Hockey Edmonton Magazine Fall 2011 Edition by Suggitt Publishers

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

W E N L AL

T E K C I T PACK

FLEX

F F O 0 7 up to $ Pricing

Save “Day of Game”

Featuring a special edition World Junior Bobblehead Series. Collect these 5 EDMONTON OILERS that played in the CHL and World Juniors!

Jordan Eberle

Taylor Hall

Devan Dubnyk

Sam Gagner

Ryan Smyth

PACKAGE INCLUDES: • 8 tickets you can use at any time • Load up on weekend games or take all your friends to one game, IT’S YOUR CHOICE • The ultimate flexibility • Choose one of five collectable bobbleheads with every FLEX PACK purchased

PER PACK

Actual bobblehead may not appear as shown

$150

ther

the o

Lwn I O in to

To purchase, call 780-414-GOAL (4625)

OILKINGS.CA

Early morning assist.

ÂŠ Tim Hortons, 2008

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

President’s Message

Publisher’s Message

23. Hockey Edmonton’s Recreational League By R John Hayes

12.

Sportmanlike Conduct By R John Hayes

29. The Culture of Hockey By Jon Hagan

15.

Stollery Family Classic By Jon Hagan

36. Warner, Alberta: A Town That Built A Team By Jon Hagan

18. The New Head Contact Rule By Maurice Tougas

45. Local Hockey Legends Featuring: Al Hamilton By Garry Meyer 46. Spotlight on an Official By Rob Suggitt

Dryden Ferchoff is featured on our cover for this edition of the magazine. Dryden is in his first year of novice, and he’s playing for the North East Zone Eagles. For more about Dryden, see page 11.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

THE NEXT

GENER

EDMONTON’S FORD SUPERSTORE

OVER 900 NEW AND PRE-OWNED FORD’S IN STOCK CHECK OUT OUR

2011 CLEARANCES & ALL NEW MODELS FOR 2012!

PLUS RECEIVE THE

GO FORD ADVANTAGE

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF OILERS STARS:

» #83 Ales Hemsky » #4 Taylor Hall » #14 Jordan Eberle

(UP TO $2,500 VALUE)

» FREE CarProof history report » FREE 3month / 5000km warranty » GO AUTO CERTIFIED

call us

137 AVE NW

NORTH SIDE 13344 – 97th ST

135 AVE NW 128 AVE NW

780.GO4.FORD

online

TEAM FORD

91 ST NW

KENTWOOD FORD

99 ST NW

LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER

97 ST NW

Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details.

34 AVE NW

SOUTH SIDE 3304 – 91st ST

28 AVE NW

goford.ca

Why Go Auto? REASON #1 – Loyalty rewards that pay you to drive!

MESSAGE FROM HOCKEY EDMONTON Welcome to the start of the 2011-2012 Season! Just as our athletes and coaches are in year-round development, members of our executive and standing committees have been busy getting ready for the season. Our job is to position the association to be successful over the next 10 years and in fact for future decades by focusing on strategic planning, structure, and governance. We will strive to be innovative, adaptable, flexible, and make hockey visible and the game of choice in our community. We look forward to providing forums for networking, gathering, and sharing ideas that will allow us to set key priorities, develop new strategies, build strong operational resources and continue to grow our game. One of our goals is to have Hockey Edmonton more closely aligned with Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada. One of our initiatives will be working with Hockey Alberta to bring a regional centre to Edmonton by the end of this season. Hockey Edmonton has continued to build on our development model initiated last season. Development is a big portfolio and we need people from each club, district and operating area to step up and lend a hand. This season, two members of each bench staff are required to have completed Respect in Sport Coach Certification. For 2012-2013 all parents will be required to have completed the RiS for Parents and all coaches will be expected to have RiS Coach certification. We encourage each of you to get certified this season. Hockey Edmonton would like to remind all of its members and participants of the new Head Contact Rule that is in effect immediately for the 2011-12 hockey season. The rule change is significant and there will be a big learning curve for everyone as we strive to create a safer environment for all participants. We ask that coaches, fans, parents and players fully support and embrace this rule during its implementation and show patience, understanding and support of our officials as we all go through this transitional period. 2012 will be a year to remember: The IIHF World Junior Championships are just around the corner. Edmonton and Calgary are working together to stage the most successful event in IIHF history. We will be part of a great event! Other hockey-related events of significance in the area include: the 2012 Alberta Winter Games hosted by Parkland County; the Western Canada Bantam AAA Championships hosted by Parkland Athletic Club; the Midget AAA Telus Cup hosted by Leduc Minor Hockey; and the 2012 Allen Cup in Lloydminster. We look forward to supporting Edmonton and area athletes in these events and wish great success to each of the organizing committees. Edmonton is home to some of the very best athletes, coaches, instructors, and volunteers. Working collectively as leaders, being a team, we can make hockey better for Edmontonians. We look forward to celebrating a great season of hockey with you.

Respectfully, Betty Chmilar President, Hockey Edmonton

Dean Hengel General Manager, Hockey Edmonton

2011-2012 Executive and League Directors 10618 - 124 St., Edmonton, AB T5N 1S3 Ph: (780) 413-3498 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: (780) 440-6475

www.hockeyedmonton.ca To contact any of the Executive or Standing Committees please visit our website

President: Betty Chmilar Past President: Chris Hurley VP Admin: Darlene Hein VP Operations: Ray Vigneau VP Development: Chris Hurley Treasurer: Barry Bentz Junior Chairman: Fred Christiansen Federation Chairman: Kasey Kozicky AA Chairman: Jerry Rossiter General Manager: Dean Hengel Administrator: Loree Dawson Finance: Sharon Fleming

Standing Committees Hockey Alberta Director(s): Paul Schmidt | Lorne MacDonald Hockey Alberta Manager of Operations: Betty Chmilar Hockey Edmonton Alumni President: Orest Zaozirny Registrar: Nadine Shimizu Ice: Bernie Coderre Discipline Chair: Marg Brownoff Minor Hockey Week Chair: Rod McMahon Social: Vern Davis Canadian Oldtimers Rep: Orest Zaozirny Referee Representatives: Herman Costa (AA) | Duncan MacDougall (Federation)

League Directors

Federation Hockey Council League Directors Midget: Terry Fulmer Bantam: Art Wilson Pee Wee: Crystal Feader Atom: Judy/Kevin Nitz Novice: Kasey Kozicky Initiation: Steve Sweeney

Hockey Edmonton Recreational League Directors: Greg Goss | Brett Finch

AA Council League Directors Bantam AA: Russ Lukawesky Bantam AAA: Debbie Blais Midget AA: Earl Reid Major Midget AAA: Bob Olynyk Minor Midget AAA: Greg Blais Rem 15 Minor Midget AA: Brian Backstrom

Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week Committee Chairperson: Rod McMahon Past Chairpersons: Joan Kirillo and Terry Brown Vice Chairperson: Bill Renshaw Committee: Vern Davis Treasurer: Deb Bykowski Secretary: Ana Bennett Marketing: Dean Heuman Central: Bill Ross Schedules: Ron Sollanych Discipline: Marg Brownoff Sponsorship: Marvin Babiuk

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE Welcome back to another hockey season! In this issue of the magazine, we have a few articles about the new rules in hockey, and in particular, the new head contact rule. There has been a lot of news coverage regarding concussions in hockey, and while most of it relates to the pros, it’s essential that minor hockey sets the standard for players who aspire to play at the highest level, but most importantly, for the vast majority of players who play the game for fun. (And who hope to play the game for years to come.) It’s imperative that players, coaches and officials work together to eliminate hits to the head, and all hockey organizations are encouraging respect on the ice (play safe, play smart) to significantly reduce the incidences of concussions on the ice. It’s important also to understand and recognize what a concussion is – what are the symptoms, and what you should do when you suspect you’ve been concussed, or if your son or daughter has appeared to suffer a concussion. There was a time when players kept quiet when they had “their bell rung,” but those times are over, and you can see the difference all the way to the pro level. On the pro side of things, Jon Hagan has contributed a great article about the “Culture of Hockey,” with opinions shared by some of the toughest guys who ever played in the NHL. It’s a very interesting article, one which will inspire thoughts and debate about the role of enforcers in the game, and for the most part, at the pro level. We have a couple of updates in this issue including a great article about the Stollery Family Day Classic. Led by Oilers skating and skills coach Steve Serdachny, last year’s event was a huge success, raising $144,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, and $30,000 for Hockey Edmonton. This season’s event takes place – you guessed it – on Family Day weekend - February 17–20, 2012. For more information, check out their website at www.familydayclassic.com. Another update involves the Edmonton Recreation Hockey League, which remains an option for kids who desire to play hockey in a different competitive environment and with less intensity or commitment than traditional hockey leagues. The rec league has a lighter schedule and it’s co-ed with boys and girls playing together. There is no hitting and slap shots are not allowed, but it’s still hockey. It’s a great option for players who wish to play hockey and stay in hockey in an environment which is more suitable to balancing other time commitments.

Credits President and Publisher Rob Suggitt Vice President Stephen Kathnelson Art Director Christine Kucher Graphic Designers Terah Jans | Cole McKelvie Account Manager Vicki Davis Contributing Writers Jon Hagan | R. John Hayes I Garry Meyer I Maurice Tougas Rob Suggitt I United Cycle Helmet Department Cover Photo Provided by Stephen Kathnelson Copy Editing Shari Narine Additional Photography Credits Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club: Andy Devlin I George Fourlaris Sportsmanlike Conduct: Kelly Grainger Stollery Family Day Classic I United Cycle Helmet Department Administration Amber Grmek Playhouse Publications Ltd. also publishes the Citadel Theatre Playbill, Edmonton Opera Playbill, Arden Theatre Playbill, Fringe Theatre Adventures Playbill #950, Bell Tower, 10104 - 103 Ave., Edmonton, AB T5J 0H8 Ph: 780-423-5834 • Fax: 780-413-6185 The Hockey Edmonton Magazine is a product of Playhouse Publications Ltd., an affiliate of Suggitt Group Ltd.

President & CEO Tom Suggitt President & CFO Rob Suggitt All rights reserved. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or Hockey Edmonton. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. www.Suggitt.com Printed by: R.R. Donnelley

That’s it for this issue. Our next edition comes out during Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week in January. In the meantime, we wish all participants in minor hockey a safe and enjoyable 2011-2012 season! Hockey is a great sport, and a wonderful experience, with memories and achievements which build fitness, character and friendships. Best wishes to all!

