www.HOCKEYALBERTA.ca /hockeyalberta

2013-14

MAGAZINE

RECOVERING FROM ’S THE GREAT THE 2013 HAUL OF 2013 ALBERTA HOCKEY SUMMIT Historic Flooding ALBERTA TEAMS MEDAL NATIONALLY PAGES 6-10 PAGES 12-13 PAGES 22-23 TABLE OF CONTENTS

14 MORGAN KLIMCHUK’S PATH TO THE NHL

18 PLAYING OTHER SPORTS HELPS HOCKEY PLAYERS 16 IMPROVE HIGH HOPES FOR ‘HEFFS’

4 ’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS 20 DR. STEVEN NORRIS: STUDENT OF THE GAME

6 SUMMIT CREATES OPENS DIALOGUE ON HOCKEY IN 22 GOLDEN MOMENTS: THREE NATIONAL ALBERTA CHAMPIONSHIPS

8 7 THEMES EMERGE FROM 2013 ALBERTA HOCKEY 24 CHANGES TO THE ALBERTA WINTER GAMES PROGRAM SUMMIT 28 MAKING IT HAPPEN: THE ROAD TO THE PROVINCIALS 10 ALBERTA HOCKEY SUMMIT FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE 29 RAISING FUNDS FOR THE EVERY KID EVERY COMMUNITY PROGRAM 12 HOCKEY COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER IN TIME OF NEED 30 BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: FINALLY, HOCKEY DAY IN COMES TO 19 BLANK: QUICK SHOTS FROM THE BODY CHECKING RULE CHANGE IN ALBERTA 34 WHO IS HOCKEY ALBERTA?

2 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors

LEN SAMLETZKI ROB VIRGIL ROB LITWINSKI very June at the Hockey Alberta became Vice-President of Operations and 1. Consultant 1. Standards Specialist with 1. Executive Director of Hockey Alberta Annual General Meeting (AGM), Hockey Vice-President of Development. In 2005, 2. Blades and Communications (8 yrs) EAlberta’s membership vote to elect he was elected President of Hockey Alberta Oilers 2. Any Team Canada or Team Alberta 2. Amateur: whatever teams my kids vacant positions with the Board of Directors. for the first time. He was recently named 3. #1 team, The and are on + NJ Devils At the 2013 AGM, there was only one Volunteer of the Year by and 4. CEO or CFO of a sport organization (since 1982) position to fill; Chairman of the Board. has also travelled to China with a coaching 5. None. They have all been learning 3. 16 f (one o my favorite player’s ) 3. I am jersey #27 for Pylons Adult Rec delegation, hoping to share his knowledge. experiences. 4. Jet pilot or golf pro team Rob Virgil had served as Chair for the past 6. Cricket – looks like fun. 5. Digging electrical trenches in the 4. I bet it would be safe to say this one, year and as President for a year prior to “I felt that I still had the passion for the 7. I would probably try most – except winter by hand. correct? that (when the Board was re-structured at organization and the game with the some of the extreme sports 6. Bull Riding 5. Removing Paint /repainting School the 2012 AGM, President changed to Chair). multitude of change that are occurring 8. I thought there was only one – Slap 7. Bull Riding Doors (summer job) With Virgil’s term expiring, he moved on and presently,” said Engen. “Recognizing that Shot 8. by Roch 6. Cricket became Past-Chair. not only is the organization in the midst of a Carriere. Not really a movie but 7. UFC definitely a classic short film. 8. Is it okay to say Slap Shot? Running unopposed, Terry Engen of Eckville, huge structural change but also the game is DAVE SEVALRUD: Alberta was named Hockey Alberta’s new under tremendous pressure to accommodate 1. Lawyer with Carscallen LLP Chairman of the Board. new ideas and society’s expectations. I 2. Right now; the University of Alaska- FRAN ZINGER LAURY SCHMIDT believe I can still provide guidance and input Anchorage Seawolves & 1. Lawyer; practicing personal injury law 1. General Sales Manager of New West Engen already has a long history with through these changes.” McKnight Midget Mustangs where my exclusively Truck Centers of Calgary, Lethbridge Hockey Alberta and its Board of Directors. sons play. 2. Oilers are my favorite pro team and Engen became part of the Hockey Alberta Engen is the first person in Hockey Alberta’s 3. 5 3. #6 2. Terry Engen team when he joined the Board. In 1999, history to serve as President/Chairman of 4. I have it. 4. A golf pro on a tour or being a (AJHL) Hockey Alberta’s Chairman of the Board he served as the Zone 4 Director and then the Board twice. 5. I have never had a job I did not like. personal shopper 3. #9 6. Heli-Skiing 5. First full time job (for the summer 4. Lottery Administrator 7. Ultimate fighting after graduating from high school) as 5. Cutting an 11 year old from a Peewee 8. The Rocket a waitress Team 6. Hang gliding or parachuting 6. Surfing Back Row (L-R): Rob Litwinski, Dave Sevelrud, Laury 7. High diving 7. UFC Fighting Schmidt, Len Samletzki. Front Row (L-R): Fred Horbay, 8. No particular favorite 8. Slap Shot (Original) Fran Zinger, Terry Engen, Rob Virgil 1. What is your Full-Time Job? 5. Least favourite job you’ve had? 2. What’s your favourite hockey team, pro or amateur? 6. What sport have you never tried that you’d like to try? 3. What would your jersey number be? 7. What sport would you never try? 4. What is your dream job? 8. Favourite hockey movie of all time?

