Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council - Medicine Hat

Brian Varga, Chair
Since 1981 Brian has been involved in the Sporting Community in Medicine Hat. He played for the Medicine Hat Tigers as an overage for the 81-82 season. Brian met Brenda and were married in 1982. From 1984-92 Brian played professional hockey in Germany gaining valuable experience in the international hockey world. He returned home after that to play Senior Hockey for in Saskatchewan. In 1998 Brian turned to coaching in the Medicine Hat Minor Hockey system. Brian found success a few times with his teams by becoming the first team to win the Hockey Hounds Bantam AAA Tournament in 1999. In 2006 his Bantam AAA team captured the Provincial Championship of Alberta. Brian was the General Manager of Medicine Hat Minor Hockey for three years and was a Councillor for the City of Medicine Hat from 2013 - 2021. He also served as the Chair for the 2017 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games and the (cancelled) 2022 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games. Brian feels the Sports and Events Council is an important part of Medicine Hats future Sports Tourism and development of hosting major events for our City.

Mike Ractliffe, Director
Originally from Scotland, Mike is currently Head of Visitor Services with Cypress Hills Provincial Park overseeing the visitor experience, campgrounds, visitor services and Hidden Valley Ski Resort and Board Member of MHDMO. As an ex-professional Badminton Player and participant in international competitions Mike is looking forward to seeing sporting events grow, in particular minority sports, and associated participation. Mike is also excited to see a growing array of cultural events and activities coming to Medicine Hat.

Greg Morrison, Director
Greg has been a huge part of the community of Medicine Hat for over a decade. He currently is the owner of the Medicine Hat Mavericks and is frequently involved in other events. Greg is also a soft tissue therapist and fitness coach with Morrison Movement Therapy in Medicine Hat. He is also actively involved as a Board Member of the MHDMO.

Terry Ballard, Director
Terry is the Sport and Wellness Manager at the Medicine Hat College. He has been working in the sport industry for over 25 years; as a hockey coach, a general manager and a sport administrator. He has a passion for citizenship and community development through the great world of sport and athletics by the way of participation, competition, facilities and event hosting. Sport has that great ability to bring communities together, to work as a team and highlight and showcase the city of Medicine Hat. Terry looks forward to contributing to the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council in any way.

Glenn Brunet, Director
Glenn Brunet is a native of Medicine Hat who enjoy all types of sports. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the MHSEC. He has been an active member of the community in a variety of roles as both an athlete and coach; including coaching for ringette, rugby and football. He has been a volunteer with the Alberta Games since 2000. He was also the Co-Director of Sports with the 2022 Special Olympics Canada Games.

Elisha Ammann, Promotions & Marketing Committee Chair
Elisha Ammann has worked in the hotel industry for almost 20 years.  She was the inaugural President of the Medicine Hat Accommodation Association and eventually moved into the role of Executive Director.  She oversees all the marketing activities for the MHAA (also known as StayInMedicineHat.com) as well as coordinates group bookings for major events.  Elisha believes it is the wonderful people of Medicine Hat that make it a true hidden gem.  She is excited to work with the Sports & Event Council to continue to encourage visitors to come to Canada’s Sunniest City!

Don Knutson, Bid & Event Committee Chair
Don Knutson was employed by the City of Medicine Hat within the Finance area for over 28 years and retired as the General Manager of Finance in 2012. He is currently serving as a Board Member for the Bid Committee of the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council. He served 6 years on the Medicine Hat Assessment Appeal Board. Past volunteer positions have been with the 2019 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge, Treasurer of the Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society, 2016 Alberta Winter Games as Finance Director, past Board Member Government Finance Officers of Western Canada, Past President of the Kinsmen Club of Medicine Hat, past member of the Alberta Municipal Affairs Task Force on Tangible Capital Assets. Don has also served as Treasurer on various sporting groups around Medicine Hat. He enjoys time with his family, baseball, hockey, curling, pickleball, golf, fishing and working out. Don looks forward to assisting groups in their pursuit of hosting sports and cultural events within the Medicine Hat area.