Sincerely, Rob Suggitt Publisher, EDMONTON HOCKEY MAGAZINE

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

T3 works in synergy with your muscles – creating a shirt that allows for unrestricted 360O rotational arm movement. In hockey, whether you’re striding down the ice, attempting to roof the puck, winding up for the big slapper or just receiving a pass; a great deal of arm, shoulder and torso movement is required to perform these functions properly. The patented structural design of the T3 shirt works in harmony with all the muscle groups associated with performing these tasks. It allows for freedom of movement, improving your overall game endurance and negates any binding that normally occurs . The T3 design also eliminates the discomfort of your shirt “riding up” normally expected with all other compression fitting garments. (US Patent #7,356,851)

MUSCLE GROUPS Serratus Anterior:

Serratus Anterior is the muscle located between the underarm and Pec, attached to the upper ribs. It is an auxiliary breathing muscle that aids in inhalation, when breathing strenuously, by assisting in rib expansion. It is responsible for rotating the shoulder blade to position it for raising your arms to shoot.

Pectoralis Major:

The major chest muscle called the Pectoralis Major covers the front of the chest and extends from the top of the arm to the breastbone as well as the upper ribs (Serratus Anterior). The Pecs aid in the downward and forward motion necessary to shoot to a puck.

Latissimous Dorsi:

Shooting a puck involves contraction and extension of several muscle groups in the upper torso including the largest back muscle the Latissimous Dorsi. The Lats compliment the Pecs to help control shoulder movement, flexion, extension, adduction and medial rotation.

TRIPLE GUSSET CONSTRUCTION Serratus Gusset:

Allows for full shoulder rotation and rib cage expansion, eliminating any restriction or binding throughout your upper body.

Pec Gusset:

Allows you to flex and extend your arm, without restricting or binding throughout your chest and armpits.

Lat Gusset:

Allows you to extend and rotate your arm, without any restriction or binding throughout your back and torso.

AVAILABLE AT:

firstarsports.com

Announcement We are pleased to welcome Vicki Davis as our new Account Manager with the Hockey Edmonton Magazine. Born and raised in Edmonton, Vicki has an extensive background in business, advertising, sales and marketing. In addition to her professional experience, she is an accomplished elite hockey player. Vicki first laced up the skates at seven years old, playing for the K of C Sharks – a team that was coached by former NHL defenseman (and Oiler) Lee Fogolin. Vicki also played ringette for one year, but hockey became her passion. Her mother (Charlene Davis) was instrumental in launching the Edmonton Girls Hockey Association for which Vicki played two seasons. Vicki was one of the original 14 players in the Donnan Hockey Program, and she finished her minor hockey experience in Edmonton with the K of C Bantam AA boys. Thereafter, she was recruited to Shattuck St. Mary’s in Minnesota, spending grades 11 and 12 with the Girls Prep Team, winning a state championship in 2002, only to lose by one game in the 2002 USA Nationals. Although Sidney Crosby arrived the year after Vicki graduated, she trained and studied along side with notable future NHLer’s including Zach Parise, Drew Stafford, and Patrick Eaves.

for Hockey East. Vicki had chronic injury setbacks in her second year of college hockey and returned home to Edmonton for rehabilitation. She then joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison and remained part of the 2006 squad which won the NCAA National Championship that year. Vicki completed her education at the London School of International Students in London, UK, graduating with a BA in Sociology in 2007. She returned to Edmonton to run a family-owned small business – “Gourmet Granola” which she later sold to a third party. Most recently, Vicki worked with an Edmonton radio conglomerate (in sales and advertising), and her interest in hockey has continued. She plays part time for several men’s league teams, and she is the assistant coach for a Midget AA hockey team – the “CAC Butchers & Packers”. We are very excited to have Vicki as a major part of the Hockey Edmonton Magazine. Vicki brings passion to our team: from the magazine to the rink!!

Vicki earned a full scholarship to the University of New Hampshire, and as a freshman, was named to the All Rookie Team

Dryden Ferchoff is featured on our cover this issue. Dryden, who turns 7 in December, is entering his 4th year of hockey. We met up with Dryden at Annual Timbits Jamboree in March. This season’s event takes place the weekend of March 17-18. We posed a few questions to Dryden, and here are his answers: School: McLeod Elementary School Who’s your role model: Wayne Gretzky Favourite hockey team: Edmonton Oilers Favourite NHL player: Ryan Smyth Best hockey memory from the 2011 Timbits Jamboree: Scoring 8 goals and helping set up goals Best memory from last season: Learning the game from coach Andre and coach Daddy

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

By R John Hayes Photos provided by Kelly Grainger - Sportsmanlike Conduct

As every hockey parent knows, outfitting a child from head to toe can be an expensive proposition. Multiply that by two or three, and it can run into real money. In the past, that financial hurdle was too big a barrier for some parents to jump and some kids did not get involved in hockey because of the dollar factor.

Edmonton Oilers after years elsewhere. “Hockey is a great sport that teaches valuable life-lessons, but it’s very expensive, and due to financial restraints many parents cannot afford to have their kids participate in organized hockey. Sportsmanlike Conduct does a great job ensuring financial support is there for kids and parents who truly require it.”

Enter the benefactors at Sportsmanlike Conduct, an organization set up to help those kids play hockey. Sportsmanlike Conduct accepts applications from parents on behalf of their children, and in turn provides funding for new hockey equipment, training and instruction, team fees and registration expenses for young hockey players in Edmonton.

It’s also a local success story, being one of the few hockey-related charities that deals with money for registration, coaching, etc., in addition to equipment. “I founded the charity because I wanted to participate after travelling quite a lot with work,” Kelly Grainger, president of Sportsmanlike Conduct said, “but I wanted to support a local charity, and I wanted to do something with hockey, with a hockey background. It was simply a love for hockey that led me to this.”

“I’m happy to be a personal supporter of Sportsmanlike Conduct,” said Josh Green, a long-time NHLer who has returned to the

When someone calls about equipment, they are often referred to long-established charities that provide gear to kids who can’t afford it. “There are other (charities), and we refer people to them, but our focus is on providing funding,” Grainger confirmed. “One of the reasons that I wanted to focus on funding is that it is the area that was least served. There were options for equipment, but not for team fees, registration, lessons and coaching, and the fees get pretty pricey.” Sportsmanlike Conduct can provide that financial support. The organization accepts donations from the public and then pays out the money to the providers of the goods or services. The money is never paid to the parents or the kids themselves. The charity accepts applications from teams, families and sometimes schools requesting financial assistance. The Sportsmanlike Conduct board then reviews each application to ensure authenticity and legitimacy, and chooses which causes can be supported based on funding it receives from donors. Sportsmanlike Conduct is proud that all of the money donated goes to the provision of equipment and opportunities for the kids.

“Helping kids in need should be a priority in our community,” said Al Hamilton, a former captain of the Edmonton Oilers, stalwart member of the Oilers Alumni and a supporter of Sportsmanlike Conduct. “Furthermore, acknowledging kids’ achievements and rewarding them by way of scholarships and grants sets a great example in our communities.” Many donors are pleased with the impact that their money has had through Sportsmanlike Conduct. “After making my donation, I had the opportunity to be introduced to the receiving hockey player, his coach and teachers,” said Curtis Cossey. “I’ve witnessed first hand the full-transparency of Sportsmanlike Conduct’s operations and 100 per cent of my donation going directly to the cause.” The funding model is also open to public scrutiny at any time. As a sponsorship-based organization, Sportsmanlike Conduct’s statutes establish a formal system of accountability. “We are also committed to meeting best practice standards in operational excellence, confidentiality, public reporting and transparency,” the organization notes. “We seek to comply fully, for example, with public standards for financial reporting and with the Provincial Charitable Foundation Bylaws of Alberta. Methodologies such as impact assessment and stakeholders analysis enable us to ensure Sportsmanlike Conduct is delivering real and positive change for those people for whom we work.” Grainger expressed his concern that in the couple of years of operation, Sportsmanlike Conduct may be becoming too successful for its own good. The young charity hasn’t advertised or promoted itself very far as of yet, and donations have been significant but relatively small. “We are at the point where we are becoming more well-known, and we have reached the point where we have had to say ‘no’ to people for the first time,” Grainger lamented. “This is why I want to make a point of saying we don’t have one big benefactor, so we need donations, both large and small.”

Donations can be made at the Sportsmanlike Conduct website at www.sportsmanlikeconduct.org, or by mail to #690, 10310 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2W4. Information is available from info@sportsmanlikeconduct.org. The Sportsmanlike Conduct charitable license registration number is 325777.

Middle: Tony Freund of BECK Commercial (right) and Bryan Keller of the St Francis Xavier Hockey Academy. Sportsmanlike Conduct has raised money to put kids through their hockey academy for two consecutive years in a row now. Bottom: Christian Bolding a board memeber (left) delivered equipment to Tyler Banick of the Town of Beaumont (right) at the Beaumont arena.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

s y a Alw t u o b a ! y e hock

The ulTimaTe hockey megasTore South Edmonton Common 1412 99th Steet (Next to Future Shop) (780) 409-8395

Calgary

•

Edmonton

•

WinnipEg

•

KitChEnEr

•

hamilton

mayfiEld Common 164 Mayfield Common (170th and Stoney Plain Rd) (780) 443-3567 •

toronto

•

ottaWa

•

montrEal

•

QuEbEC

•

halifax

By Jon Hagan

Photos provided by Stollery Family Day Classic

How does that old saying go? Anything worth doing is worth doing it right? Yup, that’s the one. Okay, let’s say you’ve got something worth doing, how do you know you’re doing it right? Well, if part of what you’re doing is putting on a hockey tournament to raise money for a local kids’ hospital along with the local minor hockey association, and you manage to get 66 teams and over 1,000 minor hockey players along with coaches, families and volunteers to participate and raise a significant amount of money for both organizations, chances are you’ve hit the nail on the head. And this is exactly what Steve Serdachny, skating and skills coach with Edmonton Oilers, and his fellow organizers did with the first ever Stollery Family Day Classic. Taking place at the Terwillegar Recreation Centre over the course of the Family Day weekend last year, the event raised a whopping $144,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and a cool $30,000 for Hockey Edmonton.