TERRY ENGEN FRED HORBAY 1. Commissioner, Alberta Energy 1. Retired Regulator 2. Canadiens 2. Montreal 3. 11 3. 7 4. Golf Pro 4. Politician 5. Digging ditches 5. Pipeline labourer 6. Kayaking 6. Fencing 7. Extreme mountain 7. Bull riding climbing 8. Slap Shot 8. ?????

4 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 5 HOCKEY SUMMIT OVERVIEW HOCKEY SUMMIT OVERVIEW Summit Creates Open Dialogue on Hockey in Alberta BY | Nicole Starker

013 was a landmark season for hockey said there were two areas in particular that in the province when Hockey Alberta, he hoped would be discussed – officiating 2along with invested stakeholders and player safety. Hockey Canada, the , the Edmonton Oilers and the Western Hockey “I think that we have done an excellent League created the Alberta Hockey Summit job in player development and in coaching held on August 22-24 at the Banff in development,” said Robison. “But I believe Banff, Alta. we need to invest more of our time and attention in the area of officiating to ensure that the quality of officiating keeps pace with the quality of play.”

Robison also hoped to focus in on providing the best possible environment to encourage participation and fun, and at the same time a branch host either one large summit or “Those really high-end players that percolate to leadership and the development of the competitive environment. series of smaller regional summits. to the top, they would never be able to do game and the development of the athlete,” that without a system that supports entry “We do a lot of research in the area of player Peplinski said. “I think it’s important to go The Alberta Hockey Summit was developed and participation in sport, so (the Flames safety and making sure that the environment and listen and to discuss what actions can and Oilers) are more about that broader base is a positive one for the players, so sharing to include all members of the hockey come out of observations that intelligent, and making sure that kids have a place to go, the information we have with the other community whether a player, coach, parent, well-intentioned people make.” “With the game consistently evolving and kids have a place to play,” Carson said. “It’s a constituents in Alberta.” , or simply a fan, and over 200 tickets changing, we felt it necessary, and that the to the event were snapped-up by members community approach and I really believe that Both of Alberta’s NHL teams lent their timing was right to host a hockey summit Hockey Alberta is the first western province of the public. the Oilers and the Flames – that’s what their support to the event and Peplinski said the in Alberta,” said Hockey Alberta executive to host a hockey summit and Robison said development departments do is to give back Flames organization wants to support these director Rob Litwinski. “It gave not only the was looking Increasing the number of hockey fans and to communities and programs to make sure types of conversations about hockey. Hockey Alberta, but all involved in the game, to discussing issue and ideas in membership in the hockey community is that they’re continuing to build that base of the opportunity to meet collectively and “It’s important to always have an open the open forum that Hockey Alberta has something Paul Carson, Hockey Canada’s families and communities that contribute to open the dialogue on current topics and the mind and get people together to talk about fostered. vice president of hockey development, said is the sport.” future direction of hockey in Alberta and yesterday’s game and today’s game and crucial to the game. also on the greater scale.” “We in the hockey system in Alberta In an interview prior to the summit, Jim what tomorrow’s game is going to be.” share a responsibility to always challenge “While there’s a topic of leadership and Peplinksi, a former NHLer and current The summit was developed with a roster Hockey is a team sport at every level and ourselves in how we can improve the game there’s a topic of player development, those vice president of business development of some of the greatest hockey minds in for the Calgary Flames said that he was that sentiment was reflected in what the at every level,” Robison said. “We are a are really foundational discussions around the country including opening speaker looking forward to listening to the different former Flames had to say about his major constituent who benefits from the the critical piece – which is growing and and former NHL goalie Ken Dryden, world perspectives and different ideas that the take on the goals of the stakeholders around great work that is done in the minor hockey sustaining the game,” Carson said in an renowned coach George Kingston, former group assembled by Hockey Alberta would the table at the Alberta Hockey Summit. system throughout the province, and we feel interview leading up to the Banff event. “I NHLer and Dr. Steve Norris, this is an opportunity for us to contribute to bring to the table. People like Ken Dryden, think our biggest challenge is that we have “The objective is not perfection,” said former vice president of WinSport Canada, those discussions and debate the issues that Ryan Walter, George Kingston and Dr. Steve to understand the changing demographics Peplinski. “The objective is to always look to winning coach Ken Hitchcock are of concern to hockey constituents today Norris. of Canada, the nature of participation in improve and to try to assist others to do the and two-time Olympic gold medal winning in Alberta.” coach Mel Davidson. Hockey leaders like Bob sport and what hockey, like other sports, “To have people like that speak openly and same thing, because hopefully they’re trying Nicholson of Hockey Canada, Patrick LaForge Hockey was the first Hockey Canada has to do to not only encourage and attract frankly about what they see as it relates to assist you.” of the Edmonton Oilers, Ron Robison of the branch to deliver a provincial summit on the youngsters to the game, but also to keep Western Hockey League, Bob Hartley and same scale as Hockey Alberta’s Banff event. them in the game.” Jim Peplinski of the Calgary Flames and Rob The Quebec summit was held in 2011 with the Litwinski of Hockey Alberta participated in participation of the Montreal Canadians and Carson said the Western Hockey League, panel discussions on the future of the game the Quebec Major Hockey League. Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers in areas including player development, safety participation in those talks is important and recruitment. Hockey Alberta hosted seven small summit because those organizations aren’t simply events around the province during the 2007- concerned about elite players, they too Heading into the three-day summit, Western 2008 season as part of Hockey Canada’s are looking to build and grow the hockey Hockey League commissioner Ron Robison Grassroots Summits initiative that saw every community at the grassroots level.

