Calgary Hockey Magazine Fall Edition 2017

FALL 2017

SCOTIABANK SKATERS PROGRAM MAKING MEMORIES with HOCKEY HEROES

GLEN

GULUTZAN

New Flames Head Coach is Building Something Great in Calgary

BRETT POLLOCK

Growing & Developing His Skill on the Ice

S ' IT L L A OD O G GOOD HOCKEY GOOD TIMES GOOD PRICE

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CALGARY HOCKEY MAGAZINE | FALL 2017

CONTENTS 11

CALE MAKAR: AJHL Defenceman Makes Hockey History

5

Message from the Publisher of the Calgary Hockey Magazine

7

14

DILLON DUBE Selection Proves Room for Little Guy in the NHL

16

ARENA ADDRESSES & LOCATOR MAP

18

BRETT POLLOCK Focusing on Growth & Development as Goals for Upcoming Hockey Season

SCOTIABANK & THE FLAMES Making Memories with Hockey Heroes

20

GLEN GULUTZAN Flames Head Coach is Building Something Great in Calgary

25

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS From the 2017 Esso Minor Hockey Week

26

NEVER GIVE UP: THAT’S THE NAME OF THE GAME Don, Cindy & Tim Cherry Promote the Importance of Organ Donation in Canada

28

SPOTLIGHT ON AN OFFICIAL Andrew Hutton

To those who

believe in pre-game rituals,

YOU ARE

ŠTim Hortons, 2016.

Message From

The Publisher Welcome back to another hockey season!

This season marks our 11th year as the publisher of the Calgary Hockey Magazine. Our company publishes a variety of magazines and programs, but as a hockey fan, this ranks as my favourite.

It’s far from profitable, but I get a thrill out of publishing a hockey magazine, one which puts a focus on players and stories which don’t usually get covered.

We take a great deal of pride in the quality of the magazine, not just the high quality paper it’s printed on, but the quality of the writing and photography which appears within. All of our writers, editors, photographers and contributors are paid professionals in their fields, and we’re privileged to have their contributions.

A magazine like this needs the support of the hockey community and business community, so we’re grateful for all the support. We encourage our readers to support the businesses whose ads appear within as these organizations, in their own way, make a magazine like this possible.

This issue we have a feature on the Calgary Flames’ second round draft pick, Dillon Dube, who grew up playing hockey in Cochrane, Airdrie, and Okotoks. Dube was a “dark horse” pick for the 2017 World Junior Hockey Championships and helped Canada win a silver medal.

We also have a fine feature on the Cherry family campaign to promote organ donation. I had the opportunity to speak with Cindy Cherry (yes, Don’s daughter), and she is “chip off the ol’ block:” colourful, passionate and community-minded.

One of my favourite magazine mainstays is the “Spotlight on an Official” feature we do each issue. I’m always impressed (but never surprised) at the maturity level of the young officials featured. Some are as young as 14 years old, and it’s a good reminder to parents, coaches, fans, etc. that the officials on the ice are young people, too. When you take their helmets off, and talk to these young officials, it’s hard not to be impressed, and a reminder that they, too, are participants in the game.

In closing, I would like to wish all participants in the game a great season: the players, officials, volunteers, the moms, dads and others, who positively support the players on the ice and help make it all happen.

To each and every one of you, I wish you a wonderful minor hockey season!

Credits President and Publisher // Rob Suggitt Art Director // Christine Kucher Graphic Designer Katelyn Suggitt Contributing Writers Jeremy Freeborn // Rob Suggitt Shannon Cleary // Susan McKenzie Cover Photo Provided By Jenn Pierce - Calgary Flames Hockey Club Copy Editing Shari Narine Photography Credits Brad Watson - Calgary Flames Hockey Club Candice Ward - Calgary Flames Hockey Club Emily Duncan - Brooks Bandits Hockey Gerry Thomas - Calgary Flames Hockey Club Jenn Pierce - Calgary Flames Hockey Club Michael Martin - Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club SC Parker Photography Terence Leung - Calgary Flames Hockey Club Sales Associate Lynn Schuster Administration Amber Grmek The Hockey Magazine is a product of Playhouse Publications Ltd. - an affiliate of Suggitt Ltd. President & CEO // Tom Suggitt President & CFO // Rob Suggitt 10177 - 105 Street, Edmonton AB T5J 1E2 Ph: 780.423.5834 // Fax: 780.413.6185 All Rights Reserved. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or Calgary Hockey. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, ie. electronic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise recorded without the prior written permission of the publisher - www.suggitt.com Printed By R.R. Donnelley

Sincerely, Rob Suggitt

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Publisher of the Calgary Hockey Magazine Calgary Hockey Magazine | 5

Here’s to over one million hockey dreams.

Proud supporter of one million kids. And counting.

Through our support of community hockey, we’ve given over a million kids the chance to play our nation’s game. That’s a million kids dreaming big hockey dreams. And it’s only the beginning. www.scotiabank.com

® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. © NHL 2017. All Rights Reserved.

Scotiabank & Flames Making Memories

with hockey heroes

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 7

BY JEREMY FREEBORN The Scotiabank Skaters Program is entering its 11th season in association with the Calgary Flames. The program started for the 2007-08 National Hockey League season and continues to flourish. This past year, Scotiabank received applications from 2,800 minor hockey players wanting to share the ice with the Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Since the program began, tens of thousands minor hockey players have applied to skate with the Flames immediately prior to the game and be on the blueline with them during the national anthems.

But that is only part of the total evening for the Scotiabank Skater. Lucky contestants also have their own locker with their name on it just outside the Flames locker room. They also get to see the Flames pre-game practice at ice level, and to watch the Flames game with three others. They receive a number of gifts that include a jersey, hat, water bottle, puck and bag. And within the last three years, the young skaters have received individual hockey cards with a picture of themselves on the Scotiabank Saddledome ice. Bullet points on the back of the card include the player’s minor hockey team, favourite player, and the number of years playing hockey.

Another recent change is the continuation of the program during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Last season, all five of the Canadian teams that made the playoffs had the Scotiabank Skaters program in place.

This year, according to Flames Senior Director, Partnership Sales Leader Mark Stiles there will be one extra perk. The Scotiabank Skaters will have an opportunity to meet a member of the Flames coaching staff and there will be a video message from one of the coaches welcoming the skater.

“As the program evolves, we continue to add layers to enhance the experience for the kid,” said Stiles. “Over the years, we haven’t let it go stale. We are always looking for ways to pump fresh ideas into it to make it a really cool experience for that little girl or boy. We are always looking to tweak it and make it more special for the kid involved.”

The Scotiabank Skaters program is popular.

“The program resonates with the public,” said Flames Marketing Manager Ryan Popowich. “I get asked all the time, ‘How do I get my kid involved?’ It is the first thing they talk about. It is a very recognizable program. There is no other experience that we offer.”

8 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TERENCE LEUNG Sometimes players get even more perks than anticipated. On one night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, a lucky skater got extra time with the Flames players because the glass broke right before the opening faceoff. During the short delay, the skater got to go on the bench with the Flames.

