You would think that all things hockey would be quieting down at this time of year; in fact, it's the complete opposite!

Midget leagues are hosting Spring Identification Camps, the High Performance Programs are running numerous events and the Officiating program is gearing up for Summer Officiating Schools.  On top of the programs, preparations for the 2015 BC Hockey Annual General Meeting next month are in full swing. 

Want to be featured in the next BC Hockey monthly newsletter? We are always looking to hear from you! Does your association have an upcoming event that the membership should know about? Or have you recently hosted an exciting event and want to tell us about it?

Enjoy!

Some players have the opportunity to participate in a BC Hockey Championship during their minor hockey career. Many others do not. On the rare fortune, some will have the chance to attend more than once. Kobe Oishi (Kelowna) is a rare gem; he's not only been to one (1) or two (2) BC Hockey Championships, he has participated in four (4) back-to-back championships! What's even rarer, Oishi has won every single one he has been to!

Click here to read the article and listen to the interview about his recent accomplishments.

Scott Westgate (Kitimat, BC) is one of those special guys who makes hockey happen around British Columbia. His dedication to minor hockey is something spectacular. For over 50 years, Scott has been actively involved in hockey across the province. From player to coach to evaluator, his love for the game has never stopped.

Scott has watched some of the best players from BC go through the High Performance Program and carry on to national and international teams/events. From new guys like Curtis Lazar and Sam Reinhart to NHL veteran Dan Hamhuis, who went through the program in 1998/1999. He has also watch and evaluated stars like Brent Seabrook, Tyson Barrie and Jamie Benn at various stages in the Minor and Junior hockey careers.

His knowledge of the game, and his love for hockey and the players is just part of what makes Scott Westgate an important part of BC Hockey. His dedication has made the High Performance Program so successful over the past years and his ability to recognize the talents of young players has helped launch many hockey careers.

BC Hockey is grateful for all that Scott has done for the organization and the Male High Performance Program.

We chatted with Scott recently. Click here to read the full article and watch the short interview below.

We would like to share a story about the Western Hockey League (WHL) Prince George Cougars. While Prince George was hosting the Canada Winter Games, the Cougars embarked on a road trip and stopped at three (3) locations in the Cariboo before their next scheduled game. Their first stop was Quesnel, followed by Williams Lake and finishing the tour in 100 Mile House.

This is the story of Williams Lake; three (3) hours south of Prince George.

If you can imagine an arena full of young hockey players, excited to meet potential future National Hockey League (NHL) stars, then you can imagine the excitement of Williams Lake Twin Arena. Players from Novice, Atom and Pee Wee (Atom Orange Pylons, Green Machines, Purple Panthers and Novice Purple Rockets) were fortunate to have time on the ice with the Cougars, as well as in the dressing room for a 'meet n greet.' Prince George patiently waited for all players to get autographs, receive toques and other memorabilia as well as listen to any stories the players wanted to share. The on ice time was extremely valuable not only for the Williams Lake players, but for the Cougars as well. The raw beauty of the sport of hockey shone through each players eyes as scrimmage games broke out on the ice. Players who typically kept to themselves came alive with stories once they got home. Some players immediately loaded the Cougars website to study stats while one drafted a report to share with her class at school.

The players benefited from this rare opportunity. The Cougars were quick to teach their talents and spend one on one time with the players, and even played a game of what you might describe as "herd hockey."

Corporate social responsibility is good not only for business, but for those who are touched by it. Williams Lake was extremely grateful for this experience. The Cougars are welcomed back anytime.....with open arms! They have also gained a new fan base in Williams Lake.

WHL Combine Testing administrators were on hand the 2015 Male U15 Provincial Tournament in Richmond, running the players through a series of on and off drills. The program is designed to assist players with skill development, utilize the latest in combine testing technology and present players with sport testing results in a national database. This gives players a ranking within the database and identifies areas for improvement.

Check out the video for more info and clips from the Provincial Tournament.

All girls aged 5 - 17 to invited to try hockey for free with the Langley Lightning Girls Ice Hockey!

Join players on the ice on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 10:00 - 11:30am at the Langley Sportsplex.

Hockey skates will be provided and some helmets are available, but in limited quantities. Please bring any hockey gear you can - helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, hockey pants, elbow pads and a stick.  If you don't have any gear, don't worry, come anyways!

To register, please email cleakey06@gmail.com. Click here for more information.

The BC Hockey Annual General Meeting is taking place June 10 - 12, 2015 at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre in Sun Peaks, BC.

In addition to the plenaries, there will be a number of knowledgeable and interesting guest speakers at the various seminars, a tradeshow featuring a number of great hockey vendors and a number of networking and social gatherings.

The always entertaining dinner/dance/awards banquet sells out every year! Make sure you purchase your ticket before it's too late!

For more information on the AGM and to register, please visit the BC Hockey website.

As a goalie, you know that your stick is one of the most important weapons in your arsenal to keep the puck out of your net.

Having the proper paddle length is crucial to get you into the proper square stance to close any holes and effectively block pucks, while keeping you mobile and fast in the crease. Often goalies get a stick that may be too long for them, as they are tempted to determine the paddle size they need while in an upright stance, rather than in the butterfly position, which is when you will be using the stick to block shots.

When in the upright stance, you predominantly rely on your body to block any incoming pucks; your stick blade does not have to be touching the ice in this position. The typical technique of this stance is to move your body quickly and freely from side-to-side, forwards and backwards, and use your body, blocker, catcher and pads to deflect pucks.

You will use a stick save when you are in the butterfly position. You want the stick blade to contact the ice surface to cover the five-hole between your thighs, while at the same time having your body in a position to keep the six-hole between your arms and torso as small as possible.

If your paddle is too long, your stick hand will be pushed higher on the side of your body, causing you to raise your shoulder on that side. When your shoulders are uneven and your torso is not square, you open up the six-hole under that arm, as well as restrict your maneuverability and reaction time.

With the proper paddle length, you remain square on the net in the butterfly position, with even coverage on both sides of your body. Your movements won't be slowed down or hindered because you will be balanced, so you can easily transition from one position to another in a comfortable manner.

Source for Sports goalie experts speak your language. Let their professionals set you up with a goalie stick that will help you make save after save.

Click here to check out their blog and video on How to Shape a Goalie Trapper for more tips on your goalie gear.

Source for Sports. We Know Our Stuff.