BC HOCKEY – September Newsletter

Message from BC Hockey

Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s, when I was playing hockey as a youngster, it was right around now that I would be sent downstairs with a challenge; find your skates, stick, and equipment, because it was almost time for hockey season.

I suppose there is still a hockey off-season for some, but not for all of us. These days, it’s just as likely that you or your family stayed involved in hockey in some way through the warmer months. Either way, September still feels like the ‘new’ season, and a launch of things… it’s a great feeling!

Our Annual Congress and Annual General Meeting in June was a nice time for all of us to connect in Penticton again. We elected three new directors to our volunteer board, re-elected Stephanie White as chair for another term, and following late July meetings we are off and running with our committees and work groups. And, just like that, a new season of work off the ice is underway, just as hockey on the ice ramps up to full speed again for 60,000+ participants in safe, sanctioned hockey.

In 2024-25, more families than ever will be putting their trust in BC Hockey and Hockey Canada to help them navigate the ever-changing hockey environment. In my four years as CEO, one great reward has been watching our game grow, even in the face of many options and obstacles. I think the secret isn’t much of a secret at all; it’s just the result of how much we all care, and how committed we are to engaging with each other to make hockey an amazing addition to the lives of families in B.C. and Yukon.

For the 2024-25 season, we are already accelerating positive change in our delivery model, making our game safer than ever, while also unlocking opportunities to grow.

Of course, it’s thousands of volunteers that make it all possible, many of whom are parents or grandparents of our participants. It’s coaches, officials, administrators, board members, and many more, taking time in busy lives to ensure that every chance to get on the ice is something everyone looks forward to!

It’s an exciting time for our game, and for all of us who enjoy it.

See you at the rink!

Cameron Hope

The Season is Starting, Are You Ready?

September has arrived, bringing the start of hockey season. Whether you’re coaching from the sidelines or officiating on the ice, it’s essential to have the required qualifications for your role. Click the buttons below for more information.

Bench Staff: All bench staff have until December 15, 2024 to be caught up with their certifications, so make sure you tackle them ahead of time. Click HERE for more information on coaching clinics.

Officials: New officials need to complete certification for the 2024-25 season before they’re eligible to hit the ice.

*If you are a returning official from the 2023-24 season, you’re clear to officiate under that certification until its expiration date of December 31, 2024.

Criminal Record Checks: BC Hockey policies 5.09 and 11.5.1 state that every person 18 years of age or older as of December 31, 2024, must have a valid Criminal Record Check (CRC) on their Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) profile, prior to registering for the 2024-25 season. Click HERE to read more about Criminal Record Checks. Please contact [email protected] for assistance.

If you have any questions related to any of our BC Hockey clinics, reach out to [email protected]

Empowering Women and Girls’ in Hockey!

This fall, engage with your community by getting involved with women and girls’ hockey. Make the game exciting and inclusive by organizing an Esso Fun Day, or participate in World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend.

Esso Fun Days

There are nearly 100 programs hosted and over 1,800 players introduced to the game each year.

Hosts must fill out the online application at least six weeks prior to their proposed event date. Join in on the fun by hosting an Esso Fun Day in your community or register for an existing Esso Fun Day by clicking below!

World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend

The weekend is aimed to have events that recruit, retain and engage players, coaches, officials and fans through grassroots programming led by girls hockey associations, minor hockey associations and communities.

In 2023, more than 6500 girls benefited from the World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend with the delivery of more than 55 events across the country. If you are looking for some inspiration or if you would like to go on a pictorial tour of the different events that have been held around the globe over the years, CLICK HERE.

Hockey Canada’s Dressing Room Policy

With the 2024-25 season on its way, we wanted to provide a reminder of the following resources related to the Hockey Canada Dressing Room Policy. This Policy applies to all minor hockey teams sanctioned by Hockey Canada and BC Hockey.

Click the links below to familiarize yourself with the policy, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

• Hockey Canada Dressing Room Policy

• Hockey Canada Dressing Room Policy Implementation Guide

• Frequently Asked Questions (updated for the 2024-25 season)

The Rule of Two is a subsection of the Dressing Room Policy that ensures the safety of all participants while in the dressing room. Click the links below for more information on the Rule of Two.

• Rule of Two Infographic

• Rule of Two Training Poster

These resources can also be found on our website by clicking the link HERE.

Three New Board Members!

Calvin Swustus Jr.

Cole Evans

Laura MacKillop

Welcome to the Board, Calvin, Cole and Laura!

During BC Hockey’s 2024 Annual General Meeting held at the Penticton Lakeside Resort in June, Calvin Swustus Jr., Cole Evans, and Laura MacKillop were elected to the Board of Directors. They will join Chair of the Board Stephanie White, Jaci Edgeworth, Brad Klock, Haleigh Callison, Mark Burgin and Anita Cote.

We’re thrilled to have them join us and look forward to their contributions.

BC Hockey 2024 Awards

The 2024 BC Hockey Awards Gala in June was a night to remember! We celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals across the BC Hockey community.

Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you for your dedication to hockey in B.C. and Yukon!