“I am sure there were 19,000 fans that night wishing they could be the Scotiabank Skater,” recalled Stiles. “It was beyond cool. The skater was right in the middle of what the Flames players and coaches were talking about in getting ready for the game. It was really neat.”

But it isn’t only the skater that experiences the thrill of being selected.

“What we have often found is that the parent is more excited than the kid,” said Stiles. “The parents are as enthusiastic as the child.”

As a sponsor, Scotiabank is strongly committed to the Skaters Program. Scotiabank Vice-President of the Calgary South District Rod Wendt explains just how important the program is to Scotiabank as a whole.

“This program really supports the grassroots foundation across the country,” he said. “As we get into this every year, we typically support 8,000 community hockey teams across the country. As a result of that, we get nice exposure to kids’ development, their skill sets and eventual leadership qualities.

The program is very important to Scotiabank.”

Wendt has also been pleased with the overall public reaction.

“The feedback has always been very positive,” he said. “The experience for the kids that are involved is second to none. They are on the ice with their professional hockey icons. At the end of the day, this is a positive experience for the skater because not only are they participating on ice, but they also see their hockey legends in a leadership role. That rubs off on them to make a better leader in their own pursuits of growing up and joining the workforce.”

Having the kids directly involved is important for Scotiabank overall.

“This is a big dream for many hockey players in Canada,” said Wendt. “To be able to skate on the big ice, to skate in front of the big crowds and just the whole experience of participating in the skate (is significant). When kids are given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of being on the big ice, it gives them the motivation to do better. I know NHL players specifically talk to

children about the importance of staying in school, getting an education, and pursuing their hockey dreams.

Just by participating, maybe we (Scotiabank) have provided that motivation for that next NHL legend to come about in future years.”

“We are committed to help children reach their full potential on and off the ice,” said Hockey Sponsorships Senior Manager of Scotiabank Justin Lipton. “To provide kids with this exclusive, once in a lifetime opportunity is really important to Scotiabank. We are fans of hockey. It is important to us. It is important to Canadians.”

The relationship between Scotiabank and the NHL, and specifically the Calgary Flames, is strong.

“Our commitment to the NHL right now is deeply embedded,” said Wendt. “It has been very positive for us.”

“Scotiabank is our naming rights partner,” said Stiles.

“It is a strong partnership. We use the word partnership because they are wonderful partners and there are so many moving parts within the agreement and it appears to be working well for both sides.”

“

“

We are committed to help children reach their full potential on and off the ice. To provide kids with this exclusive, once in a lifetime opportunity is really important to Scotiabank. We are fans of hockey. It is important to us. It is important to Canadians.

According to Scotiabank Senior Manager of Media and Influencer Relations Erin Truax, the program is special to everyone.

“The Scotiabank Skaters Program is one of our favourite brand activities,” she said. “One of the intangible benefits that the bank receives from this program is that it is a great vehicle to showcase our NHL partnerships, allowing us to tie kids’ community hockey closely to our NHL team partnerships in a purposeful way. Another benefit to us is that the program merges kids’ community hockey with our NHL partnerships, creating another touch point to interact with our core audience.”

From a Flames perspective, the Scotiabank Skaters Program enhances the Flames overall brand.

“We are always looking to engage with our fan base as much as we can,” said Popowich. “We sell a product, but the fan base is very much part of that product. They are integral to the success of the team. We are not only just trying to entertain, but engage with our fan base as much as we can. When we can supply a unique experience (like the Scotiabank Skaters Program) to our fan base, it is a real win for us. When we have a real strong partner involved, it is even a better win.”

The program not only enhances the Flames brand, but Scotiabank’s brand as well.

“It enhances our brand because we are committed to youth across Canada,” said Lipton. “The children are the future of our country and we want to provide them with every opportunity to succeed, whether it is on or off the ice. Hockey teaches so many lessons such as teamwork, discipline and listening.”

The Flames meanwhile are proud to have been the first NHL team to have had the Scotiabank Skaters Program.

“The fact that we were the original team is a very cool factor to that,” said Stiles. “We were the first team to get a young boy or girl out on the ice with NHL players.”

The Flames are ecstatic that the number of entries for the Skaters Program continues to rise and Scotiabank continues to see the positives of being closely affiliated with the children.

“The move toward more children’s programming by the bank itself is more beneficial because it helps develop our kids within our communities,” said Wendt. “We (Scotiabank) have been investing in our communities for 185 years and we believe investing in young people is the pathway to community prosperity. Organizations like Scotiabank are committed to helping young people reach their potential.”

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 9

Hockey participation offers families value beyond making an individual player a better player or even a better athlete.

The game of hockey is a powerful platform for participants to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills. These benefits are available to all players, desirable to every family and transcend the game.

WE BELIEVE : • Hockey should be an enjoyable family experience; all stakeholders-organizations, players, parents, siblings, coaches, referees, volunteers and rink operators-play a role in this effort.

• Hockey’s greatest value is the role it plays in the development of character and life skills.

• All hockey organizations, regardless of size or level of competition, bring value to players and families in their ability to deliver a positive family experience.

• Physical activity is important for a healthy body, mind and spirit.

• There are significant benefits of youth participation in multiple sports.

• Hockey programs should be age-appropriate for all players, accounting for each individual’s physical, emotional and cognitive development.

• There is great value in all forms of hockey, both on and off the ice.

• All hockey programs should provide a safe, positive and inclusive environment for players and families regardless of race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Simply put, hockey is for everyone.

We believe in our ability to improve lives and strengthen communities globally through hockey. We believe that living by these principles will provide a healthy, balanced, and enjoyable experience for all and inspire impactful service beyond the rink.

W

CALE MAKAR AJHL DEFENCEMAN makes HOCKEY HISTORY

BY JEREMY FREEBORN

W

When the Colorado Avalanche named defenceman Cale Makar their first pick, fourth overall, in the 2017 National Hockey League draft, history was made. The Calgary native, who has been a significant member on the Brooks Bandits’ blueline over the last three years, not only became the highest drafted player ever in Alberta Junior Hockey League history, but the second highest drafted player ever in Canadian Junior Hockey League history. Only Kyle Turris, of the Coquitlam Express, was drafted higher, third overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007.

This is a big moment for the AJHL, which, over the last couple of decades, has been in the shadow of the WHL as the preferred league of choice for elite teenaged hockey players from Alberta. Now members of the AJHL can point out to the hockey world that in the top five picks in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the AJHL was tied with the WHL at one draft pick apiece. The Philadelphia Flyers selected Winnipeg-born Nolan Patrick, of the Brandon Wheat Kings, second overall.

Makar also becomes the third player ever from the AJHL to be drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft. He is joined by former Calgary Flames centre Joe Colborne of Calgary,

Brooks Bandits Photos Provided By Emily Duncan Avalanche Photos Provided By Michael Martin

who was drafted 16th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2008.

Interestingly, Colborne, who played his AJHL career with the Camrose Kodiaks, is also currently with the Avalanche.

