Tucker Hockey 25th Year Anniversary Celebration!

Tucker Hockey

25th Year Anniversary

Celebration!

 Published: April 2, 2025

The Genesis:

Over the past 25+ years, Rex Tucker has become a prominent figure in the Calgary and Rural Alberta hockey communities. He is renowned for his dedication and extensive contributions as a power skating instructor, hockey skills coach, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.

Rex was born and raised in Little Bay Islands, Newfoundland, a small, picturesque fishing village of less than five hundred people. He found himself in an area of the world without a minor hockey association, hockey coaching or even an indoor hockey rink! He played shinny hockey with his friends every opportunity that came available on the local saltwater harbour or the island’s five freshwater ponds.

However, Rex still developed an unbelievable love and deep passion for hockey from an early age. Despite the limited resources in his hometown, he nurtured his love for the game. Rex’s late Father Raymond would often say to him “If you don’t get something involved in hockey, it will be a strange thing.” Raymond had a sixth sense about his son’s passion, love and willpower to pursue his hockey dreams.

At the age of seventeen, he left his small fishing village in Newfoundland to pursue a business degree at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s and strive towards his professional journey of making a living in the hockey world.

After completing his education, Rex started a business career in the corporate sector, working in the oil and gas industry in downtown Toronto for 8 years. He felt this move offered excellent opportunities to work in a large business, to elevate his business knowledge and skills, to learn about life in the big city and to use the work experience as a steppingstone towards his main goal – a career in the hockey world.

When Rex realized he had stayed too long, he became restless for change. He spent the better part of his last 2 years, still working in the corporate world, but all the while trying to “figure out” how to pursue his goal of obtaining a hockey job. He worked diligently on pursuing and discovering what he felt was his true calling in life and his desire for future happiness. This driven focus for change would eventually lead Rex to relocate west to Calgary and start a new adventure.

In the early 1990s, his enduring passion for hockey led him to transition into volunteer minor hockey coaching, scouting at the Junior A levels and involvement with Hockey Alberta and the NCCP programs. His dedication and coaching wisdom were recognized when he was named “Coach of the Year” in the Calgary Junior Hockey League for the 1994 – 1995 season. Besides honing his coaching and scouting skills, Rex took his hockey technical skills to another level by training in the summers with NHL, Semi Pro and Junior A level players for 5 Summers.

Rex finally received a well needed break during the Summer of 1997. Rex expanded his horizons and traveled to Europe. He was invited to serve as the Head Power Skating Instructor at the Canadian Hockey Camp – Europe, based in Most, Czech Republic. He honed his power skating teaching skills over a 5-year period of Summers and had a vision while in Europe to start up his own hockey business i.e., Tucker Hockey.

The Start – Up:

Tucker Hockey started out as a part time operation in the Fall of 1999. Rex operated adult and minor power skating programs in the City of Calgary for 3 years. During this time, being unsuccessful in securing a full-time hockey gig; Rex came to the harsh reality; to have a full-time job and have peace within; he would have to create his own hockey business. He needed to gather up the courage and will power to take his part time business to another level – a full-time yearly operation. It was a very risky endeavor at the ripe age of forty-one. He truly felt, it was now or never to make a living in the hockey world. He diligently began to get his ducks in a row. Yes, to take the leap of faith!

Rex started up Tucker Hockey with $2,000 in his bank savings account, a business plan and many long days and a lot of arduous work. With incredible determination, drive, passion and love for hockey he went about building Tucker Hockey.

His directives? To make a living in hockey and to teach skating and hockey skills to anyone who may love the game and wish to improve.

Minor Hockey Philosophy:

Adult Hockey Philosophy:

As the Founder, Owner, President, CEO, and Master Instructor, Rex has been instrumental in providing leadership and strategic business planning direction to the organization.

Under his guidance, Tucker Hockey has become a premier hockey school in Calgary. The organization offers power skating and skills development programs for players aged 4 to 81 and skill levels ranging from learn to skate to semi-professional.

He enjoyed the unique mix of hockey and business activities, and the diversified skill set required operating this small business successfully.