Although raising money was a component, it wasn’t the main crux of the event. In fact, talking to Serdachny, you get the sense that his MO is to help mould kids into becoming better global citizens through the lessons they learn in hockey. “The message of the tournament is playing for healthy kids. The awareness is about understanding that we’re playing in this tournament to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital and Hockey Edmonton development initiatives, “ he said. “Doing so through the sport of hockey, which provides life lessons about winning and

losing and cooperating and working as a team and growing as a group and dealing with adversity, is part of what they can do to make Edmonton, and really the world, a better place. It’s not about me, myself and I. It’s about what we can do to have a positive effect on people’s lives.” And with all the buzz, Serdachny is even more excited about this year’s tournament. “I think registration will be full come November,” he said. That doesn’t leave teams much time to join in, so Serdachny is encouraging people to act fast. February 17 will sneak up on us fast. Betty Chmilar, the president of Hockey Edmonton, is equally excited about what last year’s tournament achieved and is eager to continue Hockey Edmonton’s association with the second annual Stollery Family Day Classic. “Hockey Edmonton takes pride in sanctioning this event, and we intend to build on the tremendous success of last year’s event from a developmental, competitive and citizenship perspective,” she said. Arguably, with these three words, Chmilar has captured three central themes that Serdachny alluded to: development, competition and citizenship. Development in the sense that the event is about promoting awareness and support for the kids that need the services of the Stollery Children’s Hospital while also supporting future initiatives of Hockey Edmonton in terms of player development. To achieve this, participants are encouraged to go out and engage with friends, family and neighbours in an attempt to acquire pledges. All pledges, in turn, will go to the Stollery Children’s Hospital and to Hockey Edmonton. The pledge component is, however, entirely voluntary. Citizenship is a result of encouraging participants to embrace a sense of responsibility and caring for others through engagement and by promoting healthy living and an active lifestyle

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Wherever life’s road takes you. Fountain Tire is proud to support minor hockey in all our communities.

Let Fountain Tire’s team of licensed technicians help you avoid costly repairs and breakdowns. We offer complete automotive maintenance, inspection and repair services using top of the line diagnostic equipment, plus quality tire products for your vehicle from Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly and more. • Air Conditioning • Batteries • Oil Changes • Electrical • Heating & Cooling • Exhaust • Transmission Services • Balancing and Tire Repairs • Wheel Alignments • Brakes • Shocks & Struts • And more!

Visit our website at www.fountaintire.com ®™ Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Goodyear Canada Inc.

“What better way to showcase that hockey is more than a game? It’s a powerful instrument for positive change in our youth. That’s what makes the tournament so unique.” within the context of hockey. In Serdachny’s words, “We are aiming for this to be a player driven initiative that engages our youth to get actively involved in thinking of others and giving back to those less fortunate.” Finally, competition. This is hockey after all and the competition is friendly, fun and for all levels. This year, as with last, each game will be played in a two 25-minute halves. They will be non-contact, fast and high scoring events designed to encourage fun for all of the participants. All games will be played again at the Terwillegar Recreation Centre in south Edmonton. “The stands were full 12 hours a day. Friends watching friends, teams watching other teams during shootouts at the end of every game. We had Oilers dropping the puck at games,” said Serdachny. “It was like a great community event. What better way to showcase that hockey is more than a game? It’s a powerful instrument for positive change in our youth. That’s what makes the tournament so unique.” Organizers are encouraging participants to engage with their families, friends and communities to recognize the kids who are unable to play and to go out and raise not only funds, but understanding. In doing so, participants are empowered to give back and support others in their communities; specifically, the kids, who can’t participate.

Stay tuned, if last year is any indicator, the Stollery Family Day Classic is certainly worth doing. The first step is to make sure your team is registered, so go to www.familydayclassic.com and get the puck sliding. Anyone interested in volunteering or investigating corporate sponsorship opportunities is encouraged to contact Steve Serdachny toll free at 1-877-307-5283 or locally at 780-465-3343. “Teaching kids to think about others and how they can help,” said Serdachny. Now that’s doing something right.

Those that can participate also contribute to their own future development as players by raising money for Hockey Edmonton. The money in turn will be used by Hockey Edmonton to develop unique programming to help players grow as athletes. “Funds received by Hockey Edmonton from last year’s event have been set aside in a dedicated development fund and used to develop a unique made-in Edmonton development initiative called S FOUR, a skills-based program, that will be rolled out in the immediate future,” said Chmilar. “Any funds received from the 2012 event by Hockey Edmonton will be added to this fund to expand the S FOUR initiative in future seasons.” 25th Anniversary Year!

2011 - 2012 CAMPS & TOURNAMENTS YOUTH TOURNAMENTS Lake Placid, NY

October 13 - 16 December 8 - 11 December 15 - 18 December 29 - January 1

January 5 - 8 January 26 - 29 February 9 - 12 February 23 - 26

Montreal, QC December 2 - 4 February 17 - 19 March 16 - 18

• Minor & Major Divisions • Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, Midget • AA, A, AE, B, House, Select, Town Teams

MEN’S & WOMEN’S TOURNAMENTS Montreal, QC Niagara Falls, ON Ottawa, ON Banff, AB Lake Louise, AB

Las Vegas, NV Phoenix, AZ Ft. Lauderdale, FL Atlantic City, NJ Halifax, NS

INNOVATIVE HOCKEY CAMPS Canmore, AB Kelowna, BC

July 23 - 27, 2012

July 30 - August 3, 2012

• Elite AAA/AA/A Program • Specialized Goalie Program • Power Skating, Goal Scoring & Puck Control Program

Day & Residence Camps

Instruction from Canada’s National Women’s Team players

Whistler, BC - August 9 - 12, 2012

Visit our website or call for a free brochure on all Day & Residence Camps

1•800•461•2161

Kelowna, BC Vancouver, BC Whistler, BC Lake Placid, NY Chicago, IL

19+, 25+, 30+, 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ Divisions - A,B,C,D, Novice Levels

JUST FOR GIRLS HOCKEY CAMPS Canmore, AB Kelowna, BC July 16 - 20, 2012

HOCKEY

Men’s & Women’s Recreational Hockey Camp

www.chehockey.com

Check us out online!

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

By Maurice Tougas

No one personifies the debate over head contact in hockey like Sidney Crosby. The Pittsburgh Penguins superstar, the NHL’s preeminent player, was on track to a record-setting season last year when back-to-back shots to the head in January put Crosby on the shelf for the season. Only now, months after sustaining the concussions, is Crosby slowly returning to the ice. Worse yet is the sad fate of Boston Bruin star Marc Savard, who was leveled by a blind hit by Matt Cooke in March 2010. Savard hasn’t played since, won’t play this year, and may never play again. As minor hockey parents know, concussions are not restricted to muscled professional hockey players skating at full speed. A study by University of Alberta assistant professor Martin Mrazik, conducted during the 2009-10 season in two Edmonton-area minor hockey associations, found that about one in 10 players suffered a concussion that required missing game or practice time. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that among young people aged 15 to 24, sports-related injuries are now second only to car accidents as a cause of traumatic brain injury. In response to the widespread concern — and perhaps tired of the glacial pace of NHL thinkers — Hockey Canada has instituted strict, no tolerance rules regarding head contact in minor hockey, effective this season. According to one longtime referee, the rule change is one of the most significant in years. It’s called Rule 6.5 - Head Contact, and it’s sure to take some getting used to for parents and players. Under the new rules, even accidental contact to the head will now be penalized. Even the age-old sign of disrespect — the so-called face wash — will be considered head contact and liable for a penalty.

impact, shall be assessed to any player who intentionally contacts an opponent in the head, face or neck with her stick or any part of the player’s body or equipment,” the rule states. A match penalty will be given when a player deliberately attempts to injure or deliberately injures an opponent. That’s a lot of new information to absorb, and nobody knows that better than Kumail Moledina, the chairman of the North Zone Referee Committee. The north zone covers a huge swath of central and northern Alberta, encompassing 1,900 referees. The head contact rule is “a significant rule change,” said Moledina, certainly one of the most significant in his 19 years of officiating. “We will be calling all accidental and intentional contact to the head.” The impetus for the change came from all levels of hockey, and gained momentum with the high-profile injuries to stars like Crosby, Moledina said. Training all 1,900 referees in the north zone is no small chore. All referees must attend referee clinics every year, and the head contact rule is the no. 1 topic. “Our officials are all going to be trained, and there will be a transition period for them to get used to this,” said Moledina. “The one thing we will have to have is patience from coaches and players to help us through this transitional period. “There will be some road bumps along the way, but we’re hoping with the support of local hockey boards, the transition will be smooth.” Moledina asks parents for patience as well. He expects parents and fans will be accepting, but “this is a drastic change to the rules. We hope the parents, players, coaches and minor hockey boards will embrace this. It will be a learning curve for everyone.”

Rule 6.5 states that in minor and female hockey, “a minor penalty shall be assessed to any player who accidentally contacts an opponent in the head, face or neck with his stick or any part of the player’s body or equipment.” All contact above the shoulders is to be called Head Contact.

Early on, said Moledina, referees were calling plenty of head contact penalties, sometimes around a dozen a game. But in more recent games, that number has fallen to a couple a game.

Hockey Canada has upped the ante for deliberate contact to the head as well.

For the full wording of the new rule, and to see videos that explain what is, and what isn’t, head contact, go to www.hockeycanada.ca

“A double minor penalty or a major and a game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee and based on the degree of violence of

“Players are starting to adapt, coaches are starting to adapt,” he said.

In the macho world of hockey, being knocked silly used to be called ‘having your bell rung,’ and was considered a part of the game. Players were expected to shake-off the cobwebs, and get back on the ice on the next shift. While that attitude still has some followers — perhaps mostly among the players, who don’t want to miss any ice time — the days of treating concussions as a minor injury are over. There may still be some confusion among players and parents about what constitutes a concussion. After all, it is an invisible injury that doesn’t show up on x-rays or MRIs. Here is an FAQ about concussions, with information coming from the ThinkFirst Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing head and spinal cord injuries. What is a concussion? A concussion is a brain injury, most often caused by a direct or indirect hit to the head or body. This causes a change in brain function, which results in a variety of symptoms. What happens in a concussion?

