Celebrating the 2024–25 NOCA Award Winners
The Northern Ontario Curling Association is proud to honour the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and passion have made a lasting impact on curling in our region. This year’s award recipients represent excellence both on and off the ice.
Volunteer of the Year – Randy Pickering, McIntyre Curling Club
For more than 30 years, Randy Pickering has been a driving force at the McIntyre Curling Club, serving as Vice President of the Board and fostering a welcoming club culture. A certified Level 2 Official, he has contributed at numerous provincial championships and co-chaired the 2023 U18 Canadian Championships. He is already preparing to co-chair the 2026 event, helping bring national competitions to Northern Ontario with professionalism and pride.
Ice Technician of the Year – Tom Leonard, NCU Community Centre (Sudbury)
Tom Leonard has been part of the NCU team for over 30 years, holding his current role since 2013. This season, he served as Head Ice Technician at the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Thunder Bay, delivering championship-quality ice. A provincial ice technician and learning facilitator, Tom is a leader in his field and a mentor to ice makers across the country.
Coaches of the Year – Darrell Sarrasin (McIntyre Curling Club) & Andrew Sinclair (Kakabeka Falls Curling Club)
Darrell Sarrasin has been a steady presence in youth curling in Timmins, respected for his calm and consistent coaching style and his commitment to athlete development at both local and provincial levels. Andrew Sinclair has built a thriving curling culture in Northwestern Ontario, coaching multiple provincial medal-winning junior teams, supporting athletes at the Ontario Winter Games, and volunteering nationally at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Both have demonstrated exceptional dedication to mentoring athletes and growing the sport.
Honorary Life Member – Michael Szajewski, Keewatin Curling Club
Michael Szajewski has made an extraordinary impact on curling at the local, provincial, and national levels. His leadership roles include Chair of Curling Canada (2022–2024) and President of NOCA (2017–2020), along with decades of volunteer service at the Kenora and Keewatin Curling Clubs. Recently inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, Michael’s contributions have shaped the game across the country.
The NOCA congratulates each of these outstanding individuals and thanks them for their lasting contributions to curling in Northern Ontario.
