A local, national and international hockey coaching and managing legend is retiring as chief executive officer of Hockey Canada.

Hockey Canada and its board of directors announced April 20 the retirement of Cranbrook’s Tom Renney, effective July 1.

“This is a decision I have been preparing for over the past year and while it is never easy, I know the time is right and I am grateful for the past eight years,” said Renney in a Hockey Canada report.

“I am appreciative of the opportunity that was afforded to me by past board chair, Jim Hornell, to lead this organization as its president and CEO. To our Hockey Canada directors past and present, chair Michael Brind’Amour, the volunteers and our incredible staff, I thank you for your dedication, commitment and support of our great game. I thank the people I have met through this game who have all made a positive and lasting impact in my life,” he said.

“I also wish to thank and congratulate Scott Smith. I know the game will continue to grow and evolve, and that it will continue to make great strides under his leadership. Finally, and most importantly, to my family – my wife Glenda, our daughters Jessica and Jamie, and our grandchildren – thank you for your sacrifices and your support. I look forward being home and spending more time together and supporting you in your own endeavours.”

Renney joined Hockey Canada as president and chief executive officer in July 2014, overseeing all areas of the organization including high performance and hockey development programs both nationally and internationally, as well as corporate sales, events and marketing, membership services and operations.

In 2017, he stepped down from his position as president and appointed Scott Smith (Bathurst, N.B.) to the role, adding to Smith’s responsibilities as chief operating officer.

Prior to his current role, Renney served as vice-president of hockey operations with the organization from 1998 to 2000.

During his time as chief executive officer, Renney has helped guide Canada’s national men’s, women’s and para hockey teams to 28 medals in international competition – nine gold, 15 silver and four bronze – including gold and silver in the women’s tournament at the 2022 and 2018 Olympic Winter Games, respectively.

He also helped Canada win silver at the 2018 and 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and bronze in the men’s tournament at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Before joining the organization’s hockey operations department, he won a silver medal as head coach of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team at the 1994 Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. He added silver (1996) and bronze (1995) as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Team at the IIHF World Championship, and won a gold medal (1994) and two silver (2004, 2005) as an assistant coach.

At the 1999 IIHF World Junior Championship, he earned a silver medal as head coach of Canada’s National Junior Team. Renney’s international contributions have also included serving as chair of the Coaching Committee with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) since 2015.

Before becoming an integral part of Hockey Canada, Renney was busy leading junior hockey clubs to titles, including with the Columbia Valley Rockies of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, capturing three straight KIJHL championships between 1987 and 1990 and Cyclone Taylor Cup in 1989.

Renney then made the step up to the Western Hockey League and winning followed him to the Kamloops Blazers, where he led the club to two straight WHL championships and a Memorial Cup in 1992.

Renney compiled a 101-37-6 record for a .714 winning percentage, which ranks as the all-time highest winning mark in Canadian Hockey League history.

He then went on to coach the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Team Canada.

“It is a bittersweet yet exciting day for Hockey Canada as we reflect on Tom’s leadership and legacy, while welcoming Scott into his new role,” said Brind’Amour. “Tom, on behalf of the board of directors, our members and the entire staff, congratulations on all your success. Your hard work and commitment to the game is evident in the direction you have led our organization. We are positioned to continue to grow the game and make it accessible to participants across the country. I wish you, Glenda and your family all the best in your well-deserved retirement.”

Scott Smith stated: “I would also like to thank Tom for his guidance, leadership and support over the past eight years, and wish him and his family all the best in retirement. It has been an honour to work alongside him for many years, and I am proud to call him a friend and mentor.

“I am extremely grateful and excited to work with our staff and continue the work Tom has started as we bring new players into our game, grow our development programs and ensure our national teams continue to represent Canada with pride.

“I would like to thank our board members and leadership team, as well as our entire staff and my family for their ongoing support. This is not a position I take lightly, but I am extremely proud to continue to build on our strengths while working to make the game accessible for everyone.”

Hockey Canada image

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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