Honouring the legacy of an all-star athlete and alumnus: Rick Uhrich

The University of Regina’s 50-year-long tradition of giving has been shaped by various approaches to philanthropy, and individual aspirations for positively impacting our world. One means of celebrating the memory of someone, while making a difference in the lives of others, is through creating memorial awards. This is what the family, friends, and colleagues of Rick Uhrich, BAdmin’78, embarked on to honour the late University of Regina alumnus, and preserve the legacy he left behind in the sport of hockey.

From 1970 to 1974, Rick played forward for his hometown team, the Regina Pats, whose skills saw him reach the top of the scoring rankings, and help his team to victory at the 1974 Memorial Cup. That same year, he was drafted in the 10th Round, 166th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League, and the 5th round, 66th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association. The talented forward ended up playing the 1974-75 season with the Fort Wayne Komets in the International Hockey League.

Rick also played a significant role in the development of the University of Regina Cougars men’s hockey team, collaborating closely with Coach Reg Higgs and receiving the honour of being named the first captain in the team’s history. The two-time Great Plains Athletic Conference all-star for the Cougars was selected in 1977 as a CIAU First-Team All-Canadian.

The excellence, leadership, and determination Rick displayed on the ice seamlessly transitioned into his endeavors off the ice. Fourteen years after earning his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Regina in 1978, Rick went on to found Information Systems Architects, one of the largest internet security companies in Canada in 1992.

Following his passing in 2014 at the age of 60, people close to Rick created three endowed awards in his name that support both men’s and women’s Cougar hockey teams.

Often when someone dies, people want to do something meaningful. — Jill Wellman

“Often when someone dies, people want to do something meaningful,” reflects Rick’s wife, Jill Wellman. “Hockey was always a major part of Rick's life journey, and what many don't know is that he left professional hockey to go back to university. So, considering his own giving spirit, it made sense to honour his memory with awards dedicated to student-athletes involved in hockey, while pursuing higher education.”

To highlight the difference these awards have had on the lives of students, the following is a letter written by Brennan Riddle, BBA’23, a recent recipient of the Rick Uhrich Memorial Award in Men's Hockey.

To the donors of this award,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded the Rick Uhrich Memorial Award. Your support towards the University of Regina Cougar Men’s Hockey program is immensely appreciated.

Being awarded this scholarship was a great honour for me, and I am proud to be associated with Rick's legacy. Your contribution has gone a long way in reducing the financial burden on student athletes, like myself. The Cougar hockey program could not run without the support of people like you, and we greatly appreciate your generosity!

I graduated from the University of Regina in June. Reflecting on my journey, I can say with certainty that my time with the Cougars and pursuing my Business degree has been incredibly fulfilling, and I will never forget it.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support!

Sincerely,
Brennan Riddle

For posterity, these awards continue to keep Rick’s memory alive, ensure that his contributions to the University are remembered, and motivate student-athletes to reach their fullest potential both on and off the ice.

When asked what message she would like convey to our donors, Jill has this to say: “On the 50th anniversary of the University of Regina, I applaud our donor community. Together, we are serving the next generation of leaders.”

Banner photo credit: Jill Wellman

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