JOHNNY GAUDREAU
Also in this Issue:
• Canada Wins Gold at World Para-Ice Hockey Championships
• Buck-A-Puck for ALS
• MINT Ice Hockey Camps
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Chase the sun with our elite winter hockey tournaments in Florida, Las Vegas and Nashville. Then, hit the ice in Ontario this April to finish the season strong.
President and Publisher: Rob Suggitt
Graphic Designer: Kate Suggitt
Contributing Writer: Jeremy Freeborn
Copy Editing: Michele Suggitt
Sales Associate: Jeremy Freeborn
Accounting Manager: Amber-Lea Grmek
Cover Photo Provided By: Calgary Flames Hockey Club
Photography Credits: Calgary Flames Hockey Club
Darcy Steen - Mint Ice Hockey Camps
Erica Perreaux - Hockey Canada Images
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
Printed By DCM Calgary
PUBLISHER
Welcome to the Fall Edition of the Calgary Hockey Magazine, our first edition for the 2024-2025 season.
In this edition, we have a special tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, who played nine seasons for the Calgary Flames, before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets. “Johnny Hockey” made an indelible and enduring mark in Calgary, not just for his play on the ice, but his community work off the ice too. He will be dearly missed.
We also have a great feature on Canada’s sledge hockey team, who won Gold at the World Para-Ice Hockey Championships, which took place here in Calgary in early May. Canada avenged a loss to the U.S. in 2023, by beating them 2-1 in the gold medal final.
We are pleased to welcome Mint Ice Hockey to our magazine. We have a terrific feature on the camps they do in the Calgary area, their focus on providing young athletes with a comprehensive training experience that focuses on individual skill development both on and off the ice.
In this edition, we have a feature on Bel-Aire Cleaning Equipment, who provide sporting equipment cleaning for all sports, including hockey. They have a strong presence in the community, including their generous support of KidSport in Calgary.
Speaking of community support, we have included an article on the BuckA-Puck initiative to raise money (and awareness) for ALS. The Calgary hockey community was deeply impacted last year, with the passing of former Calgary Flames Assistant GM, Chris Snow. Chris was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, and fought a brave battle, before passing away in September of 2023. The more we can do to raise support in fighting this disease, there is hope to treat its cause, and some day, a cure.
That’sallfornow. Ifyouhaveanystory ideas for the magazine, please send them our way. And to all the minor hockey players, we wish you the best this season!
ROB SUGGITT I Publisher Calgary Hockey Magazine
The Calgary Hockey Magazine is published by Suggitt Publishers
BY JEREMY FREEBORN
REMEMBERING JOHNNY GAUDREAU
In 1999, my brother Geoff made The Canadian National Junior Baseball Team. The squad played the United States in an eight game exhibition series in Tucson, Arizona. A couple of the players were multi-sport athletes. Outfielder Javier Glatt of Calgary, Alberta went on to have eight effective seasons in the Canadian Football League with Edmonton and the British Columbia Lions. Meanwhile, third baseman and future Calgary Flame Lynn Loyns of Naicam, Saskatchewan was also a left winger for the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.
On one afternoon at the former Chicago White Sox spring training facility, I developed a connection with Lynn’s father. We both had our scorebooks and our conversation that today turned to hockey. Lynn’s father made me aware of the focus and priority that scouts in professional sports put on size over skill.
Despite four effective seasons with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League, Lynn was never drafted in the NHL, and Lynn’s father informed me that he was being overlooked by scouts because of his size. Due to the fact he was not six feet (5’11” was not good enough), Lynn only played 34 games with the San Jose Sharks
and Calgary Flames before eight productive seasons of professional hockey in Europe.
That conversation 25 years ago has stuck with me today. It was no surprise when Johnny Gaudreau, an American left winger with an abundance of skill, but only 5’6”, 135 pounds, was not selected by a single NHL franchise in the top 100 selections in the 2011 NHL Draft. It was the Flames that took a chance in the fourth round, 104th overall.
One reason why the Flames selected Gaudreau was because of his outstanding 2010-11 season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League. In the season before being drafted, he led the Fighting Saints in scoring (72 points in 60 games). Ironically, the USHL leading scorer that season was current Calgary Flame centre Blake Coleman, who at the time was starring for the Indiana Ice. Meanwhile, Johnny’s coach in Dubuque was Jim Montgomery, the current head coach of the Boston Bruins.
