FALL 2018
CALGARY FLAMES PROSPECT
Spencer Foo STEVE HAMILTON New Head Coach for
CALGARY HITMEN JAY BEAGLE
From Calgary Minor Hockey to Stanley Cup Champ
RYAN STRASCHNITZKI HUMBOLDT STRONG
A PROUD SUPPORTER OF HOCKEY IN ALBERTA
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Photo By: Just Sports Photography
TABLE OF CONTENTS 5. PUBLISHER’S NOTE
11. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
6 14 ............. .............. SPENCER FOO
JAY BEAGLE
8 ............. RYAN STRASCHNITZKI
12. ARENA LOCATOR MAP
17 ............ STEVE HAMILTON
20. SPOTLIGHT ON AN OFFICIAL Calgary Hockey Magazine | 3
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Message From
The Publisher
Welcome to our Fall Edition of the Calgary Hockey Magazine. In this edition, we are featuring Calgary Flames prospect Spencer Foo, who signed a two-year deal with the big club this past summer. Foo was wooed by a number of other NHL teams, including the Vegas Golden Knights, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Edmonton Oilers, but he felt best about what the Calgary Flames brought to the table. We also have a feature interview with Steven Hamilton, the new head coach of the Calgary Hitmen. Hamilton brings a lot of experience to the job, having worked with two AJHL clubs (Sherwood Park Crusaders and the Fort Saskatchewan Traders), and a more recent stint with the Edmonton Oil Kings, which was highlighted by a Memorial Cup win in 2014. Speaking of cups, locally born and raised Jay Beagle hoisted the Stanley Cup this past spring for the Washington Capitals. Beagle played his minor hockey in Mount Pleasant and Symons Valley before joining the Northstars in midget (now known as the Mustangs), and then the Calgary Royals in the AJHL. Beagle’s 10-year NHL career has been with the Washington Capitals organization, but in the off-season, Beagle signed a four-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks. One of the biggest hockey stories (and hockey tragedies) in 2018 has been the Humboldt bus accident which took place on April 6. Our magazine was very careful in reaching out to one of the players who survived this accident. Getting the necessary permission to proceed with the interview with Ryan Straschnitzki, We found Straschnitzki’s story to be one of tragedy, but one with great courage and inspiration. One of the mainstays in our magazine is the “Spotlight on an Official” feature, where we interview a young minor hockey official. For this edition, we met up with 18-year-old Simon Weidemann, who has been officiating minor hockey for six seasons. We’ve been doing this feature for over 15 years, and it never ceases to amaze me the confidence and composure level exhibited by these young officials. If you have any ideas or suggestions for an upcoming edition of the magazine, please pass it along. Maybe it’s a coach who goes the extra mile, maybe it’s a young minor hockey official making his or her way, or maybe it’s a hockey event making a difference in the community. If it’s hockey related, we’re all ears!
CREDITS President and Publisher: Rob Suggitt Art Director: Christine Kucher Graphic Designers: Cailey Welk, Katelyn Suggitt Contributing Writers: Jeremy Freeborn, Rob Suggitt Cover Photo Provided By: Rob Moses Photography Copy Editing: Shari Narine
Photography Credits: Just Sports Photography Rob McMorris, Calgary Flames Candice Ward, Calgary Flames & Calgary Hitmen Union College Andy Devlin, Edmonton Oilers Entertainment Group SC Parker Photography
Sales Associate: Lynn Schuster Administration: Amber Grmek The Calgary Hockey Magazine is a product of Playhouse Publications Ltd. - an affiliate of Suggitt Ltd. 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. 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
Sincerely,
Rob Suggitt
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Publisher of the
Calgary Hockey Magazine Calgary Hockey Magazine | 5
STANLEY CUP CHAMPION
JAY BEAGLE
Photos By: Just Sports Photography
From Calgary Minor Hockey to Stanley Cup Champion By Jeremy Freeborn
The Stanley Cup came to Calgary this past summer.
On Aug. 21, National Hockey League centre Jay Beagle brought the Stanley Cup to his native city of Calgary and visited the Alberta Children’s Hospital. This past June, Beagle became a Stanley Cup champion as the Washington Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights in five games in the Stanley Cup final. It was the first Stanley Cup in the history of the Capitals franchise. In winning the Stanley Cup, Beagle made hockey history. He became the first player ever to win a Stanley Cup, Kelly Cup (ECHL playoff champion as a member of the Idaho Steelheads in 2007) and Calder Cup (American Hockey League playoff champion as a member of the Hershey Bears in 2009 and 2010). You can also go one more step back in time to recap Beagle’s memorable hockey career. At the age of 17, he won the Air Canada Cup (National Midget AAA championship now known as the Telus Cup) with the Calgary Northstars in 2003 in Sault Ste. Marie. In the off-season, Beagle signed a four-year contract worth $12-million with the Vancouver Canucks. It was during the Canucks training camp in Whistler that Hockey Magazine Calgary caught up with one of the NHL’s best checking line forwards and face-off specialists. Beagle began skating in Crossfield, where he and his family lived, before moving to Calgary when he was four years old.