The other first round NHL draft pick from the AJHL was defenceman Dylan Olsen, of Calgary, who like Colborne, played for the Kodiaks before being drafted in the first round, 28th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Olsen went on to play four seasons with the Blackhawks and Florida Panthers from 2012 to 2016.

Makar spoke to Hockey Magazine Calgary after practice while playing for Team Canada at the 2017 World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Michigan. He was quick to defend the AJHL, when I asked him to comment to those who believe the WHL is better than the AJHL. “I would disagree,” he said. “We get a lot of older guys in our league. We are allowed to carry six 20 year olds on our team (compared to three in the Western Hockey League). In terms you may not be playing against the best competition, but you are playing against some of the stronger guys in Alberta.

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 11

Once you play a few games in our league, and then get into the playoffs, then the Western Canada Cup and then the Royal Bank Cup, it is truly a special experience. You are playing amongst some of the best, what everybody calls, tier two in Canada. I wouldn’t say it is any worse than any other league.”

Makar stands behind his decision to choose the AJHL over the WHL. “I really thought in terms of my development that the AJHL was going to be the better way for me to go,” he said. “I wanted to discover the NCAA side before I made any decisions and felt that was the right path for me.”

Before he becomes a member of the Colorado Avalanche, Makar has committed to going to school for at least one season, and will be an instrumental member of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst defence in 2017-18. While as a member of the Minutemen, he will be coached by Greg Carvel, who was an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks and the Ottawa Senators.

Makar remembers his first time playing hockey was while on the beach in Hawaii at two years old. “My parents had brought some mini-sticks to the beach and I was stickhandling around.”

He not only used the mini-sticks on the beach. He would soon use them in his parents’ living room and play regularly with his brother and cousins.

“

Makar played minor hockey for the Crowchild Blackhawks (later known as the Northwest Warriors) all the way from tyke to pee wee. He then played bantam AA with the Northwest Calgary Athletic Association Bruins and then the Calgary Flames Bantam AAA squad. Makar next played for the NWCAA Stampeders Minor Midget AAA team and the Calgary Flames Midget AAA. Makar loved playing in the Crowchild Challenge, an annual tournament put on by the Crowchild Minor Hockey Association.

“I was always looking forward to the opening ceremonies,” he said. “Being able to host a tournament when you are that young is a pretty cool experience. We won it a few times and those are the memories I will always remember. We also won Minor Hockey Week in novice and pee wee.”

At the age of 16, Makar joined the Brooks Bandits and became a superstar in the southern Alberta city of Brooks, which has a population of just over 14,000. He played three regular season games and then 20 games in the AJHL playoffs with the Bandits in 2014-15. That season was particularly special as he played with his cousin Mark Logan.

Over the next two years, Makar put up strong offensive numbers for a defenceman. In 2015-16, he had 10 goals and 45 assists for 55 points and then the following season had 24 goals and 51 assists for 75 points. In both seasons he was an AJHL champion, the RBC Cup Most Valuable Player, and the RBC Cup top defenceman. He was also the AJHL and CJHL Rookie of the Year in 2015-16.

Strive for your goals. Everybody makes goals.

If you want to be a high calibre player, you just have to know your role on the team you are playing for... If there is anything I can say, it is go harder and pursue your dreams.

“

During the 2016 RBC Cup in Lloydminster, Makar led the tournament in scoring with seven points (four goals and three assists). In 2016-17, he was the AJHL MVP, AJHL playoff MVP and the RBC Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year.

Even with so many personal accolades while with the Bandits over the last two years, Makar is disappointed he could not win the RBC Cup with Brooks. This past season, the Bandits came mighty close but lost 3-2 in overtime to the Cobourg Cougars in the gold medal game.

He was humbled with the personal achievements, but believes a major reason why the Bandits had so much success in 2016-17 was because of the excellent goaltending by Mitchel Benson (36-3-2, seven shutouts, 1.73 goals against average and .929 save percentage).

“I was very accepting of the awards, but at the same time I realize it is a team game and there is more to the game than that,” he said. “I’m not too worried about the individual accolades.”

12 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

In Brooks, Makar feels he learned a lot about the small intricacies of hockey from head coach Ryan Papaioannu, of Calgary. They included how to be effective in both the defensive and neutral zones.

In the last two years he has represented Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge. In 2015, he was part of the Canada West team that beat Russia 2-1 in the gold medal game in Cobourg, Ontario. In 2016, he captained Canada West in Bonnyville, and had four goals and four assists for eight points in only four games. In both tournaments, he was named to the all-star team on the blueline.

For those playing minor hockey in the Calgary region who have high aspirations, Makar has the following message.

“Strive for your goals,” he said. “Everybody makes goals. If you want to be a high calibre player, you just have to know your role on the team you are playing for. I think I was very fortunate to have great coaches growing up who gave me freedom and the green light on the back end. I was able to develop my game in my younger years. If there is anything I can say, it is go harder and pursue your dreams.”

Makar believes he was effective over the last two seasons because he was able to use his speed to his advantage.

He has been highly praised for his stickhandling, passing, precise decision making and puck possession play. It will be interesting to see if he is able to have the same offensive success at the NCAA and potentially at the NHL levels.

Calling Al l

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS Name:

If your child won a gold medal at the 2017 Esso Calgary Minor Hockey Week, we want to hear from you! Please complete the following questionnaire and send it in by December 1st, 2017, and your child could be featured in the 2018 spring edition of the Official Calgary Hockey Magazine!

Send in completed entries, along with a photo (preferably in a hockey uniform) to:

Age:

Current Team: Number of Years Played:

School Grade:

Usual Position: Favourite Hockey Team: Favourite Hockey Player: Who is your Role Model: Other Hobbies / Interests: Favourite Hockey Memory:

publisher@hockeymagazine.net

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 13

DILLONDUBE SELECTION PROVES THERE IS ROOM FOR SMALLER PLAYERS IN THE NHL

BY JEREMY FREEBORN HEAD SHOT PROVIDED BY BRAD WATSON / CALGARY FLAMES ACTION SHOT PROVIDED BY CANDICE WARD / CALGARY FLAMES

When the Calgary Flames selected Cochrane-raised Dillon Dube with the second pick, 56th overall, in the 2016 National Hockey League Entry Draft, critics were concerned about his size. At only 5’10”, 185 pounds, there were questions whether or not the Flames needed another small forward to complement Johnny Gaudreau.

However, NHL scouts are clearly beginning to change their evaluation process of potential players. There is starting to be more room for the “little guy” and players do not always need to meet the six-foot criteria to be recognized and selected in the NHL Entry Draft. No better example came from the 2017 NHL Entry Draft than when the Edmonton Oilers selected Spokane Chiefs right winger Kailer Yamamoto (only 5’8”, 150 pounds) with their first round draft pick.

Since being drafted by the Flames, Dube has grown an inch to 5’11”, but remains at 185 pounds. He was chosen primarily because of his offensive skill and versatility. As a forward, he is able to play both centre and wing.