The Fighting Saints ended up winning the 2011 Clark Cup. Gaudreau was effective in the USHL postseason as well. He registered 11 points in 11 games, and proved to NHL scouts that he could be very effective when games mattered most.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE CALGARY FLAMES HOCKEY CLUB
The Flames had success in drafting a smaller player in the latter rounds before. In 1987, the Flames drafted Theoren Fleury with the eighth pick, 166th overall. You could make the argument that Fleury, who emerged at 5’6”, 150 pounds, was one of the most effective Calgary Flames in franchise history.
Instead of joining the Flames organization upon being drafted, Gaudreau went the NCAA route instead. Flames management must have been thrilled with the statistics Gaudreau put up. In 119 games, Gaudreau had 78 goals and 97 assists for 175 points at Boston College. He also won the 2014 Hobey Baker Award, presented to the top player each season in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Gaudreau, who was a native of Salem, New Jersey, also shined internationally for the United States. The most notable tournament was the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Hockey Championship in Ufa, Russia. For only the third time in the history of the event, the Americans won gold. Gaudreau led the Americans in scoring with nine points (seven goals and two assists in seven games).
Gaudreau’s first game with the Flames came at the end of the 201314 season. Despite losing 5-1 to the Vancouver Canucks, Gaudreau scored the Flames’s only goal. It came at 15:22 of the second period from Joe Colborne of Calgary, and Christopher Breen, who recorded his last NHL point and only the second of his career.
As the 2014-15 NHL season was about to begin, I had the privilege of interviewing both Johnny Gaudreau and Sam Bennett in a piece for Calgary Hockey Magazine. Gaudreau and Bennett were part of the Calgary Flames Top Prospects Training Camp at Canada Olympic Park.
What I remember most from that camp were three things. Many of the players were on the ice a lot longer than expected, as the Flames coaching staff spent a considerable amount of more time with the players than were scheduled. Secondly, was the fact that I had a oneon-one interview with Gaudreau that day. While most of the media were only interested in Bennett, who was the Flames’s first round pick, in the 2014 NHL Draft. Thirdly, how Johnny glowingly talked about his brother Matthew, who was set to play hockey at Boston College at the time, and his older sister, Kristen, who was expecting. Johnny was excited about being an uncle.
I hope the people of Calgary can remember me not only as a hockey player, but also as a good person with good values. Thank you for supporting me over the years, and for making my family a part of yours. “ “
- JOHNNY GAUDREAU, THE PLAYERS TRIBUNE
Gaudreau would go on to shine for the next eight seasons for the Flames. One could make the genuine argument, that his small stature was not a hindrance, but an asset. Due to the fact Gaudreau was one of the smaller players in the NHL, he could generate more speed. Eventually, during his time in Calgary, he became an effective two-way player. Gaudreau’s most impressive statistic with the Flames was his +64 in the 2021-22 NHL season. To put the +64 into perspective, Gaudreau’s plus/minus that season was the highest since Wayne Gretzky had a +69 with the Edmonton Oilers in 1986-87. You could also make the argument that the line Gaudreau was on that season with Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk was the most electrifying line for a single season in Flames history. They combined for 291 points and were a combined +182.
Gaudreau’s regular season career statistics with the Flames were 210 goals and 399 assists for 609 points in 602 games. He was a +85 with 132 penalty minutes, 171 power play points, 41 game-winning goals, 1622 shots on goal, six hat tricks, nine faceoff wins, 110 blocked shots, 96 hits, 368 takeaways and 689 giveaways.
Then in the postseason, Gaudreau had 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 42 games. He was a -11 with 10 penalty minutes, five powerplay goals, two game-winning goals, 127 shots on goal, nine blocked shots, 12 hits, 33 takeaways, and 45 giveaways.
Gaudreau’s most memorable goal with the Flames came on May 15, 2022. In game seven of the first round playoff series in a 3-2 Flames win over the Dallas Stars at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Gaudreau got the rebound after a shot by Lindholm, and scored an overtime winner past Jake Oettinger from the wing on an awkward angle. This would be the last time that Gaudreau would score for the Flames in a Flames victory. On July 23, 2022, Gaudreau signed a seven-year deal worth $68 million with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Sadly, Gaudreau only played two seasons with Columbus before tragedy occurred on August 29. At the age of 31, Gaudreau, who was known by Flames fans as Johnny Hockey, died, along with his brother Matthew, in a vehicle accident. Johnny and Matthew were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, the night before their sister’s wedding, when they were both hit by a vehicle.