6 | Calgary Hockey Magazine
It was his mom that first got him interested in hockey. “She would just take me to the rink and I would learn to skate,” he remembered. “I would have fun skating with her. I loved the game and being at the rink. It was a good first experience for sure.” Beagle played minor hockey in Calgary in Mount Pleasant and Symons Valley before playing for the Northstars in midget, and then the Calgary Royals (now known as the Mustangs) of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. At the 2003 Air Canada Cup, the Northstars bounced back after an opening game 7-0 loss to Quebec’s Collège Antoine-Girouard Gaulois. They would win the next six games, including a 5-1 win over Collège Antoine-Girouard in the championship final. Beagle had three goals and three assists for six points in seven games. Remarkably all three of Beagle’s goals in the tournament were game winning goals. He has fond memories of winning the Air Canada Cup in 2003. “That was my first taste of winning,” he said. “The experience was incredible. The chances of going to the Air Canada Cup are pretty slim. Obviously the chances of winning it were a lot slimmer. I remember the team chemistry that we had. It was a lot of fun to be on the team. Head coach Carey Bracko was an unreal coach. Everything came together in the playoffs. It was my first taste of winning, and once you get it, you never want to lose it.”
“ Work harder than the guy beside you.” - Jay Beagle
Beagle also loved his time playing for the Calgary Royals in Junior ‘A’ hockey.
“I wanted to stay in Calgary and the Royals were interested in me trying out and joining their team,” he said. “I just wanted to keep playing. I got the chance to play for the Royals and it was an incredible experience. Doug Hergenhein was the coach at that time. He was a great guy and taught me a lot.” Beagle spent two seasons in the AJHL with the Royals in 200304 and 2004-05. In his second year, he put up strong offensive numbers (28 goals and 42 assists for 70 points), and also had 114 penalty minutes. The penalty minute totals were also high during his two years at the University of Alaska-Anchorage from 2005-2007 when he had 133 penalty minutes in only 67 games. When Beagle was with the Steelheads from 2007-08 and the Bears from 2007-2011, his penalty minutes dropped significantly (26 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Steelheads and 129 penalty minutes in 211 regular season games with the Bears). “I think I grew up,” said Beagle of the decreased time in penalty minutes. “You start to see the little selfish penalties were hurting your team and you are playing for more than just yourself. You start to realize that putting your team on the penalty kill was always a tough thing and putting them behind the eight ball. You grow as a person and as a player. I tried to change my game a little bit to make sure I was more responsible and be more of a team guy. That is interesting you brought that up, because I totally forgot about that.” The road to the NHL came with significant challenges. He never played in the Western Hockey League because he was cut by the Calgary Hitmen and was never drafted in the NHL before signing as a free agent with the Capitals on March 26, 2008. For those players who have been cut and never drafted, but still have dreams of playing in the National Hockey League, Beagle has the following message. “Work harder than the guy beside you,” he said. “It is something you just have to do. You have to have a commitment and work ethic. It goes such a long way. There have been a lot of guys throughout my career that I have had to outwork. It comes down to who wants it more.” Beagle also stresses the importance of being positive. “No matter what it is in life, I try and have fun at what I am doing and what’s in front of me. I try to keep that positive attitude. Your work ethic and attitude is all that you can control, and let the chips fall.”
Beagle is known as an excellent defensive forward and face-off specialist. Over the last four seasons, he has been a plus 29, and has won 56.4 per cent of his 4,507 career regular season face-offs in the NHL. “It is very hard (to win an NHL face-off),” he said. “They have changed the rules the last couple of years. It has made it harder on the player taking the face-off in the defensive zone. They are trying to make it so the offensive guy can produce more offense and build the game. It is constantly evolving. It is something I take pride in. It is something I have enjoyed doing.” Beagle says over the summer he works on his face-offs. “I have always been a centreman. It is something that comes natural to me,” he said. “Now that the game is so fast, and it is such a puck possession game, starting with the puck is always key. It is something I have tried to improve on every year.” Beagle played 10 full seasons with the Capitals before signing with the Canucks in the off-season. In 471 regular season games, he has had 51 goals and 65 assists for 116 points and eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 85 playoff games. It was the last playoff game with the Capitals, and seeing the Stanley Cup presented to teammate Alexander Ovechkin, that was extremely special. “It was awesome,” giggled Beagle. “I have known him for a while now. The way he played this year in the playoffs and the way we won in a year when we weren’t expected to win or do very well was incredible. It was great to see a lot of those kids who I had been with a long time hoist the Cup.” Beagle will play more of a leadership role as a Canuck. Vancouver has missed the playoffs the last three years and with the retirements of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, find themselves in a state of transition. They will be looking for Beagle and fellow free agent Antoine Roussel to work with their younger, up and coming talent. “Yes, if that is what they need and that is what they want from me,” said Beagle. “I had that role in D.C. I have never considered myself a leader. I just try to lead by example.” This season, Beagle’s personal goal with the Canucks is to win 60 per cent of his face-offs and to improve his offensive statistics. Last season Beagle reached 22 points in 79 games. He would also like to be closer to the 30-point total he reached with the Capitals during the 2016-17 season. There is no doubt that the Vancouver Canucks are committed to Beagle. As a new Stanley Cup champion, Beagle could make a difference in guiding the Canucks nucleus of younger players when it comes to the most important hockey statistic of all—wins.
