The Courtney Dreger Spirit Award is presented annually to a Trails West Hockey Association parent, coach, or volunteer who embodies the spirit and heart Courtney brought to our community — a spirit that lifted others, strengthened the association, and made people feel they belonged.

Courtney was known across Hockey Calgary for her warmth, her reliability, her humor, and her ability to bring people together. She had a rare gift for seeing what needed to be done and quietly stepping in — not for recognition, but because she genuinely cared. Courtney had an unmatched ability to make people feel welcome, supported, and part of something bigger.

This award honours someone who shows up in the way Courtney did — not for applause, but because they love to serve. Someone who sees the bigger picture, cares for people, brings joy, and strengthens what it means to be part of community hockey.

Core Pillars for Nomination

Nominations for this award will be considered through the following pillars, which reflect Courtney’s legacy and the spirit she represented:

Community First

Demonstrates care for the whole association — not just their own team. Acts with the “big picture” in mind.
Courtney was truly “Mrs. Trails West,” always thinking about the community as a whole and creating belonging and cohesion.

Gets Things Done (With Grace)

Sees what needs to be done and does it — reliably, calmly, with competence and heart. Never needs applause.
Courtney had an “I got this” energy and managed tournaments, systems, communication, and people with ease.

Kindness & Compassion

Shows up for others — quietly and humbly. Lifts, includes, and protects.
Courtney cared deeply for families, moms, players, and volunteers, and gave generously of herself.

Positivity & Warmth

Brings joy, laughter, energy, and connection to the rink, the stands, the hotel — anywhere they go.
Courtney was FUN. People gravitated to her because her presence made everything feel lighter.

Strength & Courage

Demonstrates resilience and steadiness in the face of challenge; leads with courage, faith, and intention.
Courtney’s grace through illness, her strength, and her fierce love for Tim and the boys inspired so many.

Team Spirit & Togetherness

Creates association belonging. Organizes, includes, invites, and celebrates.
Makes others feel like they are part of something.

Nominations

Nominations for this award may be submitted by Trails West families, coaches, managers, and volunteers.

Nominators will be asked to share examples of how the nominee:

Demonstrates care for the whole hockey community

Steps up and quietly makes things better for others

Brings positivity, laughter, or connection

Shows resilience, courage, or leadership in a way that inspires others

Nominations can be submitted by email to admin@trailswesthockey.com by March 16th, 2026.

Once nominations are received, the award recipient will be selected by a small committee and recognized at the Annual Trails West Meeting.

Award Recognition

In lieu of a traditional plaque, Trails West will honour the recipient by adding their name to the Trails West “Courtney Jacket” display, proudly displayed at Flames Community Arenas.

The recipient will also receive a small personal gift — something meaningful and uniquely “Courtney”. 

Phil Keyes’ love of sport shaped every chapter of his life. From a young age, he participated in many sports and activities, including soccer, volleyball, and snowmobiling, and was a natural athlete in anything he pursued. This passion became especially evident when his eldest son asked him to coach his Timbits hockey team. Despite never having learned to skate, Phil eagerly embraced the opportunity to coach his son and the many players who would follow.

To those he coached, it was almost unbelievable that Phil had never played hockey - or even skated - yet behind the scenes, he dedicated himself fully. He spent hundreds of hours at Learn to Skate sessions, Play Hockey programs, and even joined a recreational beer league, all so he could excel in his role as a coach. That was who Phil was - deeply committed to being the best at whatever he set his mind to and giving his all in the process.

Phil’s knowledge of sport and deep passion for his children and every player on the ice made him an invaluable coach. Whether on the bench or on the ice, his focus was always on helping players become the best versions of themselves. He was known for offering encouragement and positivity, even during moments of struggle, and for believing in every athlete he coached. Phil gave so much to the Trails West Hockey Association (TWHA) community that he was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Shawn Morgan Memorial Coach Dedication Award in 2025.  However, recognition was never his motivation - coaching and giving back to Trails West brought him genuine fulfillment.

When Phil unexpectedly passed away from cancer in 2025, the outpouring of support at his funeral -including the countless hockey jerseys worn by players he had coached - was a powerful testament to the impact he had made in the community.

Over the last decade, Phil had the privilege of coaching more than fifteen teams within the TWHA, securing two Esso wins and three City Championships alongside his two children. His love of sport and dedication to youth hockey have left a lasting legacy in the community. Through the Phil Keyes Memorial Scholarship, his family hopes to honour that legacy and continue the values Phil embodied.

The Keyes’ Family, in conjunction on with WesternZagros Development ULC and M2 Mechanical Inc., will provide two scholarships in the amount of $750 and $500 to a U18 player entering post secondary studies in the 2026/2027 academic year in honour of Phil Keyes.

Phil Keyes Memorial Scholarship Information and Application