On September 4, there was a candlelight vigil for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matt near the Saddledome. The vigil went for 13 minutes, with the number 13 having significance, because that is the number that Gaudreau wore in his time in Calgary. Among the Calgary Flames personnel who spoke were Mikael Backlund, Craig Conroy and Lanny McDonald. Another remarkable scene was the thousands of Gaudreau memorabilia pieces that were placed on the staircases leading up to the Saddledome entrance.
As the 2024-25 NHL regular season has begun, what has stood out the most have been the tributes to Johnny and Matthew throughout the entire NHL. In the Blue Jackets’s home opener on October 15, Columbus honoured Johnny by raising a banner with his name. Then after the opening faceoff, the Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers did not play the puck until 13 seconds had come off the clock.
HOCKEY CAMPS
BY JEREMY FREEBORN I PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DARCY STEEN
For the first time this past August, a new hockey school came to Calgary. The goal and intention of this school is simple. In an era where there are hockey schools that are stringent with structure, teaching fundamentals and mechanics with a focus on details, the MINT ICE Hockey Camps’ major goal is to bring fun back in the game.
What does hockey school organizer Darcy Steen implement in the camp to make sure all the participants have fun?
The answer is a utilization of small-area games. For the four age groups (under seven, under nine, under 11 and under 13), a game is played in a smaller space, often from the blueline in. In the younger levels, games include dodgeball and tag, while the older kids play actual three-on-three hockey games in a confined space.
Through his time in hockey, the single most important goal Steen has when entering the rink, is to make sure everyone enjoys themselves, and wants to come back for another cool hockey experience.
“I have run a lot of hockey schools and hockey camps in my life, and I really wanted to make sure I provided the kids an opportunity that was a little bit different than the traditional hockey camp and school. The primary concept of MINT ICE Hockey Camps is fun,” states Steen. “Through my time working in hockey over the past couple of decades, I have seen how fun is slowly eroding from the game—especially at the minor hockey levels. We as administrators, volunteers, hockey coaches and everybody involved in the game of hockey, need to chip in and do our part to keep the game fun for kids.”
There is also a significant emphasis on positivity.
THE PRIMARY CONCEPT OF MINT ICE HOCKEY CAMPS IS FUN. WE AS ADMINISTRATORS, VOLUNTEERS, HOCKEY COACHES AND EVERYBODY INVOLVED IN THE GAME OF HOCKEY, NEED TO CHIP IN AND DO
OUR
PART TO KEEP THE GAME FUN FOR KIDS.
“
“Our coaches make a very conscious effort to greet the players as they come on the ice, and acknowledge the players as they leave the ice each and every time,” stated Steen. “Creating those small area games and creating a fun atmosphere, it really adds to the camaraderie between the players and the coaching staff. The coaches are very complimentary toward the players.” It is important to Steen, that when constructive criticism is given, there is also praise and acknowledgement.
Steen also tries to promote a different vibe in creating his hockey school. Players work on drills with 1980s music in the background. He also tries to connect with the youth in using unique pastel colours of pink, and aqua green. It is no secret that the same colours used in the MINT ICE Hockey Camp logo, could also be found in the famous TV show, Miami Vice.
Once you enter the MINT ICE Hockey Camp, one would think they might just be in Miami. At the registration desk, are plastic palm trees. In creating the name of MINT ICE Hockey Camp, MINT and ICE are acronyms. MINT stands for Motivation, Intensity, Natural and Technique, while ICE stands for Intention, Choices and Excellence. One intention of the camp is to make sure there are positive vibes around the camp, to enhance development and learning.
Steen put together a high-level coaching staff this past year. The head coach was Linden Babcock of Calgary, who has Alberta Junior Hockey League experience as a center and left wing with the Calgary Mustangs and Olds Grizzlys. Babcock also played and is now coaching in the Northwest Calgary Athletic Association.