Dube spoke to Hockey Magazine Calgary at the Calgary Flames summer development camp in July. He was relaxed and enjoying the overall experience at the Markin MacPhail Centre heading into his second year as a member of the Flames organization.

“Definitely, this year is a little bit of a different perspective,” he said. “I think last year I was getting familiar with the organization and now that I kind of know everybody’s names and know them personally…it is nice to be here and be comfortable.”

Dube was born in Golden, British Columbia, and moved to Cochrane when he was 10 years old. While playing in the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association, he instantly had a significant impact in atom with the Cochrane Rockies.

“In my first year I was able to win a championship there,” he said. “To have a great year and go to provincials there was unbelievable. Every team I played for in Cochrane we won. I can’t complain. Those were the best days of hockey I had. The guys I played for on that team I still hang out with to this day.”

14 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

Dube also had no problem racking up the points. While playing pee wee for the Bow Valley Timberwolves in 2010-11, he notched an amazing 70 goals and 99 regular season points.

“It was nice for me at the world juniors to play more of a defensive role there,” he said.

“I kind of showed that I can play. That is the biggest thing for me to move to the next level is to be trustworthy.”

Dillon got into hockey because he wanted to be like his older brother Jake, two years his senior, who he idolized.

In addition to the 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship, Dube won a gold medal for Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in Breclav, Czech Republic. In five games, he had one goal and two assists for three points. He scored a shorthanded goal to open the tournament in a 3-1 Canada win over the Czech Republic.

“My brother was always around,” remembered Dillon.

“I always wanted to be like him. I kind of look up to him as a role model. To see what he has done so far in his life has really pushed me to make a dream out of this.” Jake had to give up hockey this season because he broke his hand four times.

Dube suffered a major injury in an exhibition game between the Flames and the Oilers on Sept. 26, 2016.

He missed seven weeks of action because of a broken knee and strained medial collateral ligament.

Both of the Dube brothers played in the Airdrie Xtreme organization of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (Jake from 2009-2011 and Dillon from 2011-12), before taking their separate paths. Jake went to play for the UFA Bisons in Midget AAA and then the Okotoks Oilers and Camrose Kodiaks in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Dillon then went on to play bantam and midget hockey in Notre Dame, Saskatchewan, before joining the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League, where he was the first round pick, 21st overall in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

Dube played two seasons in Kelowna before his NHL draft year. Then in 2015-16, he had 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points in 65 games. After being drafted, he had 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points in 40 games with the Rockets in the 2016-17 WHL regular season, and then added seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points in only 17 WHL playoff games.

This past year, Dube represented Team Canada at the 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship in Montreal and Toronto. His selection was a bit of a surprise to some because of his injury that forced him to miss the CIBC Canada/Russia Super Series this past November.

“I was a dark horse,” he admitted. “It felt good when I made that team. I didn’t care if I was the 13th forward. Just to be able to play (was great).”

With the 2017-18 hockey season underway, there is no question that the Flames coaching staff like what they have in Dube.

“

I was a dark horse. It felt good when I made [Team Canada.] I didn’t care if I was the 13th forward.

Just to be able to play [was great].

“

“I am very lucky to still be playing,” said Dillon Dube.

“Injuries have not held me back.”

“You know Dillon is a guy that had a great season (in 2016-17) and played for Canada at the World Juniors,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan. “He had an injury early but is a great skater and great competitor. We are really happy with him.”

Heading into the 2017-18 season, Dube knows there is a real possibility he could play one final season for the Rockets. He also knows by being one of the older players in the WHL, he will be counted on in Kelowna for his experience.

“I’ve always kind of been a rookie,” he said.

“To really learn how to be a leader will be huge for me next year.”

There is also the possibility that he will represent Canada again at the World Junior Hockey Championship. This year’s event is special because Canada will be playing the United States outdoors at New Era Field in Buffalo on Dec. 29. The stadium has a capacity of over 71,000 and is the regular home stadium for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League.

As Dube continues to progress within the Flames system, there will be fewer comments about his size, and more comments about his skill.

As a fourth line forward, Dube registered three assists in seven games as Canada won the silver medal. He has fond memories representing Team Canada on Canadian ice in a major international tournament.

“Playing that first game against Russia, I couldn’t hear myself talk,” he said. “Playing in that atmosphere was the best thing I ever had. It was a sold out NHL rink (Air Canada Centre in Toronto). Everyone is cheering for you.

To have that opportunity and make it as one of the fourth line shutdown guys, I didn’t have as much pressure. I was able to enjoy it. The first time playing at the World Junior Hockey Championship is the most special.”

While playing for Canada, Dube had the opportunity to showcase his skills in a different role than he is accustomed to with the Rockets. Being on the fourth line, he was expected to be counted on in his own zone.

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 15

ARENA ADDRESSES

17.

SAIT Arena 1301 - 16th Avenue NW

Frank McCool Arena 1900 Lake Bonavista Drive SE

18.

Sarcee Seven Chiefs Sportsplex 3700 Anderson Road SW

11.

Jack Setters Arena 2020 - 69th Avenue SE

19.

Shouldice Arena 1515 Home Road NW

Cardel Recreation Centre South 333 Shawville Blvd SE #100

12.

Max Bell Centre 1001 Barlow Trail SE

20.

Stew Hendry / Henry Viney Arena 814 - 13 Avenue NE

5.

Don Hartman North East Sportsplex 5206 - 68th Street NE

13.

Mount Pleasant Sportsplex 610 - 23rd Avenue NW

21.

Stu Peppard Arena 5300 - 19th Street SW

6.

East Calgary Twin Arena Society 299 Erin Woods Drive SE

14.

Father David Bauer Olympic Arena 2424 University Drive NW

22.

Trico Centre 11150 Bonaventure Drive SE

7.

Ed Whalen / Joseph Kryczka Arenas 2000 Southland Drive SW

15.

Optimist / George Blundun Arena 5020 - 26th Avenue SW

23.

Village Square Arenas 2623 - 56th Street NE

8.

Ernie Starr Arena 4808 - 14th Avenue SE

16.

Rose Kohn / Jimmie Condon Arena 502 Heritage Drive SW

24.

1.

Acadia Rec. Centre 240 - 90th Avenue SE

9.

2.

Bowness Sportsplex 7904 - 43rd Avenue NW

10.

3.

Brentwood Sportsplex 1520 Northmount Drive NW

4.

Flames Community Arenas 2390 - 47th Avenue SW

Westside Regional Rec. Centre 2000 - 69th Street SW

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Calgary Hockey Magazine | 17

BRETT

POLLOCK focusing on growth and development as goals for the upcoming season

BY JEREMY FREEBORN

W

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CANDICE WARD CALGARY FLAMES

When the Calgary Flames traded defenceman and shotblocking machine Kris Russell to the Dallas Stars on Feb. 29, 2016, they acquired defenceman Jyrki Jokipakka, Dallas’s second round draft pick in the 2016 National Hockey League Entry Draft (Dillon Dube) and prospect Brett Pollock. At the time, the Flames were trying to get something for Russell, as he was going to be an unrestricted free agent, and was unlikely to return to Calgary.

