LEAD, DEVELOP AND PROMOTE POSITIVE LIFELONG HOCKEY EXPERIENCES

BC HOCKEY Newsletter
May 20, 2016
In This Issue
 LESSONS FROM BEHIND THE GLASS

NELSON MINOR HOCKEY CASHES IN ON ESSO MEDALS SCORE BIG CONTEST

NOVICE PLAYER FINDS CONFIDENCE AND LOVE OF HOCKEY

ONE SMALL SELFLESS ACT GOES A LONG WAY

JOST AND FABBRO RECEIVE TOP HONOURS

GRETZKY HOCKEY SCHOOL

VANCOUVER GAMES KICK OFF IN LESS THAN 100 DAYS
Events
2016 IIHF MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
May 6 - 22
Russia

FEMALE U18 INVITATIONAL SELECTION CAMP
May 18 - 22
Lake Cowichan, BC

2016 MEMORIAL CUP
May 19 - 29
Red Deer, AB

FMAAA IDENTIFICATION COMBINES
June 3 - 5
Langley
Kelowna

BC HOCKEY AGM
June 10 - 12
Sun Peaks, BC

FEMALE U16/U18 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING CAMP
July 7 - 10
Richmond, BC

MALE U16 PROVINCIAL CAMP
July 13 - 17
Shawnigan Lake

HP1 SEMINAR
July 13 - 17
Kamloops

SUMMER OFFICIATING SCHOOL
August 1 - 5
Lake Cowichan

SUMMER OFFICIATING SCHOOL
August 6 - 10
Osoyoos

FEMALE TEAM BC SELECTION CAMP
August 25 - 28
Salmon Arm
In Other News
BC Officials Selected for 2016 Memorial Cup

Coaching Staff Announced for 2016-2017 Female Midget AAA Season

2016 Female U18 Invitational Selection Camp Schedule and Rosters Released

2016 Male U16 Provincial Camp Invitees Announced

BC Official Selected for IIHF Men's World Championship


Penguins Capture 2016 Male U15 Provincial Tournament

50 BC and Yukon Players Selected in WHL Bantam Draft

2016-2017 Major Midget League Staff Announced

2016 Male U15 Provincial Tournament Rosters Announced

BC Hockey Annual General Meeting

Grenier Named Female High Performance Coordinator

Sabres Capture 2016 Male U16 BC Cup

Puck Drops at 2016 Male U16 BC Cup

Shawnigan Lake Selected as Host Site for Male U16 Provincial Camp

Eight BC Players Invited to Canada's National Women's Program Strength and Conditioning Camp

2015-2016 Female Midget AAA All-Star Team

2015-2016 Major Midget League All-Star Team

Male U16 Team BC Staff Announcement

100 Mile House Wranglers Capture 2016 Keystone Cup

Kootenay Ice and Wild Announce General Managers

Female U16 Identification Camp Updates

BC Players Named to Team Canada for 2016 IIHF World Championship

2016 Male U16 BC Cup Rosters Announced

BC Hockey Award Nominations

100 Mile House Wranglers Capture 2016 Cyclone Taylor Cup

2016 Female U16 Provincial Identification Camp Schedule and Rosters Released

BC Players Invited to Canada's Men's U18 Pre-Competition Camp

 Registration Open for FMAAA Spring Identification Combines

2016 Male U16 BC Cup Schedule
Upcoming Deadlines

There are currently no deadlines.
VOLUNTEER JOB POSTINGS

ABBOTSFORD MHA - Coach Applications for 2016-2017 Season

SEAFAIR MHA - Coach Applications for 2016-2017 Season

NORTH EAST & YUKON DISTRICT TRACKERS MIDGET T1 - Head Coach Applications for 2016-2017 season
EMAIL: brant.leer5@gmail.com

If your association has any volunteer postings you would like included in next month's newsletter, please email them to info@bchockey.net.
As we head into the late spring and early summer months where we think about the lake, camping and other outdoor activities, many elite hockey players are spending their summer days on the ice!

The BC Hockey High Performance Programs for male, female, officiating and coaching all have big events coming up. From Summer Officiating Schools to the HP1 Seminar and Identification Camps, players, officials and coaches from all over BC and the Yukon are trading sunshine for hockey.

The BC Hockey Annual General Meeting (AGM) is right around the corner. We hope you are planning on joining us at Sun Peaks Delta Resort from June 10 - 12, 2016.  Not sure? Want more info? CLICK HERE.  There are some great guest speakers, seminars, an awards banquet and social events.