The primary associate coach in the camp is defenseman Isaac Martin. Like Babcock, Martin has playing experience in the NWCAA. Also, part of the coaching staff this past year was Saige Pacholok of St. Albert, who now lives in Calgary. Pacholok, a defenseman, played four seasons of women’s hockey with the University of Wisconsin at the NCAA level, and internationally for Canada at the under-18 and under-22 levels. Pacholok also has a Calgary connection. At the University of Wisconsin, she was coached by former NHLer Mark Johnson, who was the son of the former Calgary Flames head coach, the late Bob Johnson.
Meanwhile, Svend Wiele was brought on board to focus on the players’ skating ability. The focus here is edge work and angles.
We had the opportunity to talk to Ewen Fairbairn, a minor hockey league right-handed defenseman, who plays for the Glenlake Hawks. Fairbairn pointed out that the participants are not on the ice the entire day. Players work on their conditioning by doing endurance running, and also receive some classroom instruction.
When asked what Fairbairn learned from the camp the most, he said the “no cutting corners part.” Coaches put an emphasis on players working hard, putting in the effort, dedication, and a focus on detail. Players are taught not to take shortcuts.
Steen has been around the hockey community for two decades and has participated in many different roles. He began as an intern with the Calgary Flames where he worked in the media relations department, community relations department, and marketing department from 2002 to 2006.
From there, Steen was the coordinator for junior hockey projects for Hockey Canada from 2006 to 2010, the Community Relations and Fan Relations Coordinator for the Edmonton Oilers from 2013 to 2014, the Community Relations Manager for the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation from 2014 to 2016, the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for the Calgary Canucks in 2017, and South Regional Manager of Hockey Development for Hockey Alberta from 2017 to 2023. Steen has also been with the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League since 2009, participating in the roles of assistant general manager and scout.
When considering a hockey camp for your child next summer, be aware that Steen has tried to make the camp very affordable. A three-day camp costs only $249 at the under-seven age level, while the cost is $499, at the under-nine, under-11, and under-13 age groups. Steen stresses the importance of inclusion, and not turning people away if they have a disability or don’t have a strong skill set. For more information, please go to:
www.minticehockeycamps.com
CANADA WINS GOLD AT THE 2024 WORLD PARA-ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CALGARY
This past May , there was a very special hockey tournament that took place at Calgary’s Winsport Arena. For only the second time ever, Canada hosted the World Para Ice Hockey Championships. After Canada lost the gold medal game 6-1 to the United States a year ago at the Moose Jaw Events Centre in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the championship final of the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships had a different result. For the first time ever, Team Canada won the gold medal game of the World Para Ice Hockey Championships on Canadian ice. In a dramatic finish, Canada beat the United States 2-1 in front of 1283 spectators.
It was quite a remarkable start to the game for Team Canada. They got control of the puck quickly and created pressure around American goaltender Jen Lee. Centre Dominic Cozzolino of Mississauga, Ontariofound himself wide open on the side of the net, received a pass from Canadian captain Tyler McGregor of Forest, Ontario and easily buried the scoring chance to put Canada up 1-0 only 35 seconds in.
McGregor then picked up the lone assist for Canada’s game-winning goal with 5:54 left in the second period. That is when Anton JacobsWebb of Gatineau, Quebec scored one of the most significant goals in Canadian para ice hockey history. Jacobs-Webb received a pass from McGregor who was behind the net, in an area best known in the hockey world as Gretzky’s Office. McGregor found Jacobs-Webb’s stick with relative ease, as they caught the American players napping.
The other Canadian star in the game was goaltender Adam Kingsmill of Smithers, British Columbia. Kingsmill made 24 saves on 25 shots, many of the highlight reel variety. The United States did score one goal, but it came with three minutes and 41 seconds left in the final frame.
If the name Tyler McGregor sounds familiar, it should. That is because Calgary Hockey Magazine featured McGregor when he came
to Bowness Park last year during the Terry Fox Sledge Skate of Hope campaign. McGregor traveled throughout Canada and sledge skated at a location in every province (420 kilometres in all). As a result, he was able to raise $130,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
For Kingsmill, winning a gold medal for Canada left him without words. When asked how meaningful it was for him to win gold, he offered the following response.
