Grassroots
Tim Tisdale
For over five decades, Tim Tisdale has had a presence in hockey, leaving an indelible mark as a survivor, hero, leader and mentor. His hockey journey began by playing the game in 1972 and evolved into shaping the sport at various levels in and around Swift Current.
It was his formative years with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos that defined him, not just as a player, but as a resilient hero. Tisdale was among the survivors of the tragic bus crash in 1986 that claimed the lives of four teammates. It was an experience he would use to support others in the hockey community, which included speaking with survivors of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
Two seasons after the crash, he helped lead Swift Current to a 1989 Memorial Cup victory with his overtime goal that cemented the team in hockey history. Additionally, Tisdale was very fortunate to play on the 1985-86 Under-18 (U18) AAA Notre Dame Hounds, which won the national title, as well as capturing the Allan Cup with the 1996-97 Powell River Regals. He would be the only person to win all three major Hockey Canada events as a player.
Transitioning from player to coach in 1996, Tisdale led the junior 'A' Kimberley Dynamiters for two seasons and coached the Regina Pats in the WHL from 1998 to 2000. Returning to his roots, he coached the U18 AAA Swift Current Legionnaires from 2001 to 2004, reaching the provincial final in his first season. Tisdale also coached minor hockey and contributed to the Sask First high-performance program for several years.
His leadership extended beyond the ice and into administrative roles. Acting as president and a board member for Swift Current Minor Hockey Association, Tisdale contributed significantly to the development of the sport for 11 seasons. His routine involvement in various boards showcased his dedication to the grassroots levels, ensuring a thriving hockey community.
In 2008, Tisdale embarked on a new path as an official, driven by his desire to support his son Logan and his wife Jenise’s encouragement in his hockey endeavours. This commitment to officiating eventually led him back to the WHL where he was appointed a referee supervisor. His induction into the grassroots category is a celebration of his contributions built on a passion for the game and a dedication to its future.