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?

Please send your story/event to  info@bchockey.net.

Enjoy!
LESSONS FROM BEHIND THE GLASSLESSONS
BC Hockey sat down with author Allyson Tufts to talk about her book, the partnership with BC Hockey and the upcoming parent program video series that will be released this fall. The series will be launched as the second phase of the Sportsmanship Starts in the Stands program.

BC HOCKEY: Tell us about your book and why you wrote it.
ALLYSON: My book started out as a form of therapy for me. I always enjoyed watching my son play hockey but I have to say, I also found it stressful. If he got cut from a team or benched by his coach, it used to upset me. My husband would remind me that it's all part of the experience, and while I understood that, it never made me feel any better; so I used to go home after games and I'd journal rather than drive him crazy. It seemed smarter to write down my thoughts than to act on them.

The book basically goes through our hockey experience with our son from when he was seven (7) years old playing house league right through to the night of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft. At the end of each chapter there is a reflection and lesson to help guide parents along going through the same things. I wrote it because I wanted people to learn from our experiences.

BC HOCKEY: Why do you think it's an important message?
ALLYSON: I think it's an important message because in so many cases parents are losing sight of why we put our kids into sports, and I have to say, I was one of them. I think by telling my story people might recognize some of their own behaviours in the arena, the impact of those behaviours on their child and hopefully change them for the better so both parent and child can enjoy their experiences at the rink.

BC HOCKEY: We understand you've sold quite a few copies; what has been the feedback been from other hockey parents?
ALLYSON: The feedback has been incredible. When I launched the book in April 2015, my publisher told me I would never sell 500 copies in the first six (6) months, but by May 2015 I was ordering 500 more! I've had a lot of people say that they've laughed, they've cried and that they couldn't put it down once they started reading it. The ultimate compliment was when a lady told me that she kept the book in her purse during tryouts and it helped her immensely.

BC HOCKEY: Do you think parent behaviour in the rink is just an issue in hockey?
ALLYSON: No I don't think it's just an hockey issue; I think it happens in every sport. I wrote it from a hockey perspective because that was my experience. I think it's a parent issue, not just a hockey issue. I think as parents we have the best intentions. We commit so much time and money to our kids and as a result sometimes our passion from them gets out of hand.

BC HOCKEY: We understand you've done a bit of a self-made book tour; tell us about that.
ALLYSON: Yes, it's been an amazing year. The book launched in April 2015 and in June I was invited to Hockey Canada's Sponsorship Summit to participate on a panel representing the hockey mom. Following that, I traveled to Hockey Canada's head office in Calgary to speak to their senior staff. That's where I met BC Hockey Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Barry Petrachenko and Chair of the Board, Randy Henderson. Since then, I have been to Thunder Bay, Ontario to present to Hockey Northwestern Ontario (HNO) President's meeting and flew out to Vancouver to film the video series. It has been an incredible experience so far and the response has far exceeded my expectations.

BC HOCKEY: How did your involvement with our organization start?
ALLYSON: As mentioned, I met Barry and Randy in September 2015. Barry approached me and asked if we could talk. We met after the meeting and continued to correspond after my return to Ontario. I was so impressed with Barry and Randy; you can tell they care about the organization a great deal and are always looking to improve. I presented some ideas to them and they really like the video concept and here we are!

BC HOCKEY: Can you tell us a bit more about the video series?
ALLYSON: I can say this: it will be different than anything anyone has ever seen before. It's a series of interviews from people at the grassroots level in hockey. We hear from parents, players, coaches, referees and other Association members. People were really honest in these interviews. I think it's going to be a great way to provide parent education through story telling. I'd better stop or I'm going to say more than I should! I'm just going to say that I cannot wait until it launches; it's going to be amazing!

BC HOCKEY: We heard a rumour that there may be some familiar faces in these videos, perhaps some former National Hockey League (NHL) players?
ALLYSON: I'm going to keep that one a secret but I will confirm that yes we have some very recognizable faces in the videos. Once this project got going, it was incredible to see how many people came on board to be a part of it. Along with all the others I mentioned, we also had representatives from Hockey Canada, BC Hockey and the NHL take part.

BC HOCKEY: What's next for you with your book and message?
ALLYSON: I will be attending the BC Hockey AGM in June as a guest speaker to present a teaser for the video series. The project launches in September which will create awareness in BC and the Yukon. From there, the goal is to speak to as any Minor Hockey Associations (MHA) in as many provinces as I can. My dream is to get this message to every hockey parent in Canada.

