5 7 9 12 18
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF HOCKEY EDMONTON
MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER
DYLAN HOLLOWAY ONE ON ONE WITH JACK MICHAELS
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MEMORIES MONTAGE PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK
WAYNE GRETZKY AWARD WINNERS
NATE THE GREAT MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
THANK YOU FROM HOCKEY EDMONTON
26 31 50
FACTS AND FIGURES STATS FROM QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK 2023
2023 YEARBOOK
FEATURING THE GOLD MEDAL WINNING TEAMS FROM QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK 2023
SPOTLIGHT ON TWIN OFFICIALS
FEATURING CASSIDY & HALEY BRAND
REFEREE SIGNALS
FEATURING CASSIDY & HALEY BRAND
Age: 10
Current Team: U11 Tier 4 HAWKS
School Grade: 5
Favourite Hockey Team: Edmonton Oilers
Who is your Role Model: Connor McDavid - I want to be as fast as him and score lots of goals for my team. I would love to meet him one day.
Favourite Hockey Memory: When the announcer said my name and number after I scored a goal on the Rogers Place Edmonton Oiler ice.
Favourite Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week Memory: Playing overtime one on one. I was scared but super excited at the same time. Also, winning gold & carrying the cup, and seeing my team so happy - that was a great memory too!
10618 124 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 1S3
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www.hockeyedmonton.ca
Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week is played on traditional land in Treaty Six Territory. We would like to thank the diverse Indigenous Peoples whose ancestors’ footsteps have marked this territory for centuries.
President: Will Jang
1st VP: Tomiko McCall
2nd VP: Carlos Vieira
Director Elite Hockey: Alec Card
Director Community Hockey: John Putters
Treasurer: Peter Gouveia
Director at Large: Bruce Wright
Director at Large: Karen Hiscock
SE District: Brad Butterfield
SW District: Trevor Elliott
NW District: Pauline Hughes
NE District: Dylan Thomas
KC Federation: Paul Brown
EGHA: April MacKinnon
CAC: Rick McAdie
MLAC: Neil Brown
KC: Bruce Fitzpatrick
SSAC: Ted Boomer
EFAC: Howie Draper
Office Manager: Sharlene Cook
Technical Director: Joel Lenius
Marketing & Communications: Kylee Quinn
Registrar: Glenn Sommerville
Ice Allocator: Ray Vigneau
It’s hard to believe that not only has another edition of Quikcard
Edmonton Minor Hockey Week come and gone, but the regular season is coming to an end and playoffs are around the corner. Congratulations to all 665 teams who participated this year in the 59th annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week.
Without the support of countless people, an event of this magnitude would not be possible. Thank you to our corporate partners for investing in grassroots hockey and supporting this special tradition in our city, including Quikcard, Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Oil Kings, McDonald’s, Serdachny Hockey & Power Skating, Elite Promotional Marketing, Hockey Edmonton Alumni Association, Alberta Referees, and St. Thomas More, Donnan, and Vimy Ridge hockey academies. We are also so grateful for the team at MVP Photography for capturing special memories for our families. Finally, thank you to all players, families, coaches, staff, arena managers, officials, and volunteers that make minor hockey thrive.
We are already looking forward to celebrating the 60th annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week next year and honouring hundreds of thousands of Edmontonians who are a part of the legacy of this event. If you have any special Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week stories to share, or know of any grandparents who participated in the inaugural event, please contact the Hockey Edmonton office at office@hockeyedmonton.ca.
We wish everyone the best of luck as your hockey seasons come to an end. To our graduating players and families, we hope you look back on your minor hockey days with great fondness. To those whose journeys are not yet over, we cannot wait to see you again next season.
President Hockey Edmonton
Welcome to our final edition of the Hockey Edmonton Magazine for the 2022-2023 season.
In this issue, we are featuring the 53 gold medal winning teams from 2023 Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week (QEMHW.) Additionally, we have included a number of “spotlights” on players who won gold medals this year. We have also included a wonderful montage of photos taken at QEMHW, photos which were generously provided by MVP Sports Team Photography.
We also have a special feature on the three Wayne Gretzky Award winners. This award is given annually to a participant in the EFHL, Elite and Junior programs, players who exhibit sportsmanship, scholastic achievement, and community involvement.
Speaking of community involvement, we have a great feature on twin sister hockey officials, Cassidy and Haley Brand. These impressive young ladies have been officiating minor hockey since they were 13 years old, and give back to the community in so many ways, including their donation of time, officiating at QEMHW.
Wrapping things up, we met up with Edmonton Oilers playby-play announcer Jack Michaels, who took time out of his busy schedule for a one-on-one interview with yours truly. Jack is truly one of the best play-by-play announcers in the game. Edmonton fans are lucky to have him (and his sidekick, Louie DeBrusk) call Oilers games on TV.
With the hockey season winding down, we would like to wish everyone the best of luck in playoffs, or any other special tournaments. Have a great spring/summer, and see you back in the rinks in the fall!
Sincerely,
Rob Suggitt Hockey Edmonton MagazinePresident and Publisher | Rob Suggitt
Graphic Designer Kate Suggitt
Contributing Writers
Jeremy Freeborn
Rob Suggitt
Cover Photo Provided by MVP Sports Team Photography
Photography Credits
Andy Devlin - Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club
Canadian Junior Hockey League
MVP Sports Team Photography
SC Parker Photograohy
Copy Editing
Shari Narine
Sales
Katerina MacKenzie
Renda Saad
Accounting Manager
Amber-Lea Grmek
The Hockey Edmonton Magazine is a product of Suggitt Publishers Ltd.
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 AT BLACKHAWK GOLF CLUB
TO REGISTER OR GET INVOLVED AS A SPONSOR FOR THIS EVENT, EMAIL CFOSTER@SPECIALOLYMPICSEDMONTON.CA TODAY!
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of interviewing hundreds of high performance athletes in a wide variety of sports. This past fall, I conducted a unique interview. In doing my preliminary research, I noticed that Edmonton Oilers centre Dylan Holloway of Calgary and I shared the same birthdate of Sept 23. I conducted the interview a day after our birthdays. For the record, Dylan got a cooler, a belt and a tie. I got a cool Oilers hoodie and a computer bag! (I also happen to be 24 years older than my interviewee).
Holloway played his first NHL playoff game before his first NHL regular season game. He joined a list of notable players that includes Esa Tikkanen, Cale Makar, Charlie McAvoy, and Jarome Iginla. In game four of the Western Conference final, a 6-5 Oilers loss to the Colorado Avalanche, Holloway had seven shifts of ice time, played three minutes and 27 seconds worth, and was a +1.
Holloway was the Oilers forward who was inserted into the lineup when Evander Kane was suspended one game for his hit on Nazem Kadri in game three of the Western Conference final. Kane and Kadri are now both part of the Battle of Alberta as Kadri joined the Calgary Flames.
My first question for Holloway in my interview was to discuss how special it was for him to suit up for Edmonton.
“Obviously it was very special,” said Holloway. “It was a dream come true for me. There was a lot of adrenalin going into that first shift. It was just awesome to be a part of. Obviously going into a Western Conference playoff game and in an elimination game, the nerves were kind of there a little bit. But I was just really happy to be there, and super excited to make my debut in the playoffs.”
Like many young hockey players who grew up in Calgary, Holloway was a Flames fan. Still, he did not hold the Oilers in disdain like some others in Calgary do.
“I always watched the Oilers and was very intrigued by the players the Oilers had. They were super exciting to watch. When I was drafted by the Oilers, I was pumped. I am still very pumped to be part of the organization.”
OILERS HOCKEY CLUBHolloway says there’s a picture of him in the family archives as a two-year-old wearing skates. A couple years later, he started playing hockey. While growing up in the Calgary region, Dylan played for the Bragg Creek Bears, the Springbank Community Association, the Calgary Flames of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League and the Alberta Midget Hockey League, the Northwest Calgary Athletic Association Stampeders of the Alberta Minor Midget Hockey League, and the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
During his minor hockey career, Holloway had a lot of fun playing at the midget level with the Flames and alongside a lot of his Springbank school friends.
Growing up, he idolized Canadian Olympic gold medalists and Stanley Cup champions Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews.
“Sidney Crosby is one of the best hockey players of all-time. I just like how he carries himself on and off the ice. As for Toews, he is a great leader, and an unbelievable player. Both of them are Canadian (Crosby from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia and Toews from Winnipeg), and both led their teams to a Stanley Cup. (Crosby won three Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh in 2009, 2016 and 2017, and Toews won three Stanley Cups in Chicago in 2010, 2013 and 2015). It was cool to watch them and I try to emulate my game after them.”
Holloway played for the Okotoks Oilers from 2016 to 2019. In 83 games, he had 51 goals and 64 assists for 115 points, including 88 points in 2018-19, when he was the Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year.
“I have nothing but great things to say about Okotoks. I love playing in Okotoks. Coaches in Okotoks were great. Teammates in Okotoks were great. We never won it, but had the potential to win it. We had two really good teams.”
After playing for the Okotoks Oilers, Holloway chose the National Collegiate Athletic Association route. He played two seasons with the University of Wisconsin from 2019 to 2021. He had 19 goals and 33 assists for 52 points in 58 games with the Badgers. After his first year at the NCAA level, he was drafted in the first round, 14th overall, by the Edmonton Oilers. Holloway chose the American college route as a way to develop his skills because of his late birthdate.
“I figured I was able to work out more and practice more. The games we do play mean a little bit more because you play 30 to 40 games a season. For me being able to practice more and work out helped me out a lot to get to the pro level.”
During this time frame, Holloway represented Canada at the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton. He was part of a Canadian team that won the silver medal.
“That was an honour. A dream come true,” he said. “Ever since I can remember, you are excited about Christmas, but even more excited that the World Juniors are on TV. Actually being able to participate in that tournament was a huge honour. I wish we would have won gold. But we had a pretty good showing in that tournament and it was a lot of fun.”
Holloway knows what he has to do in order to make the Oilers team out of training camp.
“I have to play hard and fast,” says Holloway. “I’m not trying to do too much, and trying to play a role to crack the bottom six. To make them better, I think I bring a skilled, fast game, but also a physical game. I feel I can play in many different situations as much as my coach wants.”
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I have to play hard and fast. I’m not trying to do too much, and trying to play a role to crack the bottom six. To make them better, I think I bring a skilled, fast game, but also a physical game. I feel I can play in many different situations as much as my coach wantsphoto provided by the canadian junior hockey league
During Oilers training camp in September, Holloway was taken out for dinner by newly acquired Oilers goaltender Jack Campbell. Campbell, who signed a five-year contract worth $25 million on July 14, wanted his number back. In Holloway’s one Oilers playoff game, he wore number 36, which happens to be Campbell’s number. In a friendly gesture, Campbell took Holloway to dinner at the prestigious Braven Steakhouse, located in Edmonton’s ICE District, to request that Holloway change his number. The young Oilers forward obliged, and now wears number 55.
