Volunteer Profile

Dedicated to the Development of Athletes

Rick Polutnik Focuses on the Athletics Leadership Initiative

“Sport matters and sport makes a difference!” says Rick Polutnik, part of a team of experts that contributes their invaluable skills to help develop the world’s hockey youth.

After nearly 30 years in the hockey world from behind the bench, Rick has taken a lead in the development of Canada’s youth, and youth throughout the world. Because of his strong ties and passionate belief in nurturing our country’s athletes, Polutnik is a devoted volunteer for RDC’s Athletics Leadership Initiative.

Created to ensure the sustainability of RDC’s Athletics budget, this Initiative is based on the strong belief that playing a sport enhances determination, team work and responsibility. Sport improves the leadership skills of our students of today and, most importantly, our leaders of tomorrow.

“RDC has always been a leader in provincial and national sport development, and it’s important that it continues and expands on this role,” says Polutnik. “With a lasting endowment fund to provide ongoing development of coaches and athletes, RDC will continue its leadership in contributing to healthy people, developing leaders and impacting the communities where student athletes come from and where they continue their own careers.”

Polutnik’s connection stems back to the early 1970s when he attended RDC, studying what is now called Kinesiology. He was part of the RDC Kings Hockey program, led by Allan Ferchuk. After returning from the U of A upon completion of his degree, he devoted several years as an assistant coach for the Kings and then provided support to the Kings’ team-building program. He has since worked with the national teams, in many capacities, of Canada as well as China, Japan and currently Slovakia. 

As a mentor to many, he believes in the critical development of leadership skills; he is also a founding member of the Red Deer Leadership Centre.

Reflecting on his RDC experience, he says, “During our time with RDC combined with the leadership of Ferchuk and Rudy Bennett, many student athletes had the experience of a lifetime and continue to remember and value their time at the College. We need to ensure that this continues for all student athletes, regardless of their program.”

With Polutnik on the team, it’s no coincidence that Canada produces some of the finest hockey players.

“Athletics was an important part of my own personal development, beginning in junior and senior high schools and then again at RDC,” says Polutnik on what motivated him to support the Athletics Leadership Committee. “My current career is in sport development, so I appreciate the role that sport serves in the development of good citizens.”

And RDC appreciates Polutnik’s role and dedication to the Athletics Leadership Initiative. 

Check out the video for this initative featuring Mike Babcock and Melody Davidson, our honourary co-chairs!