“I have been trying to figure this out the last 15 minutes, and I am speechless,” stated the Canadian player most responsible in preventing the opposition from scoring. “With all of the hard work that my family has put in, and the sacrifices for me. Those boys in the locker room have also made sacrifices. I cannot count out our trainer and athletic therapist. Everybody pulled together this past week and left me speechless.”
There is no doubt that Kingsmill was the difference maker, but he explained some other reasons for Canada’s success.
“We just trusted each other,” claimed Kingsmill. “We realized we needed to sacrifice everything. I stopped the shots I needed to stop, and the boys did the rest for me, kept it nice and easy, and stuck to the process.”
So what was the process?
“Believe in each other, and believe in the training. Stay in the present and be resilient. We have had hours and hours of meetings. At the end of the day, it is just important to believe in ourselves and everyone in that dressing room.”
Meanwhile, Cozzolino could not explain how he got so wide open.
“I don’t know what to tell you man,” he stated. “It is hockey out there. They are an amazing team. We were just playing to our style, and I was the lucky one to put it in, in the first period there.”
BY JEREMY FREEBORN
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ERICA PERREAUX I HOCKEY CANADA IMAGES
“
From everything we have been through over the last seven years, this is what it’s all for. Man, this is the best day ever.
“
When asked about how he felt about the win, Cozzolino had difficulty explaining things as well.
“Oh man, I can’t even describe it,” he said. “I mean those guys in there (the locker room) are my brothers. We put so much into this. Honestly, I have no words to describe it. From everything we have been through over the last seven years, this is what it’s all for. Man, this is the best day ever.”
Leading up to the gold medal game at Winsport, Canada won all three Group B games. They trounced Japan 19-0 thanks to eight points from Cozzolino, who had four goals and four assists. That was followed by a 10-0 clobbering over Italy where Liam Hickey of St. John’s, Newfoundland was Canada’s leading scorer as he had six points (two goals and four assists), and a 5-1 Canada win over the Czech Republic. Like in women’s hockey, the Czech Republic is making improvements in para ice hockey. What we saw from this game was actually very competitive despite the four-goal differential. Canada actually, only outshot the Czech Republic 14-13 with Hickey and Cozzolino leading Canada with three points each. Hickey had one goal and two assists and Cozzolino had three assists.
Then in the semifinals, Canada beat the China 2-1 in an even tighter contest. Like the gold medal game against the United States, McGregor picked up assists on both Canadian goals. First, he set up Micah Kovacevich of Edmonton, and then Cozzolino. The Canadian goals came one minute and 24 seconds apart, and were both in the third period.
There have now been 13 World Para Ice Hockey Championships, and Canada has been victorious five times. They previously won in 2000 in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2008 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, in 2013 in Goyang, South Korea, and in 2017 in Gangneung, South Korea. In the last two Canadian gold medal victories in Asia, they have beaten the United States. In 2013, the final score was 1-0, and in 2017, the final score was 4-1.
To get involved in the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association, go to www.calgarysledgehockey.ca
The email address is info@calgarysledgehockey.ca
CALGARY ARENA LOCATOR MAP
The Calgary Hockey Magazine is distributed to all of the listed Calgary arenas. The magazine is also available at all Safeway, Sobeys, and Co-op locations.
