In honor of Chris Colgan, WWFHA establishes the Chris Colgan Volunteer Service Award to be presented annually by WWFHA to recognize and honor the individual who most embodies Chris’ spirit and his extraordinary volunteer efforts demonstrated through his dedication, commitment, and positive impact as a WWFHA volunteer. Chris will be the first recipient of the award named in his honor.

2022 - Sarah Landis

2021 - Megan Pattillo Valliant

2020 - Sarah Minahan

2019 - John Barr

2018 - Christopher Colgan - Inaugural

WWFHA lost a dear friend on April 26th – Chris Colgan.

WWFHA remembers Chris as the always-willing to help parent that was a superstar dad to his kids. Chris donated his time and energies to WWFHA without ever being asked, especially around his passion for sports photography. He was always there for his daughter as she grew as a goalie and young woman before moving to California. He was a kind, passionate soul and we will all miss him dearly.

Several of the WWFHA Family help us remember Chris:

“Chris was at the rink for every game; however, he didn’t watch from the stands like the rest of the fans. Chris watched the action through the lens of his camera and remotes on his GoPros. His fantastic action photos and NHL-quality game footage will keep the season fresh in our minds for years to come. Chris was the ultimate hockey dad and a friend to everyone he met. We had many good times with him on road trips, and feel very fortunate that we were able to spend some time with him at Districts in San Jose this March. Chris will be missed by our entire hockey family.” – Amy O'Neill

“Chris was one of those parents that made being involved in the sport of hockey enjoyable. He was supportive and passionate about his daughter, he loved the game, and he did whatever he could to make a more positive experience for everyone. He quietly donated the photo backdrop, a video camera, and goalie gear to WWFHA and helped in any way he could without being asked. I feel fortunate to have known him and call him a good friend. I will miss him dearly, as will the hockey community.” – Zoe Harris

“Chris was an unbelievably kind and generous man. He will be missed by all the players, coaches, parents and staff who interacted with him and benefitted from his boundless enthusiasm, good humor and endless photography skills.” – Lisa McNeill

“In life I’ve seen many different types of parents. Some good, some bad. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a father more devoted to his children than Chris.

“One year, all the WWFHA teams attended a tournament in Kamloops, BC. The Four Nations Tournament was happening at the same time. WWFHA was able to get tickets for a couple of games – including the championship game, USA vs. Canada. Needless to say, those tickets were a hot commodity. As we sat down in our block of seats, there was an elderly woman behind our section, who only had a standing room only ticket. Without hesitation, Chris gave up his seat and stood for the whole game. As he said, ‘It was the right thing to do.’ That’s very much the way Chris lived – it was always just the right thing to do.” – Jim Funfar

"Chris was always our eyes when we couldn’t be at game. We could rely on him to get the great shot! Goal or no goal, he captured it! He sent us this photo he titled “No goal for Halle!" We watched the video a lot and laughed. We love you Chris, and miss you." -- Susan Hansen

“Chris was a force of good at the rink and every time he greeted me he made me smile. His passion for his children is what I first admired about Chris; however, as I got to know him more it was his kindness, caring, and giving soul that clearly illustrated what an amazing person he was in all aspects of his life. I appreciated his support, friendship, and always great conversations about hockey. Chris made a positive impacted on me and all of WWFHA and I miss him very much. – Cindy Dayley