The University of Regina's
Tessa Stewart has been named the recipient of the 2026 Canada West Women's Hockey Student-Athlete Community Service Award.
Stewart has made a profound impact as a leader in the community through sustained service, initiative and a genuine commitment to giving back. A driving force behind numerous team outreach efforts, she became a Hockey Gives Blood ambassador this season and organized her program's first-ever team blood drive in Regina, turning it into a friendly competition with a conference rival. Stewart also created and led her team's Breast Cancer Awareness Game, coordinating with the Canadian Cancer Society and helping raise more than $500 in donations, while also personally picking up pink tape for her teammates to express their support during the game.
Her impact extends deeply into youth sport and mentorship. Stewart serves as a Big Sister with Big Brothers and Sisters of Regina, volunteering regularly with children who benefit from positive role models. She is also a KidSport Regina ambassador and dedicates countless hours to coaching, including assistant coaching a U13 spring team, instructing at specialty day camps, and running weekly beginner skills sessions with the Lakeview Community Association from October through March. She actively participates in Female Hockey Day events, minor hockey mentorship programs and numerous team-led community initiatives, consistently representing her program with integrity and enthusiasm.
In addition to her extensive volunteer work, Stewart continues to excel both on the ice and in the classroom. She played in all 28 regular season games for the Cougars, contributing five goals and three assists, including a power-play goal, a shorthanded marker and a game-winner, while registering more than 60 shots. Academically, she is on track to secure U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours for a second consecutive season.
