Bill Hubbs - Senior Coach of the Year Award

The West Ottawa board of executive announced a new award at the 2024 AGM, that will be handed out starting in the 2024/25 season, for the Coach of the Year (U12-U19). This award is being named in honor Bill Hubbs as he exemplified what a great coach truly is.

Thank you Colleen Hagan for putting together the following tribute, which was read at the AGM. For those that were not in attendance of the AGM, we encourage you all to read the following write-up about Bill. His contributions to the sport and the community are an inspiration to us all. We hope that his spirit provides insight and helps guides all of our future coaches to achieve the standard he has set.

Before he was Coach Grandpa, he was known to all as Mr. Hubbs, and sometimes Hubbsy.

Bill Hubbs worked many years in the game wearing many hats, Executive Director of Ringette Canada, Association President, University Club leader, Parent, Grandparent, Mentor, and of course, Coach.

Perhaps because he had served in these many roles, Bill always led first with respect - a respect for the job another has to do, respect for time given voluntarily, often time away from family, respect for the value added because someone is stepping up to do that job, making the game possible. Whether it was in his interactions with Boards, Parents, Officials, his own staffs, or opposing staffs, Bill was so intentional, and a great model, for being courteous and respectful to all those in the game.

Still, his lasting legacy will be as a coach and mentor. In both roles, Mr. Hubbs was best known for his caring style of leadership, and for inspiring confidence and belief in his players and staff. He was always the first to arrive at practice or down at breakfast in tournaments. He made a point to greet each of his players and young coaches, so he could make sure they were ready, they knew he was ready, and that he was there if they needed him. He was also the last to leave, making sure everyone had a safe way home. He went out of his way to make sure you felt heard, validated, and valued. He used questions rather than telling because he knew that in you already, was the answer, and it would be better if you came to that on your own. He helped you to set and visualize goals, often saying, “If you can see it, you can believe it; and if you believe it, you can achieve it.” He was thoughtful, spending many hours working out lineups and strategies, or special ‘door plays’ to be used at just the right moment. And even beyond his time with you, he remembered you. If he saw you at a rink, or achieving something in your life, he reached out. He was well known for collecting sweaters from the various universities and colleges which his former athletes attended. He proudly wore them and shared stories of those athletes. For him, it was the connections that made the game special.

Coach Grandpa - leading from his heart, willingly shared his passion for the game and routinely answered the call when needed. Over his career, he instilled in those around him a desire to do the same, to give back, to stay connected, and to just try their best.