Rex extends a “warm heart felt thank you” and “sincere gratitude” to the many loyal hockey friends and supporters who helped make his hockey dream become a reality over the years. So many, too many to acknowledge but you know who you are. Many thanks!

Reflecting, it is certainly quite challenging to summarize 25 years into a few pages for an article. However, we will attempt to identify and describe some of the significant milestones with a fun fact list at the end of this article.

Milestones:

• 1999 – First Tucker Hockey On Ice Program

During the fall of 1999, Coach Rex operated his first power skating program to a small group of adult players at Stew Hendry Arena in Calgary.

• 2000 – Hired First Tucker Hockey On Ice Assistant Instructor

Ern Rideout started to assist Coach Rex on the ice with delivering his part time adult and minor power skating programs.

• 2002 – Commenced Full-time Year-Round Operations 

Tucker Hockey began year-round hockey development programs starting in September 2002, organizing a power skating program at Cardel South (formerly South Fish Creek Arena).

• 2002 – Operated First Hockey Camp in Springdale, Newfoundland 

Coach Rex had the pleasure to return to his native homeland over the Christmas holidays and shared his passion and knowledge of power skating and hockey skills with the local kids in the community.

• 2003 – Start of Coach Rex Doing 500+ On Ice Sessions Per Year

This became the norm for over 20+ years. The busiest year was 575 sessions!

• 2003 – Hired on Lyle Hanna as an Assistant Instructor / Mentor

Lyle taught Rex is first National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) course in 1991.

12 years later – the Circle of Life.

• 2003 – Hiring First Part Time Administrative Assistant

Karen Adler was hired to handle program registrations and various administrative duties.

• 2004 – Hockey Zones Newsletter – First Paper Publication 

Rex’s commitment to sport extends beyond coaching. He shares his passion of hockey through authoring articles and overseeing the design & publication of “Hockey Zones” Newsletter. In 2004, the first paper publication of the Hockey Zones Newsletter was circulated throughout Calgary hockey rinks. The newsletter features articles on hockey tips, experiences, local hockey players, and insights drawn from his extensive career.

• 2004 – Operated First Hockey Camps in Rural Alberta 

Coach Rex traveled to the Town of High River and the Siksika Nations Reserve to teach power skating and hockey skills to rural Alberta kids.

• 2004 – Creation of Tucker Hockey Classic Minor & Adult Awards

Giving back to the community is something that is near and dear to Rex. One of the many ways he has shown this is through Tucker Hockey’s quarterly classic awards. Since 2004, Tucker Hockey has awarded the Danny Cammack Memorial award quarterly to a deserving minor hockey player. This award was created in memory of Danny Cammack. The second quarterly classic award is the Bradley Mersereau Memorial Award. This is awarded to an adult “hockey enthusiast” quarterly also since 2004. This award was created in memory of Bradley Mersereau who was an avid Tucker Hockey participant. Both awards include attendance to one free Tucker Hockey program of the recipient’s choice. To read more on the awards, please click HERE!

• 2005 – David Mahoney Head On Ice Instructor Mentorship

Coach Rex mentored David who started in 2003 from an assistant instructor to a top-quality head instructor. David became an important member of the Tucker Hockey on ice team for more than two decades!

• 2008 – Significant Growth on and off the ice

In 2008, Rex made significant strides with Tucker Hockey Enterprises Ltd., further expanding its influence in the Calgary hockey community and beyond. By this time, Tucker Hockey had firmly established itself as a leader in player development, offering specialized programs not only for youth and adult players but also for coaches seeking to enhance their training techniques.

In response to growing demand, Rex introduced new skill development camps and clinics tailored to different player skill levels, including advanced power skating, puck control, and strategic shooting / offensive tactics. These initiatives demonstrated Rex’s commitment to delivering high-quality, personalized instruction, setting Tucker Hockey apart as a premier hockey school.

Furthermore, in 2008, Rex continued to leverage “Hockey Zones,” the organization’s e-newsletter, as a platform to share valuable insights, coaching tips, and success stories, fostering a strong connection with the local hockey community. His motivational articles also gained traction, reaching a broader audience and further solidifying his reputation as an influential voice in both hockey coaching and personal development.