What should I do iF I think I’ve had a concussion? Tell someone — coaches, parents, friends, fellow players — if you think you might have been concussed. Do not return to the ice until you get medical attention. All right, here’s the tough one: how can you tell if you’ve had a concussion? There are multiple symptoms of concussions. First, it’s important to know that you don’t have to experience a loss of consciousness to have suffered a concussion. Second, symptoms may appear right away, or they may appear later. Not every concussion has the same symptoms, but certain combinations of symptoms typically occur. Here are typical symptoms of a concussion: • Nausea, vomiting • Headaches • Dizziness • Irritability • Confusion • Seeing bright lights or stars • Fatigue • Feeling of being stunned • Light-headedness • Depression

Simply put, the brain gets rattled. It might move inside the skull, and bump up against the bony surface of the skull. Brains weren’t made to be moved.

Signs of a concussion include inappropriate behavior, decrease work/play ability, inability to perform daily activities, memory dysfunction, sleep disturbance, vacant stare and poor balance.

Is someone who has had a concussion more vulnerable to

Proper diagnosis of a concussion is the job of a medical professional, which is why if you suspect a concussion, see a doctor.

having another? Yes, at least in the minutes or days after a concussion, when brain cells are vulnerable. This is why it is so important not to return to normal activity until your concussion has healed. If I suspect my son or daughter may have suffered a concussion, should I just let them rest? This is no time to play doctor. Seek medical advice immediately upon receiving a blow to the head or body that results in signs or symptoms of a concussion. Concussion symptoms may worsen during the day, so it’s vital to seek medical attention.

When can I get back to playing? A concussed person should be removed from activity immediately and should be assessed by a medical doctor. Given that symptoms may worsen later that night and the next day, you should not return to play or practice until you have seen a doctor. Once the concussion has been diagnosed, it is important to let the injury heal. Don’t rush your return to the ice. Most concussions heal uneventfully, but if you get back to the game before you are fully healed, it could set back your recovery (just ask Sidney Crosby). Concussions can result in permanent damage and seriously affect your quality of life. Brains, just like tendons and muscles, take time to heal. Let it do its job.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Name: Current Team: Age: School Grade: If your child won a gold medal at the 2011 Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, we want to hear from you! Please complete the following questionnaire and send it in by November 30th, 2011. Your child could be featured in our 2011 - 2012 Yearbook edition of the Official Hockey Edmonton Magazine. Send completed entries along with a photograph (preferably in a hockey uniform) to: Hockey Edmonton Magazine c/o Playhouse Publications Ltd., Suite 950, Bell Tower, 10104 - 103 Ave., Edmonton, AB T5J 0H8 (If you enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope, we will gladly return your photo.) or E-Mail to: publisher@hockeymagazine.net

Number of Years Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Played Hockey: Usual Position: Favourite Hockey Team: Favourite Hockey Player: Who is Your Role Model?: Other Sports/Interests: Favourite Hockey Memory:

and follow us on

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Photos provided by George Fourlaris

By R John Hayes

Organizers are looking for continuing growth in the Hockey Edmonton Recreational League going into 2011-12. “We’re starting this season with about the same numbers that we ended last year,” explained co-director Greg Goss, who watched his league grow from 300 to 450 players last year. “We are looking to continue that growth this year.” Goss believes that the long-term outlook for recreational hockey is positive, as it fills a niche unserved by competitive divisions, where players are called upon to make a major commitment to the game. “We lose most of our players from competitive hockey between 11 and 15 years old,” he said. “Kids get jobs, girlfriends, play other sports like soccer, or their parents pull them out of hockey because they can’t commit. This allows kids to stay active in this sport and we don’t lose them.” The Recreational League is a different offering from traditional competitive hockey leagues, and players unable or unwilling to conform to the more competitive tiered leagues are flocking over. The play is co-ed, with boys and girls mixing, there is no hitting and there are no slapshots. The teams play once a week, on the weekend. “Even though it’s a non-body checking league, this is not the reason a lot of these kids come over,” said Brett Finch, the league’s other

co-director. “In this league, you don’t have to be all in. You get into some of the other leagues, and it’s kind of your life choice. But with hockey that takes up three or four or five days a week, you’re competing with a lot of things: indoor soccer, the Internet, online games or x-box, school.” Finch continued, “We have kids who come from Midget Double ‘A’ they’re awesome players, but they want to focus on something else: school, another sport, a hobby. Recreational hockey allows them to stay involved in hockey while going for what they want to go for outside hockey.” “This is a place that kids can go,” agreed Goss. “Hockey Edmonton, would like kids who drop out to find a place to go, to be aware that there is an alternative. We don’t want to take away from Hockey Edmonton, but we want to capture the kids who were never there or who are thinking of leaving. This gives them a chance to have a positive experience and not leave hockey.” Once again, the rec league kicked-off in mid-October with a single practice, which doubled as a “meet and greet” mixer. The schedule kicked in a week later, and each team will play 18 games over the course of the winter. There will be one more mid-season

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

teams are adjusted so that there are no blowouts. One rule of note is that no player can score more than three goals for one team in one game. “Doesn’t mean he can’t score for the other team,” Finch said. And kids can play with siblings and friends, even if they would normally be separated by tier or strict age categories, on a case-by-case basis. “This year, we have modified a few things,” Goss said. “For parity, there is now a mandatory player swap, and that has the added advantage of defusing some of the edge that builds up in games between teams.” The mandatory player swap is the biggest change for 2011-12. Scores are not recorded, nor are there standings or playoffs. Both Finch and Goss talked about how the league has fostered a fun and sharing atmosphere, within teams and between teams.

practice, but that’s it for commitment, and for many over-extended players and parents, that’s enough. Divisions will accommodate peewee (11 and 12), bantam (13 and14) and midget (15 to 17) players, and games will be officiated by Hockey Alberta certified officials. “With Hockey Edmonton taking co-ed rec hockey under its wing,” Goss said, “with its organizational capabilities, the combined efforts of a single league within the city of Edmonton, this is ready to take off.” There are many reasons that a girl or boy might choose to register in this league. Finch outlined a few, including the trend for kids to look city-wide for specialized schools. “This means that kids’ friends now live all over the place,” he said, “They’re not all from the same neighbourhood, as they were when we were growing up. We have everybody all over greater Edmonton after all, you play once a week, so we don’t worry so much about travel. Kids can play in the rec league with their friends.” The league also includes players from St. Albert, Sherwood Park and the rest of metro Edmonton. “Younger kids love it because of time commitments, especially their parents, but older kids have part-time jobs and they are involved in other things,” Finch said. “A lot of rep teams and higher teams, if you miss a practice or a game, you can lose your place in the rotation. For example, if you have to work. Here there’s no punishment for missing a game, and there are no practices.”

“Hockey is an emotional sport, and the competitive juices get going even in a recreational league,” Finch said. “We do have a disciplinary committee, and we do have the odd player cross the line, but they have been very few.” “It’s a wide variety,” Goss said. “But we get a lot of tremendous hockey players, and we also have a lot of kids who are pond hockey players, good rink rats but not able to commit to the kind of schedule, and there are also novices, girls and boys who haven’t played until they’re as old as 16.” They are made to feel welcome by the other players, he said, and this has brought home for him just how much fun the league can be. “Coaches get strong instruction that they cannot bring the competitive attitude from rep hockey,” Goss continued, “although this is not not competitive, if you know what I mean. Within the game, it is competitive, too. But when we can get the coaches to do a good job, we get great kids.” And that’s what it’s all about in the end. “Rec hockey is about playing with your friends and having fun,” Finch said. “The key point is getting the message out that there is this option for players and parents.”

Finch talked about a young man, focussed on becoming a doctor, who loved hockey, but not enough to endanger his career. At 16, he was ready to drop out of competitive hockey altogether, due to the time commitments, but the rec league allowed him to keep playing. The league is also somewhat flexible in that

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

WENDYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LOCATIONS Edmonton 1. 9598 - 170 St. 2. 14205 - 118 Ave. 3. 7410 Argyll Rd. 4. 6510 - 28 Ave. 5. 10141 - 34 Ave. 6. 17007 - 109 Ave. 7. 8427 - 112 St. 8. 10365 - 111 St. 9. 13138 - 50 St. 10. 9630 - 137 Ave. 11. 1850 - 102 St. NW

780-484-2160 780-451-2669 780-466-5376 780-450-1427 780-462-7560 780-487-9701 780-434-6608 780-424-1263 780-414-0180 780-475-9547 780-461-6967

St. Albert 12. 140 St. Albert Rd. 13. 470 St. Albert Rd.

780-458-9611 780-459-9690

Sherwood Park 14. 150, 410 Baseline Rd. 780-417-6600 15. 198 Ordze Ave. 780-467-3924

Spruce Grove 16. 120 St. Matthews Ave. 780-962-4757

Leduc 17. 6211 - 50 St.

780-986-6887

NEW Edmonton Location! 18. 18485 Stony Plain Rd. Opens end of October

ARENA LOCATOR 1. Knights of Columbus Arena 13160 - 137 Ave. 2. Bill Hunter Arena 9200 - 163 St. 3. Callingwood Rec. Centre 17740 - 69 Ave. 4. Castledowns Rec. Centre 11520 - 153 Ave. 5. Clareview Rec. Centre 3804 - 139 Ave. 6. Confederation Arena 11204 - 43 Ave. 7. Coronation Arena 13500 - 112 Ave. 8. Crestwood Arena 9940 - 147 St. 9. Donnan Arena 9105 - 80 Ave. 10. Glengarry Arena 13340 - 85 St. 11. Grand Trunk Arena 13025 - 112 St. 12. Kenilworth Arena 8313 - 68A St. 13. Kinsmen Arena 1979 - 111 St. 14. Londonderry Arena 14520 - 66 St.

15. Michael Cameron Arena 10404 - 56 St. 16. MillWoods Rec. Centre 7207 - 28 Ave. 17. Oliver Arena 10335 - 119 St. 18. Russ Barnes Arena 6725 - 121 Ave. 19. George S. Hughes South Side Arena 10525 - 72 Ave. 20. Tipton Arena 10828 - 80 Ave. 21. Westwood Arena 12040 - 97 St. 22. Canadian Athletic Hockey Arena 14640 - 142 St. 23. Terwillegar Community Rec. Centre 20151 Leger Rd.

