Adam Welburn-Ross Memorial Award

Before last night's game, the Erindale Hockey Association, the GTHL, and the MHL came together to recognize a very special member of the Erindale hockey family. He was honoured as the inaugural recipient of the Adam Welburn-Ross Memorial Award.

Many of us at Erindale had the privilege of knowing Adam Welburn-Ross. Adam was much more than a hockey coach. He believed that while hockey was important, the lessons learned through hockey were even more important. He taught players about teamwork, respect, resilience, leadership, and community. He cared deeply about helping young people become not only better athletes, but better people. We lost Adam to ALS, but even while facing this terrible disease with incredible courage and positivity, he continued to inspire those around him.

His impact on the Erindale community continues to be felt today because of the positivity, encouragement, and enthusiasm he brought to every rink, every player, and every family he encountered. His players, have continued to grow and develop and take on his challenge of giving back to the community.

To ensure Adam's legacy lives on, Erindale established the Adam Welburn-Ross Memorial Award. This award is presented to a coach who reflects the same values that Adam brought to every team he coached: commitment to player development, dedication to building character, creating an inclusive team culture, and encouraging players to give back to their communities.

This year's recipient embodies those values.

Henry Lukassen has demonstrated that success in hockey is about much more than wins and losses. Throughout the season, Henry has been committed to helping his players grow not only as hockey players, but as young people. He has encouraged his team to look beyond the rink by participating as a team in community events, volunteering their time, supporting fundraising initiatives, and taking part in activities that strengthen the connection between the team and the community around them.

Much like Adam, Henry understands that the role of a coach is not simply to teach systems and skills. The role of a coach is to help shape future leaders, teammates, and community members. The example he sets and the values he reinforces leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond a single season.

That commitment to community service, player development, and building strong character is exactly what this award was created to recognize.

On behalf of the Erindale Hockey Association, it is my honour to present the 2025-2026 Adam Welburn-Ross Memorial Award to Henry Lukassen, the award first recipient.

Henry, thank you for the countless hours devoted to your players, your team, and our community. Thank you for carrying forward the values that Adam represented so well and for helping ensure his legacy continues through the next generation of Erindale players.

Congratulations, Henry.

As Adam often reminded us through his actions, hockey can teach much more than a game.