• 2008 – Hiring of First Full Time Administrative Assistant

As the hockey business began to grow and evolve Rex saw the need to for a full-time administrator and hired Christyne Kavanagh who worked for Tucker Hockey for nearly 10 years.

• 2008 – Founded the Kids Hockey Advancement Society

Rex’s involvement in founding the Kids Hockey Advancement Society was a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community. Funds raise during Annual Charity Golf Tournaments helped to alleviate financial barriers for young players. The organization made it possible for more children to participate in hockey, regardless of their family’s financial situation. This initiative was aligned with Rex’s belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of playing hockey – both on and off the ice.

• 2010 – Hired Wally Kozak as a Coach Mentor / On Ice Instructor

On October 7^th, 2007, Wally Kozak, career hockey coach and former head scout of the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team programs, suffered a massive heart attack while on the ice coaching the Strathmore Rockies of the Western Women’s Hockey League. Wally said he had “cheated death and was very fortunate to be alive”. After completing an enormous amount of neurological rebab over several years, Wally reached out to Coach Rex. He wanted to get back being involved in hockey. A sport which had been such a big part of his life. Wally was still incredibly passionate about the betterment of our game.

Coach Rex wanted to help with his recovery and created a win – win situation from this tragic event. He hired Wally on has a hockey consultant. The addition of Wally Kozak to the on-ice team in 2010 was a very helpful milestone for Tucker Hockey. His extensive hockey knowledge not only enriched the training programs but also expanded the organization’s ability to cater to players seeking higher-level development. This collaboration highlighted Rex’s vision of continually enhancing the scope of quality instruction, ensuring that players at Tucker Hockey benefit from the best coaching talent available. Wally taught Rex is first NCCP course in 1991; again, the Circle of Life; this time nearly 20 years later.

• 2014 – Dissolved the Kids Hockey Advancement Society

After 7 memorable years, the Kids Hockey Advancement Society (KHAS) had concluded in 2014. It had made a meaningful impact on the Calgary community. Raised over $165,000 for various local Calgary causes mainly KidSport Calgary. Through Rex Tucker’s leadership, the society’s efforts not only supported young players but also contributed to local charities, leaving a legacy of generosity and community support in the hockey world.

• 2014 – 2016 Operated Hockey Camps in Springdale, Newfoundland

After a 12-year sabbatical, Coach Rex had the opportunity to return to his native homeland and share his passion and knowledge of power skating and hockey skills with the local kids in the Green Bay area. He operated hockey development fall camps for 3 years in a row.

• 2015 – Operated First Hockey Camp in Prague, Czech Republic

The launch of Tucker Hockey’s first camp in Prague was a key milestone in the organization’s growth, showcasing Rex Tucker’s dedication to developing hockey talent on an international scale. By bringing Tucker Hockey’s specialized training methods to Europe, Rex not only shared his expertise but also created possible opportunities for future cross-cultural exchange in hockey development.

• 2016 – Tucker Hockey Team Expands to 20+ Part – Time On Ice Instructors

The expansion of Tucker Hockey’s coaching team in 2016 to 20 active part time on-ice instructors marked a significant step forward in meeting the growing needs of players in Calgary. With this larger team, Tucker Hockey could accommodate more participants, diversify training offerings, and maintain its high standard of personalized player development.

• 2016 – Creation of Tucker Hockey On Ice Instructor Awards 

The creation of the first “Tucker Hockey On-Ice Instructor Award” highlights Rex’s commitment to appreciating and recognizing the hard work of his coaching team. By formally acknowledging outstanding instructors, Tucker Hockey fosters a culture of excellence and dedication, ensuring that players receive top-tier training. The Ern Rideout Memorial Award, created in 2016, is awarded to an On Ice Apprentice Instructor. Subsequently, both the David Mahoney Leadership On Ice Head Instructor Award and Lyle Hanna Memorial On Ice Assistant Instructor Award were created in 2020. All three awards are award to Tucker Hockey On Ice Instructors yearly. To read more on these awards please click HERE!

• 2018 – Candace DiGiacomo Joined the Tucker Hockey Team 

Candace DiGiacomo’s addition to the Tucker Hockey team brought valuable support to the organization’s off-ice operations. Her contributions have been instrumental in optimizing the administrative side and taking the business side to another level, allowing Coach Rex to focus more on delivering top-notch hockey training.