6 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 7 HOCKEY SUMMIT OVERVIEW HOCKEY SUMMIT OVERVIEW

“What we don’t want to have happen in a more will become the norm and has become The first hockey summit held in Canada was sport that we all love, is get blindsided,” the norm,” said former NHLer and Hockey the Molson Open Ice Summit held in , said Associate Coach of the 2013 Hall of Fame member, Ken Dryden. “What during the summer of 1999. The Canadian Men’s National Team, Ken then for that increased majority of people primary focus of the event was to discuss Hitchcock. “You want to look ahead and who are looking for less?” player development in Canada where 11 you want to do it with creativity but you recommendations were produced. Five years also want to make sure you’re working OPEN THE DOORS TO after the Open Ice Summit, Hockey Canada together.” released a report on those initiatives. In 6NON-TRADITIONAL summary, Hockey Canada stated it was STRENGTHEN PARTICIPANTS difficult to speculate on the outcomes, as many of the programs that came from the 3BUSINESS Market and brand the game to open the event were just beginning to take shape and RELATIONSHIPS door to non-traditional markets. Change Hockey Canada was still in the marketing and the perception that hockey is only for the promoting phase and just starting to grow at Use the size of the game to leverage elite and fully-committed by promoting the grassroots levels. relationships with businesses who have the game as fun, family-friendly and a vested interested in the game and can flexible. Like the Open Ice Summit, the Alberta help with initiatives. Hockey Summit was only a starting point. “I think it’s really important to clarify The planning and hosting of the event was “Hockey is a huge economic driver in what the objective of minor hockey is,” the easy part according to Robinson. Alberta; over $418 million is spent each said Calgary Flames’ Vice-President of “We’ll be gathering the information we year in the economy through participation Business Development, Jim Peplinski. “Is learned and the expert input we received by Minor Hockey,” said Hockey Alberta’s it to create NHLers or is it come up with then formulating action plans for impacting Senior Manager of Business Development, an activity that you can play until you’re that change in the months and years ahead,” Scott Robinson. “We need to use 80 years old?” this leverage to get the attention of said Robinson. “The Summit made it clear we businesses and help them to understand need to change the way hockey is delivered hockey as a healthy, vibrant and growing FOCUS ON THE in Alberta if we want it to grow, if we want sport is good for Alberta communities.” 7PLAYER to serve the athletes and communities in a positive and healthy way.” DEVELOP A MODEL Focus on making the game fun by developing programs designed for a Full reports on the 2013 Alberta Hockey 4FOR THE IDEAL player’s need and shrinking the game to Summit are expected to be put together THEMES EMERGE FROM 2013 LOCAL MINOR HOCKEY their size. sometime in late 2013. ASSOCIATION (LMHA) “Players are leaving the game, the “We gained a lot of knowledge from this number one reason, because they’re not summit and we will be doing something with Develop a model for hockey in Alberta ALBERTA HOCKEY SUMMIT having any fun. They’re finding another it,” said Robinson. built by hockey in Alberta. The model game that is more fun and occupies BY | Jimmy Adams will establish metrics of success which them. That to me, is a real tragedy,” said emphasize the principles of Long-Term rying to consolidate two and half days Kingston. Athlete Development. Using technology of discussions and presentations on any SHARED LEADERSHIP to communicate and educate the topic can be difficult, especially when T 1ACROSS SPORTS stakeholders within the LMHA on the the discussion is based around providing vision. clarity and direction in hockey. The 2013 Strive to be a stronger sport leader and