“He texted me in the summer, and asked if he could take the number,” said Holloway. “There was no hesitation. I thought if he wanted it, he could have it. That was the number they gave me at camp, and I did not have any emotional attachment to it. He was really niceto insist we go for dinner.”
When I asked Dylan if there is one thing he would like the world to know about him, he is apparently a huge UFC fan, specifically Conor McGregor, the former featherweight and lightweight champion from Ireland.
Heading into the season, one of Holloway’s goals was to make the Oilers. He was able to accomplish that by having an excellent preseason. Holloway led the Oilers in scoring with six points (four goals and two assists) in six games. In 50 regular season games to date, he has three goals and six assists for nine points. Holloway has a zero +/- rating, with 27 penalty minutes, one game-winning goal, 42 shots on goal, 22 faceoff wins, 16 blocked shots, 77 hits, 10 takeaways, and 18 giveaways. The game-winning goal came in a 4-2 Oilers win over the New York Islanders on January 5 from Ryan McLeod and Philip Broberg.
There is no doubt that Holloway continues to have some learning to do as the season progresses. However, one must be reminded that the Calgary native has already achieved his major goal this season, and that was just to make the Oilers roster. Everything else is an added bonus!
1935 McKnight Blvd NE, Calgary, Alberta
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When you sit down with Jack Michaels, you get the same person you see on TV: engaged, energized, exhilarated, excitable, effusive, and of course, a man with an encyclopedic knowledge, not just for hockey, but almost all sports. Michaels is a man, who once called an ostrich race after all.
Michaels grew up in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a small “rust belt” town, which at the time, was known as the zipper making capital of the world. Located closer to Pittsburgh than Philadelphia, this contributed to Michaels being a Penguins and Pirates fan. (And not so much a fan of the Philadelphia sports teams.)
Michaels gives a lot of credit to his dad, an English professor, for his interest in sports. His father was a huge sports fan, and would read the sports section to Jack at an early age. Michaels attended Ithaca College in New York to pursue broadcasting, and began his broadcasting career with the Colorado Gold Kings and the Alaska Aces of the ECHL, before getting the job to do radio play-by-play for the Oilers in 2010. Replacing the legendary Rod Phillips, Michaels had big shoes to fill. He won the fans over, not by trying to emulate or imitate Phillips, but with his own style of calling play-by-play.
Michaels quickly became a fan favourite with Oilers fans, and when he moved to calling games on television in January 2021, praise for Michaels was immediate. When calling his 1,000th game for the Oilers, praise on twitter ranged from “Best in the business,” “Love his passion and excitement,” “Simply the best,” to “Legend.” And of course, there were the critics, one who claimed he was too much of a homer, and another who said he “rooted against the Oilers.” For the record, Michaels is a huge fan of the home team, but he calls the game evenly, and without bias for the home team. As most on twitter offered, Oilers fans are lucky to have Jack Michaels call games for the Oilers. He really truly is one of the best in the business.
I always say I’m from Western Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh is located. I never say I’m from Pennsylvania. (Philadelphia is located in Eastern PA.) And that’s how I became an Oilers fan growing up. Not so much rooting for Edmonton, but rooting against Philadelphia. When I was a kid, and just started getting into hockey, and the Flyers played the Oilers in 1985 and 1987, I became infatuated, not only with the Flyers losing, but obviously the great talent in Edmonton.
Where did you get your interest in broadcasting?
Like so many broadcasters, my interest started before I went to school, and that would be quickly recognizing that my athletic abilities were not going to take me anywhere professionally. (Laughs.) Like George Costanza (from Seinfeld), I’ve always had trouble concentrating on something that doesn’t have anything to do with sports, so I found a way to stay in the athletic environment, without being a participant.
Who did you look up to as a broadcaster growing up?
Mike Lange, who is a Hall of Fame broadcaster, the voice of the Penguins for so many years. In my opinion, he was the best in the game in the ‘80’s. I thought he was fantastic, the way he could rattle off 10 or 11 minutes of perfectly magnificent play-by-play, without a stumble, without a hesitation. He was just an absolute whiz, much the way people felt about Rod Phillips here. That’s the way I felt about Mike Lange.
People are starting to feel the same way about you calling Oilers games
I think I’ve got a long way to go. I’ve got 13 years, Rod was here for 38, so I think you’ve gotta circle back to me on that question in a quarter century or so.
Describe the beginning of your career, working for the Colorado Gold Kings and Alaska Aces.
I think it was absolutely instrumental in making the broadcaster I am, and the person too. You did everything for the team, putting up dasher boards, selling sponsorships, you ran artwork back and forth to different graphic design companies. You did whatever you could to help the club make money, to help the club survive, and to keep your job intact. So broadcasting became almost marginalized, I’d go into the booth and it was just like a relief.
How did you get the job with the Oilers?
I didn’t seriously consider applying, because it was a Canadian gig, not because I didn’t want to go to Canada, but because I figured NOOOO chance they would even look at an American. (Michaels is the first American to ever do play-by-play for a Canadian team, and the first American to ever call play-by-play on Hockey Night in Canada.)
I remember we were going on a family vacation, and on the way to the airport, I was thinking about the job, and this is gonna sound ridiculous, I spun the car around, raced back, dove in the house, grabbed a manilla folder, threw in a cover letter, resume, and DVD, and dropped off the envelope at a post office on the way back to the airport. (And still made my flight.)
As usual in this business, nothing happens for a couple of weeks, and then I get a phone call to set up a conference call, and they say, ‘Well, I think we’re going to fly you out here, we want to meet you for the job. We’re going to send you the flight information by email, have you out for a day and a half, and then fly you back.’
I fly into Edmonton, the first time in Alberta, and got a quick run-through on the city. It was a good experience – Edmonton has a certain vibe to it (kinda like Pittsburgh), with the river, and some of the bridges.
I did the interview, and I think we all feel we do well in our interviews, so when I went home, I thought I did well, we’ll see what happens. But I had been close before to other NHL gigs, but the one thing which stood out for me was the familiarity I felt with the city, and this might sound strange, but if felt a bit Pittsburgh-ish.
Two weeks later, we have a second family vacation, this time Hawaii, and I get the call. It’s Allan Watt from the Oilers, and he says, ‘I’m gonna put a few other people on speaker phone.’ And I’m thinking this better be good news, because if you’re putting people on speaker phone just to tell me I didn’t get the job, I’m gonna be pissed, I don’t need to be humiliated in front of a bunch of people. But it was all good news.
I can’t imagine a better scenario for anyone who’s ever been hired for a job that they always wanted, to be in Hawaii, poolside, with a drink in their hand, and being told you got the job. And that’s exactly what happened.
I can’t imagine a better scenario for anyone who’s ever been hired for a job that they always wanted, to be in Hawaii, poolside, with a drink in their hand, and being told you got the job. And that’s exactly what happened.Jack michaels & rob suggitt | photo by hem
Did you feel like you were in the shadow of Rod Phillips?
No. Rod was his own person, and the only way I’m going to be accepted in this market, is to not try and be some cheap knock-off of Rod. No one can replace Rod. He’s a Hall of Fame broadcaster. If I had tried to be Rod, that would have been so disingenuous, and this city is very much like Anchorage, Alaska – I would have been flushed out in about a year. You gotta be you.
While doing radio for the Oilers for 10 years (from 2010 - 2020), were you always looking at the TV role?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to do TV, but I enjoy the games I continue to do on the radio. (Michaels still calls Oilers games on the radio for national and playoff broadcasts.) In fact, I think it’s made me a better broadcaster, because it’s helped me concentrate on being sharp in both mediums. Especially when I’m going back and forth, and there’s times this year where I’ve done TV - radio, radio - TV in succession. In terms of feeling I’m on a different level because I’m on TV, and not radio, not at all. I consider it the same.
The life in the league is so valuable, and so special. If you would have told me that I was going to be the radio guy for the next 35 years, I wouldn’t have any problem with that. Not at all.
When you put 11 years in the minor leagues, you’re grateful for every day in the National Hockey League. I can guarantee you that my worst day in Edmonton was a better day anywhere else.
One of your greatest calls on the radio was not a hockey play, but a hockey fight. (Between Cam Talbot and Mike Smith on February 1, 2020.) If you google “greatest call of a hockey fight,” your call comes up. I’m remembered for that. I was a huge boxing fan (growing up), and still have a casual interest. I could tell you everything about all the big fights, from 1980 to 2005. I have a bunch of books about the history of fighting, so my fight calls probably stem from hearing a lot of guys like Howard Cosell and Jim Lampley call fights in my day.
If you were on Jeopardy, or a trivia show, what sport (apart from hockey) would you want a question asked?
That’s a good question. (Pause, and then he adds confidently.) I wouldn’t be worried. Super Bowl, World Series, you name it. I could tell you that the 1928 Yankees beat the St Louis Cardinals in four straight. I could tell you that the Jets beat the Colts 16-7 in Super Bowl III. (We checked, and he’s right.) I just remember that stuff. You throw out a year, and I can tell you the champion, and how many games for basketball, or any other sport. I don’t know why (pauses, and then jokes), probably because I didn’t have a great social life. (Laughs)
You and Louie DeBrusk have such great chemistry. What’s the secret? We were friends before we worked together. When I got there, Louie was working with Kevin Quinn, and then he had a bit of a hiatus when they brought in Drew Remenda. But Louie and I hit it off right away going back to 2010. We’ve been good friends for 10 years leading up, 13 years today. It was easy for Louie and I to make that transition, because we were already pals. When you’re working with a buddy, and it doesn’t always work in business, but in terms of a partnership, and in broadcasting, I think it’s imminently helpful to like the guy you’re working with.
The life in the league is so valuable, and so special. If you would have told me that I was going to be the radio guy for the next 35 years, I wouldn’t have any problem with that. Not at all.
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Are you seated together for broadcasts, or is Louie usually between the benches?
Mostly, Louie’s next to me. On the road, because most of the broadcasts I do are regional, we don’t have the pull necessarily to get him down there. At home we do, we can put him pretty well anywhere we want. His preference is to be between the benches. He moved there a month into the season. I think it will be full time between the benches at home, It’s not really convenient for him, because he’s a big guy, for two guys there, so when a US network comes in, the odd time Louie will come up with me in the booth. Does it change how you’re calling the game?
(No hesitation) Not at all. And that’s where the chemistry and friendship helps. We’ve probably done 150 games together. It’s piled up quickly. So we have a sense of each other’s timing. I don’t think we lose anything, in terms of connectivity when he’s down at rink side.