The 2024 BC Hockey Award winners were:

• Diamond Stick Award: Nonie Miyazaki, Merritt, B.C.
• Chair of the Board Award: Maegan Thompson, Capital Region Female Minor Hockey Association.
• Ernie Gare Award – BC Hockey Coach of the Year: Karen Kos, North Shore Winter Club.
• BC Hockey Official of the Year: Melissa Brunn, Kelowna Minor Hockey Association.
• BC Hockey Safety Award: Brad Bemis, Kitimat Minor Hockey Association.
• Development Award – Coaching: Brian Sugiyama, Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association.
• Mike Landucci Development Award – Officiating: Larry Lenarduzzi, Kelowna Minor Hockey Association.
• Frank Spring Award – Minor Hockey Association of the Year: Langley Minor Hockey Association.
• Indigenous Impact and Legacy Award: Calvin Swustus Jr., Cowichan Valley Minor Hockey Association.
• Hockey Canada Officiating Award – Most Deserving: Logan Marsh, Kimberley Minor Hockey Association.
• Hockey Canada Officiating Award – Most Improved: Lucy Lum, Capital Region Female Minor Hockey Association.
• Hockey Canada Officiating Award – Most Promising: Nicholas Gillam, Langley Minor Hockey Association.
• 2024 Fred Heslop Minor Hockey Week Awards: Jodi Bradford – Greater Trail Minor Hockey Association, Glynis Vennberg – Prince George Minor Hockey Association, Lily Roberts – Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association, Samantha Barrowcliff – Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association, Daryl Stepaniuk – Penticton Minor Hockey Association.

BCEHL Season Preview

It’s an exciting time for the BCEHL as they gear up for the new season! With anticipation building, teams are preparing for a thrilling series of games and events. This season, each league within the BCEHL will feature two major showcases, providing players with valuable opportunities to display their skills.

Later in the season, the U18 AAA Fraser Valley Thunderbirds are set to host the 2025 TELUS Cup April 21-27, 2025 at the Chilliwack Coliseum. The tournament will feature the five regional champions from across Canada, along with the host Thunderbirds, competing for the Men’s U18 National Club Championship.

Female U18 AAA

When: September 27-28, 2024

Where: Surrey Sport and Leisure Centre, Surrey, B.C.

Showcase #2:

When: February 7-9, 2025

Where: Scotia Barn, Burnaby, B.C.

U18 AAA

When: TBD

Where: TBD

Showcase #2:

When: February 8-10, 2025

Where: Scotia Barn, Burnaby, B.C.

U17 AAA

When: October 11-13, 2024

Where: Richmond Oval, Richmond, B.C.

Showcase #2:

When: February 7-10, 2025

Where: Scotia Barn, Burnaby, B.C.

U15 AAA

When: September 20-22, 2024

Where: Langley Twin Rinks, Langley, B.C.

Showcase #2:

When: February 7-9, 2025

Where: Scotia Barn, Burnaby, B.C.

National Events Around The Corner

BC Hockey is thrilled for the exciting events lined up for our Program of Excellence this fall! In October, Team BC’s Male Under-16 team will hit the ice in Red Deer, Alberta, at the 2024 WHL Cup. In November, Team BC’s Female Under-18 squad heads to the East Coast for the 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Quispamsis, New Brunswick. These events showcase some of the best emerging talent and provide incredible opportunities for players to shine. We can’t wait to cheer on our BC Hockey products throughout the season!

Hoping to Hoist: 2024 National Women’s Under-18 Championship

On their quest for the gold medal, Team BC will line up against seven provincial and regional teams from across Canada: Alberta, Atlantic, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario Blue, Ontario Red, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Going for Gold:

2024 WHL Cup

Team BC will be competing against provincial teams from Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The teams will battle it out for the tournament’s top spot, and at the same time, players will be looking to impress the many scouts expected to be in attendance.

Buddy Check For Jesse: Book Your Session

Buddy Check for Jesse was created in memory of Jesse Short-Gershman to encourage meaningful conversations about mental health among youth hockey players. Founded by Jesse’s father, Dr. Stu Gershman, the program provides coaches with resources to help their teams support one another on and off the ice. Through these efforts, Buddy Check For Jesse aims to reduce the stigma around mental health within the hockey community.

Join the numerous associations and coaches who have participated in Buddy Check For Jesse over the past six years and reach out for the upcoming 2024-25 season. If your Minor Hockey Association would like to organize a Buddy Check event, they’re there to help you set it up. This is a great opportunity to bring an important conversation to your team and promote a supportive environment.

A Buddy Check event typically involves a Coaches’ Chat, where coaches lead a conversation that helps athletes open up about mental health. These chats are designed to create a safe space for players to share and support each other, reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to ask for help. Coaches are not expected to be mental health professionals and Buddy Check for Jesse supports the event with coach chats and resources to make the process simple and impactful. Alongside these conversations, players receive green (the colour for mental health) Buddy Check swag, such as wristbands or tape, symbolizing solidarity and mental health awareness. These events leave a lasting impact on athletes, fostering a team environment that prioritizes both mental and physical well-being.

For more information or to start planning your event, please contact [email protected] and check out their website and extensive social media footprint: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube

#BuddyCheckForJesse

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