• 2020 – 2022 Surviving the Covid Virus Crisis

Tucker Hockey’s ability to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including navigating 4 different city wide arena shutdowns without any revenue coming in, was a testament to the organization’s resilience, grit and determination. Rex’s leadership and Candace’s loyal support with the cooperation of the community played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of operations during such unprecedented times.

• 2020 – Hockey Zones E – Newsletter Start Up 

The launch of the “Hockey Zones” E-newsletter was a significant step in Tucker Hockey’s evolution, enabling wider reach and greater accessibility. By embracing a digital format, Rex Tucker ensured that players, coaches, and hockey enthusiasts could continue to benefit from expert insights and resources, even in a rapidly changing world. Candace DiGiacomo was instrumental in making this a successful initiative.

• 2024 – Hiring of Part Time Social Media / Business Development Coordinator

The hiring of a business development consultant, Chad Labelle marked another step in Tucker Hockey’s evolution. This strategic addition reflects Rex Tucker’s forward-thinking approach to maintaining and expanding the organization’s impact in the hockey community.

• 2024 – Hiring of Part Time Administrative Assistant

The hiring of a part time administrative assistant, Tara Flannery ensured our Spring 3 on 3 programs continues to run smoothly in future years and Tucker Hockey has stronger administrative support / expertise in the years ahead.

• 2024 – Creation of 25^th Anniversary Celebration Merchandise

Tucker Hockey celebrates its 25th anniversary by offering a range of commemorative merchandise, including limited-edition apparel and memorabilia. These items were designed to honour the organization’s milestone and provide participants and supporters with unique keepsakes.

• 2025 – Promotion of the European Adult Hockey Tour

Tucker Hockey is offering a 2-week opportunity to visit Prague, Czechia and other Czech cities and the surrounding countryside. It is a fabulous experience of hockey, sightseeing and even “world class beer” for avid hockey players ages 35+ to 55+.

This tour will operate between: Sunday September 28^th to Sunday October 12^th, 2025.

• 2025 & Beyond – Stay Tuned!

Rex continues to embrace “learning and change” in his business and hockey operations, as well, as “helping others” and “trying to make a difference.”

Striving to maintain his passion and love for teaching ice skills programs until the age of seventy-five and doing instructor / coach mentoring until the age of eighty!

Yes, aspiring to continue to build a strong Tucker Hockey Team on and off the ice. Taking things one stride at a time and yes with a little more glide in his strides dealing with Father Time!

He will author his book and do some motivational speaking in later years to inspire others to follow their dreams! The mantra “get comfortable being uncomfortable” to enhance their future personal growth and development.

In the meantime, “See you at the local rink – hockey & smiles” says Coach Rex. “It is my sanctuary and a happy place! It is where I like to hangout!”

Contributing Writers:

Candace DiGiacomo, Tara Flannery & Rex Tucker

For more details regarding the Story of Tucker Hockey check out “The Genesis of Tucker Hockey” 4-part series!

Part 1 – Childhood Love of Hockey

Part 2 – Leaving the Family Nest

Part 3 – Discovering My True Calling

Part 4 – Taking the Leap of Faith

Tucker Hockey 25+ Years – Fun Facts:

• 20+ Part Time On Ice Active Instructors
• 100+ Part Time On Ice Past Instructors – “Alumni”
• Coach Rex 10,000+ Hockey Development Sessions
• Coach Rex 13,000+ Hours On The Ice
• Tucker Hockey Has Coached Over 25,000+ Players – Of All Ages & Abilities
• Raised & Contributed $500,000+ to Local Calgary Worthy Causes
• Awarded $40,000+ Worth of Tucker Hockey Year-Round Group Programs
• Partnership Projects With Over 20+ Calgary Minor Hockey Associations
• Partnership Projects With Other M.H.A Outside of Calgary Including: Carstairs, Indus, High River, HC Hvezda – Prague, Siksika Nations, Springdale Minor Hockey, Newfoundland, Springbank and Strathmore Minor Hockey Associations.