STIX n PUX BMHA Newsletter PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Hello Everyone, I hope everyone is well and doing their best to stay dry during this wet winter. On the positive side, we are not having to spend extra time and effort shoveling snow this year.so far. The end of January signals the completion of league play and all our teams will soon be gearing up for the play-offs. As I scan the league standings for our 'C' and 'Rep' teams, I am generally pleased with the competitiveness of the Burnaby Minor Hockey Association for both Wildcats and Bulldogs, however, the true measure of how well BMHA is doing is not found in the league standings. I believe it is found in the smiling faces of our players and how well our teams are fostering the concept of teamwork, sportsmanship and community. Sure, winning is always more fun than losing, however, I would be more proud of a team with players who always work hard and give 100% to the final whistle, no matter what the score is and no matter what their skill level is. A team that plays fair and a team that learns the true meaning of the word "TEAM" - where everyone contributes to the best of their abilities and where everyone supports and encourages one another. Where and how does a team develop these vitally important traits? For the most part it comes from the leadership of our coaches. Thank you to all of our coaches for the time, effort, sacrifice and commitment in ensuring that our players learn the importance of teamwork, fair play, hard work and community. I know it is not easy to be a head coach and sometimes good intentions get side-tracked with wanting to do what's best for the team, however, we must always be aware of the consequences of any of our actions. I attended BC Hockey's recent Member Engagement meeting with the rest of the Lower Mainland Minor Hockey Associations held on January 14, 2018. Despite being one of the longer BC Hockey meetings lasting about 6 hours, it was a very informative and worthwhile day as two-way dialogue was encouraged from BC Hockey and there was candid and very frank feedback provided to the three BC Hockey representatives, CEO, Barry Petrachenko, Chair of the Board, Randy Henderson and Brian Harrison, Director. The following were the discussion topics: Alternate Seasons - Provided a presentation that started conversation on key issues as identified by Hockey Canada. This initiative presents alternate start and season end dates, however, may exclude associations like BMHA where municipal rinks are not available year-round at this point in time. Enhancements to Recruitment and Retention Strategies - Discussed methods to recruit and retain participants, seek out best practices and/or what is required from BC Hockey. Female Hockey - How do we build our focus on promoting the game and encourage the recruitment of female players? Multi-Sport Participation Engaged the membership in brainstorming discussion around possible partnerships with other sports. Regional Centre - Provided an update on the Okanagan and North Centres and sought interest in setting up centres in other Districts. AGM Transformation to Congress - Updated on plans, built possible agenda for hockey summit type of offering/program.
Atom Development Program - Provided overview of programming development, sought input on MHA needs and expectations. CanSkate Pilots - Informed Districts of opportunities and sought interested pilot groups. Dispute Resolution/Prevention - Presentation from Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC). Hockey Canada Safety Person (HCSP) - Discussed the Safety Committee recommendations to require the HCSP be involved in all team activities. Identification of our Brand within our Sport and the Relationship Building Required to Support it - Discussion around what is our brand (i.e. what is it that we are selling), and how we need to promote, foster and protect this. Facilitated discussion around the need for building relationships with other hockey entities, sponsors, and sport partners. Identification of the Most Important Areas of Assistance Needed by Minor Hockey Associations - Reviewed our support programs and discussed areas where MHAs need assistance with their operations. Social Media - Discuss social media policies of Minor Hockey Associations. Promote BC Hockey's web and social assessment chart for MHA use. Subsidy of Program of Excellence (POE) Participants - Determined a consensus on how POE athletes should be supported financially by the membership. Zone Programming - Provided update on Zone Bantam & Midget Pilot Projects, discuss future possibilities/needs, etc. Tech Needs - Update on future planning, canvas member needs, focus on online game sheets and resource development. As you can see, the number of topics show that there are a growing number of issues that will determine the future direction of Minor Hockey. While decisions have yet to be made on these items, I would be happy to provide some