Rhys McAlpine

Rhys McAlpine is the Head Coach and Technical Director of Whitewood Skating Club and brings more than 25 years of experience in the skating world as an athlete, program assistant, coach, and official. He has been coaching for over 10 years and joined Whitewood Skating Club in 2019. In 2020, he founded RedPine Skating School on Ochapowace First Nation, expanding skating opportunities for skaters across the region.

Rhys has represented Saskatchewan at major events, serving as a Team Coach at the Saskatchewan Winter Games (2018, 2023, 2025) and as an Apprentice Coach at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. He currently serves as a Director on the South East District Board of Directors, is a member of Skate Canada’s Indigenous Community Circle, and serves on the Skate Saskatchewan Coach Development Committee. Rhys was also selected as a Coach Ambassadorfor the Coaching Association of Canada’s Mental Health and Sport Resource Hub.

In recognition of his leadership and dedication to athlete development, Rhys was awarded the Skate Saskatchewan Club & Recreation Coach Award of Excellence in 2025.

Coaching Certifications & Qualifications:
CanSkate Coach – Certified
Regional Coach – Certified
Provincial Coach – Trained
PowerSkate Coach – Trained
STAR 1–4 Event Assessor
STAR 1–5 Coach Assessor
STAR 1–Gold Skills Coach Assessor

In addition to coaching, Rhys provides figure skate sharpening services and is an authorized Jackson Ultima skate dealer, helping skaters find properly fitted equipment and maintain their skates for optimal performance.

Rhys is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment where skaters of all ages can grow in both skill and confidence. He believes in celebrating every step of the journey, from first strides on the ice to major milestones in training and competition.

Fun Fact: Rhys collects hats and is often seen wearing a different one every day!

"Skating has been a part of my life since I was three years old, when my mom first took me to the outdoor rink in Pinehouse Lake, SK—and I’ve been on the ice ever since. I competed across Western Canada until an injury ended my competitive career, but I was proud to complete my Gold tests in four disciplines before graduating. My passion for coaching began as a Program Assistant in the CanSkate program, where I discovered how much I loved helping younger skaters. Today, I’m grateful to share both the triumphs and challenges with my athletes, supporting them as they grow into confident, well-rounded athletes and individuals."