In Jokipakka, the Flames acquired a Finnish blueliner who played 56 games for Calgary over parts of two seasons.

On March 1, 2017, Calgary traded Jokipakka to the Ottawa Senators with a conditional second round draft pick for Curtis Lazar and Michael Kostka.

So, the two players who the Flames still have from the Russell deal are Pollock and Dube. (Dube is profiled on page 14.) Both have the potential to be instrumental as catalysts in the Flames’ development system this upcoming season, with the goal to be regular members of the Flames for years to come.

18 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

A native of Regina, Saskatchewan, Pollock moved to Sherwood Park when he was five years old and started playing hockey.

He remembers how much fun he had on the ice, and the outstanding support he received from his parents who were regularly in the crowd cheering him on.

Looking back at his minor hockey career in Sherwood Park, Pollock loved playing overtime during Minor Hockey Week.

“I loved those Minor Hockey Week games where they go down from three-on-three, two-on-two, one-on-one. Those were always fun. I was put out one year in a one-on-one overtime. It ended up going our way and we scored.”

Pollock played through the Sherwood Park Minor Hockey Association as a defenceman up until he was 14 years of age.

He made the transition from defence to wing in his second year of bantam while with the Sherwood Park Bantam AAA Flyers of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League in 2010-11. In his first full season with the Flyers (after playing a season for the Sherwood Park Bantam AA Leafs in 2009-10), Pollock had 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points in only 33 games.

In 2010-11, Pollock also played for the Northeast Flyers in the Alberta Cup (four goals in five games), the Sherwood Park Squires minor midget team, and was drafted in the fifth round by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.

Prior to joining the Oil Kings, he played one more season with Sherwood Park in the Alberta Midget Hockey League. He notched eight goals and 17 assists for 25 points in 34 games, and added a bit of physicality to his game as he had 54 penalty minutes. The following season, in 2012-13, he made the step up to Canadian major junior hockey, and was pleased to be a regular in the Oil Kings organization.

“I was very fortunate for that,” remembered Pollock in an interview at the Calgary Flames summer development camp. “I was able to stay at home and have my parents and friends come to a lot of my games. That was nice having that comfort and support back home. Playing for a team I grew up watching was pretty cool, too.”

From 2012 to 2016, Pollock was a regular winger for the Oil Kings and collected 89 goals and 110 assists for 199 points in 253 games. Pollock’s best season in the Western Hockey League came in 2015-16, when he notched 30 goals and 48 assists for 78 points in 72 games. During that season, he was also recognized for his leadership skills serving as an assistant captain.

Pollock won a Memorial Cup in 2014 while playing for the Oil Kings. In 20 WHL playoff games that year, he had 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points, and then added two assists in five games in the Memorial Cup. “It was a special moment,” said Pollock, who helped Edmonton win its first Memorial Cup since 1966. “Not too many guys get to experience it. So, for me to be lucky enough to play on a team like that and to be able to contribute and win that was pretty special. I’m not sure any words that describe it. When the final buzzer went, everyone got to throw their gloves and skate back to their goalie and hug each other. It was a time that kind of flies by quick. You have to live in the moment when that happens. Looking back at my junior career, that was definitely the highlight.”

As a member of the Oil Kings, Pollock was drafted in the second round, 45th overall, by the Stars of the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

“That was a pretty cool experience,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to go to the draft and be there for that to happen. That was a goal of mine growing up playing minor hockey. Everyone wants to get drafted, so for that to happen was awesome.”

Growing up just outside of Edmonton, playing for the Oil Kings, and idolizing former Oilers all-star Ryan Smyth, it could have been quite the adjustment when he was traded to Calgary. It did not take long at all for Pollock to become a Flames fan and cheer for the other side of the battle of Alberta.

“I’m happy and really excited to be a part of this organization, and see what can happen,” he said.

In 2016-17, Pollock played for the Flames’ affiliate, the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL, and explains the learning curve he experienced.

“

I definitely learned how to play the professional game. I think it is totally different than junior. You’ve got to find a role and play that. Once I did and settled in, I thought I really developed and am excited to continue developing and getting better.

that. Once I did and settled in, I thought I really developed and am excited to continue developing and getting better.”

”

In 61 regular season games for the Thunder, he had 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points. He contributed more consistently in six ECHL playoff games, however, as he notched four assists.

Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan meanwhile was pleased with Pollock’s progress as the season went along.

“For Brett, it was probably a season that he didn’t want to have,” said Gulutzan. “But you could see big improvements.

That’s sometimes the case with these young guys when they turn pro. They have to go through some of the growing pains.

He is very competitive, and these camps, and this professional experience will benefit him.”

That Pollock has experience playing defence (even though it was in his early minor hockey years), do not be surprised if that will benefit him in the long run. And his size 6’3”, 200 pounds size could make him a valuable checking-line forward for the Flames in the long term. When asked if there was one thing Flames fans would like to know about him, it is the fact that he once played regularly on the blueline.

This season, Pollock’s major goal is to continue to grow and develop, and become a solid two-way player in the Flames organization. He would also like to make the jump from the ECHL to the AHL in 2017-18.

“I definitely learned how to play the professional game. I think it is totally different than junior. You’ve got to find a role and play

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 19

GLEN

NEW FLAMES HEAD COACH

BY JEREMY FREEBORN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GERRY THOMAS CALGARY FLAMES

On June 17, 2016, the Calgary Flames named Glen Gulutzan

their 18th head coach in franchise history. At the time, the move was a surprise for some because during the 2014-15 regular season, Flames head coach Bob Hartley led the Flames to an unexpected second round appearance in the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs, and became the first Flames coach ever to win the 2015 Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the Year.

However, the Flames were unable to improve from their storied success and missed the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years in 2015-16. Flames President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke told Rogers Sportsnet after Hartley’s firing that the Flames needed to be tougher, play a system where there was greater focus on puck possession, and be much better on special teams.

The Flames management choice for Hartley’s successor was Gulutzan. The decision might not have been the most popular one for fans because Gulutzan had spent the previous three seasons as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames biggest rival over the last decade. Gulutzan, however, is actually returning to the Flames organization, as he was the coach of the Flames’ ECHL affiliate in Las Vegas from 2003 to 2009.

Gulutzan, who I interviewed at the Markin MacPhail Centre during the Flames summer development camp in July, says returning to the club is special.

“To come back here and be the head coach is a neat life experience of how things go full circle,” he said.

Gulutzan has strong western Canadian roots. A native of The Pas, Manitoba, Gulutzan played five seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Moose Jaw Warriors, Brandon Wheat Kings and Saskatoon Blades from 1986 to 1992 before playing two years in the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies from 1992 to 1994. During his time at the University of Saskatchewan, Gulutzan earned an education degree.

After his university career, Gulutzan went on to play six seasons of professional hockey with the Fresno Falcons of the West Coast Hockey League, four games with the Utah Grizzlies and the Las Vegas Thunder of the International Hockey League, and one season with Sport Vaasa in Finland.

