. He consistently sought out opportunities to learn, improve, and apply feedback to his performance. This hard work and commitment were evident when he earned the opportunity to officiate the A Final at the U12 Year End event — a tremendous accomplishment for a young official. Beyond his achievements on the ice as a player, Junior Coach and official, Rohan is a fantastic role model within his association, demonstrating the passion, professionalism, and commitment that make our officiating community stronger.
Ringette BC is proud to recognize Wayne Wong as our Senior Official of the Year. After many years as a highly respected and successful coach, Wayne took on a new challenge in officiating and has quickly become a knowledgeable, consistent, and well-respected official within our sport. His experience as a coach shines through in the way he communicates with athletes, coaches, and fellow officials, always demonstrating professionalism, kindness, and respect. Wayne is especially valued for the support and encouragement he provides to younger officials, helping them build confidence while ensuring they continue to enjoy the game and grow in their roles. His commitment to learning, willingness to accept feedback, and dedication to the officiating community make Wayne Wong a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Ringette BC is proud to recognize Stella James as the Volunteer of the Year. As an Indigenous youth worker from Skwá First Nation, Stella’s dedication, compassion, and leadership have been central to the success of the Ice Hawks program and the positive experiences of the youth and families involved. Every week, Stella goes above and beyond to ensure Indigenous youth have access to a safe, welcoming, and well-organized environment where they can participate fully in sport. She works behind the scenes coordinating transportation, organizing meals and snacks, assisting with equipment, managing registrations and attendance, and welcoming new families into the program with kindness and care. Stella also plays an important role in supporting drumming and cultural protocol practices, helping create a program that is not only inclusive and fun, but also deeply rooted in culture and community. Her steady leadership and commitment to youth wellbeing remove barriers to participation and create meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and belonging for Indigenous youth and their families. Stella’s dedication and positive impact embody the true spirit of volunteerism, and we are proud to celebrate her as this year’s Volunteer of the Year recipient.
Ringette BC is proud to recognize Dinah Qualizza with the 20+ Year Service Award for her extraordinary dedication to the sport of ringette and the Terrace Ringette community. Dinah first became involved 27 years ago while coaching her daughter’s team, and even after her own children finished playing, she continued to give her time, energy, and passion to the sport she loves. This season alone, she coached Parent & Tot, Fundamentals — creating a fun, welcoming, and inclusive environment where young athletes fall in love with the game. Dinah is known not only for her passion and positivity, but also for her incredible ability to support athletes of all abilities, helping many children navigate sensory challenges and feel confident participating in ringette. Beyond the ice, she has contributed countless hours to organizing events, supporting tournaments, mentoring young coaches, and helping grow fundamental programs throughout northern communities. Her infectious enthusiasm, patience, and kindness have inspired generations of athletes, coaches, and families, and her impact on the sport reaches far beyond Terrace. We thank you Dinah for more than two decades of unwavering commitment, leadership, and heart — this award is a reflection of the tremendous difference you have made in the ringette community.