HOCKEY EDMONTON HEADQUARTERS 10618 - 124 Street 780-413-3498

n By Jon Haga

On December 12, 2008, Whitby Dunlop defenseman Don Sanderson got into a fight with Brantford Blast forward Corey Fulton. The fight lasted a moment before Sanderson’s helmet came off and he fell. His unprotected head bore the brunt of the impact when he hit the ice. The 21-year-old lay comatose for close to three weeks before finally succumbing to his injury. Sanderson’s father and the young man’s girlfriend were quoted as saying Don never liked fighting, he only did it occasionally to defend his teammates.

Each of these deaths and the circumstances surrounding them, in one way or another, underscores four things about hockey: there’s a code; there’s passion; there’s a culture; and there’s controversy.

Over a century before, in 1907, Owen “Bud” McCourt lost his life after an on-ice altercation resulted in severe head trauma. A quote from the newspaper at the time said, “nearly all the local players express(ed) the opinion that if the referee had been more strict regarding the rough play, the trouble would have been averted.”

Recent research coming out of a collaborative effort between the Boston University Medical School and the Sports Legacy Institute is suggesting that the effects of head trauma no longer have to be as obvious as in the cases of Sanderson, Masterton and McCourt.

Considering each of the following players also suffered head injuries at the hands of opposing players that were overcome with something akin to madness, it’s only dumb luck that Ace Bailey (1933), Ted Green (1969), Donald Brashear (2000), and Steve Moore (2004) didn’t suffer a similar fate as McCourt. Tragedy struck yet again in 1968 when Bill Masterton hit his head on the ice in a game between the Minnesota North Stars and the Oakland Seals. A recent article suggests that Masterton may have been playing with a pre-existing head injury.

This past summer will long be remembered as one of the most tragic in hockey. In addition to the plane crash carrying the KHL club Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, we saw the passing of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien, and Wade Belak. The former struggled with addiction issues; the latter two, depression. Unlike the first three men, it’s obvious these three died of something other than head trauma, right? Perhaps not.

The hypothesis, set forth by neurosurgeon Robert Cantu and his team, is that addictions, anxiety and depression might be caused in part by something called chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The Institute’s website describes CTE as “a progressive degenerative disease of the brain found in athletes (and others) with a history of repetitive brain trauma … (and) is associated with memory loss, confusion, impaired judgement, paranoia, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia.” The mere possibility of secondary effects to head trauma like this adds a new dimension to the discussion and raises the question of whether or not these men experienced the effects of repetitive brain trauma that Cantu’s research suggests.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

By piping up regarding their roles and the effects that fighting has had on them, some retired heavyweight enforcers seem to be suggesting that there might be a correlation. Both Brantt Myhres and Georges Laraque were recently interviewed on a radio show discussing the negative psychological effects that the role foists upon enforcers. Laraque understands the pressure that some feel; and Myhres, having struggled for years with addiction, has lived through it. Each man touched on his anxieties with the prospects of an upcoming fight. “All I could think about was that Stu Grimson was in the lineup,” said Myhres as he recounts one of the first NHL games he played in. For Laraque, it was having to face the prospects of Dave Brown. “I just hoped that he’d have a good game, so he wouldn’t be mad.” Todd Fedoruk summarized it concisely in the USA Today: “ Could the pressure of fighting make you want to pick up? Yeah, I think that can be a trigger,” he said. “For me, it was. You just want to forget about having to fight the guy. You line up against a guy like Boogey, God rest his soul, but he’s 267. He’s a big man. You think about that a week before you fight him.” Not everyone, however, feels this way. On CBC’s Fifth Estate, Marty McSorley said the prospects of fighting didn’t bother him at all, and he’s not alone.

“I don’t understand where it comes from “ said Grimson. “No matter what profession you’re involved in, we all experience anxiety. I experience those same things that Georges Laraque and Brantt Myhres are talking about, but it’s not necessarily a daily experience. Anxiety is something a professional has to learn to manage if they’re going to work in a certain profession for any length of time.” The Grim Reaper, as Grimson was called in his playing days, is now a trial lawyer working out of Nashville. Although his career trajectory doesn’t fit the stereotype of an NHL enforcer, fighting was his stock and trade for over 700 NHL games. In fact, Grimson was so tough, he could literally do it in his sleep. “I was in a fight in junior hockey once where I blacked out, and it felt like I was gone for a long time,” he said. “I recovered consciousness, and I was still on my feet. In fact my right arm was cocked somewhere up behind my shoulder and I realized, ‘Wow, I’m still in this one.’ It was bizarre.” According to HockeyFights.com, Grimson fought a total of 217 times prior to retiring. That’s almost a fight every fourth game. Ironically, fighting and the lingering effects of post-concussion syndrome are what forced him to retire. Despite that, he fully supports the role fighting plays in hockey, and he doesn’t agree that it should be vilified whenever talk of reckless head shots comes up. “I’m not so sure that fighting should be drawn in because here it’s a

different story: you’ve got two guys who both understand the risk associated with what they’re about to do. They understand it very well, but they’re prepared to accept those risks. It’s a job that they readily step into knowing full well there may be a cut lip; there may be a broken nose; there may even be a concussion in any particular fight, but that’s very different from somebody that’s not expecting someone else targeting their head. I think the point you really want to make is that we need to do whatever is reasonable to eliminate deliberate or even reckless head blows to players that are vulnerable. Those are the areas that we’ve really got to crack down on.” Whatever the cause, and whether or not what Dr. Cantu’s research suggests is accurate, issues of depression and addiction have long reared their head in any number of sports and are certainly not the unique province of repeated head trauma. What, however, should come from this revelation is the continued need for dialogue and support for those players that might be suffering from any one of these psychologically debilitating diseases. “There are a number of great programs in place right for any athlete that is current or retired from the game of hockey,” Grimson said. “Specifically, the collaboration between the NHL and the NHLPA called the Substance Abuse and Behavioural Health (SABH) program. This is a program that’s designed to support anybody that’s dealing with a behavioural issue like depression or a physical addiction like drugs and alcohol.” While it’s impossible to identify any one particular solution to address issues of head trauma in hockey, whether they result from deliberate shots to the head or the effects of two willing combatants clubbing one another in the cranium, Grimson offers some food for thought on where it needs to start. “Knowing what I know about the effects of head trauma back when I first started, I probably would have been quicker to disclose to the medical professionals that supported me what I was experiencing when I was experiencing it. I would have been quicker to seek treatment,” he said. “Now, I say that as someone that understands the culture of the game, that sounds a bit ideal. Here’s one of the problems; one of the difficulties that we face in this area. We haven’t talked about this much yet. The culture of sport, specifically of hockey, is problematic in this area. The athlete doesn’t want to disclose anything for fear of losing his spot on the roster. It’s akin to exposing a weakness to teammates. You never want to let on that you’ve been hurt.”

Bill Masterton immediately comes to mind. After a brief pause, Grimson added, “The culture may have prevented me from doing the right thing. As we talk about the issues that are part of this debate, for me that’s one that really needs to be identified as we analyze the problem.” Speaking in terms of the culture, for a program like SABH to work, a player needs to come forward on his own. “It’s not always easy to detect and diagnose that there is a problem,” said Grimson. “Even if a guy did come forward and he said; ‘You know what? I’m really struggling with this particular area of my life’, if he decides to take his life for whatever reason there is no program in the world short of keeping him inside in an institution and under 24-hour watch to prevent that.” It’s not a stretch to think that if coaches and athletes took a different tack and began to change the culture so it was easier for an athlete to come forward, things might be easier to rectify. “The responsibility lies with everybody. The players, first and foremost, the trainers, coaches, teammates–everybody involved,” said Grimson. “I know the powers that be in our sport are making every reasonable effort to do that.” This can, and should, also be extended into the realm of fans and spectators. You only need to read the comment section for almost any article on Sidney Crosby’s concussion or turn to Coach’s Corner on Hockey Night in Canada to see just how entrenched the culture of hockey is in the public consciousness. An example can be seen in part of a response to a CBS Pittsburgh article on Crosby where a reader takes issue with Crosby for speaking out on head shots and writes, “Whining and crying are not the finer qualities of a professional hockey player.” A more recent example is Don Cherry calling three former NHL fighters “pukes” for allegedly saying, “The reason they’re [Boogaard et al] taking drugs and alcohol is because they fight. You turncoats, you hypocrites,” said Cherry. “You were fighters and now you don’t want guys to make the same living you did.” Cherry claimed Grimson was one of the three that said it. Despite allegations, criticisms and condemnations, discussion regarding blows to the head and fighting has been front and centre for over a century and they should continue to be. Not that anyone wants to stifle the passion of hockey, but when talk of the code and the culture are used to explain why certain things happen maybe it’s time to really look at our game, and what it is we’re teaching kids and expecting of the athletes who play it. Perhaps only then will we be able to move forward and leave seriously debilitating and sometimes deadly injuries behind us.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

“Sam really enjoyed himself, but the most important thing is that he said that it has helped him with his skating. He noticed that his first time back on the ice after the camp that he felt different and the instruction he got from you guys has changed some of his habits (for the better!).” ~WHL Dad

QUANTUMSPEED.CA | INFO@QUANTUMSPEED.CA TOLL FREE: 1-866-321-FAST(3278)

Photo provided by Andy Devlin, Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club

Have you ever noticed that all of the retired Oilers jerseys are odd numbers? Who will be the first Oiler player with an even number to be retired? Kevin Lowe (#4), Kelly Buchberger (#16), and Craig Simpson (#16) were all great Oiler players, and each of them enjoy(ed) a post-playing career with the team, but it’s unlikely that we will see any of their jerseys hanging in the rafters.

Kevin Lowe’s #4 would certainly be deserving, but it appears the torch has been passed to Taylor Hall. It’s too early to speculate on Hall being a Hall of Famer (or a player with his jersey retired) – one thing for sure, he already has the Hall part!