20 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

GULUTZAN

IS BUILDING SOMETHING GREAT IN CALGARY

While in Vancouver from 2013 to 2016, Gulutzan worked under head coaches John Tortorella and Willie Desjardins.

“The biggest thing I learned from John was just the way he could get the most out of his players and the way he handled his superstars. I thought he did an excellent job of that. He had a good way of pushing players to get the last little bits of energy out of them. Willie is a master team builder, and was the best I’ve seen at building teams and building a culture.”

The 2015-16 season was challenging for Gulutzan to begin with. After the first 16 games of the season, Calgary had a record of 5-10-1. Things seemed to change, however, on Nov. 15 in a 1-0 Flames win over the Minnesota Wild. Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau scored, but he broke his finger and would be gone the next three weeks.

The Flames could have folded, but didn’t, and in Gaudreau’s absence went 6-3-1. In Gaudreau’s return to the team on Dec, 4, the Flames hammered the Anaheim Ducks 8-3. In the Flames’ final 55 games, they had a record of 33-20-2 including an impressive 10 game winning streak from Feb. 21 to March 13, which tied a franchise record. The Flames made the playoffs, but were eliminated in four straight games to the Ducks in the first round.

There is no doubt that the newest Flames head coach was proud with how the season went and the progress that was made throughout the year.

“I was very pleased,” said Gulutzan. “In all my years of coaching, I have never seen a team progress from the start of the season to the end of the season like this team did. It was the best improvement I’ve seen in a group of players. The reason why there was such an improvement was because of the character in the room. They’re a young group with room to grow. That is the reason why they stuck with it and then played great hockey at the end.”

The Flames are fortunate that Gulutzan chose coaching hockey as a professional career. He almost became a police officer in Saskatoon. Gulutzan passed all of the necessary exams, but decided to continue his hockey career rather than move to Regina for further training. He discusses the similarities between coaching hockey and the law enforcement role.

“

For me, when I deal with NHL guys, you want to treat them fairly. You want to show them that you have knowledge of the game, but you understand the pressures and just the stress, and everything that goes along with being in the NHL.

“

In his first season with Fresno in 1996-97, Gulutzan had 30 goals and 80 assists for 110 points. Even though he had five additional seasons in Fresno and put up strong offensive statistics, he could not move up in the player ranks.

“The big thing in hockey and policing is you have to deal with people,” he said. “You’ve got to be good on your feet and think on your feet. You need the physical side, too.

You’ve got to be in shape.”

Gulutzan now has 16 years of coaching experience and over time, has realized the individual struggles and challenges players face while they are in the NHL.

“For me when I deal with NHL guys, you want to treat them fairly. You want to show them that you have knowledge of the game, but you understand the pressures and just the stress, and everything that goes along with being in the NHL. It’s tough. It took me a while to recognize that. That’s important. You have to recognize the pressure that these guys are under. It helps you understand them better.”

Heading into the 2017-18 season, the Flames will have two new key acquisitions in goaltender Mike Smith and defenceman Travis Hamonic. Smith was traded to Calgary from the Arizona Coyotes and Hamonic came in a trade from the New York Islanders.

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 21

“Mike Smith’s been a great goalie in this league for a long time,” said Gulutzan. “Mike is up there with all of the good goalies in the league. He’s got a special talent. It is just the way he plays that puck. He’s probably the top guy in the league at moving the puck. He’s a guy when you coach against him, you always have to mention him because he can stall everyone’s forechecks just the way he gets to pucks. It’s quite a weapon that we’ve got back there. With Travis, we wanted a solid, hard nose defender, who has great character. I don’t know if there is a better one in the league, the way he defends.

We’re really happy to have both those guys.”

In the last few years, the Flames have been recognized as having amongst the best top four defencemen in the NHL. Gulutzan believes the entire Flames defensive core needs to be recognized.

“

If I want them to know something about me, it is that we are really passionate about building a winning team here that’s sustainable over a long period of time. We don’t want to be a one hit wonder. We’re trying to build something great here for the city of Calgary.

“

“We have six really good defencemen in Stone and Matt Bartkowski,” he said. “Everyone talks about our top four (currently Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie, Hamonic and Dougie Hamilton), but Michael Stone played top four minutes for us.

Now to have him and Travis on our team, I think I’d put our defencse up against anybody.”

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When asked if there was one thing Flames fans would like to know about him, the Flames head coach went into deep thought and paused for a few seconds. He admitted it was a tough question for him to answer before giving a response.

“You know what? If I want them to know something about me, it is that we are really passionate about building a winning team here that’s sustainable over a long period of time. We don’t want to be a one hit wonder. We’re trying to build something great here for the city of Calgary. That is what I want them to know. We are looking for the now and we are looking far ahead.”

As far as this season is concerned, Gulutzan is looking for progress from last year.

“Our goals are to get right back into the playoffs and build off what we thought we could improve on in our series against Anaheim. We thought we made strides. We thought we played well enough to win some games. We want to build on that playoff entry and see how far we can go.

We want to build something big here, but we have to go through the steps. If we can get into the playoffs with this team, we have the ability to do some damage.”

A deep playoff run is something the Flames have not had since coming one win away from taking the Stanley Cup in 2004. With an intimidating blueline, an experienced puck-playing goaltender, and skilled forwards, there is a combination of optimism and realism regarding the Flames this season. For the Flames to be effective, they need strong leadership from the coaching position and to trust head coach Glen Gulutzan.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, WHL and REMAX have joined together to promote organ donation in Canada.

Your WHL team is suiting up with Don Cherry to promote organ donation. On game night fans will receive a Don Cherry Bobblehead, special edition Upper Deck hockey card and bid on original Don Cherry game jerseys. Learn more about what your team is planning and organ donation at CanadaDonates.ca

Regina Pats Saturday Oct. 7th/2017 Vancouver Giants Saturday Oct. 7th/2017 Kootenay ICE Saturday Oct. 14th/2017 Moose Jaw Warriors Saturday Oct. 14th/2017 Brandon Wheat Kings Friday Oct. 20th/2017 Lethbridge Hurricanes Friday Oct. 27th/2017

Calgary Hitmen Saturday Oct. 28th/2017 Edmonton Oil Kings Friday March 2/2018 Kamloops Blazers Friday March 2/2018 Medicine Hat Tigers Saturday March 3/2018 Prince George Cougars Saturday March 3/2018 Swift Current Broncos Saturday March 3/2018

Victoria Royals Friday March 9/2018 Kelowna Rockets Saturday March 10/2018 Red Deer Rebels Saturday March 10/2018 Saskatoon Blades Saturday March 10/2018

LEARN MORE VISIT:

CanadaDonates.ca

EMPTY NET

Where have all the female goalies gone?

BY SHANNON CLEARY PHOTO PROVIDED BY SPENCER JONES The participation of girls in hockey has skyrocketed over the past several years. In Calgary alone, registration for its allfemale minor hockey association Girls Hockey Calgary (GHC) jumped by almost 200 players in two years. It’s the largest growth of any community association in the city. According to Hockey Alberta, there are 36 associations in the province that offer female programming, with more associations adding teams each year.