It was brutal. It was just lousy. Sure, I was glad to be back at work, I was glad to be helping bring a product to people, who could probably really use some entertainment at the time. But outside of that, it was lousy. No real sense of the game atmosphere, especially when they were on the road. It was weird with no crowd.
I think when you’re a broadcaster, and praised for high energy or good pipes, that’s really not me, but the crowd, and being swept up in the atmosphere. I’m just kinda following their lead. I’m not really generating that on my own. I really missed the crowds during COVID. Calling it off the screen last year was a killer, for the first time in my life, I had a bit of FOMO, because everyone else was on the road, life in a real sense, was returning to normal in the States, not so much here. You’re frustrated, you can’t be there, the game atmosphere, interaction with the team, the players, the coaches, you miss all of that. You’re not plugged in the same. You’re not part of the travelling party, and from a very real sense, a penalty away from the play, the action away from the play, all the stuff behind the play, certain offsides, passes from the corner, you’re not 100 percent sure who’s shooting the puck, because they’re coming from off screen.
It wasn’t that way for me. It wasn’t one of those things you immediately hated. The first couple of games, I thought, it might not be so bad. But the more you did it, the more you realized how much you were missing. And so actually, the more I did it, the more I HATED it. I don’t want people thinking I’m feeling sorry for myself, because everyone got screwed by COVID.
The other thing is you don’t want to make excuses or reasons why you might have incomplete information, but at some level, when you’re put in that position, you have to say, you know what, I’m not trying to make an excuse, but I’m giving you a reason, so you know that. And by the end of the season, I stopped pretending. I said ‘we’re not there folks. I can’t tell you what just happened. We’ll sort it out, and be back after this.’
Louie DeBrusk had a great take on jack’s coverage of games during COVID: Jack really shone during the COVID lockdown, when we called games from a TV screen. As difficult as it is for a colour guy, and I know it’s difficult, it’s more difficult for the PBP guy, because you have to get it right on the first take. I honestly think he was one of the best at it – I really do. I don’t think he missed a beat – the people at home didn’t even know he was calling the game off a screen, and that to me, is a testament to his preparation, his knowledge of the game, and his brilliance as a play-by-play announcer.
What’s your favourite building to call a game?
I was just in one, the Bell Centre (Montreal), one of the top three buildings in the NHL. They’re very close to Edmonton in terms of knowledge. It’s a remarkable atmosphere, 22,000 people in the building. It’s a neat building, close to the action. I also love Chicago. Their national anthems are second to none there. And for calling games, LA has a great vantage point.
Visiting the cities – do you get chance to enjoy your visits?
Oh yeah, we all have our favourite restaurants, or the odd bar. But yeah, I’ve gone to see the Kennedy Museum in Dallas, the monuments in Washington, the Space Needle in Seattle.
I always think a part of my job is to bring what I’m experiencing in a city, to someone’s living room. And the very fact of what I do, is that 90 percent of my audience is never going to see Nashville, or Columbus, Ohio, so I’m trying to bring a little piece of that into their living rooms, so they have some life experience of that too. That’s the way I look at it.
In my opinion, I’m fortunate enough to get to see those cities, and a lot of people watching games are not going to have that opportunity. So why not try to give them a little slice.
How would you describe your gruelling schedule?
l would never call it gruelling. I think some in my business talk about the grind on the road, and all our travel. I mean, I’m on chartered airplanes, staying in five-star hotels, and I don’t find it a grind at all. I’m from a small town outside of Pittsburgh, where one of my goals was to see the world. If I get to a city at two in the morning, or get back home at three in the morning, that’s part of the gig. It’s part of what I signed up for. I don’t personally consider it gruelling, but talk to me in 20 years. But for now, I love what I do, and the travel is a big part of that, and it’s big part of what I missed when I didn’t have the opportunity to travel with the team.
Who stands out as the best voices or announcers in hockey history?
I remember Dick Irvin from HNIC for some reason. I really liked his voice, a piercing kind of voice. (I interject – he was more of a colour guy). Right, he was. But for whatever reason, I remember his voice and persona more than a Danny Gallivan.
(And here’s where Jack gets excited.) Now Bob Cole, I must have heard him as a kid, of course, and I’ve since met him, and I have a picture with him. His voice is….I think perfection. (And repeats) I think Bob Cole’s voice is absolute perfection.
If you could call one other sport or game, what would it be?
(Didn’t hesitate) Heavyweight championship fight (then he added), when it meant something. I would have loved to call Tyson-Spinks, or if you could transport me back in time, it’s Ali-Frazier.
Last question. Tell us what it’s like to call an ostrich race?
That was one of my first assignments at the Crawford County Fair (probably 1996), an ostrich handicap race, where they took a large fella on an ostrich and gave him a 50 yard head start, against an ostrich which was unencumbered. It’s one of the moments where you realize I went to school for four years for this?
Working with Jack is an absolute blast. You're never quite sure what he's going to say and when he's going to say it. He is like a game, unpredictable. (As a colleague and friend, he's very predictable.) He has got your back and is really team oriented. He's loud and he's proud but underneath it all, he's as good a person as you will meet in the booth or the community. We spend a lot of time on the road together and the laughs pile up just as fast as points for Connor McDavid. As a play- by-play announcer, he's a perfectionist. Detailed beyond belief. His notes are a road map to all the information you could ever want or need for a game. His energy and enthusiasm is unmatched by anyone in any sport. His call is so well done between calling the play and sliding in stories/stats/anecdotes about the teams and players. His passion for play calling is easy to hear and see. Plus, his knowledge is unmatched. He's a star!
The fact that hockey was not his main sport growing up, is the most impressive thing to me, that he’s acquired this incredible knowledge of the game. He can have a conversation with anybody about any sport, and go toe-to-toe with the best, hockey included.
He's always talking to people, working the rooms at the opposing rinks, and that helps give him the confidence and knowledge when he goes into a game. He’s a smart guy. He listens, he reads up on hockey, the stats, everything. He’s always paying attention to what’s going on around the league.
First of all, Jack’s vocabulary is colossal, perhaps even inexhaustible. He punctuates the moment without overwhelming it. I often go back and listen to him calling the Oilers playoff clinching moments in 2017, or the goalie fight in 2020. He doesn’t merely convey what’s happening on the ice. He conveys how those moments FEEL. That’s why he’s great.
First of all, he’s got a lot of talent, and he works hard, and that’s usually a successful recipe. He does his homework, he puts his time in. He’s got tremendous energy and horsepower, and he has a great voice, a top flight voice, really powerful. For play-by-play, I like guys with deep powerful voices, and Jack has a deep powerful voice. He can get to a level where very few broadcasters anywhere can get to.
If the Oilers are trailing, or conversely, the opposition is trying to score, he can elevate his call, and not lose the pitch in his voice. There’s not a lot of guys who can do that at the level he does. And I’d also reinforce how strong Jack’s vocabulary is – you can tell his father was an English Professor.
Jack Michaels called his 1,000th NHL game on February 21st, Oilers vs. the Flyers. Interestingly, Michaels’ 1,000th game and 1,001st game involved the two teams from his home state (Pennsylvania), the Philadelphia Flyers and the PIttsburgh Penguins. (And the Oilers recorded victories for both games.)
1. How does it feel to reach the 1,000 game milestone?
It feels like I’m getting old. (Laughs.) It’s a way of marking time and I thought it was really nice the team and my colleagues were kind enough to participate. That was much appreciated and unexpected.
2. When did you realize your 1,000th game was coming up?
I really didn’t think about it at all until a friend emailed me two weeks before thinking another game was going to be 1,000. So then I did the math during an off day on the road out of curiosity, and discovered that it was the home game against Philly.
3. I know there are many, but what would be the most memorable game you called?
I hope I’ve yet to call my most memorable game. I think we all know what that’ll be… having said that, hard to top the McDavid OT winner to end the Calgary series.
Together, we raised more than $590,000* at the 12th Annual Stollery Family Day Classic — a total of $4.2 million since 2011!
The four-day, four-on-four invitational is about kids playing a game they love, having fun and giving back in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and Hockey Edmonton.
Proceeds to the Foundation will help support important projects such as refreshing the pediatric oncology clinic play area. This refresh will give kids waiting for their cancer treatments and appointments a comfortable, welcoming place to just be kids.
Thank you to Steve Serdachny and the Stollery Family Day Classic organizing committee, and to the many volunteers, participants, sponsors and donors who make this event possible!
Sponsors
• ATB Financial
• Baker Tilley Canada
• Boston Pizza
• B Wright Drywall Inc.
• Canadian Brewhouse
• Canadian Powerskating Association
• Chantel Marie et l’Onde Sonore
• Driving Force
• Hockey Edmonton
• Isaac Physiotherapy Inc.
• River Cree Resort & Casino
• Rogers McLean Shaw
• Serdachny Powerskating & Hockey
• South Edmonton Blades Skating Club
• Summit Insulation
• Vallen
For further information about the fundraising goals and costs for this event, please contact Lana Zhang, events specialist, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, 780.431.4621 or Lana.Zhang@StolleryKids.com
*Gross fundraising total. Photos provided by: Carla Lehman Photography
Hockey Edmonton and all the member organizations take pride in helping to develop character both on and off the ice. Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week takes that philosophy forward by recognizing three well-rounded athletes who make an impact in the community with Wayne Gretzky Awards. In addition to the honour, Wayne Gretzky Award recipients receive $750 from ATB Financial.
Taya Kowalchuk is a 16-year-old player on one of only two EGHA U18 A teams (EG702 Titans), and a straight A student with a passion for creative writing. As a coach of an EGHA U9 A team, Taya is able to share her love of the game while also acting as a role model for young girls in hockey. Even at a young age, Taya has already done so much to make our community a better place. Taya started a ‘jewelry making campaign’ with the intention of giving 100% of her proceeds to the Stollery. After selling her creations for two years, she raised a phenomenal $1,000, which funded charging stations for phones and electronics in the emergency room at the Stollery Hospital. Taya has also participated twice in ‘Locks of Love’, which is an organization that uses donated hair to make wigs for those undergoing cancer treatments. Taya also gives back at her school, including participating in Grad Ninja, surprising students with gift bags whose graduation ceremonies were cancelled due to Covid-19 health restrictions, being voted as captain of the AMA School Patrol, and co-creating a concept called ‘Friendly Friday’, which encouraged students to get to know someone ‘new to them’, to make all of her fellow classmates feel included, engaged, and connected. Taya undoubtedly has a huge heart, and we cannot wait to see how she continues to make positive impacts in our community in the future.