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Hockey is a great spectator sport, and there’s no better way to experience the game than seeing it in person. It’s great to be part of the fan action, and for the most part, fans enhance the live experience. It’s great to see fans get into the game, whether it’s cheering or waving a banner; no one (fan or player) likes a quiet arena. Sometimes fans cross the line though, and here is our Top 10 list of the Most Annoying Things “fans” do. 1. Fans who bang on the glass. (What’s the purpose behind doing this?) 2. Fans who turn around and wave when the television camera is at their end of the ice. (Looking for“15 seconds of fame?”) 3. Fans who talk on their cell phones during play, or who stand up and wave to say “look at me.” 4. Fans who yap too much during play, especially non-hockey related. 5. Fans who “cross the line” with players, coaches or team personnel. Years ago, an obnoxious fan poured a drink onto the head of Flames assistant coach Guy Lapointe. That fan was banished from the arena for life. 6. Fans who spill their drinks on you as they make their way to their seats or when seated behind you. 7. Fans who use abusive language, especially when there are kids around. (No need for this.) 8. Fans who cheer for the other team. 9. Fans who leave their seats in the middle of the play. Or fans who lean so far forward, fans behind them or beside them can’t see the game. 10. Fans who throw things on the ice. It shouldn’t happen, unless you’re one of the original octopus tossers from Detroit.

The octopus-toss started nearly 60 years ago, in the 1952 playoffs. Back then, a team only needed to win eight games (two best of seven series) to win the Stanley Cup, so eight was the lucky number, and an octopus just happened to have eight arms. Two storeowner brothers from Detroit decided to toss an octopus on the ice at the beginning of the first playoff game between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. Detroit went on to sweep the series, and they also swept the Montreal Canadiens in the next series to win the Stanley Cup. The tradition was born, and despite the fact a team now needs twice as many wins to hoist the cup, it remains part of hockey folklore and tradition for 60 years.

rats), the league implemented a new rule which provided for a two-minute minor penalty to the home team for any objects thrown onto the ice.

Fans in other cities have paid a certain homage to this tradition in recent years, the following is a short list of the most unusual things thrown on the ice:

2010: A Phoenix Coyote fan threw a rubber snake onto the ice in a quarterfinal series between the Coyotes and Red Wings.

1995: A Boston fan threw a lobster onto the ice, inspired probably from the lobster harvests which take place in the New England area.

2002: A Nashville Predators fan threw a catfish on the ice at a regular season game between the Predators and Red Wings. The “tradition” continued during the 2008 quarterfinal series between the two teams. 2006: During Edmonton’s amazing playoff run, a couple of local fans threw meat (Alberta beef) onto the ice before games at various times throughout the playoffs. Some of these fans were tossed from games (one was arrested) when they repeated the beef toss in the away cities. 2007: A San Jose Sharks fan threw a four-foot leopard shark onto the ice in a series against the octopus-tossing Red Wings.

2011: In the most recent playoffs, a number of Vancouver fans threw salmon on the ice, and not unlike the salmon, the Canucks went (swam?) the wrong direction in the Stanley Cup finals, losing a close seven-game series to the Boston Bruins.

1996: Florida Panthers fans (thousands of them) threw toy rats onto the ice after they heard about Scott Mellanby’s “rattrick.” (Mellanby killed a rat in the dressing room that playoff year, which inspired this brief tradition.) Because of the delays which took place (sweeping up hundreds and hundreds of toy

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

By Jon Hagan

Drive for an hour or so southeast on Highway four out of Lethbridge, and you’ll come across the farming community of Warner, Alberta. Not unlike other communities that dot the prairie landscape, Warner is small: blink and you might just miss it. What’s not small, however, is the town’s spirit and growing reputation as home to one of the hockey world’s premiere training grounds for female players: the Warner Hockey School.

He even managed to access funds from the NHLPA’s Goals and Dreams Fund to buy a new Zamboni. “Rich Sutter came down and presented us with a cheque,” he added with a chuckle.

But this almost wasn’t the case. Prior to incorporating hockey into their mandate, declining enrollment numbers at the local high school suggested that Warner was dangerously close to slipping into obscurity.

The way he describes it, a few people were watching as workers were putting the finishing touches on the arena renovations. “I noticed a few people outside,” he said. “Apparently, they were talking about starting a hockey school.”

“We wanted to save our school because that meant saving our community,” said Sandra Nelson, current ambassador for the Warner Hockey School and former resident of Warner. At the time, Nelson was also employed by the Horizon School Division. Keenly aware of what the numbers meant, she knew exactly what was coming down the pipe. “I was very familiar with some of the things that were happening. I’m the one that did the five-year enrollment projection, and that was a pretty bleak picture. I was aware that Alberta Infrastructure was doing a survey of schools at that time, and I was privy to information that the recommendation was that Warner become a K to eight school.” Nobody wanted to find how that would play out, and thanks to a group of motivated quick thinkers, and later on, some incredible luck, some very generous individuals, and a horde of dependable volunteers, they wouldn’t have to. Earlier in 2001, prior to any discussion of a hockey school, Todd Coverdale, a farmer who lives a mile west of Warner, decided that the arena-originally built as a grain storage facility in 1956-was in desperate need of a complete overhaul. “The place was falling apart,” he said. “I thought to myself, if we want to keep this thing going someone’s going to need to step up.” And step up he did. Coverdale was able to spearhead the renovation project and raise the half million dollars needed to replace the rink’s old dirt floor with concrete, as well as replace the old boards and the glass.

Sandra Nelson was one of them. “We were watching some work being done thinking ‘wow, you know, look at what we have!’” she said. “How can we capitalize on this?” Once the newly renovated arena was identified as the ace up Warner’s sleeve, the wheels were immediately set into motion. “The next morning I went to work and straight into the superintendent’s office,” said Nelson. “I told him that I have this idea.” You can almost see her tapping the side of her head with her index finger as she described the idea to him. “He said you call a meeting and I’ll be there.” All of the interested community members were invited to participate and to be a part of the whole process. “They approached the school, but the principal at the time was a little bit busy, so he asked me to take part in that meeting,” said Mark Lowe, current principal of Warner School and current chairman of the hockey program. “I immediately wanted to latch onto this as it was something in my area of expertise [high performance sports]. We had our first meeting in October 2001 where we came up with a list of things we needed to think about.” At first, it wasn’t immediately clear whether the school would be for boys or girls, but Canada’s involvement in an event in 2002 helped to solve that minor detail. “At one of our next meetings shortly after the women won gold at the Salt Lake City Olympics we all agreed around the table that going the female route was going to be nothing but positive for the future success of this program,” says Lowe. “That was like winning the treasure chest,” added Nelson. “After the women won gold, we absolutely knew that we were on the right track.”

With a decision made regarding who the school would be catering to, the committee needed to find a reasonable model for success that could be emulated. Enter Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan. Lowe was sent out to do some research. “I came out pretty quickly with what we needed to do to become successful,” he said. The next step was to find a coach who knows how to run things. Jamie Wood, currently associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of New Hampshire women’s hockey program, was just that person. “The biggest thing about starting Warner Hockey School was the incredible community spirit that surrounded the entire project,” said Wood. “It really was inspiring to see this group of people in small town Alberta come together to try and fight for their community school. It was something real and important, and I knew I could help and wanted to be a part of it.”

As good fortune would have it, there was a building that, after a few modifications, would be perfectly suited for their purposes. But it wasn’t free. “When we were just playing with this idea of a hockey school, wondering if we could even make it work, within two or three months the community had donated $30,000,” said Nelson. “Now that may not sound like very much money, but when you think they donated their money based on just an idea.” Well, you get the picture. It was that idea that resonated with 98 year old Rome Meisser. On the first meeting night way back when, Meisser donated $10,000 to the project. He followed that up with a cheque for $1,000 at the June homecoming. The whopper, however, came when Nelson got a call asking her to come over to his house. “He pulled out his cheque book,” she said with a hint of emotion in her voice, “and he wrote a cheque to us for $200,000. Then he held up both of his hands and said,’ I can’t help you with my hands anymore, but I thought I could help you this way.’ Then he took his elbow and nudged mine– you know how people do–and said,’ I just thought you needed a little boost.’

“The biggest thing about starting Warner Hockey School was the incredible community spirit that surrounded the entire project.” Wood arrived at the end of June 2003. As the story goes, the intent was to have him recruit and fundraise for a year before officially opening the hockey school, but that’s not quite how things worked out. “It was kind of start with a bang,” Shelly Thomas, the school’s administrative assistant, said with a laugh. “We thought we’re going to start up this hockey school, so we’ll hold a little showcase camp in July (2003). We had about 10 girls show up, but ended up with over 20 that were very interested. The school opened the following month. Things happened very quickly.” Wood stayed on as Warner’s Director of Operations until 2007 after which former NHLer Mikko Makela took over the reins and is currently guiding the school’s hockey program. For the first few years of the school’s operation, the girls had to be billeted by people in the community. This was fine as an intermediate step, but school officials needed to find a different way to accommodate the girls. The thinking turned towards finding a dedicated residence.

He wanted his contribution to be used to help fund the purchase and subsequent refurbishing of what was to become the players’ residence, and it certainly went a long way in doing so. As an act of honouring their benefactor, school officials named the facility the Rome Meisser Residence. It could be argued that hockey saved the village, but that puts the sweat, toil, and generosity to make things happen in the back seat. It would be more accurate to say that a group of people with great imaginations and a shared vision came together and seized an opportunity to take an otherwise bleak situation and turn it inside out. “The community needs the hockey school and the hockey school needs the community,” said Lowe. “There’s opportunity for both sides, but it really is a testament to what the community is like. It had the foresight to envision the need for a hockey school. It’s got the temperament to keep a hockey school alive and functioning in a very small community.” “The community of Warner consists of about 435 people and there’s about 435 people in the arena every time the girls play at home,” said Warner Mayor Jon Hood with a laugh. “It brought life back to the school and life back to the community, they mean a lot to us. I can tell you that the community supports them, council supports them, and we’re happy to have them.” “I don’t know if a lot of other communities could have done that,” said Nelson. “To be able to work together as a group with a common vision and purpose. It was a pretty special moment to be a part of, for sure.” It was a group that would not let Warner be denied.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Q&A with Arden Cowley and Montana Kitt Edmonton’s Arden Cowley On why she chose Warner: “I chose Warner because I wanted to go somewhere that would offer me the quality curriculum Alberta provides while allowing me the opportunity to play in the top notch JWHL at the same time. This left me with Warner and The Calgary Edge as my options. I chose Warner because I knew girls who went to both schools and the girls at Warner said how amazing the community was, and that the setting was very unique. Warner would allow me to experience a new way of life I never had before, being a girl from the city.”

