Minor Hockey Week 2014

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

o H c r k o e y Week n i M January 19 to 26, 2014

Committed to community The places where we work are also where we live.

That’s why Teck is proud to support our local minor hockey teams and the volunteers who make them a success.

Teck has five coal mines in the Elk Valley that produce coal for making steel used in everything from cars to bridges to the blades on skates.

Find out more: www.teck.com

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

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Meet the players!

Fernie Minor Hockey President’s Message 2014

ELK VALLEY Minor Hockey President’s Message 2014

I

have been involved with Minor Hockey for ten years now. I started out as a coach teaching four and five-year olds how to skate and how to play the game. Over time, the players’ skills surpassed mine; I couldn’t call myself a coach any more, but I was having so much fun being involved with the team that I didn’t want to leave the bench. I signed on as trainer, bringing ice bags and a first aid kit to games.

Off the ice, I became involved with the executive of Elk Valley Minor Hockey. This is now my fifth year as president of this amazing organization.

I have learned a lot over the past 10 years, and I would like to share some of what I have learned.

Elk Valley Minor Hockey is an awesome organization.

Last year, four out of five teams won their East Kootenay championship. The winning attitude, the push for excellence and the success comes from the players, their parents and the coaches; it doesn’t come merely from being on a rep team, or travelling to “play at a higher level.” The higher level comes from within.

B.C. Hockey and Hockey Canada (to which we are tied) are bureaucratic organizations, with lots of rules and policies. All of these rules and policies are designed to protect the players and minor hockey organizations and I have come to respect and appreciate the foundation that these rules provide to associations such as ours.

The people who complain the most do the least to help. My attitude to people who think that our association is doing a poor job is “well, I guess the only way to improve things is for you to start helping.” It seldom works, but it keeps things in perspective for me.

Hockey is fun. That’s the message I get back from the young athletes whenever I ask them why they keep coming back to it. It also explains why I keep coming back to it. I have had a lot of fun working with the youth of all age groups and being on the executive. I even enjoy officiating at games.

While the horror stories you occasionally hear about coaches and hockey parents are true, they are rare, and nobody finds that behaviour acceptable. I have seen adults reduced to tears of embarrassment over the behaviour of a spouse who has gotten out of control at a hockey game. Hockey is a passionate game, and in Canada, we have a passion for hockey. Minor Hockey Associations have a responsibility to set the standard for acceptable behaviour. Sometimes that means telling a parent to tone it down; sometimes we decline the offers of volunteers to be a coach.

Minor Hockey is a great way to spend time with your family. Our family has been on a lot of road trips – sometimes all of us together, sometimes split as we travel in two different directions. During these trips we all have a common purpose and we always have something to talk about.

Minor Hockey is expensive. In the Elk Valley Association, our registration fees are not high compared to major centres, but we have to travel quite a bit.

The extra costs add up: travel, accommodation, and tournament fees far outweigh the registration fee.

It’s an investment many families are willing to make.

We have developed sponsorship programs with local businesses for players whose families cannot afford that expense. If any family out there wants to get involved with minor hockey and needs help, contact me and we can work something out confidentially.

I am enormously grateful to the volunteers who make our association work. Our coaches promote fun, skill, and sportsmanship. Our officials act with care and integrity. Our executive upholds high standards in all of our activities. Above all, everybody who works with our association puts the youth first. Thank you. ~ Kevin Atherton, President, Elk Valley Minor Hockey

A

s I write this year’s message we eagerly await the announcement of our Olympic hockey roster. Thoughts of another gold medal opportunity dangle!

Fond memories of radio broadcasts of Canada Russia 1972 summit where we sat on the edge of our seats at school waiting for a hero - thanks Paul Henderson. Jubilation when Sid the Kid scored for gold in Vancouver 2010, these memories bring a warm smile.

How we love our national sport how it brings us all together. Hockey, it’s our game and part of the fabric of the lives of so many Canadian families.

Over the years Fernie Minor Hockey Association (FMHA) has had our share of alumni who have played on the world and national stages: wearing the Team Canada jersey, playing in the NHL, winning the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, achieving scholarships to universities and colleges. We are one of the oldest associations in the province with a storied history of Fernie champions from the Swastikas to the Ghostriders! Hockey has so much to offer to its participants: building athletic skills, social skills and leadership skills.

I am truly proud of our association, and all of our players. I am happy to say that we are growing in numbers again and that next season we will have a PeeWee age team...it’s been a while! Of course all of our successes wouldn’t be possible without our network of volunteers - our excellent coaches, managers, officials, parents and sponsors. Truly it is a team effort on and off the ice. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our executive, coaches, on and off ice parent volunteers, officials and sponsors. FMHA couldn’t exist without you.

Our number one goal as an association is to ensure our players have fun and develop their skills. Whether you are a recreational player or looking for development opportunities we support programs for all. We welcome new players of any age, you are never too old to start! Olympic gold medalist Danielle Goyette started playing at 12 years old. Join the fun and see what hockey can offer you - just might be you are the one we watch become Canada’s newest hero!