But as young girls rush to take the ice, and as female players develop through the ranks, there is one position that’s often unfilled. Calgary female hockey teams are seeing a serious shortage of goaltenders. Last season, GHC had just two goalies for seven teams in their bantam age division, presenting a scheduling jigsaw puzzle for association president Jody Forbes.

“We had to get really creative,” said Forbes. “We had almost around-the-clock coordinating.”

Part of the emergency fix was to mix and match the few available goaltenders within their age division, meaning that some goalies played for four or five teams throughout the season. Occasionally, goalies played for different teams in different cities on the same day.

“Some of these girls were playing two or three games in a day, just because they knew what kind of dire need we were in,” said Forbes.

GHC provided the teams with a full set of equipment — in the event that a forward or defense could provide backup — and offered training incentives for any girls interested in taking up the position. Teams also called up girls from lower age divisions and even recruited goalies from other sports, like ringette and lacrosse, to affiliate for GHC in game situations.

“In the end we didn’t forfeit any games for not having a goalie,” said Forbes, adding that the league’s goalie families were much to thank.

As the GHC board arranges the pieces for another season, and faces another serious shortage of goaltenders, many in the province are trying to identify the barriers to the position.

Associations across the city are seeing a goalie shortage —

24 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

perhaps a natural downturn after the surge of young goalies inspired by former Flames favourite Miikka Kiprusoff — but the situation in girls’ hockey remains urgent. What’s stopping so many girls from playing between the posts?

“We’re not really sure what causes girls to drop out of the position or not try it at all,” said Kendall Newell, manager of female development for Hockey Alberta. Newell, who goaltended for an NCAA Division I team in Minnesota during her playing career, suggests that some of the barriers are related to the perceived costs of equipment and training, knowledge resources for coaches, and the “mystique” surrounding the position.

“We’re just trying to educate people as best as possible, so that they know that maybe goaltending isn’t what everybody thinks it is,” said Newell.

Hockey Alberta recently created a Goaltending Development Plan, which is a province-wide initiative aimed at fostering goaltending at all genders, age divisions and skill level. They’ve hired goalie consultants for each of the six regional centers to work directly with associations, and offer resources to coaches on how to best utilize goalies during drills. Newell said it’s important to avoid the discouraging experience of simply becoming a “shooter tutor” in practice. Hockey Alberta and Hockey Calgary associations have also hosted several “Try Goaltending” clinics, in an attempt to educate parents and equip prospective goalies in an encouraging and accessible way.

“It’s about finding ways to make it intriguing for parents and players, so it becomes a position that they actually want to play,” said Newell. “As opposed to the last kid who signed up for hockey or the last kid to throw their stick in.”

Hadley Stevens was in her first year of atom when she decided to throw her stick in. Her mother, Leslie Stevens, received an urgent email from the team at the beginning of the season: Hadley’s team had no goalie. Hadley, whose father and younger brother both play nets, decided to give it a try. She was immediately hooked.

“The next week we were buying her equipment,” said Leslie Stevens, adding that they are fortunate to be able to invest the extra time and money in Hadley’s development.

For families who do struggle to afford the extra cost, GHC provides full goalie equipment for the season, 10 sixty-minute sessions with Goalie Development Inc, and access to camps and conferences.

Some camps, like Lake Bonavista’s Girls Hockey Weekend, provide free spots for girls who choose to play goal.

GHC also allows its younger players to delay the permanent choice to play net. Traditionally, full-time positions are declared in atom, but GHC has allowed girls to continue to rotate through the goaltending role in the hopes of developing more players.

“When you’re eight years old, it’s really hard to know what you want to do for the rest of your hockey life. ‘What if I don’t like it, what if I’m stuck there?’” said Forbes. “It’s a lot less scary to share it with three other girls and only play 25 percent of the games.”

Still, Forbes hopes GHC can be part of a larger “culture shift” in the way minor hockey organizations, especially female leagues, develop their goalies.

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From ESSO Calgary Minor Hockey Week

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“Goalies need to see an importance placed on them,” said Forbes. “It’s equally important to develop the goaltender as it is the goal scorer.”

This season Hadley Stevens starts her first year of peewee.

One of her fondest memories from last season was being called up to an older age division for an out-of-town tournament and earning a shut out. Hadley keeps a photo of Team Canada goalies Charline Labonté and Shannon Szabodos in her room, her mind solidly made that she, too, is a goaltender. This is good news for Forbes, as GHC, Hockey Calgary and Hockey Alberta work together to develop more goaltenders, girl by girl.

“It’s going to take a while to get there, but everyone’s working towards the same goal,” said Forbes. “And hopefully with the women’s national team gathering in Calgary, there are more Shannon Szabados’ out there to inspire a whole new generation of girls.”

Would you like the opportunity to be featured in the Calgary Hockey Magazine? Fill out the questionnaire on page 13 and send it in, along with a hockey photo. You could be featured, like Sheldon & Cameron, in the winter edition of the magazine!

SHELDONCAIRNEY

Sheldon Cairney, eight years old, has played hockey for three years and currently plays forward for the Bow River Bruins. His favourite hockey player is Mark Giordano of the Calgary Flames and his role model off the ice is his dad.

In his spare time, Sheldon enjoys playing on his scooter, bike riding and playing lacrosse. His favourite hockey memories include winning Esso Calgary Minor Hockey Week and playing hockey with his team during the intermission of a Flames game!

During last year’s hockey season, Sheldon had the honour of being coached by former NHL defenceman, Cory Sarich.

He is a remarkable coach that cares a lot about the kids and helping them to increase their skill level. Cory is a coach that has instilled a love for the game in Sheldon and we will forever be grateful for him. When the Calgary Flames invited the Novice teams to come to a game, Cory lined up an opportunity for the kids to tour the Calgary Flames dressing room. It was a very exciting experience that Sheldon will never forget.

Cameron George, eight years old, has played hockey for three years. He is currently in his last year in the novice division, playing either defence or centre forward for the Bow River Bruins. His favourite hockey team is the Calgary Flames and his favourite player is Wayne Gretzky. Off the ice, he idolizes his brother and, in his spare time, he enjoys lacrosse and mountain biking. His favourite hockey memory is when he scored a shoot-out goal in a tied hockey game, during a tournament!

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 25

NEVER GIVE UP THAT'S THE NAME OF THE GAME

BY SUSAN MCKENZIE Everyone knows Don Cherry, the colourful, tell-it-like-it-is hockey coach and media personality famous as host of “Coach’s Corner” on Hockey Night in Canada. Perhaps less known is that while Don coached the Boston Bruins in the 1970s, the Cherry family was also stickhandling their way through a major family crisis: Fifteen-yearold Tim Cherry had been diagnosed with kidney disease.

“Timothy was playing and I noticed his feet were swelling. I thought it was new running shoes or getting hit by a puck or something,” said Don. After a quick visit to the doctor, Tim went immediately on dialysis.