After growing up playing minor hockey in Edmonton with Confed and SWZ, then finally playing U18 AAA with SSAC last year, 18-year-old Lucas Lemieux is now playing Junior A with the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL. On top of being a talented hockey player, this grade 12 student is a multi-sport athlete, having participated on volleyball, basketball and handball teams, all while maintaining honours with distinction with an overall average at this point in the year of 92%. Lucas aspires to pursue a degree in the medical field. Lucas has volunteered extensively with groups like Edmonton Food Bank, Hope Mission, Santa’s Anonymous, and Kids Upfront which supports underprivileged innercity kids. The Camrose Kodiaks really encourage giving back in the community, and in the last few months, Lucas has also volunteered at community BBQs, at local business fundraisers, with the Special Olympics, by collecting toys for a holiday toy drive, delivering phone books to the entire city of Camrose, volunteering at a K9 police dog competition, reading weekly to students in elementary schools, and helping at minor hockey team practices. Thank you for being a leader both on and off the ice, Lucas.
St. Albert Chargers player, 14-year-old Emma Lommer, is a proud mental health advocate. She is currently sitting with a 94% grade average in all core subjects in Grade 8. Emma has been described as “focused, strong, determined and dedicated.” Emma volunteers with the Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton, has donated fidgets to a seniors’ home, taught skating lessons to neighbourhood kids on the backyard rink, and supports the U9 female teams during their practices. Way to go, Emma!
On March 17-19, 2023, the Edmonton KC North Minor Hockey Association will be hosting the 2nd annual Nate the Great memorial hockey tournament in memory of Nate Beaudoin, #23. This tournament will host over 40 teams, representing several minor hockey associations from around Alberta, with approximately 900 players aged 7-8 years old. This is more than double the number of teams and players from the inaugural event and has also branched out to three arenas at Castledowns, Clareview, and Grand Trunk. The success of our event is based largely on our community, volunteers who worked tirelessly to help support our special cause, our many sponsors who have returned for another year, and the spirit of inclusivity, which is the way Nate showed us. The proceeds from this initiative will support the Knights of Columbus, and the GRIT program (getting ready for inclusion today).
Nate’s parents give great thanks to GRIT for their years of developmental intervention to get Nate on the ice. To learn more about GRIT please check out their website at gritprogram.ca.
For those who are unfamiliar with Nate’s personal story, it defines perseverance, strength, commitment, and pure love for hockey. Nathan Jacques Beaudoin was born a healthy 8 pounds 7 ounces on Dec 3, 2010. At a young age, Nate was diagnosed with a rare heart and body condition called right atrial isomerism/heterotaxy. This condition affects many organs in the body as Nate was born without a spleen, an enlarged liver, and also suffered many other developmental issues as a result of this diagnosis. His prognosis was poor; his chance of surviving to one year old was small.
Nate defied these odds by uttering his first words at almost four years old after years of speech therapy, by walking after extensive physiotherapy due to his many hospital interventions, going to school, developing lasting friendships, and, in the fall of 2019, he joined the KC St. Matthew Hockey Club, realizing his dream of playing hockey. On February 7, 2020, we tragically lost Nate at the young age of nine years old. Nate inspired many of us, from players to coaches to parents within our organization, to continue Nate’s legacy of bravery, inclusivity, and passion for the game that he loved.
Nate’s mission was to bring people together and to fill their buckets, and in his words, he was a self-proclaimed “bucket filler, not dipper”, and he would have been so proud of how everyone came together in support of such a wonderful cause. Many of the volunteers from the AA, and AAA teams within KC worked overtime to show their support, many people from near and far were moved by Nate’s courage, and several coaches had their team chant Nate, Nate, Nate, or 123 Nate to pump them up during practice. It’s this spirit that is so heartwarming and reminds us of the power of community. What a wonderful way to encourage all athletes, of all backgrounds to come together for one common goal, which is the love of hockey and sportsmanship. We are a part of the team on or off the ice, and this message resonated with Nate before his unfortunate passing, as he was so proud of being part of something larger than all of us. Nate’s team motto was, “Once a thunder buddy, always a thunder buddy”. He was undoubtedly tapping his stick on the ice on March 19, 2022, when the mayor of Edmonton, Amarjeet Sohi proclaimed it Nate the great day! A day to celebrate togetherness, love, acceptance, inclusion, and above all bucket filling.
This year’s event has many exciting surprises in store for the spectators, and participants, and just to give a sneak peek, we will have Nate's favourite superheroes onsite for the opening ceremony on March 18, 2023, at 11 am. The significance of this is huge because Nate knew that not all heroes wore capes, as demonstrated by our many supporters. One of those is Pilot Sound Dairy Queen. To paraphrase the owner's enthusiasm, she said, "If we're going to do this, I'm all in,” and that she was! The entire team worked tirelessly to support our fundraising goals and will be returning this year, in support of our second annual event along with many of our new and returning sponsors. It’s impossible to acknowledge all the superheroes who have come together to make this event possible, but we want them to know we couldn’t be more proud of the community they have helped us build.
We look forward to seeing you all there as there is something for everyone to enjoy. There will be hockey, Nate’s teammate of the game prizes, raffles, silent auctions, games in the foyer like Plinko, foam fighters, and so much more!
are interested in learning how you can help make this tournament a success please contact the events coordinator Carrie Beaudoin at
For those who want to support the Nate the Great tournament, we are collecting silent auction and raffle items. If an in-kind donation isn’t possible, monetary donations are greatly appreciated, as well. If you
Without your support, Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week wouldn’t have a shot!
Thank you to everyone whose time, effort and dedication helped make this year’s Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week such a success. Quikcard Minor Hockey Week is proud to be supported by community leaders committed to the development of our youth. Thank you for your ongoing support of sportsmanship and minor hockey in the Edmonton region.
50,000 The dollar value of time donated by officials
10,000+ PLAYERS
The number of goals scored in the 2022 Minor Hockey Week
887 Games played
3,893
Groups who Participated in the QEMHW
53 Championship
5,000
PUCKS USED
31 Arenas were used for games
50
for a tournament pass! Gives you access to ALL games, including the finals, AND a free McDonald’s coffee!
games played
Quikcard Edmonton FACTS & FIGURES
665 TEAMS PARTICIPATED 160 SHUTOUTS
Sheets of ice being used
1,100 GOLD
MEDALS AWARDED
3,600
2,000
59 YEARS the Minor Hockey Week tournament has been played (since 1964)
in the 2022 tournament occurred
20,000 FANS IN THE STANDS
5 PROGRAMS PRINTED been the Minor Hockey
$5 DOLLARS Week title sponsor
7,000
22 Years Quikcard has COACHES REFEREES
86 Overtime games played in the 2022 tournament
Players: Connor Beissel, Jamal Caseley, Mohamed Fattah, Omar Fayad, Matheson Gale, Noah Hawryluk, Connor Lam, Kai McCalla, Keegan McConnell, Everett Nice, Gainluca Parrotta, Jerron Ryder, Marcos Sawatzky, Ben Shewciw, Jackson Van Ooyen
Staff: Scott Hawyrluk, Brett Gale, Joe Parrotta, Patrick McConnell, Brad Shewciw
Players: Benjamin Baillie, Danielle Betts, Jenna Bothwell, Blake Cappella, Jackson Cherniak, Drew Dawson, Kasen Dravinskis, Zachary Herrmann, Kane Johnson, Cruze Komant, Kennedy Landaker, Bennett Maloney, David Manolescu, Hudson Pellerin, Carrick Rietveld, Luke Rypien, Cruz Volk
Staff: Trevor Dawson, Kristy Baillie, Rob Dawson, Kelly Landaker, Darren Cherniak, Brett Dravinskis
Current Team:
St. Albert Jr. Raiders - Lightning
Number of Years Played: 6
School Grade: 5
Usual Position: Defence
Favourite Hockey Team: Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Leon Draisaitl
Who is your Role Model: My Dad
Other Hobbies:
Players: Marley Andresen, Lukas Blades, Hudson Boser, Kevin Castonguay, Memphis Ford, Oliver Kent, Ewan Larocque, Cash MacMillan, Logan Maksymic, Brody Meunier, Charlie Parrotta, Bennett Pierce, Carter Rolheiser, Levi Salisbury, Zachary Samchuk, Oliver Sanderson, Briar Sinclair
Staff: Rob Parrotta, Derek MacMillan, Jason Maksymic, Joel Andersen, Conor Salisbury, Marc Meunier, Becki Sinclair
Lacrosse, Tennis & Swimming
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning gold at QEMHW with my brother, Justin!
Current Team:
Beaumont U11 2X Bruins
Number of Years Played: 5
School Grade: 4
Usual Position: Goalie (1st Year as a full-time Goaltender)
Favourite Hockey Team: Colorado Avalanche
Favourite Player: Cale Makar
Players: Sage Bolle, Nixin Fraser, Braiden Gutierrez, Oliver Howard, Sébastien Jolicoeur Gagnon, Davis Kneller, Krew Kowaluk, Logan Larente, Jayden Letourneau, Bennett Milburn, Matthew Miller, Ryan Miller, Marcus Neilson, Ronin Nguyen, Kaid Schryvers, Camden Snowden, Nicholas Stroshin
Staff: Dan Milburn, Jesse Kowaluk, Jonathan Letourneau, Paul Olekszyk, Steve Stroshin, Sonia Nadon
Who is your Role Model: My Papa
Other Hobbies: Lacrosse & Playing Video Games
Favourite Hockey Memory: Scoring my first goal!
Current Team:
Beaumont U11 2X Bruins
Number of Years Played: 6
School Grade: 4
Favourite Hockey Team: Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Zach Hyman & Leon Draisaitl
Who is your Role Model: My Dad & Mom
Other Hobbies: Baseball, Being Outside, Roller Blading, Riding my Bike, Swimming & Being with my Team
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning Minor Hockey Week with my team. It was the last minute of play, the game was tied 2-2 and I scored a goal!
Current Team:
Beaumont U11 2X Bruins
Number of Years Played: 6
School Grade: 4
Usual Position: Left Wing
Favourite Hockey Team: Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Leon Draisaitl
Who is your Role Model: My Dad
Other Hobbies: Soccer, Baseball, Geography & History
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning a gold medal at Minor Hockey Week 2023!