Calgary Hockey Magazine | 7
RYAN
STRASCHNITZKI: HUMBOLDT STRONG By Jeremy Freeborn
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It is more than just a game.
“
That is proven with all of the support we have gotten from the NHL, other teams from around the SJHL, around Canada and around the world.
8 | Calgary Hockey Magazine
RYAN STRASCHNITZKI: In late August, I had the opportunity to meet hockey player Ryan Straschnitzki of Airdrie. It was four months since he became paralyzed from one of the most horrific transportation accidents in Canadian history. On April 6, Straschnitzki was one of the Humboldt Broncos traveling from Humboldt to Nipawin for game five of round three of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs. Approximately 29 kilometres south of Nipawin, near the small Saskatchewan community of Armley, the Broncos bus collided with a semi-trailer. Sixteen people were killed, while 13 people, including Straschnitzki, survived. Straschnitzki is currently a paraplegic and in a wheelchair after suffering a severe spinal injury, breaking his ribs and collarbone, and additional injuries to his head, lung and pelvis. He spent over four weeks at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia where he did two intense physiotherapy sessions daily. In addition to his physiotherapy sessions south of the border, Straschnitzki has been getting regular physiotherapy treatment at the Foothills Medical Centre and at the Synaptic Spinal Cord Injury and Neuro Rehabilitation Centre in Calgary.
Some of the physical activities that Straschnitzki has participated in include chin ups, boxing, heavy rope training and trying to put himself in a standing position by using his arms. He has also been standing with assistance and a lot of stretching. The ultimate goal is to have the opportunity to walk again. There is one additional physical activity that Straschnitzki has recently started, and is the most passionate about. He has started playing sledge hockey, and the goal is simple: to have the opportunity to win a gold medal for Canada on the international stage. “It’s cool,” said Straschnitzki from his temporary home at the Wingate Hotel in Airdrie, where he was currently based while his family was having their home renovated to be wheelchair accessible. “It’s a different perspective on how to play the game. I’m enjoying it. I’ve got a great coach and mentor in Chris Cederstrand. He is kind of showing me the ropes and is absolutely amazing out there. Someday, I want to be like that.” Cederstrand is a Canadian sledge hockey player who had his leg amputated from a road construction accident in 2004.
H U M B O L D T
Strong
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We were all close buddies, and no matter what, we were always there for each other.
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Calgary Hockey Magazine | 9
HUMBOLDT STRONG Straschnitzki is also very aware about how physical sledge hockey can be. “That is why Canadians love watching it,” joked Straschnitzki. Currently, Straschnitzki plays sledge hockey on a weekly basis, and so far has had a special teammate on his side. His girlfriend Erika has also been on the ice with him playing sledge hockey. “It’s amazing,” he said. “She has been there since day one for me. I can’t thank her enough. She is a really special girl and she helps out a lot.” In a remarkable story, the girlfriends of the Broncos have united to form a unique sisterhood. Erika is an active participant. “Doing that with all of the other girlfriends means so much,” said Straschnitzki. “It just shows how close we are.” Straschnitzki first started playing hockey when he was five years old. He played for Symons Valley Hockey Association. A forward up until he was 14 years of age, Straschnitzki made the transition to defense in Bantam AAA. From there he went to his first Western Hockey League camp with the Victoria Royals. The teams that Straschnitzki played for in Alberta include the Airdrie Lightning, the Airdrie Xtreme Bantam AAA, the AirdrieCochrane Avalanche Minor Midget AAA team, the Leduc Oil Kings Midget AAA squad in the Alberta Midget Hockey League, and the Grande Prairie Storm and the Whitecourt Wolverines of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Straschnitzki’s greatest hockey moment was winning the 2017 Alberta provincial midget championship with the Leduc Oil Kings and having the opportunity to represent the Pacific Region at the 2017 Telus Cup in Prince George. The Oil Kings finished in fifth place in the tournament with a record of two wins and three losses. Among the Oil Kings’ two victories was a 4-1 win over the Mississauga Rebels, the eventual 2017 Telus Cup bronze medalists. In game two of this series, Straschnitzki was awarded the MVP award. After his Telus Cup experience, Straschnitzki was approached by Broncos head coach and general manager Darcy Haugan. “He took me out for breakfast a few times,” remembered Straschnitzki. Straschnitzki began his 2017-18 junior hockey league season in Whitecourt. However, after only three games, he was traded on Sept. 22, 2017, as part of future considerations to complete a previous deal the Broncos had made. Straschnitzki was able to fit in with the Broncos immediately and was part of a team that was known throughout the province of Saskatchewan for its team chemistry and being able to gel. “I think Darcy knew how to pick his guys,” said Straschnitzki. “We were all close buddies, and no matter what, we were always there for each other.”
