REGINA, SK – As announced during the second intermission of Game 3 of the 2026 Canterra Seeds Cup Final on SaskTel TV Max Local, Ryder McKinnon of the La Ronge Ice Wolves has been named this year’s winner of the RBC Community Ambassador Award winner.
RBC will make a $2,500 donation in honour of Ryder to the Pre-Cambrian School in La Ronge, SK.
The Saskatoon, SK native was one of three finalists for this year’s award, alongside Connor Miller of the Flin Flon Bombers/Humboldt Broncos, and Callum Creig of the Yorkton Terriers.
(Following release courtesy La Ronge Ice Wolves)
As an SJHL rookie, Ryder has embraced the opportunity to be a good role model to young people, make a positive impact in his community and give back to the game he loves.
This season, he has been a regular volunteer with the U13 La Ronge Ice Wolves, helping out on the ice with practices. He has also attended both elementary schools in La Ronge to assist with evening activities.
“Ryder leads with an open mind, genuine curiosity, and a true readiness to step in wherever he is needed. His leadership and commitment to our community are impossible to overlook.”
What sets Ryder apart is the care and intention he brings to every interaction. He takes the time to connect with each person as an individual, meeting them where they are and ensuring they feel seen, valued, and supported. His involvement goes far beyond volunteering; it is rooted in meaningful one-on-one relationships that leave a lasting impact within our community.
Anyone who has had the privilege of working alongside Ryder or watching him interact with students, teammates, peers, or young aspiring hockey players in our community can immediately recognize the difference he makes. His presence fosters encouragement, trust, and a strong sense of belonging. We are lucky to have him.”
When on a recent break in the SJHL schedule, Ryder, a Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association alumnus, connected with the U15A Saskatoon Ice Wolves and enjoyed running drills, helping out on the ice and especially talking to the players about mindset and his hockey journey.
Coach Adam Engdahl had this to say about Ryder’s impact: “Unsolicited, I received a call from Ryder in October with the offer to join our team on the ice during his time off at the all-star break. Ryder graciously offered to come out and give our players some inspiration and guidance, and to show our boys what it’s like to play high-level hockey as a young man. For Ryder to take time out of his personal schedule, when we know how limited that is given his busy and dedicated hockey schedule, sure meant a lot to our coaches, parents, and, of course, our young players.
Ryder came out and was informative, engaging, and supportive to us coaches and, more importantly, to the players on the team. He was a consummate professional while displaying a positive, team-first attitude, epitomizing how to act in front of these influential young men.
From his time on the ice to the lasting inspirational words he gave the boys in the dressing room after practice, our players were enthralled and deeply impacted in a positive way.
“I cannot tell you enough how much this meant to our team, and we are very grateful and blessed to have Ryder spend his time with us. The professionalism and decorum that Ryder showed were a great reflection of the SJHL and the culture we all hope our players strive to achieve.
Our entire team had the privilege to watch Ryder play on Dec 5 in Warman. Our coaches, players and some other younger siblings joined to cheer him on. It’s easy to say Ryder’s visit with our team went beyond just the team and inspired not only the players but some even younger up-and-coming players!”
Additionally, Ryder sought employment and is fortunate to work part-time as an Educational Assistant at Pre-Cam Community School in La Ronge, where he continues to impact the students he supports. Ryder’s inspiration comes from his biggest fan, his late Grandpa, Gord Brown, a Phys Ed teacher and serial volunteer, who was instrumental in the new rink in Melville, SK coming to fruition. He hopes he is making his Grandpa proud.
