• Golden Bears Hockey goaltender (1973-1976)
• 1975 University Cup Champion
• 1975 University Cup MVP
• 1975 Canada West Champion
• 1976 Canada West Second Team All-Star
• Assistant Coach with Canadian Men’s National Team (1983-1992)
• Assistant Coach with the Canadian Men’s Hockey team at the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Winter Olympic Games. 
• First Technical Director of Hockey Alberta
• First President & CEO of the Canadian Sport Institute - Calgary
• Canada 125 Medal (1992), Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) and Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022) recipient
• Member of Hockey Alberta (2007) and Alberta Sports (2012) Hall of Fames

An accomplished athlete, administrator and advocate, Dale Henwood, ‘74 BPE, ‘76 MA dedicated his life to the development of sport. A man who seemed to have the Midas touch at every stage of his career, Henwood was a trailblazer for the advancement of hockey for athletes, coaches, referees and staff across North America.

A former goaltender, Henwood had a remarkable career in sport as a coach, administrator and leader, following a three-year playing career with Golden Bears Hockey.

A Red Deer, Alberta native, Henwood joined the Golden Bears in 1973 after three seasons with the Red Deer Rustlers of the AJHL, and two seasons with the Long Island Ducks of the EHL.

Learning under the tutelage of Clare Drake, Henwood was an integral member of a championship-caliber Bears team. From ‘73-’76 the Bears compiled a 47-19 conference record, capturing both the 1975 Canada West and University Cup titles. Highlighted by a 23-save shutout against the Toronto Varsity Blues in Game 1 of the national final, Henwood was also named the 1975 University Cup MVP. 

The Physical Education student was also named a Canada West All-Star in 1976, the same year he earned his Masters Degree from the UofA. 

Many former Bears have used the guidance from Drake in their professional lives or as amateur sport coaches, but Henwood went a step further. He was able to carve out a brilliant career using the Golden Bears Hockey and Clare Drake philosophy, sharing the core principles and vision to grow the sport of hockey across the continent. 

Post-graduation, Henwood started a coaching career that reached great heights. He began with the NAIT Ooks (1976-78), before joining the staff at St. Lawrence University in New York with former Bears head coach Leon Abbott. 

Henwood returned to Canada, spending three seasons (1980-83) with the Calgary Dinos under another legendary head coach; George Kingston. 

Henwood had the great fortune to not only work with tremendous coaches and leaders during his playing and coaching career, but also possessed the ability to pass along that knowledge and expertise to great effect. 

An early pioneer as a goaltender specialist, another revered coach in Dave King quickly saw the potential and intelligence Henwood displayed, adding him to the Canadian National team’s staff as an assistant coach. Henwood spent nearly a decade with King on the national team, which included coaching at the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Winter Olympic Games. 

Alongside his coaching career, Henwood began working in amateur sport, becoming the first Technical Director of Hockey Alberta in 1980. 

During his time with Hockey Alberta, Henwood established the Alberta Cup program, a referee’s supervision program, and started a women’s hockey development program. He also significantly expanded the coach certification program, using numerous fellow Bears Hockey alumni as instructors, further sharing their knowledge and expertise. 

“Through Hockey Alberta, Dale ensured that Clare Drake, myself, and other leading hockey coaches in Alberta were supported to lead ground-breaking clinics, workshops, seminars and development programs for Alberta coaches and athletes,” said Kingston, a 1997 UofA Sports Wall of Fame inductee. 

“Our programs for young players like the Program of Excellence, became the template for Canada-wide programming. Similarly, our Coaching Certification Levels program soon became the certificate templates for both Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation.” 

In 1994, Henwood became the first President & CEO of the Canadian Sport Institute - Calgary, allowing athletes and coaches from multiple sports to benefit from Henwood’s guidance, and thrive on the national and international stage. One of Henwood’s most impactful legacies was his ability to advocate the benefits of physical activity and sport to politicians and government officials, increasing their commitment, involvement, and resources. 

“Simply stated, Dale’s leadership impact and reputation in Alberta and Canadian sport was exemplary and should not be underestimated in the international success of our athletes,” continued Kingston. “Dale’s character, values, work ethic, and respect for others were known personally and appreciated by his athletes.”

Now retired, Henwood has also served on many committees and boards, including Hockey Canada’s Coaching Committee, the board for both Sport Calgary and Sport Alberta, and the Calgary Sport Tourism Authority. 

Dale Henwood is the fifth Athlete & Builder from Golden Bears Hockey to be inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.