10 | Calgary Hockey Magazine
On April 6, what hurt Straschnitzki the most was not being able to help his teammates. He recalled what he remembered from the tragic event. “I just remember the bus driver screaming. I noticed the semi-truck pulled out in front. I blacked out from there. I woke up leaning up against the semi-truck. I noticed some of my teammates and the mayhem that was going on. The first instinct of mine was to get up and help them. I wasn’t able to move. The next thing I could do was call for help. It was pretty tragic, but that is what I remember.” Since the accident, Straschnitzki has met and received support from many high profile Canadians including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Hayley Wickenheiser, Jonathan Toews, Ron Hextall and singer Paul Brandt. The hockey community has also rallied around the Broncos. Straschnitzki and his surviving teammates attended the 2018 NHL awards where they accepted the inaugural 2018 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award on behalf of their late head coach and general manager Darcy Haugan, who died in the accident. The award is presented to an individual, who through the game of hockey, has positively impacted his or her community, culture or society. There have also been significant fundraisers over the last few months. One was conducted by Eric Francis of Rogers Sportsnet at the Beltliner and there was also a benefit concert at Genesis Place in Airdrie this past June. Straschnitzki thanks everyone for their support. “It has been amazing,” he said. “It just goes to show how small the hockey world is and how close we are. It is more than just a game. That is proven with all of the support we have gotten from the NHL, other teams from around the SJHL, around Canada and around the world.” The common message Straschnitzki has received from people, is to stay strong. In meeting Straschnitzki and his father Tom, one trait which stood out was their remarkable positivity. Both were optimistic even though they have experienced personal heartbreak. Their positive attitudes are what I clearly remember most from the interview. The Straschnitzki family currently has an online silent auction to help raise funds. For more information, please go to www. strazstrong.com.
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 abaility to deliver a positive family experience. • Physical activity is important for a healthy body, mind and spirit. • There are significant benfits of youth participation in multiple sports. • Hockey programs should be age-appropriate for all players, accounting for each individual’s physical, emotional and cognitive devlopment. • 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 socioeconmic status. Simply put, hockey is for everyone. We believe in our ability to improve lives and strengthen communities globally through hockey. We believe that by living by these principals will provide a health, balanced, and enjoyable experience for all and inspure impactful service beyond the rink.
Calgary Hockey Magazine | 11
ARENA ADDRESSES 1.
Acadia Rec. Centre 240 - 90th Avenue SE
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17.
SAIT Arena 1301 - 16th Avenue NW
2.
Bowness Sportsplex 7904 - 43rd Avenue NW
10.
Frank McCool Arena 1900 Lake Bonavista Drive SE
18.
Sarcee Seven Chiefs Sportsplex 3700 Anderson Road SW
3.
Brentwood Sportsplex 1520 Northmount Drive NW
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Jack Setters Arena 2020 - 69th Avenue SE
19.
Shouldice Arena 1515 Home Road NW
4.
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
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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 Leisure Centre 2623 - 56th Street NE
8.
Ernie Starr Arena 4808 - 14th Avenue SE
16.
Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arena 502 Heritage Drive SW
24.
Westside Regional Rec. Centre 2000 - 69th Street SW
12 | Calgary Hockey Magazine
Flames Community Arenas 2390 - 47th Avenue SW
g A C T O O L R A MAP N E R A
Calgary Hockey Magazine | 13
Photo By: Rob McMorris, Calgary Flames
FOO SETS
G0AL of making the
CALGARY
FLAMES By Jeremy Freeborn
During the summer of 2017 there was significant interest in NCAA prospect Spencer Foo of Edmonton. Foo had just finished his season with the Union College Dutchmen of the Eastern College Athletic Conference, and there were several National Hockey League teams interested in signing him to a contract. They included the Vegas Golden Knights, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Detroit Red Wings, the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames. 14 | Calgary Hockey Magazine
After considerable deliberation, Foo decided on Calgary. The Flames gave him the opportunity to play right wing, the forward position he felt the most comfortable with. Foo also showed loyalty to the Flames as they had showed interest in him ever since his 2014-15 freshman year with Union. On Canada Day 2017, Foo and the Flames agreed to a two-year deal. Foo’s play with the Dutchmen in 2016-17 was electric. In his junior year with Union College, he led the team in assists with 36 and was second in team scoring with 62 points in only 38 games. As a team, Union College had a very respectable record of 25-10-3. They were tied with Harvard for the most points with 34 in the Eastern College Athletic Conference and reached the ECAC semifinals before losing 4-1 to Cornell. Foo’s shot, speed, and playmaking skills are his strengths on the ice. Other qualities he has are his vision of the ice and ability to be physical. Prior to playing his three years at Union College, he played two seasons for the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League where he had 126 penalty minutes in 115 regular season games. In 2017-18, Foo spent the majority of the season with the Stockton Heat of the American Hockey League. In 62 games, he had 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points with 41 penalty minutes and was a plus 6. Foo’s consistent play for the Heat helped him as he was called up by the Calgary Flames at the end of the regular season. In four NHL games, Foo scored two even-strength goals against the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights. On both goals, Mikael Backlund recorded assists.
