Mike Klass was a staff member at Hockey Alberta for more than nine years. He showcased his pride in Hockey Alberta and his dedication to leave the game in a better place in everything he did.
Mike led a number of projects that had significant impact on the hockey community throughout the province. Those projects included the implementation of renewals of Respect in Sport certification for parents, background screening for on-ice officials, and Hockey Alberta’s move to its current offices in the Gary W. Harris Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.
But it was as a co-worker and friend that Mike will be best remembered. Whether it was delivering a bag of children’s clothing to a co-worker with young kids, providing advice on how to deal with a difficult situation, or helping organize social activities, Mike cared about his colleagues at Hockey Alberta.
Outside of Hockey Alberta, Mike had a lifelong passion for sports that permeated everything in his life, from his work to his volunteer and community involvement. He was a player, teammate, and coach, as well as a mentor, volunteer, and community leader. He was particularly interested in providing sport and community involvement opportunities in the central Alberta region.
Prior to joining Hockey Alberta, Mike worked for eight years as the Executive Director for the Alberta Sport Development Centre – Central.
He had a key role, starting in 2012, on the Board of Directors of the Bid Host group that brought the 2019 Canada Winter Games to Red Deer. After Red Deer was named the host in 2014, Mike continued as part of the transition team, leading to the creation of the board of directors for the Games. The building of the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre was a significant part of the Games legacy in the community.
Mike also was a founding board member and treasurer for Coach Alberta (2010-11), and a founding board member of the Sport Council of Red Deer.
Mike and Cheryl had two sons, Kai and Parker. Mike shared his love of sport with his boys. Often coaching or watching them play the sports they loved, watching a game on TV together or doing an activity with them. Mike loved his family and had a “Dad joke” for everything.
