Culhane nets Dedication to Soccer Award

This year’s winner of the North Bay Youth Soccer Club’s Dedication to Soccer Award, Ryan Culhane, has a long-standing connection and commitment to soccer in North Bay as a player, coach, official, and convenor.

Ryan was born in Toronto and raised in Haileybury, coming to North Bay to attend Nipissing University in 1995 at the age of 17. He immediately settled into the intramural sports scene and was provided encouragement to try out for the Nipissing University team. He was the starting goalkeeper for the Nipissing University indoor varsity team from 1995 to 1999. After graduation, Ryan continued to play goaltender in North Bay in both the Men’s 1st and 2nd Division for many years.

Ryan coached youth soccer for North Bay Youth Soccer and with the Nipissing Junior Lakers program. He has coached high-school varsity soccer for 25 years, including girls, junior boys, and senior boy’s teams. His teams have won multiple NDA and NOSSA titles.

Fellow West Ferris Secondary Coach Ken Ferron who worked with Ryan for just over ten seasons, provided these words about his Bench Boss. 

“Coach Culhane, the athlete was a skilled keeper and soccer player in his own right, playing in the indoor and outdoor men’s division," said Ferron. 

"He is also a keen student of the game.

"His coaching philosophy, having piled up many wins during his career behind the bench, was not to promote a win-at-all-costs attitude. On the contrary, he expected his players to uphold the very highest standards of good sportsmanship and fairness in their conduct. Whether in practice or game time, Ryan lived out Peter Handley’s axiom: a good sport is good for sport," continued Ferron. 

"It can be said that Coach Culhane worked hard, putting in countless hours to see his players excel at the Beautiful Game. When it came to the overall purpose that lay behind his involvement in high school soccer, he saw that the big picture was all about building and contributing to the development of our future citizens. It was with this in mind that, though fiercely competitive in his own right, he was fair-minded and thoughtful towards all those who had the opportunity to play for him.”

Ryan is also currently active as the goalkeeper coach for the Nipissing University Women’s Soccer team after receiving an invitation last year from former team- mate and current head coach of the Lakers, David Bitonti. When contacted regarding Ryan’s role with the Lakers, Coach Bitonti had this to say, “Ryan has made an immediate and meaningful impact in his first year with Lakers Women’s Soccer at Nipissing University.

As our goalkeeper coach, he brings a teacher’s mindset to every session arriving prepared with intentional training plans that foster a supportive, safe, and appropriately challenging environment for athlete growth. Ryan’s dedication to developing confident, capable student athletes goes beyond technical instruction; he mentors with patience, clarity, and genuine care. His commitment to athlete development and positive team culture reflects the true spirit of
this Dedication to Soccer Award, and we are proud to see his contributions recognized by the North Bay Sports Awards Committee.”

On the executive/administrative side of the game Ryan’s involvement is unprecedented, taking on the role of convenor for 5 NDA soccer events, 15 NOSSA soccer championships and 6 OFSSA soccer championships.

He is also a long-serving soccer referee. One of his highlights as an official was his involvement as an assistant referee in the 2017 OFSSA soccer championships, including Ryan being assigned to the gold medal match.

In 2012, he was the recipient of the OFSSA Leadership in School Sport Award in soccer.

Brandon Grube, Director of Athletics for West Ferris Secondary School, speaks highly of his award-winning friend and teaching colleague.

“Ryan has been a cornerstone of Trojan athletics for many years; his impact on West Ferris extends far beyond the scoreboard," said Grube. 

"Through his outstanding work in athletic administration, coaching and convening, Ryan consistently goes beyond to ensure that every program he touches is purposeful, organized, and rooted in excellence. He has always balanced a competitive drive with an unwavering commitment to developing good citizens, teaching his students not only how to win, but how to lead, respect, and support one another.

"His long-standing dedication to soccer at West Ferris is unmatched; his passion, knowledge, and vision have shaped generations of student-athletes and elevated the sport within our school community. Whether building programs from the ground up or mentoring young coaches, Ryan has been a steady, inspiring presence whose contributions will be felt for years to come.

"It is a pleasure to see him recognized with the Dedication to Soccer Award, an honour he has earned through the years of commitment, integrity, and service.”

Culhane humbled by the recognition. 

“Since making North Bay my home in 1995, I have been welcomed into its vibrant soccer community with open arms," said Culhane.  

"It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated people to help grow and celebrate the game we love. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this community has given me, and I look forward to continuing to contribute for years to come.”

Culhane will receive their award at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 2, at the Davedi Club. Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190. Tickets are $65.