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This year I know exactly what to expect . . . I want to push for a spot harder than last year. I know what it takes and I want to be on the team.
Spencer’s father John was a native of Guyana, who moved to Canada with his twin brother James as a child. His mother Diane was originally from Drumheller and grew up a Flames fan as her father idolized Lanny McDonald and Jim Peplinski. Foo’s parents were Edmonton entrepreneurs. In 1998, when Spencer was a toddler, they launched the Education Station, an educational resource company that sells educational games, puzzles and teacher essentials. There are currently two locations in Edmonton. During the summer, Calgary Hockey Magazine caught up with Foo at the Calgary Flames development camp at the Joan Snyder Arena at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. Foo is pleased to have been able to reach his childhood dream. “It was always a goal,” he said. “It was a dream throughout.” Foo started playing hockey at age three. He has positive memories of playing hockey with his father and his uncle in the family basement. Through the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association, Foo played for the Knights of Columbus and the Canadian Athletic Club Canadians in bantam, minor midget and midget. While with the Canadians in Bantam AA in 2007-08, Foo collected 53 points in only 32 games. As a teenager, Foo decided to go the Alberta Junior Hockey League/NCAA route instead of the Western Hockey League. With Bonnyville, he continued his offensive prowess. In his second season, in 2013-14, he led the Pontiacs with 40 goals and 67 points. “I was a little bit of a late bloomer,” Foo said as to why he chose the Pontiacs and Union College. “(That option) was just the best for me. I wanted to get an education out of it as well.” Photo By: Candice Ward, Calgary Flames
“
Photo By: Union College
Calgary Hockey Magazine | 15
Photo By: Union College
In the summer, the Flames acquired centre Elias Lindholm in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Hurricanes and signed left winger James Neal from the Vegas Golden Knights to a fiveyear contract. The signings of Lindholm and Neal will obviously make it more challenging for Foo to crack the Flames lineup this fall. At age 24, Foo enters the 2018-19 season with not only more maturity, but with more confidence as well. It is clear the four games he played at the end of last season has helped him. “This year I know exactly what to expect,” he said. “I want to push for a spot harder than last year. I know what it takes and I want to be on the team.” Foo also knows he has to be patient and make the best of the opportunity when it arises. “At the end of the day, it is the National Hockey League,” he said. “There are players coming in and out at all times. My goal was never to come in and be a bubble player or a 13th forward. I want to come in and make an impact. Whatever players are here, it doesn’t matter. I want to solidify my own spot.” After playing in the American Hockey League last season with the Stockton Heat and partially with the Flames, Foo realized there was a big difference between the two levels. “There is a lot of uncertainty that goes on throughout the year, even when you are in the American Hockey League,” he said. “You don’t know how it is going to be exactly at the NHL level when you’re not playing there. It is hard to envision what it’s like on the ice. To get that (NHL) experience and to feel comfortable out there and know I can go and make an impact, I think it gives me a lot of confidence heading into this year.” NiceRink_one-third-page_Edmonton-Calgary jill@kochcreative.com 847-223-1825
One of Foo’s most memorable moments last season in his brief time with the Flames came in his first NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers, a 3-2 Flames win at the Scotiabank Saddledome on March 31. Foo looked over and saw two-time Art Ross Trophy winner Connor McDavid. “The whole time you are up with the Flames, you are so blessed and thankful you get to be there,” said Foo. At the present time, Spencer is not the only hockey player in the Foo family who has an opportunity to play in the NHL. His brother Parker was drafted in the fifth round, 144th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. A left winger, Parker played at Union College and with the Bonnyville Pontiacs like Spencer did. He also spent two years with the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits, possibly one of the strongest Canadian Junior Hockey League teams at the moment. Spencer had high praise for his brother. “He works hard, similar to me,” said Spencer. “He is going into his second season at Union College, so hopefully he has a good year.” For those players who have dreams of playing in the NHL, Foo has the following message. “Keep fighting,” he said. “Keep working hard. If you put the time in, it will come for you.” Foo’s goal is simple: to make the Calgary Flames. The challenge will be tough, but with a strong work ethic, there is a possibility he could impress new Flames head coach Bill Peters and reach his goal of making an impact in Calgary.
