Fredericton firefighter Doug Grandy was named the Canadian winner of the 2025-26 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award on June 7, 2026, for his work with the Rink Rebels Female Hockey Organization. The award, presented by Hyundai in Canada, honors those who improve their communities through hockey.
Doug Grandy, who serves as a Training Officer with the Fredericton Fire Department, established the Rebels to provide better competitive outlets for young female athletes in New Brunswick.
The Rink Rebels started as a single spring hockey team and has since expanded into a year-round developmental program. Doug Grandy co-founded the organization with Ryan Burns, inspired by his daughters, 14-year-old Ally Grandy and 12-year-old Blakely Grandy.
Winning an award named after Willie O’Ree, the first Black player in the NHL, underscores the program’s commitment to community leadership. For Doug Grandy, the recognition confirms the organization is on the right track regarding its growth and local impact.
Support for the program has come from across the community, including retired Daily Gleaner reporter Bill Hunt, who nominated Doug Grandy for the honor. The Rebels’ success relies on a diverse coaching staff, including RCMP constable Jon Cormier and Mark MacNevin.
These coaches made headlines beyond the rink when Doug Grandy and Jon Cormier successfully revived a man named Pierrot Doucet after he suffered a heart attack, demonstrating their commitment to service.
National recognition for the Rink Rebels mission
The selection process involved a public vote and a review of finalists from across Canada and the United States. Doug Grandy won the Canadian title over fellow finalists Vinnie Matteo of Montreal, who founded Avalanche Kidz, and Sonny Sekhon of Edmonton, the founder of the Punjabi Elite League.
On the American side, the nominees included Steven Thompson from Seattle, Bill Tobias from New York, and Kendal Troutman from Los Angeles. This award highlights the influence of grassroots leaders on the latest sport news updates across the continent.
The Rink Rebels emphasize mentorship, employing local high school player Ava Burns as a Junior Coach and Social Media Lead. This approach ensures that young participants have relatable role models who understand the modern game. Elite skating coach Jena MacLeod also provides specialist training to help the girls reach higher competitive levels.
Just as professional leagues target new markets for expansion, the Rebels are filling a vital gap in the Atlantic Canadian hockey system.
Upcoming events and professional mentorship
The organization is currently running its Summer 2026 programs, which include on-ice development, scrimmages, and goalie-specific training sessions. These sessions are a precursor to the Friendship Tournament scheduled for August 2026 at Willie O’Ree Place in Fredericton. The tournament aims to provide high-level competition following a spring event that drew 47 participating teams.
Such growth reflects the increasing demand for specialized female athletic programs in the region.
Professional players are also lending their support to the initiative, with three Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) stars confirmed for the August tournament. Olivia Wallin, Abby Hustler, and Marlène Boissonnault will be in attendance to mentor the young athletes. This direct connection to professional talent provides a concrete path for local players to follow.
Even as international sports regulations for women’s divisions continue to be a point of discussion, the Rebels remain centered on regional skill-building.
Community foundations and long-term goals
The growth of the Rink Rebels is a family effort, with Doug Grandy’s mother, Rosemary, and volunteer Kate Hunter playing key roles. This support network has allowed the program to move beyond simple practices into organized tournaments and outdoor workouts.
The financial grant associated with the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award will help lower barriers for new players. Doug Grandy’s primary goal remains making the sport more accessible for every girl who wants to play in Fredericton.
Success is measured by the confidence the girls gain on the ice rather than just the number of trophies won. The organization moved from a concept to a 47-team spring tournament host in just over a year.
With the August Friendship Tournament approaching, the Rink Rebels are solidified as a permanent fixture in New Brunswick hockey. Doug Grandy believes the award is just the beginning for an organization dedicated to the next generation of female athletes.
