The 2026 Hockey Alberta Spring Showcase presented by Direct Energy celebrates the future of the game, it also serves as an opportunity to honour a volunteer whose impact on hockey in our communities will be felt for years to come.
This year, we proudly recognize the legacy of Theodore “Ted” Hutchings.
Ted’s life was defined by dedication, leadership, and an unwavering passion for both education and hockey. Ted built his life in Red Deer alongside his wife, Lori, and their two sons, Connor and Jeffrey. Over the course of his career, he touched the lives of countless students as a teacher, administrator, and principal. Whether at Eastview, Glendale, Grandview, Delburne, Innisfail, or Penhold Crossing, Ted was known for his commitment to helping young people grow, succeed, and find their path.
Hockey, however, was always at the heart of Ted’s story.
From his early days with the Strathcona Warriors to competing in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks and Lethbridge Hurricanes, Ted’s love for the game ran deep. He carried that passion forward into decades of coaching with Red Deer College, Red Deer Minor Hockey, and various hockey schools. He also gave his time generously as an off-ice official with the Red Deer Rebels and at Hockey Alberta events, always finding ways to stay connected to the game and give back.
Ted believed in the power of hockey to shape character, build community, and create lifelong memories.
“Ted meant so much to the hockey community and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Ted was someone who gave so much to hockey, but even more to his community. He had a way of making everyone feel valued and connected through the game. We will deeply miss having him at the Spring Showcase, but naming this space ‘Hutches House’ is such a fitting tribute to the passion, energy, and generosity he brought to the rink every single day” expressed Michelle Skilnick, Manager Events for Hockey Alberta.
To honour Ted’s enduring impact and love for the game, the volunteer room at the Hockey Alberta Spring Showcase will be named Hutch’s House, a tribute to a man who gave so much to hockey, his community, and the people around him. His legacy will continue to be felt in every staff and volunteer who shares in the spirit of the game he loved so deeply.