“I had no idea what dialysis even meant. When we were there, some fella said, ‘I’ve been on dialysis for five years,’ and I said, ‘That’s good’.

We had no idea. Well we found out awful fast,” Don recalled. “You don’t really know anything about kidney disease or dialysis until it hits home.”

Dialysis was tough on his son and Don admits that he was scared and frustrated because he didn’t know how to help Tim. “I was a chicken, and I let Rose [his wife] handle it.”

“One day we were driving home and Rose said, ‘That’s it! No 15-year-old old boy should have to go through this. One of us is giving a kidney.’”

Sister Cindy ended up being Tim’s best match.

“They were like twins. You couldn’t tell the difference,” their dad said.

Cindy, just 21 at the time, was attending college in Kingston. She made the trip to Boston for a family meeting where the nephrologist asked her if she was sure she wanted to be the donor. She responded, “Well there’s no question.” The doctor responded with, “Don’t say that.

Brothers and sisters have refused to do it.” Today Cindy jokes, “We aren’t a gushy, overly-emotional kind of family, but we do give kidneys.”

26 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

“

We aren’t a gushy, overly emotional kind of family, but we do give kidneys.

“

“I never realized the seriousness of it all until I saw both of them going down the aisle for surgery,” Don says.

Cindy recalls how quickly both she and her brother rebounded.

Surgery back then was more complicated as they took out a rib.

After the transplant, Don remembers watching Tim’s colour come back. “I hadn’t seen the colour in over a year. To see his cheeks rosy red again was incredible. We thank God every day for it. That was almost 40 years ago and he’s going strong.”

“Tim and I broke a record for getting out of the hospital. I was out in seven days and my brother was out in 10 days,” she said. “I wasn’t a hero getting out of bed too quick. It was all worth it, 100 per cent.”

Tim Cherry, today a successful hockey scout and film and video producer, says of his experience, “That first day I was on dialysis was one I will never forget. As I sank into the routine of being hooked up to a dialysis machine every other day, I started to wonder if I’d ever see light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how strong of mind or spirit you are, the grind of dialysis slowly starts to wear you down. For me, it wasn’t ‘til the talk of a transplant that I started to get back some hope. When I got the transplant, I realized I didn’t have to go on that machine and that’s when I first appreciated the miracle of receiving the gift of life.”

Cindy and Don agree that more awareness, especially around organ donation and transplantation, is the key to making life easier for many kidney patients.

“When I think of Tim and how desperate we were driving back and forth in Boston, and we thought it was the end of the world, and our lives were over – like I said before. The Lord was good,” said Don. Always in the kidney patient’s corner, Don added, “Never give up. Try not to despair, keep plugging along. Never give up – that’s the name of the game.”

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 27

SPOTLIGHT

ON AN OFFICIAL

ANDREWHUTTON

BY ROB SUGGITT

Photos Provided By SC Parker Photography We met up with 19-year-old Andrew Hutton before the hockey season to chat about his work as a minor hockey official.

Andrew began officiating hockey six years ago, and when he’s not officiating hockey games, he enjoys skiing in the winter and golfing in the summer months. He also umps baseball in the summer.

Andrew took the time to chat with Calgary Hockey about his experience as a minor hockey referee.

Calgary Hockey: Do you still play hockey, and if so, for what team?

Andrew Hutton: I played defence up until I was 15.

CH: When did you start officiating hockey?

AH: I started refereeing in 2012 so this will be my sixth season.

CH: What made you want to become a hockey official?

AH: I had always had somewhat of an interest in being a referee and was never a very good player so I moved over to officiating as a way to make some money and stay involved in the game. I quickly realized how much I enjoy officiating and the community that comes with it.

CH: How many games did you officiate last season?

AH: Last season I worked about 150 games but with a few spring hockey tournaments that I did it was probably closer to 180.

28 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

CH: How many games do you plan to officiate this season?

AH: I’m hoping to work around the same number of games that I did last season.

CH: What level of hockey are you currently officiating?

AH: This season I moved up to Bantam AAA lines, I also call some mid-level bantam and Peewee AA hockey.

CH: What do you enjoy most about officiating hockey games?

AH: I enjoy the challenge of trying to get every game right. I also really enjoy the community that we create for ourselves as officials and all the people I’ve met through the job. I have a core group of friends with a lot of different backgrounds that I wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for officiating.

CH: Do you have a role model or mentor who has helped you along the way?

AH: My dad has always been very supportive in everything I do which has been great.

More specific to officiating would be Duncan MacDougall and Herman Costa who spend a lot of time helping officials develop and have been a huge part of me being where I am today. Also the community of officials we have in the city, we push each other to be better.

CH: What kind of training were/are you provided?

AH: We have to take a clinic every year and throughout the season we get supervisions, which are a great tool to get feedback on things you can improve on as an official.

CH: How have you improved your skills as an official?

AH: Just by working hard and accepting criticism.

Listening to supervisors is a huge part of my development as an official. The higher-up guys have a lot to share and just listening to what they have to say whether it’s through supervisions or just talking in the locker room, I can pick up a lot of little things that help me develop as an official.

CH: What is the toughest part about being a referee?

AH: The high pressure situations where the game is put in your hands is never fun at the time, but you just have to trust yourself in those moments and do what you think is right. You can never make both teams happy in those situations but that’s not what you’re there for, you’re there to get the calls right.

CH: Ever suffer any injuries as an official? Any close calls?

AH: I broke my finger a few years ago and took a puck to the face doing a spring hockey tournament last season but other than that nothing too serious.

Just the occasional stick or puck to the body from an inattentive player.

CH: How do you handle criticism on the ice?

AH: When it comes from coaches I’ll typically hear them out and try to reason with them but ultimately I have to know that I’m trained to referee a hockey game and they’re trained to coach, which are two very different jobs. I just have to trust my training and not let how they think the game should be officiated affect how I referee.

CH: Do you have any future aspirations in officiating?

AH: I’d like to go as far as the game will take me. I’ll continue to work to get to the AJHL and WHL but if it doesn’t work out for me then I can’t be too upset. There are some amazing officials at that level and all I can do, is do my best to push myself as far as I can.

CH: Do you have comments you wish to share with parents, coaches or anyone watching minor hockey?

AH: We are the first ones to know we made a mistake.

We do try our best to get every call right but we are human too. If there is ever a play that I’m unsure of, the first thing I do after a game is go straight to a rule book to make sure I got it right, and if I’m wrong then I can get it right in the future. Players make mistakes every game but they are there to learn at a minor level.

Officials will make mistakes too, but like players, we are always learning and trying to be better.

Calgary Hockey Magazine | 29

PENALTY CALL SIGNALS

Boarding

Body Checking

Checking to the Head

Cross Checking

Hooking

Slashing 30 | Calgary Hockey Magazine

Butt Ending

Interference

Spearing

Charging

Elbowing

Kneeing

High Sticking

Misconduct

Tripping

Checking from Behind

Holding

Roughing

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

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