background if you are interested. On the above note, I would like to confirm that the following Executive positions are up for re-election at this year's AGM to be held May 23, 2018 at Cariboo Hill Secondary School: President 2nd Vice President Head Coach Director at Large - Female Hockey Director at Large - Risk Management & Development The above positions are all two-year terms. Additionally, the 1st Vice President position also requires filling and will be for a one-year term. I would ask that those interested in one of the positions to contact Moe Velji, who chairs the BMHA nomination committee. In addition, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any other of our current Executive members if you would like more information on any of the available positions. On this note, I would like to say that having served the past six year's on the BMHA Executive has been challenging yet very rewarding. I have met and enjoyed working with so many great parent volunteers who are tireless in their support of our mutual goals in providing a safe environment where so many children have grown up and learned this great game of ice hockey and proudly represented the Burnaby Minor Hockey Association. Good luck to all teams in the playoffs. Play hard, have fun and be proud to show off your BMHA sportsmanship! - Darryl
BMHA 2017/18 AWARDS Seeking Nominations! Each year, the BMHA asks for nominations of outstanding individuals who have helped make the season great! For our players, we recognize deserving individuals through our "Player and Goaltender Awards" at both the "Rep" and "C" levels. These awards are presented each year at our Annual General Meeting. Our awards are: General Player Awards Gary Boyle Memorial Award - Sportsmanship, Character & Hockey Ability Most Valuable Female Player Alfred Balfry Memorial Award - Team Play, Character, Sportsmanship & Hockey Ability for Grade 12 Student Bursary of $1000.00 Goaltender Awards Most Valuable Rep Goaltender Jack Gilroy Award - Outstanding Goaltender Atom House Most Valuable Female Goaltender Terry MacLean Memorial Award - Most Valuable House Goaltender For our coaches, managers and volunteers, we recognize deserving people through our "Association Awards" in the categories of Service, Rep Coach, House Coach, Female Team Coach, and Team Manager. These awards are presented each year at our exciting "Volunteer Recognition & Awards Banquet" at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown Hotel. Our five awards are: Don Boyd Memorial Award - Service to the Association Rep Coach of the Year Award House Coach of the Year Award Female Coach of the Year Award Tony Marzitelli Memorial Award - Manager of the Year Nominations from our membership would be much appreciated in helping us select these awards. To nominate a player or goaltender, please use the nomination forms available on our BMHA website at www.burnabyminor.com (which will be available shortly). For nominations of our coaches, managers and others, please provide a clear and detailed letter outlining why you think an individual is deserving to be recognized this year. You can nominate an individual in more than one category, but you must submit a separate form/letter for each award. Please be clear which award you are nominating for and feel free to nominate in more than one category. Nominations are to be emailed to admin@burnabyminor.com and MUST have the words BMHA AWARDS in the subject line of your email Mailed nominations are to be submitted to Awards Committee" at P.O. Box 44106, Burnaby, BC V5B 1S2. Nominations Deadline Date: March 18, 2018
ESSO FUN DAY WILDCATS COME TRY HOCKEY Saturday, February 3 rd! A reminder that the Burnaby Wildcats are hosting a free Girls Come Try Hockey event, in conjunction with Esso Fun Day, this Saturday, February 3 rd at Kensington Arena! For more information, contact burnabygirlstryhockey@gmail.com.
BMHA SUCCESS STORIES Burnaby Bulldogs Represent! Atom A2 - Wins Gold in Port Moody! Over the Christmas break, BMHA Atom A2 participated in the 'Annual Holiday Classic - Atom Rep Tournament hosted by Port Moody. Following 3 wins and 1 loss in the round robin the team then continued on to the semi-final match against North Delta Atom A2, which they won 4-2. The team then advanced into the finals against the favoured North Vancouver Atom A2 team, which they lost to in the round robin. They played hard & did not let up & ultimately took home the Gold winning 4-1! A great time was had by all participants under the strong leadership of Ken Guthrie & Iqbal Athwal! -Atom A2 s Gold Medal Inspiration Atom C5 Takes Third! Congratulations to the boys and coaching staff of AC5 on finishing third at the Port Coquitlam Hockey is Coming Christmas Tournament. After a 3-0 round robin finish, the boys lost to another BMHA team and ended up playing for bronze. The game for bragging rights of third place, was a hard fought battle and in the end our boys gave it their all and came out victorious.