Players: Josh Beniuk, Kian Breen, Bronsyn Broadfoot, James Butters, Ryder Callahan, Keaton Cossey, Lincoln Fortier, Lincoln Gettings, Vincent Grabill, Austin Kerr, Deaghlan Leeder, Eric MacNeil, Clark McMenamon, Nash Reid, Christian Taylor, Maveryck Travis, Aiden Zheng
Staff: Chris Beniuk, Susan Taylor, Craig Taylor, Greg MacNeil, Kris McMenamon, Mike Butters, Neil Leeder, Rich Fortier, Rob Gettings, Ryan Reid, Tyler Breen
Players: Peyton Anholt, Scarlett Boychuk, Kaylana Buffalo, Monroe Finley, Alyson Gaudet, Isla Kelly, Mila Koziol, Kasey Lamy, Kallie Marchand, Isla McCrea, Hailey McEachern, Molly McEvoy, Brinley Nelson, Avery Smedsrud, Olivia Tremblay
Staff: Brad Nelson, Trent Koziol, Aaron Smedsrud, Justin Tremblay, Brooke Kabotoff, Mary-Kate Boychuk, Lee McCrea
Players: Griffin Bales, Luke Brake, Calder Goodwin, Wilhelm Hartmann, Harry Hlus, Jax Kuefler, Gabriel Lecerf, Marshall Macleod, Bennett Martin, Max Martinig, Jackson McDougall, Nico Montgomery, Ryan Peay, Ari Petryshyn, Chase Turenne
Staff: Jayson Hlus, Colette Turenne, Marty Brake, Chad Martinig, Andrew MacLeod, Chris Goodwin, Chris Hartmann, Ryan McDougall
Players: Jake Anselmo, Cameron Ballhorn, Leif Bergh, Levi Brooks, Jackson Chichak, Samuel Cloutier, Charlize Elder, Casen Faryna, Connor Fleischer, Ashton Harrington, Nixon Marton, Brody Mccoy, Peyton Miciak, Felix Paeuser, Sullivan Ranson, Kane Reimer, Brant Robert, Jones Ulrickson
Staff: Scott Robert, Rene Cloutier, Brad Ulrickson, Dianna Brooks, Sherri Reimer, Marc Paeuser, Stuart Ballhorn, Wes Bergh, Rob Ranson
Current Team: SWAT 407 Vipers
Number of Years Played: 5
School Grade: 4
Usual Position: Left Wing
Favourite Hockey Team: Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Leon Draisaitl
Who is your Role Model: My Parents
Players: Connor Avivi, Greyson Barlow, Oliver Bourgeois, Chase Fee, Matthew German, Grayson Hadzariga, Liam Heisler, Monroe Hobson, Emmett Kickham, Mason Klatt, Jesse Larson, Ben Martens, Isaac Milligan, Marek Werbicki, Cooper Young
Staff: Stephen Avivi, Cam Martens, Chris Heisler, Bryce Young, Dan Kickham, Jonathan Hobson, Neil Klatt, Ryan Barlow, Shannon Werbicki, Neil Bourgeois
Other Hobbies: Coding, Drawing & Biking
Favourite Hockey Memory: When our team won Minor Hockey Week this year!
Players: Raymond Alexis, Jake Callaghan, Jack Cavaliere, Paxton Chetek, Blake Chorzempa, Calvin Gauld, Vlad Goodwin, Kyle Goorachurn, Rayder Hammond, Riley Kapty, Carson Keats, Townsend Linder, Emmett Madigin, Ryland Malay, Nikita Potinga, Tanner Strickland, Oliver Stringer, Andrew Warner
Staff: Jeff Chetek, Tyler Kapty, Matthew Hammond, Jordan Gauld
Players: Frederick Armstrong, Lucas Barkley, Conor Carragher, Griffin Champagne, Monica Davis, Gage Gittel, Tamir Halat, Mateo Herwig, Henry Jiang, Moayyad Nauman, Zakariya Pearcey, Avett Pierce, Alexander Politopoulos, Devon Slack, Noal Walker
Staff: Drew Stoyko, Troy Gittel, Tom Pierce, Glenn Walker, Jamie Davis, Andy Pearcey
Players: Mina Baker, Tyko Boraas, Erik Flores Jimenez, Walker Gretzan, Charlie Grossman, Tyler Hawley, Maxx Hrsak, Gavin Humberstone, Camryn Kittle, Oliver Mcbride, Jarett Sehn, Tyson Semchuk, Prabhveer Singh
Staff: Dustin Grossman, Chayse Gretzan, Greg Hawley, Jason Hrsak, Mitch Baker, Casey Humberstone
Players: Jamal Ahmad, Adam Handous, Hendrix Hill, Brynley Jewell, Rylan Johnston, Thomas Manzara, Zayd Mustafa, Lucas Prebble, Shadi Rahall, Jayden Sa, Nikolai Sturko, Grady Swedlo, Adrien Viel
Staff: Mark Sturko, Ryan Prebble, Justin Swedlo, Luc Viel, Moe Rahall, Nick Sarich, Tanya Jewell, Melissa Prebble
Players: Yosuf Al Alosi, Oliver Anderson, Opry Brandon, Elliot Buffi, Noah Delves, Riley Dunham, Aidan Gunes-Despins, Ethan Homeniuk, Luca Irving, Matthew Jamieson, David Barnett Kinniburgh, Etienne Lemay, Benjamin Lindsay, Marcus Solano, Teagan Tomaszyk
Staff: Darryn Sulz, Michelle Despins, James Lindsay, Brad Delves, Todd Dunham
Players: James Acheson, Jace Aguilar, Alexander Carrier, Caleb Cormack-Carlson, Alley Devoe, Bentley Gervan, Fateh Gill, Haven Gregory, Carter Guhle, Alexander Hall, Micah Kurian, Logan Primaza, Jaxon Sopatyk, Charlize Spicer, Cedric Villanueva, Shea Young
Staff: Ian Young, Bobbi Gervan, Ryan Cormack, Tony Kurian, Chuck Carrier, Lance Prmieza
Players: Sienna Bijou, Everleigh Bootle, Brielle Demkiw, Kaitlynn Demkiw, Everly Eberhardt, Emma Fedyniak, Gabrielle Haight, Healey Halverson, Tala Heron, Olivia LeGassick, Whitney Macmillan, Blake Sabatino, Peyton Suitor, Lauren Tellier, Raina Venaas, Karleigh Wilson
Staff: Derek MacMillan, Lea LeGassick, Andrea Eberhardt, Ryan LeGassick, Brad Halverson, Jeff Demkiw, Warren Suitor
Players: Brynlee Anderson, Kokoro Anderson, Georgia Andrews, Emily Baluk, Ella Barclay, Elizabeth Baron, Rori Bell, Isla Biendarra, Faith Bruinooge, Aven Dunphy, Addison Dupuis, Payton Forest-Trainer, Alyssa Klause, Zoe Lommer, Addison Lundeen, Lauryn Maclaren, Tehya Parke, Vada Stranaghan
Staff: Sue Forest-Trainer, Erik Anderson, Rob Lommer, Garret Dupuis, Lonnie Stranaghan, Dan Bruinooge, Billy Biendarra, Kevin Baluk, KerriLynn Lommer, Meghan Garrity
Players: Grayson Bardick, Evan Bauer, Chase Bibaud, Zachary Boon, Layne Franchuk, Harrison Hargreaves, Jaxon Kalmbach, Noah Kluthe, Norah Ludlow, Sobhe Najmeddine, Brayden Poliakiwski, Chael Quinn, Lincoln Schell, Paisley Skuta, Mason Tymkow, Kyle Witschen, Rylen Woodlock
Staff: Sean Tymkow, Denise Ludlow, Brian Witschen, Darcy Bauer, Pat Woodlock, Tyler Schell
Players: Blake Behnke, Scott Campbell, Lynkin Doucet, Logan Gardiner, Brody Gau, Rhett Hancheruk, Simon Hender, Vaughn Holowach, Hudson Lamabe, Cali Lane, Sloan Lane, Kai Park, Tristan Penner, Braeden Robert, Khoen Teolis, Mason Van De Wetering
Staff: Tara Lamabe, Jason Hancheruk, Travis Park, Ryan Gau, Wade Gardiner, Curtis Van de Wetering, Jerad Penner, Phil Hender
Players: Braxton Anderson, Ethan Arnold, Ryley Casavant, Odis Elwilly, Audrina Estrada, Deontae Estrada, Aiden Generoux, Hartford Halabi, Anthony Hanzel, Holden Lindsay, Brody Lorentz, Jake Thompson, Tiago Trzok, Cohen Tu, Noah Tu, Marko Vynnytskyi, Jesse Winters
Staff: Cory Winters, Mark Arnold, Ryan Hanzel, Steve Lindsay, Cindy Hanzel, Trisha Thompson, Anthony Estrada
Players: Lorenzo Belcourt, Noah Cameron, Nathan Chan, Greyson Cowie, Rodney Dobson, Matteo Dong, Jayen Gill, Udhay Gill, Devin Hayes, Drew Jackson, Kohen Johnson, Silas Jore, Nathanael Kurian, Alex Lapointe, Isaac Mohammed, Zachary Steinhauer
Staff: Andrew Chan, Mike Dong, Neil Jore, Denis Hayes, Waylon Cameron, Clint Dobson, Kayla Chan, Zaheen Mohammed
Cohen & Noah Tu are brothers who play on the same team - KC 501 Spartansand won gold at this years Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. Cohen took a year off from hockey last year but came back this season in hopes of being on the same team as his brother, Noah. Winning gold together with their team is definitely an experience and memory they won’t forget!
Number of Years Played: 6
School Grade: 7
Usual Position: Centre
Favourite Hockey Team:
Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Connor McDavid
Other Hobbies:
Playing Basketball, Video Games & Tennis
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning Gold at Minor Hockey Week with my Brother!
Number of Years Played: 6
School Grade: 6
Usual Position: Centre / Right Wing
Favourite Hockey Team:
Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Connor McDavid
Who is your Role Model: My Mom
Other Hobbies: Basketball, Tennis & Video Games
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning Gold at Minor Hockey Week with my Brother!
Current Team: SWAT Bearpack SW505
Number of Years Played: 3
School Grade: 7
Usual Position: Defence
Favourite Hockey Team: University of Alberta Pandas
Favourite Player: My Older Brother
Who is your Role Model: Hayley Wickenheiser
Players: Trystan Barlow, Griffin Bennett, Carter Chuchmuch, Graden Cooper, Luke Goodwin, Kelsey Kehbila, Blake Kincade, Jack Kuzio, Samuel Ledi, Dylan Lee, Rocky Magnan, Taylor Mergel, Anton Radmanovich, Noah Riddell, Kaine Rowswell, Oakley Tanner
Staff: Tyler Bennett, Dave Cooper, Erica Bennett, Jared Chuchmuch, Barrie Tanner, Mark Kuzio, Ryan Barlow, Scott Riddell
Other Hobbies:
Baseball, Swimming & Volleyball
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning Minor Hockey Week of Course!