BC HOCKEY: Thanks Allyson and we look forward to the launch at the AGM next month!

For more information on Allyson Tufts, Lessons From Behind the Glass and to get your copy, please visit www.lessonsfrombehindtheglass.com. 
NELSON MINOR HOCKEY CASHES IN ON ESSO MEDALS SCORE BIG CONTESTNELSON

c/o Nelson Daily

Nelson Minor Hockey scored big, winning one (1) of the Esso Medals and Certificates of Achievement in the Esso Medals Score Big contest.

Nelson was one (1) of six (6) associations chosen from over 15,000 entries and will be presented with $5,000 as well as an additional $1,000 donation will be presented to the Pee Wee Leafs.

"Our association will purchase some new jerseys with the prize money," said league representative Lisa Upper. "We have been working on getting new jerseys for all our teams and this will help finish our goal."

Each year, minor hockey teams (aged 6 - 18) from across Canada are invited to register to receive three (3) Esso Medals of Achievement - most dedicated, most improved and most sportsmanlike - and 18 certificates for their team.

Established in 1981, the Esso Medals and Certificates of Achievement Program recognizes players who contribute to the game of hockey and has since become part of the fabric of Canadian community hockey. By acknowledging players' dedication, effort and fair play, the program hopes to go beyond hockey to build champions in life.

Under this free program, three (3) Medals of Achievement are available to every hockey team registered with Hockey Canada. In addition, each team can receive certificates of participation the recognize the efforts of every player on the team.

To date, nearly two (2) million Esso Medals of Achievement and over 30 million Certificates of Participation have been awarded to young boys and girls across Canada.  For more information, please visit www.essomedals.com. 
NOVICE PLAYER FINDS CONFIDENCE AND LOVE OF HOCKEYANGEL

Meet Angelique Dechaine.  She just turned seven (7) years old in May and finished her first season of hockey in Pre Novice II in Fort St. John, BC.  Angel, as she is often referred to, is special little girl who requires a bit more attention from her coaches and help from her teammates.

She developed hearing loss at the age of two (2) and a half, suffering through many obstacles including not being able to play organized team sports and participate in extracurricular activities like her peers. She tried t-ball, but got frustrated at not being able to hear the coach when he was more than a few feet away and feeling very self conscious that she was not following instruction properly. So Angel sat on the sideline watching her three (3) siblings, content with her book and quiet hobbies. Until last year.........

At that time, the family was introduced to a new technology that might help Angel and get her playing sports. It was called iSense and worked as a microphone worn by the teacher directly into a hearing aid the Angel could wear. It was amazing! However, it was only allowed to be used at school.  So her family fundraised very hard to raise $5,000 for Angel to have a iSense that she could use outside of the classroom.  Last summer, Angel's parents purchased them for her.

"I remember so clearly asking her what she wanted to do now that she could participate in any activity she wanted," said Angel's mom Christina. "I expected her to pick gymnastics or dance - she was such a quiet, sweet thing. But she looked up at me with determination and said 'I want to play hockey!' I was shocked."

None of Angel's three (3) siblings or her parents play hockey - they don't even watch it on TV, so they questioned her choice. "Where did this come from?" Christina added.

Angel was determined to play hockey, so Christina borrowed some hockey gear from a friend and signed her daughter up for a all girls Lace Up event at their local arena.

Angel used her iSense and one (1) person skated beside her with the microphone, relaying the information.

"The coaches were so amazing with her. She felt confident, and you should have seen her smile! After that, every day she asked if she could play hockey."

So Christina signed her up for Pre Novice, but was so nervous about Angel's hearing loss and worried that she might feel frustrated again. "We had had a few bad experiences with coaches from other sports waving her off and not expecting her to be able to perform like the other kids.  Not taking the time to make sure she could hear what was going on."

Christina talked to the coaches on the first day and every coach already knew about Angel's hearing loss and were excited to help and teach her. "That first day I watched her and my stomach was in knots.  As a mother I just wanted to go on the ice and whisper in her ear, so she wasn't left out. But honestly, that first day the coaches brought tears to my eyes."

At each station, the coaches knelt down to her eye level and made sure she understood the instruction. No one tried yelling at her or herding her with the other kids. She was an individual deserving of their attention just as much as everyone else.

