Registration for the 11th Annual Steve MacDermid Memorial Hockey Tournament

Steve's Legacy

Steve MacDermid (1961-2012)

Standing at 6'4", Stephen Alexander MacDermid, affectionately known by many as Steve, was an intimidating figure, though a gentle giant. Born in Wreck Cove, Cape Breton to Gwen and Ian MacDermid, he began fishing lobster alongside his father when he was 12. At just 17 years old, Steve bought a license and spent his life doing what he loved, passing on his knowledge and love for the ocean to his three children, Ben, Caleb, and Jessica, who all followed in his footsteps. Knowing what was most important early in life, at 21, Steve married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Grace Ann. He followed her to North River, where they built their life together.

Before becoming a recognizable and respected leader within the Cape Breton sporting community, Steve began as a soccer player in Tarbot, where he helped to build the program. Eventually, he followed it to Baddeck Academy, forming the girls' and boys' high school soccer teams. Before long, he helped start the soccer program at Rankin School of the Narrows, and later did the same in Whycocomagh. But that's not all! Steve coached countless summer soccer programs, from Baddeck and Whycocomagh to Sydney and New Waterford, all while running on limited sleep during lobster season. He went on to rekindle the Tier 1 senior women's soccer program in Cape Breton.

However, soccer was not the only sport he was passionate about. Steve was a driving force behind the establishment of both the girls' high school softball and hockey programs at Baddeck Academy. He instilled the principles of good sportsmanship and hard work in every player he came across; with Steve as your coach, you were not only a better athlete, but a better person.

Through the winter months, Steve could be found at the rink ... any rink! He spent countless hours reffing hockey all over the island, a role he loved. It encompassed kids, sports, respect, fair play, and fun - some of his favourite things. Additionally, Steve's passion for sports shone brightly through his children, whom he spent most of his time coaching and/or driving to various rinks, fields, and gyms. He followed them as closely as possible across the country and beyond.

A man of numerous accomplishments and contributions, Steve's coaching career had an incredible influence and reach across the sporting community. He lived a life that had a positive impact on all the young athletes he came across. Beginning in 2013, in his memory, the Steve MacDermid Memorial Hockey Tournament has funded an annual scholarship for graduating students from Baddeck Academy and Rankin School of the Narrows, continuing Steve's legacy of supporting young athletes in his community.

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