Players: Bentley Allers, Eamon Berube, Nixon Booth, Charlie Burrows, Kai Campbell-Fowler, Logan Chalmers, Jack Dallin, Rhys Drake, Carter House, Tyler Hydukewich, Carter Kuzminski, Jacob Lemke, Spencer Macdougall, Amanzo Marindi, Tyler Neufeld, Grady Shesky, John Vihos
Staff: Chris Chalmers, Jay Shesky, Ashley Allers, Glenn Neufeld, Brad Berube, Mike Kuzminski, John Vihos, Jill Vihos
Players: Karson Bodnar, Bretton Childs, Jack Eddy, Owen Eddy, Odin Grochmal, Lucas Jean Pouliot, Jay Jordan, Lane Kennedy, Jager Kersey, Elliot Kushniruk, Neven Malbasic, Samuel Parker, Arlo Patty, Leighton Selinger, Cohen Thomson
Staff: Amanda Grochmal, Dustin Kersey, David Parker, Jeff Jordan, Rob Grochmal, Steve Eddy
Current Team:
Millwoods U13 503 Bruins
Number of Years Played: 8
School Grade: 6
Usual Position: Centre
Favourite Hockey Team: Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Connor McDavid
Who is your Role Model: My Dad
Players: Max Alberda, Owen Banfield, Oliver Bosma, TJ Bruzdzinski, Aiden Chalack, Rudy Jr Cruz, Enzo Di-Vanno, Ellar Ellingson, Rajdeep Gill, Bronson Johannson, Dante Larizza, Domenic Marghella, Brett Pascuzzo, Zachary Rochon, Aaron Sauer, Michael Williamson
Staff: Aron Alberda, Christina Pascuzzo, Trevor Bosma, Dan Banfield, Cole Sauer, Blake Alberda, Andreia Corbo, Jesse Williamson, Mike Rochon
Current Team:
Millwoods U13 503 Bruins
Number of Years Played: 8
School Grade: 7
Usual Position: Left Wing
Favourite Hockey Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Favourite Player: Mitch Marner
Who is your Role Model: My Dad
Other Hobbies:
Gaming & Basketball
Favourite Hockey Memory: Scoring 4 goals in one game and winning gold at Quikcard
Edmonton Minor Hockey Week!
Other Hobbies: Mini Hockey, Roller Hockey, Skiing & Quadding
Favourite Hockey Memory: Scoring a goal like Connor McDavid did against NYR last year. I walked around the whole team and the goalie!
Players: Ernesto Blasetti, Graeson Borosiuk, Javier Chow, Jack Cloran, Jack Edmunds, Mihnea-Ioan Filip, Reeve Forbes, Andrew Haarman, Hendrix Huculak, Wyatt Lennon, Connor McLeod, McKenna Milroy, Brayden Moreau, Callen Posteraro, Brendan Scheibel, Matthew Stark, Molly Watson
Staff: Jeffrey Chow, Michael Borosiuk, Peter Blasetti, Mircea Filip, Mark Huculak, Carol Scheibel, Mike Moreau, Rick Watson, Duncan Milroy
Players: Gavin Backman, Sonny Beck, Nash Delainey, Sebastien Duval, Carter Frederick, Hunter Hudson, Kaelan Lockert, Riley Mebs, Beckem Melrose, Quinn Panasiuk, Dylan Roberge, Reid Turner, Colton Wren, Xander Zelles, Brian Zhao
Staff: Holly Roberge, Sean Hudson, Chris Mebs, Danny Melrose, Jason Delainey, Ryan Turner, Wayne Duval
Players: Liam Boland, Tyrese Cardinal, Sahil Chahal, Gabriel Chin, Abdallah Dhanji, Theodore Ferguson, Sean Gan, Lucas Ge, Jaxon Geib, Jovan Johal, Johnathan Manzer, Boston Miles, Marcus Pickett, Jonathan Qu, Kovanjot Reen, Daxton Salga, Satkaar Shergill, Zadeh Yakkineah
Staff: Mike Geib, Ken Pickett, Rob Johal, Kathryn Reen, Gurjot Reen
Players: Elijah Brady, Zane (Mikailah) Caforio, Nathan Deng, Tristan Duquette, Braedon Gitersos, Jacob Hand, Liam Harding, Melad Hatoum, Samuel Hollister, Eric Neumann, Jacob Nguyen, Amir Rahall, Mohammed Rahall, Adam Tarrabain, Jasper Uganecz, Maddix Valley
Staff: Themi Gitersos, Michael Caforio, Curtis Hollister, Jason Hand, Ryan Duquette
Players: Vaven Andrukonis, Rhys Camplin, Chase Ceaser, Victor Chaplin, James Cuffe, Liam Daly, Ryder Johnstone, Matthew Judge, Brody Keirle, Cameron Keirle, Wesley Klatt, Roman Maccallini, Linkin Pambrun, Daniel Reid, Nixon Tabor, Kayden Threinien, Carson Watton
Staff: Wes Keirle, Jamie Klatt, Amanda Maccallini, Tina Chaplin, Gent Judge, Patrick Daly, Tim Homeniuk
Current Team:
KC U13 505 Raptors
Number of Years Played: 7
School Grade: 6
Usual Position: Centre
Favourite Hockey Team: Montreal Canadiens
Favourite Player: Nick Suzuk
Who is your Role Model: My Dad
Players: Camden Ahearn, Marcelo Antunes, Kasim Assiff, Zander Bartlett, Keeyan Brady Whitstone, Paige Brouse, Jaundrei Dela Rosa, Leighlind Eely Foster, Forbes Fowles, Oscar Hanssen, Colton Herdt, Kaila Horne, Jinayd Lalji, Trevor Poon, Sergio Portela, Mason Salame
Staff: Mark Ahearn, Shayne Foster, Eric Hanssen, Alcides Antunes, Jodi Foster, Joyce Poon, Jonathan Strecheniuk
Current Team: KC U13 505 Raptors
Number of Years Played: 4
School Grade: 7
Usual Position: Forward
Favourite Hockey Team: Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Connor McDavid
Who is your Role Model: My Coaches
Other Hobbies:
Swimming, Basketball & Fortnite
Favourite Hockey Memory: Scoring 4 goals in one Game!
Other Hobbies: Making Maps
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning Minor Hockey Week this year and, when I lived in Ontario, I went on the ice with Alumni Hockey Players & even got to meet Walter Gretzky!
Players: Abby Brake, Kadence Collins, Lex Corpe, Julia Dudla, Morgan Fray, Taryn Gibson, Nicole Jones, Anella Kawalilak, Trista Kowal, Micheline Leblanc, Emily Murphy, Georgia Oliver, Maddy Siminick, Charleigh Stawnichy, Samantha Stephen, Cadence Warawa, Isabel Weleschuk
Staff: Brett Corpe, Jenny Oliver, Dave Murphy, Brent Kawalilak, Brent Siminick, Jon Collins, Kurtis Fray, Brandon Kowal
Players: Rachel Andrews, Kiona Arcand, Kadence Baron, Luanna Benson, Kennedy Boddez, Shelby Cameron, Audrey Chauvet, Cassidy Chechotko, Haiden Currie, Sophie Haugland, Abigail Kluthe, Faith Loblick, Brooklyn Lockridge, Morgan Long, Madison McRobbie, Isabella Wright
Staff: Jennifer Lockridge, Russell Benson, Caley Boddez, Shaun Cameron, Jason Kluthe, Janelle Sutherland
Players: Brodie Atema, Max Booth, Jackson Brown, CJ Coffin, James Desrosiers, Trayce Fuller, Will Golightly, Cale Helfrich, Jack Hodges, Carter Hoefling, Cater Huisman Stewart, Arjun Kahlon, Dalton Kinnie, Chase Leeferink, Benjamin Li, Kolby Nordin, Colben Pedersen, Damian Rago, Cash Volk
Staff: Clayton Coffin, Mike Booth, Sean Fuller, Jeremy Brown, Brandon Stewart, Rob Atema, Brain Kinnie, Yvonne Helfrich, Kevin Golightly
Players: Casey Bain, Thomas Caskey, Edward Conquest, Liam Doyle, Kai Gill, Oliver Jeffares, Milayna Laraque, Mya Macdonald, Jonah Mah, Jack Mcgillivray, Brendan Milne, Arjan Pohar, Aaryan Sharma, Ryan Swain, Andrew Thompson, Jovin Tung, Jayden Zhang
Staff: Andrew Swain, April Doyle, Steve Bain, Tim Jaffares, David Milne, Kevin Mah, Gurdeep Gill
Players: Camden Anderson, Jace Frencheater, Baker Helm, Ty Lafayette, Memphis Lagrelle, Colten Lakusta, Matthew Mehling, Cash Niebergall, TJ Paananen, Travis Richardson, Chase Richter, Mason Scantlebury, Austin Smith, Ashton Sorge, Kohl Steffler, Mason Trueman, Connor Twin, Slater Willoughby
Staff: Thomas Scantlebury, Cam Twin, Craig Mehling, Keith Lakusta, Trevor Steffler, Luke Anderson, Sarah Johnson, Dawn Helm
Players: Armando Barba, Dayson Bloomer, Zachary Buchan, Emmitt Burden, Dane Cleland, Nathan Collette, Brayden Hill, Ryder Hodge, Sawyer Loewen, Braden Maryniuk, Hobson Melnychuk, Benjamin Poudrier, Elijah Sarumowa, Kayd True, Riley Whelen
Staff: Les Hodge, Murray Buchan, Sue Faraschuk, Tracie Sarumowa
Players: Birk Brown, Carter Desjardins, Jace Ellis, Forester Ferguson, Jaxen Girod, Connor Hill, Gage Jewers, Beckett Kersey, Carson Krywiak, Joe Lutic, Seth Mathisen, Gage Reddick, Cooper Reed, Kaiden Skuta Phillips, Noah Thornton, Kingston Whitenect, Brae Williamson, Lucas Zaychkowsky
Staff: Andrew Lutic, Andrew Hill, Chris Reed, Shawn Jewers, Shane Ferguson, Cherie Brown
Players: Braxton Brook, Jaxson Coombs, Cace Hart, Grayson Howells, Prosper Kingfisher, Kayden Kruhlak, Carter Lake, Jackson Lecomber, Zander Miscich, Ty Miskiw, Carter Pewsey, Aiden Pfannmuller, Avery Preville, Ryder Reist, Easton Riemersma, Owen Riemersma, Taeson Webber
Staff: Harlan Kingfisher, Steph Pfannmuller, Todd Webber, Nevin Miskiw
Players: Tiana Aguilar, Ahrshanth Anand, Santino Balbuen-Hernadez, Jack Drinkwalter, Zachary Furtas, Kade Hommy-Traynor, Anson Huizinga, Peter Jamieson, Jaitan Judge, Ewan Manning, Tyler Morley, Shane Naqvi, Cooper Sharpe, Gabe Sheehy, Baxter Simmons, Zoravar Thandi, Lyndon Thengumpally, Alexander Young
Staff: Ryan Furtas, Paul Chichka, Paul Manning, Avish Anand, Jason Sheehy, Brent Sharpe
Players: Dresden Crane, Cameron Fedorak, Henrik Gardner, Jesse Henry, Evan Jones, Kayden MacDonald, Mason Perron, Maxim Perron, Vincent Prevost, Silvano Sellitto, Rowan Sharphead, Liam Shironoshita, Nicklas Stubbs, William Stubbs, Jaden Sutton, Branden Vinje, Anderson Weber
Staff: Kevin Gardner, Keith Stubbs, Phil Perron, Paul Weber, Floyd Crane, Shaun Jones
Current Team:
NWZ 608 Rangers
Number of Years
Played: 9
School Grade: 8
Usual Position: Left Wing
Favourite Hockey
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Favourite Player: Leon Draisaitl
Who is your Role Model: My Dad
Other Hobbies: Baseball, Badmington & Tennis
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning gold for the first time at Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week 2023 and playing at Roger’s Place during the ‘Oilers be a Pro Experience.”