On being scouted by Elmira College in Upstate New York: “Last June (2010) I attended a scouting camp in Toronto and that was where the coach first saw me play. When I was with Warner in Vermont in early September the head coach was there scouting again and talked to me after my last game of the tournament. Early in my season they offered me a spot on the Soaring Eagles Women’s Varsity team. I continued to look at other schools and then in the new year, I weighed out all my choices and decided that Elmira was the best fit for me. It is a small school so I will be able to have a lot of contact with my professors. I will be able to experience what life is like in the States (something I have been interested in since a young age); hopefully travel around the area (New York City, Boston, Chicago), play on one of the historically top teams in the league, in a wonderful setting that is yet again different than Edmonton and now also Warner. As Elmira is a division three school they cannot offer athletic scholarships; however, I was able to attain the top academic scholarship offered at Elmira College, this scholarship covers full tuition for four years.”

Sherwood Park’s Montana Kitt: Being from Sherwood Park, what made you choose a school so far away? “I decided to go to Warner because I had heard nothing but great things about the school, and I wanted to take my hockey to the next level. The hockey school has their own ice, and it’s available to us at any time. We are on the ice six times a week, which really allows you to work on, and perfect, your skills. We also have an exceptional dressing room, which is equal to, if not better, than what (some) universities have.

Arden Cowley On where she played her minor hockey: “I played all of my minor hockey in Edmonton with EGHA (Edmonton Girls Hockey Association) .”

I chose Warner above other schools because it is based out of a small town, so you get to know everyone really well. It just feels like home. The townspeople are very supportive of the team. They come out and cheer us on anytime we play in Warner. Because the community cares so much about the team, you build a special relationship that you couldn’t get anywhere else.”

Abigail Clarke and Montana Kitt Where did you play your minor hockey and what teams did you play for? “I played all of my minor hockey in Sherwood Park. I played boys until my first year of peewee. Up until then, I played novice A and atom A. When I was 10-11, I switched over to girls and played on the peewee A team for two years. When I was bantam age, I played one year on bantam A. My next year I was off to Warner. I played there last year, this year, and I will continue to play for Warner until I graduate.”

What are the advantages of playing girls only hockey? Any disadvantages? “The advantages of playing girls hockey are that you no longer have to get dressed alone, in bathrooms, or janitors rooms. You get a great social aspect to the game. You make many good friends, and you actually get invited to team sleepovers! In girls hockey, there is no hitting. It’s a completely different game than guys. You have to focus on skating and puck movement. At higher levels of girls hockey, you’ll notice how much faster the game is. In boys hockey, there’s hitting. So you have to learn to keep your head up. A disadvantage to switching over to girls hockey too soon is that you don’t learn the skills to make you elite among girls. I’ve noticed that girls who get those extra years in boys hockey see the ice better because they are so used to keeping their head up. Also, the boys have forced them to be stronger on the puck and along the boards, which will allow you to win more of your battles.”

Have you had any interaction with university scouts? If so, can you tell us about it? “At my age, university scouts can only send you a questionnaire. They just ask you basic stuff about your interests and family information. I’ve received a few questionnaires from schools. There are restrictions set as to when schools can start emailing you and calling you directly. Your grade 11 year is when the schools can begin emails, and in grade 12, they can call you and fly you down to visit their school.”

Where do you hope to be once you’re done at Warner? “I would like to be in college or university on a hockey scholarship. I’m not necessarily sure what school yet, but I am very interested in forensic sciences and athletic therapy. I also love to cook and would enjoy being a personal trainer. I’m not sure yet what I will major in, but I would love to have it all paid for. I also hope to be playing for Canada in Russia in the upcoming Olympics. That’s the dream.”

Tell us about the average day at school. What time does it start? end? How often does the team train? “On Mondays, we have no ice. After a tournament, we usually get Mondays off. If we don’t get Mondays off, we have to do a conditioning run. That’s just a 45-minute run around town. Tuesdays and Wednesdays we have ice. We get out of school at 2:30 and practice usually starts around 3. Our practices are 1.15 hours to 1.45 hours. We then change quickly and hit the weight room. Tuesdays we do a lower body workout; Wednesdays are for upper body workout. Our gym is located inside our rink, which is directly next to the school. We are out of the rink around 5:45. We then return back to res and have dinner, which is prepared for us by our cook. If we have homework, we do it then. On Thursdays we have practice at 2:30 but no workout. We go to Lethbridge to buy toiletries. Friday we get out of school at 1. We have practice and workout. Saturdays and Sundays we also have practice. They’re usually around noon. We do power skating and goalie practices then. School starts at 8:27.”

What do you all do to unwind? “We have a T.V. upstairs where we watch movies, playoffs, and play Playstation. We also have a Wii and play Guitar Hero a lot. There is also a basketball net and ping pong table inside our residence and we set up tournaments. A lot of things we do to pass the time are based out of our imaginations. We get pretty creative with dance-offs, all kinds of weird games, and card games we make up. It’s a lot of fun. We also have Internet, so we spend our time on there as well. And when it’s really nice out, we go for bike rides and tan outside.”

Do the girls hang out during the off-season? “During the off-season, we spend most of our time training. But we do take time to go visit each other. Because living together for 10 months of the year, well you get pretty close. The team becomes your family away from home.”

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Want to reach a

hockey audience?

Check out page 42.

13 Convenient Edmonton Area Locations No AppoiNtmENt NECEssAry opEN 7 dAys A wEEk

EdmoNtoN 10716 82Nd AVE 2136 109tH st 12721 50tH st 13445 97tH st 13524 ViCtoriA trAiL 3911 34tH st 14020 127tH st 142-52 23rd AVE 16540 95tH st Nw 11542 104tH AVE Nw 8104 112tH AVE

780-988-6501 780-439-6434 780-475-0625 780-473-0868 780-473-0908 780-462-6532 780-457-5711 780-433-4376 780-476-4001 780-421-1296 780-477-9835

LEdUC

GET IN

GET CONFIDENT 1-800-sUpErCUts | www.supercuts.com

5310 disCoVEry wAy

780-986-4949

sHErwood pArk 590 BAsELiNE rd

780-449-4227

By The United Cycle Helmet Department

The first step in properly fitting a helmet is determining your head shape; is it round, like a basketball, or long and narrow, like a football? Head and helmet characteristics vary – a correct fitting helmet will be snug 360 degrees around the head with no visible gaps between the head and foam. It’s critical that a helmet is snug 360 degrees. It’s easy to fit a helmet front to back, but pay careful attention to ensuring a snug fit along the sides of the head. Any space between the head and the foams within a helmet can allow for a secondary impact; the secondary impact with the foam can cause head injuries as severe as if the helmet wasn’t worn.

The most significant thing to consider when choosing a helmet is proper fit - not design, cost, construction or materials. Helmets not only fit differently around the head, they also vary in depth. When a helmet is too shallow for your head, it will look like it’s sitting on top of your head like a baseball cap. As a result, your neck will be more exposed than necessary for your head to be comfortable while in a skating position. Also make sure you’re wearing the helmet square, not tilted back. If you wear a helmet tilted back, you threaten its safety and the fit of the cage. If your cage seems too long or two short, it could be because the helmet is not on square and snug. *Replace your helmet after 3-4 seasons.

If you feel intolerable pressure points along the side of your head, try the next most similar helmet until you find a proper balance between shape and snugness. The helmet should be snug enough that it’s not easily moved, without the aid of a cage or chin strap. A simple test is to move the helmet front and back. If your eyebrows move up and down, the helmet is accurately snug. Note that the correct adjustment of your chin strap allows for only one or two fingers to fit between the chin and strap. Wear newly purchased helmets at home before use to ensure proper fit and comfort. This precaution will allow you to return the helmet if you’re not satisfied with it.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

Photos and Article By Vicki Davis

On a beautiful October day here in Edmonton AB, hockey players aged 7-12 “play hooky to play hockey”. Terwilligar Recreation Centre was buzzing with excitement on Friday October 14, 2011 where local players participated in one of fifteen qualifiers for the Canadian Tire NHL Junior Skills TM. With over 7000 participants in 15 communities across Canada, players compete to earn their spot to showcase their skills during the 2012 NHL All-Star Weekend in the Canadian Tire NHL Junior Skills National Championship in Ottawa. Kevin Kloostra - the Sponsorship & Events Advisor told me with a gratifying smile “the idea is to give the kids a chance to participate in a skills competition just like the pro’s do” not to mention get to meet and take instruction from some big-time NHL Alumni.

This once-in-a-lifetime chance for young players to compete like the pro’s in a skills competition; I think most hockey parents would let their kid take a day off!! I know the parents of the “St. Albert Atom A Thunder” defenseman Evan Bourassa, were potentially more pumped than Evan was when they got the phone call confirming Evan’s name had been chosen from the lottery. “Even was…modestly excited, kinda like his Dad [sitting next to me]” said Evan’s Mom (although we agreed that the parents were more familiar with the NHL celebs than the kids which may have lent a hand to the “who’s more excited for the event”). To enter the contest, you must be a CTHS (Canadian Tire Hockey School) member and contestants must be between 7-12 years of age; goalies are not eligible. As registration closes for each qualifying event (roughly a week prior to the event), winners are chosen at random and are contacted via phone. After all 15 qualifier events are complete, the top 5 boys and top 5 girls are selected for the Championship. As well, 10 random players from the qualifiers are also awarded a spot to the Championship in Ottawa. Register Now Online at www.canadiantirehockeyschool.ca And if you don’t get a chance to enter this year, you can stay tuned for the 2013 NHL Junior Skills!

Dave Lumley, Vicki Davis, Grant Fuhr, Marty McSorely

Look no further than the Hockey Edmonton Magazine

• distributed in all Edmonton arenas • 10,000 copies printed per issue • targeted to hockey parents, fans, coaches, etc. (an ideal target market)

Our next issue comes out in January (Yearbook Edition). Booking deadline is November 18th, 2011 Please contact us at vicki@hockeymagazine.net or (780) 782-8070 for further details.

Want to reach a

hockey audience?

GEAR UP FOR GAME DAY!

10050 - 112 street suite 102 edmonton, ab t5k 2j1 canada

APPAREL • JERSEYS • HEADWEAR • NOVELTIES MEMORABILIA • SPECIALTY ITEMS

BRING THIS AD INTO ONE OF OUR STORES AND RECIEVE cerec periodontics veneers dental implants whitening cosmetic dentistry sedation

FREE SPORTS MOUTHGUARD

THE REGULAR RETAIL PRICE

ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE!