At the end of practice, the team gathered for a group huddle. Angel ended up in the back. "My heart sank a bit because I knew she wouldn't be able to hear what the coach was saying." One (1) of the coaches spotted her and skated her to the front. "I will admit - I cried a bit when I saw that. Here I am, sitting in the bleachers, tearing up because a coach had taken the time to care about what my daughter needed."

Angel's confidence grew tremendously this past season. She was so happy to be a valuable member of her team. Never once was she left out or pushed to the side because she couldn't hear.

Hat's off and koodos to the coaching of the Fort St. John Pre Novice II team - you have made a impact on Angel's life that her and her family are so grateful for. You encouraged her, made her feel accepted and taught her the great game of hockey.
ONE SMALL SELFLESS ACT GOES A LONG WAYREX

Receiving a trophy or award is a highlight for any young athlete. Whether it's a participation ribbon or most valuable player award, kids feel part of a team, a sense of accomplishment and something that they will remember forever.

The Princeton Minor Posse handed out their team's annual awards at the end of the season. Rex Rhyno put an extra touch on the night. When Rex realized there were a few players on his team who weren't receiving special trophies at the banquet, he took the money he had been saving for a new hockey stick and purchased four (4) "unsung hero" trophies for his teammates.

"We always tell him that hockey is a team sport," said his mother Michaela.

CCM caught wind of this selfless act and not only shared his story on Twitter, but also sent him a brand new stick that hasn't been released yet and a autographed puck by Connor McDavid.

Talk about class act right there!

JOST AND FABBRO RECEIVE TOP HONOURS JOSTFABBRO

Penticton Vees' forward Tyson Jost (Kelowna) and defenceman Dante Fabbro (West Vancouver) were major award winners as the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced its national award recipients.

Jost was named both the CJHL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Top Forward and Fabbro was named the CJHL's Top Defenceman.

Jost was named the BC Hockey League (BCHL) MVP this season after compiling 42 goals and 104 points in just 48 regular season games. The Vees' graduating captain led the league in assists (62) and points-per-game average (2.17) and he had an impressive 19-game point streak during the regular season, amassing 42 points during that stretch. He added another six (6) goals and 14 points in 11 playoff games.

At the World U18 Hockey Championship, Jost set a new Canadian scoring record at the tournament, picking up 15 points in seven (7) games, breaking Connor McDavid's record set in 2013. He led the tournament in scoring and was named Top Forward of the event. He also won gold at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge (WJAC).

Fabbro led all BCHL rear-guards in points with 67, despite only playing in 45 games, as he missed a chunk of games in December, winning a gold medal with his teammate Jost at the WJAC. Fabbro finished second in goals (14) and assists (49) but had the best points per-game average (1.47) amongst blue-liners.

Fabbro also played for Team Canada at the 2016 World Under-18 Hockey Championship, helping Canada to a fourth place finish. Fabbro was the third-highest scoring defencemen in that tournament, registering eight (8) points, all assists, in seven (7) games. Fabbro is off to Boston University for the 2016-2017 season.
The two (2) are both ranked inside the Top 30 in the latest International Scouting Service (ISS) monthly rankings. Jost cracked the top 10, sitting ninth and Fabbro is ranked ninteeth.
gretzkyCLICK HERE to register and for more information.
VANCOUVER GAMES KICK OFF IN LESS THAN 100 DAYSVANCOUVER
The home stretch is upon us, as only 100 days remain before the 2016 Americas Masters Games kick off. So what are you waiting for? You can register for any and all of the events and categories for the multi-day sporting event taking place in Vancouver, BC.

The city will welcome you amongst thousands of athletes from August 26, 2016 to September 4, 2016 in a celebration of healthy and active living. Hurry, some sports are beginning to fill up and we don't want you to miss out. It's your turn!

Does your Minor Hockey Association have an upcoming event the membership should know about? Or have you hosted an awesome event and want to tell us about it?

We want to know what you are doing at your association and share it with hockey fans across the Province. 
 
Send your story/event to: info@bchockey.net.                       
Want to be a part of BC Hockey events?  Or do you know someone who would love to be involved in hockey in their community?

We are always accepting names and resumes for volunteer positions for BC Hockey events across the province.  Some events include: the Male U16 and Female U18 BC Cups and minor rec skills camps and jamborees.
 
Get involved today!  Please forward your name, or someone you know, and your/their details to: info@bchockey.net.                       
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