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16 | Calgary Hockey Magazine
STEVE
Photo By: Candice Ward, Calgary Hitmen
HAMILTON NEW CALGARY HITMEN HEAD COACH AIMS FOR POSTSEASON PLAY
By Jeremy Freeborn Former Edmonton Oil Kings head coach and Edmonton native Steve Hamilton will be behind the bench of the Calgary Hitmen this season. Hitmen general manager Jeff Chynoweth made the announcement July 17, following the resignation of Dallas Ferguson the previous month. Ferguson, of Wainwright, Alberta, who had coached the Hitmen for the 2017-18 Western Hockey League season, resigned due to family reasons. It was announced that his wife could not live in Calgary and continue working her current job based in Alaska, the state Ferguson played and coached for a remarkable 23 years before joining the Hitmen.
At 44 years of age, Hamilton has strong connections to the National Hockey League, Alberta Junior Hockey League and WHL. He is the son of former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Al Hamilton—the first Oilers player in franchise history to have his number retired (three). While in the AJHL, Steve Hamilton was an assistant coach for the Sherwood Park Crusaders from 1995-2003, and then an assistant coach with the Fort Saskatchewan Traders from 2003-2005 before becoming the head coach and general manager in Fort Saskatchewan in 2005-06. From 2006-2010, Hamilton took over the head coach and general manager duties for the Spruce Grove Saints. In his final season with the Saints, he led them to their first ever AJHL Championship (the Gas Drive Cup).
Calgary Hockey Magazine | 17
producing really good players and it really is an honour to be part of it.
During the Hitmen’s training camp, Hockey Magazine Calgary caught up with Hamilton at the Kyle Stuart Memorial Arena at Edge School. It was clear that Hamilton had a quiet confidence about the season ahead and had really enjoyed his time with the Hitmen to date. “It is quite an honour,” he said on being the 11th head coach in the history of the franchise. “It has been very successful year in and year out. They have a history of producing really good players and it really is an honour to be part of it.” Hamilton was raised at the hockey rink. He developed a love of hockey by being around the game so much. Among the teams he played for in the Edmonton area were the South Side Athletic Club and the Sherwood Park Crusaders. Hamilton then went on to play for Northern Michigan University for three seasons from 1991-1995.
Photo By: Candice Ward, Calgary Hitmen
Upon his return to Alberta in 1995, Hamilton finished his education degree at the University of Alberta and started working in the Edmonton public school system. Among the schools he taught at were Donnan Elementary and Vimy Ridge Academy. While teaching, Hamilton was extremely proud of building the Saints organization. “It was good for me to be the coach and the general manager,” he said. “We wanted to build our own program and sustain it year after year. Those four years in Spruce Grove were very, very valuable.” Hamilton’s time with the Oil Kings was equally as memorable.
Photo By: Candice Ward, Calgary Hitmen
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You are always looking to get better as a coach. Professional growth and development is a huge piece. You are always looking to fine tune. It’s no secret that you steal ideas from other guys, and put your own twist on them. I certainly feel by coming to Calgary, there will be new voices around me and I look forward to learning from them.
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18 | Calgary Hockey Magazine
“Among the three 50-win teams we had in Edmonton, you would think the Memorial Cup winning team was the least talented,” he said. “From a team perspective, the 2013-14 Oil Kings were incredibly tight and it was a magical year. We just kind of kept getting better and better. I think we learned a lot from 2012 when we lost at the Memorial Cup. There were eight players from 2012, who were part of the 2014 championship run. I think those guys really set the tone and learned a lot. To get a second opportunity, not a lot of teams get that. It was a pretty special opportunity and we needed to make the most of it. That group was very, very special.”
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Starting in the 2010-11 season, Hamilton joined the Edmonton Oil Kings. He would be an assistant coach for the first two years, an associate coach from 2012-14, and the head coach from 2014-2018. In his second year as an associate coach in 2013-14, Hamilton was part of the Oil Kings squad that won the Memorial Cup.
It has been very successful year in “ and year out. They have a history of
Hamilton stresses the importance of coaches being open to learning while on the job. “You are always looking to get better as a coach. Professional growth and development is a huge piece. You are always looking to fine tune. It’s no secret that you steal ideas from other guys, and put your own twist on them. I certainly feel by coming to Calgary, there will be new voices around me and I look forward to learning from them.” One of those new voices for Hamilton will be Chynoweth, who has a remarkable 22 years of experience in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Red Deer Rebels, Kootenay Ice and Hitmen. “Jeff and I go back a few years,” said Hamilton. “He interviewed me for a job in Kootenay in 2010. At the time, the Oil Kings were also calling and it was a better fit. When the opportunity in Calgary presented itself, it was to some degree a familiar face. I think that helped in the process for both of us. It has been really good to have a guy who has a full plan of what he wants to do with our team.” In evaluating talent, Hamilton realizes there has been a philosophical change in focus in recent years. There is a greater emphasis today on speed and skill rather than size and toughness. One player who Hamilton thinks Hitmen fans should keep an eye on is centre Riley Stotts, who was drafted in the third round by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
What was remarkable about Stotts’ play in 2017-18, was his significant rise in offensive production with the Hitmen compared to the Swift Current Broncos. In 22 games for Swift Current, Stotts had only two goals and one assist for three points. Then after being traded to the Hitmen on Nov. 25, Stotts had 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 47 games. Hamilton would like the Hitmen fans to know he is passionate about the job, and that his children are a huge priority for him. Hamilton and his wife Nancy are parents of three children; 14-year-old Samantha, 11-year-old Kaleigh and nine-year-old Ty. “I am a family guy first and foremost,” said Hamilton. “My kids mean everything to me. My job is super important and I am passionate about it, but my priority will always be them. I take great joy in being the dad of three wonderful kids.” Hamilton’s goal this season is for the Hitmen to be as competitive as they possibly can be. He hopes the Hitmen will be known throughout the WHL as a tough team to play against. The Hitmen are not used to missing the WHL playoffs. Last year was the first time since 2010-11 that Calgary did not make the postseason. It will be interesting to see if Coach Hamilton will be able to turn the Hitmen around in 2018-19. He has the experience as an educator and hockey coach to make an impact and a difference to the Calgary Hitmen hockey club.