ADDRESSES
Acadia Rec. Centre 240 - 90th Avenue SE
Bowness Sportsplex 7904 - 43rd Avenue NW
Brentwood Sportsplex 1520 Northmount Drive NW
Cardel Recreation Centre South 333 Shawville Blvd SE #100
Don Hartman North East Sportsplex 5206 - 68th Street NE
East Calgary Twin Arena Society 299 Erin Woods Drive SE
Ed Whalen / Joseph Kryczka Arenas 2000 Southland Drive SW
Ernie Starr Arena 4808 - 14th Avenue SE
Flames Community Arenas 2390 - 47th Avenue SW
Frank McCool Arena 1900 Lake Bonavista Drive SE
Jack Setters Arena 2020 - 69th Avenue SE
Max Bell Centre 1001 Barlow Trail SE
Shouldice Arena 1515 Home Road NW
Stew Hendry / Henry Viney Arena 814 - 13 Avenue NE
Stu Peppard Arena 5300 - 19th Street SW
Trico Centre 11150 Bonaventure Drive SE Mount Pleasant Sportsplex 610 - 23rd Avenue NW
Father David Bauer Olympic Arena 2424 University Drive NW
Optimist / George Blundun Arena 5020 - 26th Avenue SW
Rose Kohn / Jimmie Condon Arena 502 Heritage Drive SW
Thorncliffe / Greenview 5600 Centre Street NW
Murray Copot Arena 6715 Centre Street NW
Village Square Arenas 2623 - 56th Street NE
Westside Regional Rec. Centre 2000 - 69th Street SW
Huntington Hills Arena 520 - 78 Avenue NW
Triwood Arena 2244 Chicoutimi Drive NW
Crowchild Twin Arenas 185 Scenic Acres Drive
Oakridge 9504 Oakfield Drive SW
INITIATIVE
BY JEREMY FREEBORN
The story of how the ALS Canada Buck-a-Puck ALS Initiative first got started is extremely significant. In April of 2021, Humber Valley Sharks U12 hockey coach Steve Daly was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (known as ALS, and in the sports world as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Prior to the diagnosis, Daly was very active with his four children’s activities, and was very physically fit, as he played hockey and cycled often. However, in a short period of time he noticed he could not project his voice as well as he once could. Then Daly’s breathing strained while working out, and he had a tough time controlling his emotions. He would cry after watching a Maple Leafs’ victory. It was soon after Daly experienced these symptoms, that he saw a neurologist and was diagnosed with ALS.
Daly had been a minor hockey coach for 12 years. He was known for his booming voice, but all of a sudden experienced a challenge to speak, and was slurring his words. When he tried to take a sip of water, he would end up choking.
Even though Daly was losing his ability to speak, he tried to continue to coach hockey. Daly used a voice assisted app on his phone to help his players get through certain drills. However, in the fall of 2021, Daly
was having problems skating. He collapsed on the ice, and was taken to hospital via ambulance. Daly was not done coaching. When he no longer could go on the ice, he coached from the bench. By January of 2022, Daly passed away at the age of 50.
After Steve passed away, a group of five people who knew Steve in the hockey community helped organize an initiative. They were Sarah Lopez, Heather Evans, Joshua Lopez, Liam Muffitt, and Steve’s son George. The grassroots initiative was called ALS Buck-a-Puck. For every dollar raised for the ALS Society of Canada, the participant takes a shot during a game, practice or workout session.
So far to date, approximately $154,000 has been raised. Now, as we are entering year three, the program is going nationwide across Canada.
“The feedback for the ALS Canada Buck-a-Puck program has been largely positive,” according to ALS Canada Fundraising Coordinator Reyhaan Bilimoria. “We appreciate the uniqueness of this event, which basically allows people to fundraise in a fun aspect while taking shots, and at the same time raising funds for ALS research. The event is also flexible. It is not at one particular time or location. By getting more people involved across Canada, it reaches out to a wider audience.
This is a way for all Canadians to collaborate with each other, and share their stories. That way everyone can show how ALS has impacted their life. It could be a direct relative, work colleague or friend. We know it is a devastating disease. For the hockey community to come together, it creates a friendly competition as well.”
Bilimoria is very grateful that the hockey community has gotten on board. This past year Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner was on a YouTube video to promote the program. When asked about Marner’s presence, Bilimoria was extremely complimentary.
“It is incredibly meaningful,” he states. “He is a well known and respected figure in the hockey community. (This past year, Marner had 26 goals and 59 assists for 85 points and 158 shots on goal). I think it has been inspiring for other people to participate. Hockey fans and young athletes definitely look up to him and are encouraged to fundraise for ALS.”
Bilimoria also stresses that the program is not limited to ice hockey players in Canada. Field hockey players and floor hockey players across Canada are encouraged to donate as well. Players are able to fundraise for ALS individually or are able to participate as a team.
For those of you who may not know much about ALS, we spoke to Vice-President of Research and Strategic Partnerships at the ALS Society of Canada Dr. David Taylor. He first discusses the early signs for a person who is concerned they may have ALS.
“Typically, people will notice it as a painless weakness in one of their limbs,” states Taylor. “It may be fatigue starting with moments in time where someone is running or walking, and their legs or feet are not responding as they normally do. This tends to have people put it off, and make the excuse that they are tired or not feeling well. However, it continues to the point where people start to get worried and see their doctor.