Limit one coupon per purchase - Expires February 29, 2012

WITH NEW PATIENT EXAM AND CLEANING

www.magathan.com

780 482 4800

RETAIL PARTNER OF

Sluggo’s Free Kick Specializing in Custom Teamwear & Uniforms Please contact: Tel: 780 467 8499 • Fax: 780 467 8994 Email: sluggo@sluggosfreekick.ca www.sluggosfreekick.ca

Personal & Professional Service

LOcal hockey legends

Featuring: Al Hamilton

By Garry Meyer “Managing Director of Oilers Alumni”

Born in Flin Flon, Manitoba where he played his minor hockey. In 1963 he came to the W.C.H.L. Edmonton Oil Kings. In 1966 he lead the Oil Kings to the Memorial Cup where they won the national title over Bobby Orr and the Oshawa Generals. Al’s love for the game started on the outdoor rinks in Flin Flon, Manitoba, as a goalie. In 1955 organized hockey started at age nine in “the Flon”, where the entire hockey program was paid for by the Mining Company HBM&S. Al would go on to play at three different levels all in the same year, midget, juvenile and major junior at the age of 14. He was on a number of teams that won Manitoba provincial championships.

four years as the captain of the Oilers but injuries including a shattered knee, broken shoulder and a slap shot that severely damaged one eye, which forced him to retire after the Oiler’s first year in the NHL. He left the game having played with Dave Hunter, Dave Semenko, Dave Lumley, Lee Fogolin, Kevin Lowe, Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, all Stanley Cup winners.

Al is one of the few to have played in three consecutive Memorial Cup Championships 1964, ‘65 and ‘66 as a member of the Edmonton Oil Kings. They captured the title in his final year of junior, defeating Bobby Orr and the Oshawa Generals, led by Hamilton’s amazing 82 points in 55 regular season and playoff games.

In the 1980-81 season the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club retired Hamilton’s number although the official trip to the rafters did not happen until the late 1990’s. The first ever Oiler and the first number to be retired now proudly hangs beside Hall of Famers Gretzky, Kurri, Fuhr, Coffey, Messier and Anderson.

To go back to the the NHL in 1966-67, was to play in the “Original Six” where each team carried 20 players but only dressed and played 18. That meant that 120 elite players were playing at the highest possible level and Hamilton was one of these.

Al has three children from his previous marriage, Allison, Steve, and Erin, and twin boys Brett and Andrew with his beautiful wife Jan. Al coached his twin boys for two years in bantam and the players from these two years called it “the most fun years they ever had playing hockey.” Al also went on to coach three seasons in the AJHL for the Sherwood Park Crusaders.

Starting his NHL career with the New York Rangers where he roomed with the legendary goaltender Terry Sawchuk, Al went on to play 257 NHL games with the Rangers and Buffalo Sabres before being lured away by another hockey legend “Wild Bill Hunter.” It was Hunter that brought Al back home to Edmonton with the new WHA and the Alberta Oilers, the following year the club became the Edmonton Oilers. Hamilton spent

Today, Al holds executive positions with DRIVING FORCE Vehicle Rentals, Sales & Leasing and Quikcard.

Al Hamilton Q&A

Awards & Achievements:

Favourite team? Montreal Favourite player? Doug Harvey Favourite team to play against? Montreal Favourite rink to play in? The Forum & Maple Leaf Gardens Toughest team to play against? Boston Toughest player? Gordie Howe Best coaches? Bill Maluta (Midget), Gil Crozier (Buffalo), Ray Kinasewich (Oil Kings & Alberta Oiler’s)

• Memorial Cup Champion • Central Professional All-Star • 2-time WHA All-Star • 1974 Team Canada Member • Member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

By Rob Suggitt Photos provided by Stephen Kathnelson

For this edition of the magazine, we are featuring 18-year-old Tyler Brown, who just graduated from Archbishop O’Leary High School. Tyler is currently enrolled at Grant MacEwan University with plans to obtain his Bachelor of Business degree. Tyler became involved as a hockey official four years ago. He officiated well over a hundred games last season, and plans to work over two hundred games this hockey season. Tyler played hockey up to the midget level (as a defenseman) and in addition to being a hockey official, he also helps coach a novice hockey team. Tyler has played a lot of sports (hockey, baseball, volleyball), and other hobbies include hanging out with friends, playing video games, and watching NHL hockey games. We met up with Tyler on very non-hockey like day (it was 30 degrees out when we met in early September) to talk about what it’s like to be a minor hockey league official. What made you want to become a hockey official?

I wanted to stay involved with hockey and at the time reffing was the only option. I also started because it looked fun, I figured I could do a pretty decent job of it since I knew so much about the game, and the money was also a factor. I needed a job.

How many games did you officiate last season? Probably between 100-150.

Approximately how many games do you plan on officiating this season? About 200-250.

What level of hockey are you currently officiating?

This year will be my first year with reffing bantam AA and midget Rem-15 AA. Last year I was a linesman for peewee 1 and 2 and all the bantam tiers. I also still do all levels of two-man hockey.

Do you have any highlights related to big games or tournaments to pass along? Any awards or achievements?

Some definite highlights would be being able to lines the gold medal game of a peewee 1 Christmas tournament and the gold medal peewee 1 Minor Hockey Week game. The atmosphere at the games was amazing. It was a cool experience to be in that situation. As for achievements just being able to ref those gold medal games and to be submitted into the A program.

What do you enjoy most about officiating hockey games?

I love the fact that it allows me to stay connected to the sport and allows me to continue a passion for the game. Reffing is just fun and it’s a good time whenever I’m on the ice. I’ve met some new people that I am good friends with now and you definitely can’t complain about the money.

What kind of training were you provided?

I was provided with the usual ref clinics that you attend each year. As well as supervisions throughout the season and a few tips you receive from the senior officials and assigners.

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

I would say I have had a few mentors since I started. All of my assigners from the NEZ and the KC assigners. Duncan (MacDougall) was also a big mentor to me.

How have you improved your skills as an official?

Just by gaining a better understanding of the rules and working on the things that my supervisors tell me to improve on.

What is the toughest part about being a referee?

The toughest part would definitely be when a parent/ coach/ player does not understand a rule or a situation. Since they don’t know what is going on they tend to argue with you and become frustrated. This usually leads to a situation where the individual needs to be removed, when all they had to do was have a better knowledge.

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

No injuries, few close calls. Pucks shot off of you or players running into you.

How do you handle criticism on the ice?

I usually ignore it but the main thing is to remain calm. When you give into the criticism that’s usually when problems occur. The best thing is to just tune it out.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

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’s a game misconduct (ejection), coupled with a two-minute or five-minute penalty, depending on the severity of the offense. The referee’s signal is a forward motion of both arms, with the palms of the hands opened and facing away from the body, fully extending from the chest at shoulder level.

BOARDING If a player is checked into the boards in a violent manner, then the ref may call a boarding penalty. A two-minute penalty will be assessed for boarding, and in situations where the offense is more serious (when a player is vulnerable, etc.), a 5-minute major penalty and game ejection may be called.

BODY-CHECKING Body-checking is not allowed until the peewee level in Hockey Edmonton. Delivering a bodycheck in the lower divisions will result in a two-minute penalty being assessed.

BUTT-ENDING If a player jabs (or attempts to jab) another player with the shaft of the stick above the upper hand, a butt-ending penalty may be called. The referee holds one forearm over the other; the lower is moved back and forth, across the body.

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 by rotating clenched fists around each other in front of the chest. Since body-checking isn’t allowed until the peewee level, you will rarely see this called in the first few years.

CHECKING TO THE HEAD

A minor and misconduct penalty, or a major and game misconduct penalty, at the discretion of the referee, based on the degree of violence of impact, shall be assessed to any player who checks an opponent to the head area in any manner. A match penalty could also be assessed under this rule. If a player is injured, a major and game misconduct penalty, or a match penalty must be assessed.

CROSS-CHECKING When a player uses the shaft of his stick, held between the hands, to check an opponent at any height. The referee signals with a forward and backward motion of the arms with both fists clenched and about a foot apart. (This signal imitates the action of a cross-check.)

ELBOWING This is when a player is checking an opponent with his elbow. The referee signals by tapping either elbow with the opposite hand.

HIGH-STICKING This occurs when checking an opponent with the stick above the normal height of the shoulders, either purposely or accidentally. A more severe penalty may be called for flagrant high-sticking fouls, including ejection from the game. The referee signals this call by clenching both fists and mimicking a player holding a stick above their shoulders.

HOLDING This is called when a player grabs an opponent’s body or stick with the hands. The referee motions this call by grabbing either wrist with the opposite hand in front of his body.

HOOKING This 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 tugging motion with both arms.

INTERFERENCE This penalty is called when a player impedes the progress of an opponent who doesn’t have the puck. The referee signals this call by crossing his arms in front of his chest.

KNEEING If a player uses his knee (or sticks 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 this a major penalty (and a game misconduct) instead of a minor penalty (2 minutes).

MISCONDUCT

This penalty may be called when a player exhibits extreme and inappropriate behaviour toward another player or a game official. Depending on the severity of the offense, the player may be given a 10-minute Misconduct or game misconduct penalty. It is also a game misconduct when a player checks another player from behind. With the exception of checking from behind, the penalized team does not play shorthanded.

ROUGHING This penalty may be called when a player uses his arms or fists to hit or punch another player. The signal for this call is a clenched fist and arm 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 chopping motion with the edge of one hand across the opposite forearm.

SPEARING Spearing occurs when a player thrusts or jabs the blade of his stick at an opponent. Players are usually ejected from the game for spearing. The signal for this call is a jabbing motion with both hands thrusting out in front of the body.

TRIPPING This penalty may be called when a player uses his stick or any body part to trip the puck carrier. If the player touches the puck prior to contact with the player, there is usually no penalty called. The referee signals this call by striking his leg with either hand below the knee (usually bending down to do so), keeping both skates on the ice.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT This penalty may be called when a player exhibits poor sportsmanship or inappropriate behaviour on the ice.

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

STAY CONNECTED ews, n g n i k a rs bre e l i os, O e h d t i i v w s e -scen e h t d n i beh res, u t a e f r playe events tests and con g by visitinonoilers.com edmont

by a i d e m l socia witter! s r e l i O n on t on o i s t u a s g r n e i v he con book or follow t n i o j d An n face o s u g n liki

facebook.com/Oilers.NHL

@Oilers_NHL