Contact us @ www.fernieminorhockey.net. We are your home on ice!!

Best wishes from myself and the Executive for a Happy New Year!

~ Yours in hockey Tracey Kelly, President, Fernie Minor Hockey Association

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Pre-Novice Elkford

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Pre-Novice Sparwood

Front: Lindi Clarkson, Brock Bernhart, Cody Wilm, Mitchell Anderson, Wyatt Wilm, Sawyer Clarkson Middle: Blaine Trischuk, Erik Haugo, Brooke Ingham, Jayden Logodi, Colby Dobson Back: Adele Borys (A. Coach), Darcy Bernhart (A. Coach), Lee Wilm (Coach) Absent: Brad Trischuk (A. Coach), Dan Anderson (A. Coach)

Front: Tristan Roach, Jaxen Zielinski, Jesse Tennant, Delano Guzzi, Dallen Guzzi, Morgan Baher, Cameron Etue Middle: Hailey Podrasky, Jaelyn Kerkhoven, Brody Kerkhoven, Emalie Smith, Brayden Holberton, Owen Rybachuk, Adam Latka Back: Matt Roach (Coach), Jeff Etue (A. Coach), Dwight Kerkhoven (A. Coach), Nicole Latka (A. Coach) Absent: Callum Minion, Scott Holberton (A. Coach), Scott Latka (A. Coach)

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

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Meet the players!

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Novice

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Atom

Front: Brayden Baher, Finlay Tobin, Ayden Wells, Mason Benoit, Logan Head, Tyson Zwolak, Jacob Heide Middle: Taylor Smuin, Carter Paulsen, Gavin Sammartino, Austin Roberts, Aiden Roach, Brock Smith Coaches: Jamie Sammartino, Jason Wells, Troy Tobin

Front: Tavin Quast, Branden MacNaughton, Dhruv Joshi, Levi Norgate, Julian Honores, Sage Charest, Rowan Kipnik, Nicholas Bachmier Middle: Lane Ogden, Boby Beranek, Mackenzie Spence, Gracie Beranek, Evan Smuin, Kyle Sliworsky, Garet MacDonald Back: Simon MacNaughton (A. Coach), Mike Ogden (A. Coach), DJ Kipnik (Coach), Gerry Sliworsky (A. Coach), Blane Beranek (A. Coach) Absent: Dom Durban, Joe Smuin (A. Coach)

Helmets off to all the players coaches and parents!

1492 Highway 3, Fernie 250-423-9211 888-423-9211

Good luck to all teams in 2014

Proud to support minor hockey and proud sponsor of Timbits Hockey in the Elk Valley and Crownest Pass Tim Hortons Highway #3 Fernie 250-423-7709, Blairmore, AB (403) 562-7770

Proudly supporting minor hockey players, coaches and volunteers

Sparwood, B.C.

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

Meet the players!

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Pee Wee A Gold

Front: Jared Hutchinson, Logan Mitchell, Anton Loewen, Gabe Dobson, Carter Loney, Vanessa Smithies, Justin Scarpelli Middle: Brady Clowe, Kyle Klein, Simon Smith-Burness, Cody Perrott, Bowen Arola, Nicholas Mitchell, Dawson Hutchinson Back: Kevin Hutchinson (A. Coach), Brian Loney (Coach), Bob Klein (A. Coach), Doug Mitchell (A. Coach)

Front: Alex Streeter, Julien Stewart, Anabelle Scott, Robert Grabas, Konrad Thrummer, Brayden Fox Middle: Belle Boehm, Justis Ruta, Ethan Olden, Austin Norgate, Dawson Wells, Jake Lampman, Jeremy Dowling Back: Keith Streeter (A. Coach), Jason Wells (A. Coach) Absent: Jeff Scott (Coach)

Nov/Dec

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Pee Wee Rep

We salute Minor Hockey Players!

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wants to look at future career options as a Mechanical Engineer. This former goaltender now in the 10th grade, enjoys being on the ice in a different capacity.

Without young, aspiring officials, such as Dylan, many kids in the Elk Valley would be without hockey. For his efforts, Dylan will receive a brand new whistle, gift card to A&W, ticket to a future Ghostriders game, ad in the Free Press and a BIG Thank you for his hard work and dedication. Great Work Dylan!

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Dylan Steen

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Dylan loves officiating, and especially watching the game from a different perspective. He has yet to find an aspect of officiating that he doesn’t enjoy. His love of hockey started early and he recognized being an on-ice official as a way to become very involved, as well as earning money as a part time job.

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Each month in the hockey season, Elk Valley Minor Hockey will award one up and coming official the honour of being the official of the month. For the months of November and December 2013, our selection is Dylan Steen Dylan returned to refereeing in the 1314 season, and is very deserving of the honour.

