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Salute to Vegreville and District Minor Hockey

Salute to Vegreville and District Minor Hockey

 Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Every January the News Advertiser publishes its Salute to the Vegreville and District Minor Hockey Association (VDMHA) and this year is no exception.

It’s impossible not to feel the passion and excitement of the fans and coaches alike, most of which are parents and family members of the players who support the local youth whether it be during practice, away games or tournaments.

Walking towards the front entrance of Wally Fedun Arena on Jan. 6 one could hear the familiar sound of cow bells clanging and loud cheering emanating from inside the building. Huddled in blankets and wearing mitts, gloves, toques, scarves and ear muffs, fans were in great spirits as they watched the players give their full effort on the ice.

One of those fans was hockey mom Candice van der Torre. She was asked to share some of her thoughts and memories. She says, “I never planned to be a ‘hockey mom’ and while the game has taught my three boys several life lessons, it’s taught me equally as much.

View from the bench.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Like minded individuals working towards a common goal, celebrating the successes and learning many lessons along the way, including some valuable life skills. Many great accomplishments have come to Drayden, Ryder and Bowyn and I’d say some of the highlights include hosting Provincials and having a full arena of local elementary students and staff to cheer on their home town minor hockey team, the Vegreville Wranglers. The energy was indescribable.

The away tournaments which include player and parent bonding activities and one particular parent being a lifeguard was also very memorable.

Of course, seeing your home town team win a tournament made this hockey mom boast with pride on several occasions. And then on Monday morning school days came along and the players sporting their MVP, Heart & Hustle Awards and Medals to school proudly, is really great.

After lacing up skates with the Vegreville Vixens women’s team for a year, I quickly realized I was a much better hockey mom than a player. It provided a really humbling perspective of the game.

The sense of community, the pride and smiles watching these kids play for the crest on the front of the jersey are most memorable; and it’s Canada, what else do we do to pass the time in these winter months? I can’t think of a better way.”

The Vegreville Wranglers U18 squad in action against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons on Jan. 6.
(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Trevor Warawa was born and raised in Vegreville and spent many hours at the rink. One of the highlights for him came in his Pee Wee year when the team made it to Provincials in 1995. “We were the best team in our pool,” recalls Warawa. They went 3-0 and won the quarter and semi-finals handily. They faced-off against the host team in the gold medal game and were leading by a score of 4-1. Then halfway through the second period the coach pulled the goalie. With 30 seconds to go on the clock, Olds scored to win 5-4.

He admits it was a devastating loss. Ironically, the team made it to Provincials two other times and came home with silver medals. He doesn’t know if they were jinxed or not, but there were many other memories that he had during his days in minor hockey. Several hockey players went on to play Junior A, Western Hockey League and National Hockey League, including Scott Langkow and Kyle Brodziak.

Warawa played on the Vegreville Rangers for four years and held start the double A men’s team in Two Hills. One of the highlights was winning the Sask-Alta Hockey League Championship in 2006. With VDMHA he’s served as a head coach and currently is an assistant coach with the U-13 – 1 team that his son Benjamin plays on.

With many more memories to come, hats off to all the players, parents and supporters of VDMHA.

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