For other people, it is more speech related, challenges with swallowing, and there is a change in the voice. Speech becomes slow and the voice is deep. People have an intent to say something but cannot get their words out.”
One concern Taylor has are the wait times in Canada to see a neurologist or specialist. He believes improvements need to be made to speed up the entire process.
When it comes to research, significant improvements have been made.
“ ”
This is a way for all Canadians to collaborate with each other, and share their stories... We know it is a devastating disease. For the hockey community to come together, it creates a friendly competition as well.
“In the last five to 10 years, we have really advanced our understanding,” claims Taylor. “We still have a ways to go. It is an extremely complex disease, and so far, most of the treatments we have tried have not had a significant effect that we would like to see. We feel like we are closing in on a better understanding and better treatments that come with clinical trials, and will have a better effect for people. At the same time, we want to try and find better ways to treat people, before symptoms come on.”
One notable person who passed away recently of ALS has a Calgary connection and hockey connection. Former Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager Chris Snow battled ALS for five years before his death in September of 2023.
“He was part of an incredible family who openly and bravely shared their story,” stated Taylor. “He had such a rapid, progressing form of ALS in his family. Snow defied those odds and showed the world what was possible in ALS with the help of the drug Tofersen. He was doing incredible things that someone with his variant would never have been conceived to do two or three years after his diagnosis. We now know the most aggressive forms can be treated, and that gives us hope we did not have before.”
In order to register for the program, please go to: buckapuckforals.als.ca/bap/
The program for the 2024-25 hockey season will go from early November to the end of January.
We are united in our pursuit of a world free of ALS.
We are united in our pursuit of a world free of ALS.
Our mission is deeply rooted in the experiences of the community of people who confront this relentless disease every day through advancing research, support, advocacy, and knowledge.
Our mission is deeply rooted in the experiences of the community of people who confront this relentless disease every day through advancing research, support, advocacy, and knowledge.
Learn more at ALS.CA
Learn more at ALS.CA
in ALS
Nicole diagnosed with ALS in 2022
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BEL-AIRE CLEANERS: A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION IN CALGARY’S CLEANING INDUSTRY
Built on a foundation of hard work, unwaveringly high standards and customer service, Bel-Aire Cleaners continues the legacy of its founder at this second-generation, locally-owned business. Now in its 30th year, the team at Bel-Aire offers top-tier cleaning to clients who appreciate the attention to detail, convenience, and personalized service. The company offers a convenient pick-up and delivery service (available on an APP), ensuring that whether clients are located in downtown Calgary or suburban neighborhoods, their cleaning needs are met with the same level of care and excellence that has defined Bel-Aire Cleaners from the beginning.
Bel-Aire offers traditional dry cleaning and laundry services, with specialized care for delicate fabrics and garments requiring extra attention such as wedding gowns. However, one of the standout offerings is their sports equipment cleaning service, powered by a state-of-the-art Sani Sport machine. Hockey gear, notorious for harboring bacteria and odours, often proves difficult to clean and maintain. Bel-Aire Cleaners understands these challenges and ensures that all hockey gear is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
The Sani Sport machine is designed to eliminate 99.9% of contaminants, which not only extends the life of the gear but also protects players’ health by reducing the risk of infections. Additionally, the pick-up and delivery service provides unmatched convenience, allowing players and parents to focus on the game while Bel-Aire Cleaners takes care of the cleaning.
Beyond its exceptional cleaning services, Bel-Aire Cleaners is deeply committed to giving back to the community, with a particular focus on supporting men’s mental health. In partnership with Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman of the Calgary Flames, who have been enthusiastic supporters of these initiatives, Bel-Aire Cleaners has been able to raise awareness and foster meaningful change both on and off the ice. These efforts highlight the company’s belief that mental health is a key component of well-being, and their work with Day1Dads has made a significant impact on the lives of fathers and families in Calgary.
In addition to supporting mental health, Bel-Aire Cleaners has launched a broad community initiative, partnering with local organizations to make a positive difference. From empowering youth through sports with KidSport Calgary and the Calgary Flames Sports Bank, to collaborating with Parachutes for Pets, Bel-Aire is committed to building a stronger, more connected community. This initiative not only supports individuals but also encourages local teams and families, embodying the values of teamwork, leadership, and care that have defined the company for three decades.
PENALTY CALL SIGNALS
BOARDING