Current Team: NWZ 608 Rangers
Number of Years Played: 10
School Grade: 8
Usual Position: Left Wing
Favourite Hockey Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Favourite Player: Sidney Crosby
Who is your Role Model: My Little Brother, Korbyn
Other Hobbies: Hanging out with my Friends
Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning Gold at Quikcard
Edmonton Minor Hockey Week Last Year!
Players: Seeja Assiniboine, Ashton Auger, Knox Bargholz, Jayce Biefus, Linden Caddick, Owen Caul Taylor, Dylan Decker, Liam Feldbusch, Sawyer Kerr, Ethan Kreamer, Kai Lenyk, Cooper Martin, Everett Moore, Acelynn Piche, Matthew Pichonsky, Hunter Rains, David Robinson, Lewis Stooshinoff
Staff: Rob Auger, Ryan Rains, Darrell Decker, Jason Robinson and Michael Pichonsky, Leanne Martin
“ YOU MISS 100% OF THE SHOTS YOU DON’T TAKE ”
- Wayne Gretzky -
Players: Avery Bielarczyk, Jolie Bolster, Lainey Bracuk, Madeline Brown, Evangeline Derechey, Olivia Doak, Melissa Flemming, Ayla Hegedus, Lily Hurley, Nadia Jensen, Rhael Lee, Kenzie Lemay, Madison MacKinnon, Maria Ngan, Kendra Olthuis, Carley Singleton, Rhea Wrightsell, Lauren Zinchuk
Staff: Chris MacKinnon, Carolyn Cashin, Ian Olthuis, Dylan MacKinnon, James Denvir, Steve Doak, Tammy Hegedus, April MacKinnon
Players: Jordynn Anderson-Layman, Annalyn Biagi, Cyanna Calliou, Renee Cardinal, Sarah Gapp, Alexandra Glennie, Elsa Hurd, Gyuyeon Rachel Kim, Kiera Moore, Mackenzie Morin, Charlie Nickerson, Lauren Nikiforuk, Keltie Purvis, Avabella Quiroga, Ava Rain, Serena Reimer, Madison Zarowny
Staff: Dave Quiroga, Clay Anderson, Thomas Gapp, Scott Glennie, Duncan Purvis
Players: Wyatt Berube, Mike Bremner, Benjamin Burdenie, Dade Dakus, Eli Hiebert, Hayden Keil, Parker Lakusta-Allen, Ashton Lowerison, Braden Manning, Thomas Manning, Tyler Manning, Ethan Marcynuk, Anthony Martinez, Kade Radmacher, Joseph Reid, Joshua Thompson, Nolan Warawa, Jake Weinert, Evan Zaichkowsky
Staff: David Kozicki, Clayton Hawrelak, Blake Manning, Chuck Reid, Simon Chamberland, Jason Zaichkowsky, Brian Radmacher, Tammy Manning
Players: Michael Besko, Cash Bowers, Quinton Brown, Ben Bui, Matthew Bui, Matthew Coghill, Jack Culbertson, Andrew Kleparchuk, Brady Mah, Rylan Malin, Carson McDougall, Clay Mckee, Chris Ryan-York, Elliot Spratlin, Tristen Tremblay-Houle, Delton Turenne, Conner Tyson, Braden Vaters, Max West
Staff: Bruce Thompson, Glenn Tyson, Michael Ippolito, Chris Malin
Players: Jack Bentham, Derek Cieko, Carson Eigenseher, Carter Eigenseher, Rainie Gervais, Rueben Horneman, Blake Korte, Tristen Kuchirka, Luke Mahar, Ryley Maryniuk, Cooper Melnychuk, Cooper Menasse, Brock Mitchell, Colby Mullen, Wyatt Okrainetz, Kade Pollock, Ty Sloan, Zak Sloan, Eric Westlin
Staff: Darcy Freemark, Paul Mullen, Mark Sloan, David Eigenseher, Kevin Korte, Barbie Blew
Players: Joshua Annett, Andrew Bawn, Logan Dansereau, Adam Feser, Cameron Fowler, Tyce Hay, Brandon Hui, Mykhailo Johnson, Collin Laughlin, Dominic Lorenson, Tyler Michaels, Dylan Miciak, Ryan Milligan, Luke Mitchell, Jaxon Peters, Jesse Platz, Koen Radmacher, Conrad Scheuer, Justin Wojcichowsky
Staff: Brian Radmacher, Chris Fowler, Dan Hay, Vera Milligan, Jessica Dansereau, Bob Laughlin, Jason Peters, Langford Bawn
Players: Max Appleton, Chance Berg, Evan Bidniak, Jack Blinkhorn, Cameron Burton, Blake Butler, Taylor Dabbs, Dalen Danyluk, Carter DeHaan, Logan DeHaan, Brennan Fodchuk, Tanner Fudge, Cole Lefebvre, Harley Mohr, Easton Northrup, Caiden Ramsum, Kaden Van Domselaar, Andrew (AJ) Van Hecke, Jared Van Hecke, Owen Webb
Staff: Andrea Webb, Shawn Lefebvre, Colin Burton, Tyler Butler, Curtis Appleton, Greg Bidniak, Mike DeHaan
Players: Brandon Albert, Reid Beaulieu, Brayden Goudreau, Chayse Hein, Josh Hutton, Brody Kagi, Joshua Laporte, Carson Leroux, Tyler Lozinski, Jesse Mackenzie, Jacob Maclean, Lex McCarville, Jayden Nicholson, Krishdev Nijjar, Liam Rochon, Jeremy Siffledeen, Korbyn Snowden, Blake Tatarin, Christopher Vidicek
Staff: Brent Tatarin, Ryan Snowden, Chris Laporte, Aiden Hughes, Christine McCarville, Rob McKenzie
Players: Peter Cipenuk Cardinal, Adam Darling, Michael Fourlaris, Steven Hay, Gabriel Hellyer, Tyler Henry, Taryk Hogeveen, Chase Ketza, Hayden Ketza, Michael Knoblauch, Michael Kootenayoo, Jonathan Krenz, Caylum Lagrelle, Nomar Lagrelle, Ayden Larsen-Blatz, Nathaniel Ngai, Stephan Porumb, Kieran Racine, Kalym Rain, Justin Ross, Addison Trevethan
Staff: Chris Blatz, Thomas Trevethan
Players: Colton Adams, Nicholas Brown, Conner Christon, Dominique Despres, Kadyn Eggleton, Simon Gilbert, Marek Horvat, Chase Kiddoo, Jonas Kruk, Cole Kuzemchuk, Connor Lupul, Silas Marshall, James Nielsen, Riley O’Connor, Dylan Sturley
Staff: Ryan O’Connor, Doug Horvat, Alan Kuzemchuk, Dustin Saran
Players: Liam Addison, Laith Al Dayeh, Khaled Aldossari, Shawn Alexander, Brock Balice, Rylan Barber, Landyn Currie, Hamdan Farhat, Carter Gabelmann, Carter Goodwin, Adam Harroun, Dominick Heise, Krue Jennett, Joshua Jurick, Gryphon Kahpeaysewat, William Kuncio, Carter Love, Nicholas Potvin, Ayden Shankaruk, Brady West
Staff: Chris Gallagher, Chris Jurick, Warren Jennett Blair Addison, Natalie Jurick
Hard days are the best because that’s when CHAMPIONS are made.
In early February, we caught up with 19-year-old twin sister hockey officials, Cassidy and Haley Brand. The sisters began officiating minor hockey six years ago, and have moved up the ranks over this period of time. The sisters currently do games at all age levels, up to U18AAA and Junior A girls hockey. When I met with these impressive young ladies, they were officiating a U18AAA game at Bill Hunter Arena, between the Pandas and St. Albert.
The sisters shared what it’s like to be a minor hockey official, and we learned a bit more about their other pursuits too.
What school are you attending, and what are you studying?
Cassidy: I am currently going to the University of Alberta, in my second year studying a Bachelors of Kinesiology.
Haley: I am currently going to MacEwan University, in my second year and am completing my Police and Investigation Diploma this year.
Aside from officiating, do you have any other sports, hobbies or interests?
Cassidy: I volunteer at the Steadward Centre, love going on weekend trips to the mountains for a snowboard or ski, and I usually do resistance training five times a week. I used to play hockey, basketball, and competed in cities for swimming, but due to the demands of University, I no longer play these sports.
Haley: I volunteer at Edmonton Youth Justice Committee Society, love going on weekend trips to the mountains to snowboard and ski and I enjoy going for workouts throughout the week. I used to be highly involved in hockey and lacrosse, but due to the time commitment of university, I no longer play for an organized division.
What is your hockey playing experience?
Cassidy & Haley: We both started playing hockey at seven years old for KC in 2010, then transitioned into female hockey (EGHA) at 13 years old in 2014. We never got to play our last year of midget due to Covid. But we still enjoy going to the outdoor rink and shooting some pucks around.
What position did you play? Any special memories or achievements as a player?
Cassidy: I played defence. At a younger age, I really enjoyed Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. When I got older, I looked forward to the Wickenheiser Tournament and provincials. Special memories I had during tournaments was getting MVP at the Wickenheiser Tournament, and playing mini-sticks in the hotel hallways.
Haley: I played forward growing up, shifting each year between a wing and centre. The best part about playing hockey was definitely the road trips with the girls, especially the Wickenheiser tournament, as there was no other atmosphere like it.
What made you want to become a hockey official?
Cassidy: I love the game of hockey and making sure it is played safe. To be able to watch a sport you love while getting paid at the same time is just a bonus.
Haley: I originally started officiating because I wanted to become more involved in the game of hockey. I also enjoy the social aspect of reffing, hanging out with people you build connections with, and getting paid for something you have an extreme passion for is never a bad idea.
What level of hockey are you officiating?
Cassidy: I officiate a range of levels ranging from U11 to U18 both contact and non-contact. The highest levels I have officiated are U18AAA and Junior A for females and officiated U18 2 contact for males.