This is Dylan’s second season as a referee, after a short hiatus due to injury and continues to make big

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

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Meet the players!

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Pee Wee C

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Bantam

Front: Mateus Zwolak, Kaleb Kilford, Potia Eldaun, Dylan Baker, Erik Hurley, Brendan Skead, Pyper Gandner Back: Jan Baker (A. Coach), Gavin Bouvier, Brandon Ridell, Taylor Bachmier, Emily Gandner, Jaylene Abrosimoff, Jordan Webber, Dalton Reid, Alex Eldaun (Coach)

Front: Chase Rayman, Hayden Syrja, Corbin Fraser, Aiden Douglas, Cole Draper, Colton Hutchinson, Joshua Lee Back: Shawn Potyok (A. Coach), Jamie Sammartino (A. Coach), Cory Caldwell, Don Smithies, Levi Strom, Ethan Ballak, Pierce Potyok, Jake Beranek, Ken Syrja (A. Coach), Blaine Beranek (H. Coach) Absent: Monique Lee (Mgr/Trainer)

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Midget

2013/14 Elk Valley Wild – Midget Girls

Front: Sawyer Ward, Donovan Smithies, Carter Nieuwesteeg, Thomas Hopkins, Cruz Canlas, Benno Hart, Evan Morrissette, David Gold, Andre Pelletier Back: Vaughn Willett (Coach), Tyler Wray, Corey Scott, Brayden Thompson, Kenneth Weech, Jacen Richards, Dalton Bouvier, Adam Doka, Trevor Broad, Jared Willett, Tyler Atherton, Kyle Haugo, Ron Wray (Coach), Tom Hopkins (H. Coach) Absent: Evan Pumphrey, Kevin Atherton (Trainer), Bonnie Willett (Mgr)

Front: Cameron Bilodeau, Madison Allen, Savanna Goossens, Morgan Klein, Kyra Doehle, Rhylynn Fowler, Jennifer Banks Back: Dwayne Allen (Coach), Kelli Klein, Hailey Bodie, Brielle Pelletier, Nicole Klein, Sami Foye, Cassandra Thummerer, Jessica Hutchinson, Glenn Banks (Coach), Taylor Marchi, Barry Marchi (Coach) Absent: Jessie Coutts, Gary Holland (Coach), Chrissy Malley (Coach)

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Proud supporters of Minor Hockey in the Elk Valley

Support your local hockey team.

The District of Elkford is proud to sponsor Minor Hockey Week in the Elk Valley www.elkford.ca

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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, January 23, 2014

Meet the players!

2013/14 Fernie Jr. Ghostriders Initiation

2013/14 Fernie Jr. Ghostriders Black Atoms

Front: Austin Marasco, Kamrynn Dueck, Kaden Sikkes, Sam Arling, Liam Rouselle, Jackson Hobbs, Nolan Mertz, Rhys Williams, Blake Bannatyne, Dane DeMarchi, Grady Green, James Davidson, Riley Prentice, Harley Magliocco Back: Tyson Gale, Cohen Hide, Jaxson Miller, Sawyer Samycia, Kayden Boyd, Tomas Pumphrey, Ryan Sotski, Ollie Hafke, Felix Craig-Dumba, Ben Novecosky, Ben Shopland, Nyah Shopland, Maggie Sutherland Coaches: Mike Sotski, Mike DeMarchi, Marty Williams, Chris Boyd, Kevin Marasco, Trevor Dumba

Front: Tyler Palmer, Zachary Perreault, Remi Gris, Rhys Baker, James Cocciolo, Elliot Burt, Tom Medlicott, Drayten Desjardins Back: AJ Bernemann, Cole Hutchinson, Alexander Johnson, Maia Cocciolo, Connor Will, Liam Samycia, Bo Hutchinson Coaches: Mark Palmer, Vince Cocciolo, Claude Perreault

2013/14Fernie Jr. Ghostriders White Atoms

Front: Logan Pomerantz, Cassidy Boehm, Jack Halley, Landon Kubos, Trey Hobbs, Chase Anderson Back: Anna Loewen, Brent Thibodeau, Cole Dudley, Braeden Helgren, Isaac Pumphrey, Hayden Grabas, Ben Arling Coaches: Rhylynn Fowler, Paul Linklater, Matt Boehm

2013/14 Fernie Jr. Ghostriders Novice

Front: Austin Dixon (Far left), Josh Kallies, Hannah Halley, Kaitlyn Loney, Owen Johnson, Ethan Doehle, Remy Stamler-Lessard, Nolan Magliocco, Riley Helgren, Matthew Dies, Ethan Kallies, Bryce Ellerby Back: Kelly Bannatyne, Sileena Laible, Blake Goldade, Owen Mertz, Mattias Larsen, Carson Tennant, Ty Marasco, Josh Klassen, Finn Hofer, Ethan Sutherland Coaches: Bill Johnson, Kevin Marasco, John Hofer