Bantam C3 Gold Medal Winners! The Bantam C3 team won the gold medal game in the Julie Paskall Memorial Tournament during the Christmas Break! The boys battled back after being down 2 goals after the first period, and won 4-2! Ryan Corra lead the team with two goals in the final with Captain Dylan Negrich assisting on both, Wesley Chow had the game winning goal and Matteo Mikulic had a goal as well. Josh Sheehan had a strong game in goal making some big saves to keep the team close in the first period. Bantam A1 Strong Showing at Pat Quinn Classic! Competing in the Bantam AAA division at the Pat Quinn Classic that boasted a number of very good teams from across western Canada and the United States, and the Burnaby Bulldogs Bantam A1 home team showed that they were up to the task early, starring the round robin phase with a competitive effort and a narrow 4-3 loss against Langley A1. They went on to battle to a 4-4 tie with Arizona to finish day 1. Day 2 saw Burnaby bounce back with two very strong efforts, besting the Rocky Mountaineers 10-3 in the morning, and then pulling out a 6-1 victory over the San Jose Jr Sharks 6-1 in a rambunctious game at Burnaby Lake Arena. Unfortunately, the injury bug that has plagued the team this year saw two of Burnaby's best players, defenseman Joshua Gabriel and team leading scorer Stefan Deretic, knocked out of the tournament with injuries. Entering the playoff round against a high-flying Seattle Admirals, Burnaby played perhaps their best period of the season with a depleted line-up, but the injuries continued with Nicola Barba and Sean Coventry both leaving the game. Burnaby ultimately lost 6-1 and Seattle went on to win the competitive AAA division of the tournament. All of the players, coaches, and parents of the Bantam A1 team felt that the Pat Quinn tournament was a fantastic experience and look forward to next year. Next up for the team is the Tier 1 playoffs, and the team hopes to build on the Pat Quinn experience with a strong showing in the PCAHA playoffs.
DATES TO REMEMBER - February 3 Wildcats Come Try Hockey Kensington Arena March 18 BMHA Player & Goaltender Awards Nominations Deadline March 18 BMHA Association Awards Nominations Deadline May 23 BMHA Annual General Meeting Cariboo Hill Secondary, details to be provided shortly.
SPONSOR OFFERS Here are some selected offers from the generous supports of Burnaby Minor. For other sponsor offers, please visit the BMHA Sponsors & Offers page of the website. From our partners at Tourism Burnaby, check out this awesome event! Featuring former Hockey legends Dave Babych, Jyrki Lumme, Kirk McLean, Cliff Ronning, Brad Dalgarno and Troy Crowder, and musicians Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Dallas Smith, Chad Brownlee, Devin Cuddy, Craig Northey (Odds) and Grant Lawrence; tickets on sale February 2 TORONTO Canadian music icons will be going head to head with NHL legends at the 2018 JUNO Cup at 7:30 p.m. PT on Friday, March 23 at Bill Copeland Sports Centre, in Burnaby, BC, in support of MusiCounts. Held annually during JUNO Week, this celebrity hockey game has raised $840,000 for MusiCounts over the last 14 years. MusiCounts, Canada s music education charity associated with CARAS, is keeping music alive in schools and communities across Canada and puts instruments in the hands of kids who need them through several programs and music education initiatives. The JUNO Cup is great for all the right reasons it combines music, hockey, and a great charity in MusiCounts who give much needed instruments to schools across Canada, said Jim Cuddy. The camaraderie between the musicians and the NHL Greats is evident both on and off the ice. And the fans in the stands cheering us on makes everyone feel energized and excited to play. I am looking forward to this year s game and celebrating the JUNOs in beautiful Vancouver with all of these great players. Tickets are $20 each and group purchases of 10 or more tickets are only $15 each. For more information: http://junoawards.ca/hockey-music-face-off-support-musicounts-15th-annual-juno-cup/