Photo By: Andy Devlin, EOHC
Calgary Hockey Magazine | 19
simon
WEIDEMANN Calgary Hockey Magazine had the pleasure of meeting Simon Weidemann this past April, where he was awarded with the Boston Pizza Scholarship. He has since graciously taken the time to discuss why he took up officiating and what he enjoys most about being a minor hockey official. Simon, who just turned 18 years old, started officiating hockey when he was 13 and is currently a linesman for Minor Midget AAA and lower, and officiates for all levels of peewee and some levels of bantam. He is taking nursing at the University of Alberta in French, at Campus St. Jean, and works part time in the meat department of Save On Foods. When he has the spare time, he enjoys going to the outdoor rink with his friends. CALGARY HOCKEY MAGAZINE: What made you want to become a hockey official? SIMON WEIDEMANN: I found myself to be very fond of the game and the technicalities involved. I wanted to be a part of a group that doesn't get very much appreciation but creates a safe environment for the players and other team members. CHM: What other sports or activities do you participate in? SW: This past season I played hockey for NWZ Midget Tier 1. As well I was on my golf team at school. CHM: Do you still play hockey, and if so, for what team? SW: I no longer play ice hockey, however I have moved to ball hockey. I did play ice hockey from ages 5-17, where I played right wing pretty much the whole time. CHM: How many games did you officiate last season? SW: I officiated close to 200 games last season. CHM: How many games do you plan to officiate this season? SW: Since I am in school it will probably be closer to 100 this season. CHM: Have you officiated Minor Hockey Week and if so, what makes you volunteer your time as an official? SW: Yes, I have officiated for Minor Hockey Week. I enjoy giving my time back to the sport that shaped my childhood. I remember when I played hockey and participated in Minor Hockey Week and how those officials gave their time to officiate my hockey. It’s a cycle of giving back some of what you took from Minor Hockey Week and I’m proud to say I volunteered.
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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SC PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY
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Remember that hockey is about going out and having fun in a competitive environment. If the fun is lost by the competitiveness then the sport loses its meaning. I would encourage everyone to try hockey at some point in their lives because it truly is a great way to bring communities together.
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CHM: Do you have any highlights related to any big games or tournaments you wish to pass along? SW: This past season during my own provincial play down against KC, I lead my team with six goals and one assist in the game to defeat KC 7-4. This was a proud moment for me and I felt extremely satisfied to give service to a group I enjoyed playing with so much. CHM: What do you enjoy most about officiating hockey games? SW: My favourite part of officiating would be the fast pace and intensity that is involved. Making a quick judgement call to not slow down the play is essential in good officiating. CHM: What kind of training were/are you provided? SW: Before the hockey season starts I am refreshed on my rules through an in-class clinic where I am required to pass a test in order to be allowed to ref. CHM: Do you have a role model or mentor who has helped you along the way? SW: During the year I am often supervised by many other officials and pointers are given to me in order to better my officiating. But my main mentor has mainly been my dad. Even though he isn’t able to always give me proper advice on officiating, he is able to give me life advice on how to handle situations and human communication. He was the one who helped me overcome the fear of coaches getting upset and yelling at me.
