2022 On Ice Instructor Apprenticeship Award

Ern Rideout Memorial Award Recipient:

Dylan Westlake

Published March 28, 2023

This award was created in memory of Ern Rideout.

Ern Rideout was the first Tucker Hockey on ice assistant instructor. He began in 1999, the inaugural year of Tucker Hockey, until 2007 to assist Coach Rex with a variety of adult & minor on ice hockey programs. As well, from 2006 until 2014, Ern was involved as a business consultant for Tucker Hockey.

For 15 years, Ern was a major contributor to the early success and growth of Tucker Hockey on and off the ice. He will be remembered for his strong character, integrity, dedication, amicable personal traits and loyal friendship.

Ern Rideout

Since 2016, this Tucker Hockey Award has been issued each year to the on-ice apprenticeship instructor who exhibits a strong potential to be a quality on ice assistant instructor within the Tucker Hockey Team, as well as improved personal growth and development.

Coach Rex selected Dylan Westlake as the 2022 Ern Rideout Memorial Award – On Ice Instructor Apprenticeship Recipient.

Congratulations Dylan!

Dylan Westlake

Here is more about Dylan:

  • Tell us a little about yourself.

My names Dylan Westlake, I’m a currently a second-year student at the University of Calgary where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce and majoring in finance. I have been playing hockey for 16 years and previously played minor hockey with the Northwest Warriors and following that 5 years with the Calgary Northstars where I played for the U18 AAA team. After minor hockey I played juniors with the Revelstoke Grizzlies and the Airdrie Thunder while attending school. Outside of hockey I enjoy skiing, working out, chess and rugby.

  • Tell us a little about your interest in the sport of hockey.

I started playing hockey at 5 years old and since then it’s been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my life and something I always look forward to.

  • What’s the best part about hockey for you?

I love the overall fast-paced competitiveness of hockey as well as the camaraderie aspect of being apart of a team.  

  • How has hockey influenced your life?

I have met many of my closest friends and made some of my best memories through hockey. Additionally, I also believe that hockey has taught me many skills and lessons that I can apply to all aspects of life.

  • When and how did you initially get involved with Tucker Hockey?

Initially, I got involved as a player in 2013 when I attended one of Tucker Hockey’s elite power skating camps over Christmas. I then joined the on-ice instructor team in the spring of 2021.

  • What is the most enjoyable part of coaching/teaching players?

My favourite part of coaching/teaching players is seeing the love many players have for the game and their passion to improve.

  • What is your favourite age group and skill level?

My favourite age group is the U11 groups in which I really enjoy seeing their eagerness and open mindset to learn and try new things.

  • Any favourite skating drills that come to mind?

Kick the stick, no doubt.

  • Being a Tucker Hockey Instructor – what has the “Tucker Hockey Way” / being a part of the on ice instructional team taught you?

Being a Tucker Hockey instructor has taught me the significant value that communication has on being able to convey a clear and concise message as highlighting the important points in a certain skill in a concise manner is a crucial part of being an instructor.

  • What advice would you like to offer hockey coaches, parents, and players about the importance of skating, and why they should invest the time and money towards quality skating instruction?

Skating is the ultimate fundamental skill in hockey. Without skating it is very difficult to excel in any other area of hockey as every other skill is dependent on one’s skating ability. Therefore, for an any individual who is eager to improve as an all-around hockey player an investment of time and money into quality skating instruction is absolutely worthwhile.

  • What other things interest you, outside hockey?

I enjoy playing and watching various other sports including rugby, soccer, and basketball. I also learning about the world of finance at school and spending time working out and getting stronger in the gym.

  • What are your future goals or aspirations?

After I complete my Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Calgary, I intend on working in corporate finance specifically with aspirations of being involved in the capital markets or private equity.

Editor’s Note:

I have valued your contributions to Tucker Hockey over the past couple years! You have done extremely well honing your on-ice instructor skills. Providing excellent demos and working better 1 on 1 with the participants to correct and improve their skating and hockey skills as well as expanding your leadership skills i.e. leading a station /sub group.

Congratulations on your promotion from apprentice on ice instructor to assistant on ice instructor in 2022. You have great future potential!

Good luck with your studies! See you in the Spring!

~Coach Rex