Haley: I officiate a variety of levels ranging from U11 to U18, contact and non-contact for both males and females. Currently the highest levels I have officiated are U18AAA and Junior A for females and for males is U16AA lines and Junior C lines.
Do you usually do lines, or mostly refereeing? (And what do you prefer?)
Cassidy: I do usually lines but have just started refereeing more this year. Personally I prefer lines because you get to interact with the players more and be more hands-on when de-escalating conflict to keep the game safe.
Haley: For female hockey, I am mostly refereeing, and for males hockey, the majority of the time I am on the lines. I prefer to be a referee as I find being a linesperson can get fairly boring at times, and I get distracted easily. I also enjoy tension and de-escalating situations with coaches and players.
Have you been officiating games for Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, and if so, how many years have you done so?
Cassidy: Always! I have officiated games for Minor Hockey Week for five years. I have been an official for six years but missed Minor Hockey Week in 2021 due to Covid cancelling the tournament.
Haley: I have always been involved during Edmonton Minor Hockey Week ever since I started officiating. This year was my sixth season doing so.
What makes you volunteer your time as an official for Edmonton Minor Hockey Week?
Cassidy: I think back on the time I was a kid and loved participating in the Edmonton Minor Hockey Week tournament, so to give back to the young hockey players by volunteering my time gives me great gratitude.
Haley: I believe reffing is beyond a job. Reffing isn’t strictly about the money, for me it is much more about giving back to the hockey community. All ten years I played in minor hockey week, there were always officials available willing to give up their time so my games could run smoothly and I believe every kid should get the opportunity to experience what minor hockey week is all about. Plus without officials, minor hockey week wouldn’t even be operating, so I believe it is our responsibility as officials to ensure it never comes to that point by being willing to volunteer our time.
Do you have any special memories from being an official during Edmonton Minor Hockey Week?
Cassidy: Just this last Edmonton Minor Hockey Week 2023, I recall officiating a U15 game in the semi-finals with Haley and it went into overtime all the way down to one on one. A minor penalty was called for hooking, which led to a penalty shot. The player scored on the penalty shot and immediately skated across to her goalie and dropped down crying, while her other teammates threw their gloves and skated towards her.
Haley: I’d have to agree with Cass. I truly do believe that a special memory I will continue to cherish just happened this last Edmonton Minor Hockey Week in 2023. The stands were packed, everyone was dressed up holding signs and posters, the atmosphere was everything you could ever ask for during a hockey game. Watching both teams play incredibly hard and going down to 1 on 1 overtime and ultimately the game was determined over a penalty shot. The little girl scored, went down on her knees and started crying. How much she cared about that game was heart melting.
What do you enjoy most about officiating hockey games?
Cassidy: What I enjoy most about officiating hockey games is watching the game! It is awesome to observe young players show off their skills and the team as a whole work together making strategic and spontaneous plays. I also enjoy being part of the officiating community and meeting a variety of skilled officials who you can look up to and exchange advice with.
Haley: One of the biggest things I enjoy about officiating is still being integrated in the hockey community. Since I am no longer playing hockey, it is nice to still be part of the officiating community. You get to meet a lot of new people, develop friendships, and have role models to look up to.
What kind of training were/are you provided?
Cassidy: Every year at the beginning of the hockey season, all registered officials in Alberta must take a clinic that incorporates training and review of game rules, rule changes, and scenario based questions. At the end of the clinic a test is distributed to assess your retention and knowledge in applying the rulebook in various scenarios.
Haley: Another amazing form of training I am provided continuously throughout the season is supervisions. These supervisors range from a variety of different skill levels and they come out and watch my games. After the game we run through areas of strengths as well as areas of improvement. These supervisors have allowed me to grow and develop into the official I am today, fixing mistakes, bad habits, and overall helping me improve.
Do you have a role model or mentor who has helped you along the way?
Cassidy: I have had many role models during my time as an official whether they are more senior officials or supervisors. The two prominent role models I have had would have to be Leland Cannon and Darby Readman. These two individuals have come out to supervise me on many occasions and have been a huge part of my development as an official which I am extremely grateful to both of them for. I would not be where I am today without them.
Haley: Someone who I have always looked up to as a role model is Hayley Butz. The first time I met her when I was 13, I was inspired to be like her one day, and I still am. She has had a major impact on many female officials and continues to. One of my biggest mentors is Leland Cannon, he has always been my number one supporter during my years of officiating. He cares deeply about all his female officials and is always there for not only support but guidance whenever I have needed him. He goes above and beyond and is the main reason I came back to officiating after covid.
Another mentor of mine is Darby Readman, although I only met him this year, he is the biggest advocate for female officiating, and has turned female officiating into a whole new world. Overall I thank Leland, Hayley, and Darby for playing a significant role throughout my development as an official, I don’t know where I’d be without them.
What is the toughest part about being an official?
Cassidy: I think the hardest part of being an official is keeping a level head when the emotions are high in the game. Luckily with being an official for so long and having a lot of experience and training, it starts to become easier. The key is to communicate in a respectful manner and utilize the knowledge obtained from the rulebook and supervisors.
Haley: I believe the toughest part of being an official is not allowing yourself to take what the coaches, parents, and players say to you personally. At times it can be extremely difficult, especially when someone says something that is offensive or rubs you the wrong way. Setting those emotions aside and remaining in that stable mindset is hard. As soon as I allow my emotions into the game, I have a hard time keeping my standard level consistent throughout the remainder of the game.
How did the Covid lock-down affect you as a hockey official?
Cassidy: I think it was disappointing not being able to officiate during the Covid lockdown because each year provided an opportunity for learning and improving. But since the lock-down decreased the spread of Covid19 and spared many peoples health I understood it.
Haley: I almost did not return after covid as an official, as I didn’t know how long it would take for hockey to go back to normal. During covid I lost all motivation to continue pursuing hockey entirely, especially after the continuous process of being shut down, the rules constantly changing, and overall never knowing what tomorrow would look like as a ref.
Ever suffer any injuries as an official? Any close calls?
Cassidy: I am lucky enough to say I have not got any major injuries as an official. I have got a couple pucks to the body due to players with their heads down that left a bruise for a couple weeks but nothing major. A close call I had recently was calling a U18_2 non contact and a player had his head down and fired the puck and it hit my whistle off my hand and broke it. Luckily I always keep a spare whistle!
Haley: Earlier this season I was doing the lines at a U18AAA game where a player had their head down and knocked my feet out from under me going full speed. I landed on my back on the ice which definitely knocked the wind out of me. I ended up having a few weeks of lower back pain and some bruising but other than that no major injuries.
How do you handle criticism on the ice?
Cassidy: I am open for questioning by coaches/captains about any calls I make during the game up to a certain point where it does not delay the game and the exchange is in a respectful manner. If they are in disagreement, I hear them out and see if it aligns with the rulebook and if I need to improve on anything or look out for something specific. All officials are just human so we call the game to the best of our ability and some things may slip by our eyes so I am not opposed to criticism if it helps me become a better official. As for supervisors or senior officials giving criticism I am all for it. They have more experience and knowledge then me and thus I am open to hear corrections and make the proper adjustments for future games.
Haley: Criticism can be a blessing and a curse. When criticism arises, I automatically do not get angry or defensive, I go in with a positive and even-tempered mindset. I give coaches a moment to explain how they feel as long as they are being respectful. When they are screaming and yelling at me I will rarely go over to have a conversation as they are letting their emotions get the best of them. Again, officials are human too and we are bound to make mistakes. No one is perfect and criticism from coaches, players, and parents can help me improve for future games.
Any challenges in being a female official? Do players or coaches notice, or make comments?
Cassidy and Haley: There are still prevalent stereotypes that many coaches and players hold about females officiating hockey in regards to physicality of the sport and psychological aspects. I think it is a great time to be a female official because many of these assumptions are being countered and a lot of opportunities are becoming available especially due to the advocating of senior officials, supervisors and assigners in the hockey community. I do think it is important that with time the hockey community is able to eliminate certain terminology that has a negative connotation to gender and is often used as an insult.
Have you ever officiated games together, and if so, how many times?
Cassidy: We have officiated numerous games together since we were 13 years old to now at 19 years old. Although after taking a year off, Haley has progressed to higher levels of male hockey, but we still get odd games together. It would be very difficult to determine the exact amount of games we have officiated together due to working together for many years.
Haley: Cass and I have officiated with each other for a very long time. Our first couple of years we probably officiated with each other more than we did with anyone else. Although we don’t work together as often, we will still get the odd game together. Pinpointing how many games we have done together would be nearly impossible, as it would be probably hundreds.
Cassidy: I enjoy officiating with my sister. We always know when to cover each other and are not afraid to tell each other when we are doing something wrong. We generally have the same standards for penalties which makes the games we officiate together run smoothly. I think my sister is a great official and if I ever need immediate advice I usually go to her.
Haley: The best games I do is when I am officiating with Cass. We have a similar game mentality, in regards to how we believe the game should be called, and our overall standards of penalties. I also always know where Cass is on the ice, and we cover for each other when needed without even thinking about it. She is one of my biggest supporters, but we set out high expectations for one another every game we do together.
What are your future plans as a hockey official? Do you plan to continue?
Cassidy: I plan to continue officiating hockey for as long as my physical body permits me. I want to continue developing as an official and progress into higher levels of hockey. Down the road, I also want to give back to young officials. I hope I can be a role model for many, and mentor young officials to reach their highest potential.
Haley: I plan to continue officiating until I physically no longer can. In the future, I would like to be an advocate for female officials, and give back to the community of officiating that has given me so much throughout the years.
Do you have any comments you wish to share with parents, coaches or anyone involved with minor hockey?
Cassidy: I think sometimes parents and coaches in minor hockey forget what hockey is all about. Sure hockey is an intense and competitive sport where athletes can develop their skill and exhibit their skills in game contexts. But at the end of the day, hockey is a sport and I think that needs to be kept in mind when communicating with athletes, coaches and officials on and off the ice.
Haley: One thing I’d wish to share with all parents, coaches, and anyone else involved in minor hockey, is to be cautious about what you say, no matter if you agree, disagree, or are mad about how the game turned out. Officials are human too, and we all make mistakes. Screaming at an official, saying they suck, or making incredibly rude comments has a major impact on that official past that game. I believe it is the main reason why so many first, second, and third year officials quit and give up. Start being mindful about what comes out of your mouth when a call is made or when the game is finalized, as you don’t know the long term effects or damages it will continue to carry with that official.
BOARDING
BODY CHECKING BUTT ENDING CHARGING
CHECKING FROM BEHIND
CHECKING TO THE HEAD
CROSS CHECKING
HIGH STICKING HOLDING
HOOKING
INTERFERENCE KNEEING MISCONDUCT
SLASHING SPEARING
TRIPPING