CHM: How have you improved your skills as an official? SW: I feel as though I have improved my officiating in taking my time when I have the time to make a call. If after the play I see a border-line major penalty, I don’t rush to make the call anymore like I used to. I wait for the play to die down completely and consult my other officials before committing to a call. CHM: What is the toughest part about being a referee? SW: For many young referees, the toughest part about getting
on the ice each time is the constant concern of coaches, players and even parents getting verbally involved. It can be very intimidating for a young official to be yelled at throughout the course of a game and can be a main cause of losing officials. CHM: Ever suffer any injuries as an official? Any close calls? SW: I haven’t suffered too many bad injuries besides a couple bumps and bruises by some pucks but other than that nothing. CHM: How do you handle criticism on the ice? SW: Everyone handles criticism differently but when I am faced with direct criticism from coaches and players, I often have a face-to-face conversation between whistles or after a period and sternly but not aggressively, tell them that I am here to make the calls and paid to be here. I then let them know that if they are still concerned about my reffing that they can contact my supervisor. By doing this calmly and collectively I establish respect with the coach and set him in his place. If it gets out of hand I will eject anyone causing a disturbance to the game. CHM: Do you have any future aspirations in officiating? SW: I would love to get all the way to junior hockey as an official, but my main aspiration is to continue to get better and do my best no matter the level. CHM: Do you have comments you wish to share with parents, coaches or anyone watching minor hockey? SW: I would like to finish off by saying for all players and parents to remember that hockey is about going out and having fun in a competitive environment. If the fun is lost by the competitiveness then the sport loses its meaning. I would encourage everyone to try hockey at some point in their lives because it truly is a great way to bring communities together. As well, for those of you playing hockey this season, good luck and have a great season!
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CHECKING FROM BEHIND If a player pushes, body-checks or cross checks an opponent from behind, a checking from behind penalty may be called. It is a game misconduct (ejection from the game), coupled with a two or five minute penalty, depending on the severity of the offense.
BOARDING If a player is checked into the boards in a violent manner, then the referee may call a boarding penalty. A two minute penalty will be given for boarding, and in situations where the offense is more serious (when a player is vulnerable, etc), a five minute major penalty and game ejection may be called.
BODY CHECKING Body-checking is not allowed until the bantam level. Delivering a body-check in the lower divisions will result in a two minute penalty being given. The referee’s signal is an arm across the chest with a flat hand.
BUTT ENDING If a player jabs (or attempts to jab) another player with the shaft of his or her stick above the upper hand, a butt-ending penalty may be called. The referee holds one forearm over the other, the upper hand flat and the lower hand makes a fist.
CHARGING If a player takes more than two steps or strides, or jumps into an opponent when body-checking, a charging infraction may be called. The referee signals this call by rotating clenched fists around each other in front of the chest.
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CHECKING TO THE HEAD A minor or major penalty, depending on the degree of violence of impact and shall be assessed to any player who checks an opponent in the head area. A match penalty could also be assessed under this rule. If a player is injured, a major and game misconduct penalty or match penalty must be assessed.
CROSS CHECKING When a player uses the shaft of his stick, held between the hands, to check an opponent. The referee signals with a pushing motion of the arms, fists clenched and shoulder-width apart. (This signal imitates the action of a cross check.)
ELBOWING The referee may call an elbowing penalty when a player hits or checks an opponent using his elbow. The referee signals by grabbing either elbow with the opposite hand.
HIGH-STICKING This occurs when an opponent is checked by another player’s stick held above the normal height of the shoulders. A more severe penalty may be called for flagrant high-sticking fouls, including ejection from the game. The referee signals this call by clenching their fists and mimicking a player holding a stick above their shoulders.
HOLDING This is called when a player grabs the opponents body or stick and holds them back from play. The referee motions this call by grabbing either wrist with the opposite hand.
HOOKING This penalty is called when a player slows down an opponent by hooking his stick on any part of the opponent’s body or stick. The referee signals this call with a pulling motion with both arms as if holding a stick.
INTERFERENCE This penalty is called when a player impedes the progress of an opponent who does not have the puck. The referee signals this call by crossing his or her arms across the chest.
KNEEING
If a player uses his knee (this includes sticking his knee out) to take down or check an opponent, the referee may call a kneeing penalty. If the infraction is of a more serious nature, the referee may consider a major and a game misconduct instead of a minor penalty. The referee signals this by bending down and grabbing his knee.
MISCONDUCT
This penalty may be called when a player demonstrates extreme and inappropriate behaviour toward another player or a game official. Depending on the severity of the offense, the player may be given a ten minute misconduct penalty. The penalized team, in this case, does not play shorthanded, unless there is contact involved.
ROUGHING This penalty may be called when a player uses his arms or fists to hit another player. The referee’s signal for this is a clenched fist extended out to the front or side of the body.
SLASHING This penalty is called when a player deliberately hits an opponent with his stick. The signal for this call is a flat hand chopping down on the opposite forearm.
SPEARING Spearing occurs when a player thrusts or jabs the blade of his stick toward an opponent. Players are usually ejected from the game for spearing. The signal for this call is similar to hooking, however instead of a pulling motion with both arms toward the body, it is an outward jabbing motion.
TRIPPING
This penalty may be called when a player uses his or her stick or any body part to trip the opponent with the puck. However, if the player touches the puck prior to contact with the other player, there is usually no penalty called. The referee signals this call by bending down and striking their leg with their hand, below the knee.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT This penalty may be called when a player exhibits poor sportsmanlike or inappropriate behaviour on the ice. A “T” is made with the hands to signal this call.
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