2023 Lyle Hanna Memorial Award

On Ice Assistant Instructor Recipient

& 2024 David Mahoney On Ice

Head Instructor Leadership Award

Alannah Jensen

Published: June 27, 2024

Updated: December 20, 2024

This award was created in memory of Lyle Hanna who taught Rex Tucker his first coaching course (NCCP Coach Level) back in the Fall of 1991. Some 12 years later in 2003, Lyle now having retired, joined the Tucker Hockey Team as a part time on ice instructor. Yes, indeed “The Circle of Life”!

Lyle was a very valuable member of the Tucker Hockey Team from 2003 to 2009. Lyle was a very pleasant man, who certainly loved hockey! He enjoyed sharing his wealth of hockey knowledge and helping others learn and enjoy the game. Lyle often said the measure of his success would not be if his players made the NHL but whether they still loved and played the game for the rest of their lives. He was a gentle man who was very generous with his time and valued highly the virtues of good sportsmanship.

Lyle was a true friend, a valued supporter and special coach mentor. He was a man of great integrity and truly a team player. He helped pioneer, cultivate and grow “The Tucker Hockey Way”. Coach Rex will always be grateful for his early contributions to help build Tucker Hockey.

Lyle Hanna

Since 2020, this Tucker Hockey Award will be issued each year to the On Ice Assistant Instructor who exhibits many of these outstanding qualities within the Tucker Hockey Team as well as improved personal growth and development.

2023 Lyle Hanna Memorial Award –

On Ice Assistant Instructor Recipient:

Alannah Jensen

Congratulations Alannah!

Get to know Alannah:

  • Tell us a little about yourself.

I have just completed the four-year Juris Doctor (JD) /Juris Indigenarum Doctor (JID) joint degree program in Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders at the University of Victoria. This May, I returned home to Calgary, where I was born and raised.

Graduation Day – Congratulations Alannah!

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

I first tried hockey, when I was 8 years old, at Jarome Iginla’s Hockey School and instantly fell in love with the sport. I played my minor hockey in Calgary. In grade 12, I moved to Penticton to play for the Okanagan Hockey Academy Female Midget AAA Prep team where I received offers to play for teams in U SPORTS/Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).I played four years of university hockey. In 2013, I was drafted by Alberta/Calgary of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL).

Alannah playing for OHA

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

The best part about hockey was the countless hours I spent training on and off the ice with my friends.

  • How has hockey influenced your life?

Hockey has taught me about discipline and has improved my time management abilities. Through training for hockey, I have also learned healthy lifestyle habits including working out and eating properly.

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

I initially got involved with Tucker Hockey when I was 12 years old as a participant in the Elite Power Skating Program. When I was 14 years old, I became an apprentice instructor. From there, I became an assistant instructor and then a head instructor.

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

The most enjoyable part of coaching is seeing the smiles on the players’ faces when they successfully learn a new skill.

  • What is your favourite age group and skill level?

My favourite age group is U-9. That is the age when I first fell in love with the game, and I enjoy watching players do the same.

  • Any favourite skating drills that come to mind?

Forwards and backwards edge control!

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

Being a part of the on-ice instructional team has taught me that everyone has a unique perspective to offer.

Alannah with other Tucker Hockey Instructors – August 18th, 2016, at Stew Hendry

  • 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 most important skill in hockey. If you want to be a great hockey player, you have to be a good skater.

  • What other things interest you, outside hockey?

I enjoy running, hot yoga, playing the piano, and traveling.

  • What are your future goals or aspirations?

I hope to be called to the Bar in Alberta and then become a civil litigator. I would also like to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Editor’s Note:

Alannah has been involved with Tucker Hockey for nearly 20 years! 
First as a youth player participant and later becoming an apprentice on ice instructor – demoing skating skills and helping the young kids. 
She has progressed from an apprentice instructor to an assistant instructor to a very competent head instructor.

Over this period, I have witnessed first hand Alannah’s personal growth and development from a quiet and shy teenage player to becoming a confident young woman with strong leadership, team work, and people skills. 

Alannah has been involved with countless Tucker Hockey programs over the years from elite power skating, evasive skating, shooting, defenseman and our 3 on 3 programs etc. She relates extremely well with all ages and skill levels. She’s a great mixer with people and this is one of her best assets. Observing her interact and lead the younger players within the U7 & U9 skills programs is the most rewarding aspect as a coach mentor for me.  


Alannah, I have valued your dedication and loyalty to the Tucker Hockey Way. Appreciate your many and varied contributions!

Congratulations on your law degree, I’m so proud of you! 

Alannah, you have great potential in the years ahead. All the best for continued success whatever may be your future endeavors. I know you will do well!

Look forward to being on the ice again this Summer and having some fun!

Take care. Best wishes.

~Coach Rex