Alberta Hockey Summit, presented by ATB use our leverage to influence government “I think the most important people are Financial, brought the invested stakeholders for better funding of all sports. Promote the LMHAs,” said Managing Director of of hockey in Alberta together in one room registration in multiple sports, reduce the NHL Coaches’ Association, George for the first time in the province’s history. costs, lead perspective in the game that Kingston. “They have the opportunity to The invested stakeholders; Hockey Alberta, hockey isn’t everything and work with influence every child, every young person the Calgary Flames, the Edmonton Oilers, the those that are willing to accept change to to play the game. Come and enjoy hockey, Western Hockey League, and Hockey Canada, deliver these objectives. come and participate in hockey. You can were joined by over 200 delegates. be a player, you can enjoy the experience The delegate group was made up of hockey TRAIN OUR FUTURE of playing hockey.” minds from all levels of the game. There 2LEADERS were volunteers from local minor hockey REDUCE SYSTEM associations (LMHAs), representatives from Be intentional about developing hockey 5BIAS the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the trailblazers by identifying potential Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), leaders at younger ages and fostering Work to benefit a broader cross section of sport schools, facility operators, hockey their growth. Ways to accomplish this players by challenging the one-size-fits-all parents and many more. are to engage the education system and system that discourages participation. utilize stakeholders and partners to train After the presentations by the keynote hockey leaders under their personnel “I don’t think it’s possible to shut off the speakers and discussion periods with development. more and more and more. If more is possible, panelists, seven themes emerged:

8 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 9 HOCKEY SUMMIT OVERVIEW ALBERTA HOCKEY SUMMIT FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE BY | Troy Gillard, News & Sports Director, Rebels Host for Big 105 and 107 The Drive in Red Deer

s I was leaving the Banff Centre keep the game fun and to help overall player following the ATB Financial Alberta development. This has long been a personal AHockey Summit, I was thinking to belief of mine and hearing Dr. Norris speak myself about how best to sum up what the about it strengthened my convictions on this event was about. The answer hit me as soon concept. as I looked at an envelope sitting on my desk. George Kingston emphatically said that the ‘fun’ needs to be brought back into teaching CHALLENGE THE FUTURE. fundamentals. What more needs to be said? If it’s not fun, kids aren’t going to do it. Those three words on that envelope, right below the Hockey Alberta logo on the upper Having these great discussions and left corner, perfectly captured what the identifying the seven themes is a great start. Summit was all about. How do we change But it can’t be where it ends... get involved, the perceptions and eliminate the barriers folks! It is you the parent, player, coach, that are pushing players away from minor official, administrator and fan who is an hockey and keeping others from joining. important stakeholder in the game. As Rob How do we make sure everyone has fun Kerr emphatically told Summit delegates being a part of Canada’s game in this great “We’re all hockey players!” One way or province? another, we are all players in this game. And this Summit was about making the game as By now you have read about the seven good as it possibly can be for the players. themes that emerged from the Summit, so And as Scott Robinson with Hockey Alberta I will just touch on some of what stood out told Summit delegates “Leadership is a to me from the Summit keynote speeches. dialogue, not a monologue.” He’s right, folks. Ken Dryden asked “Do you want to make the So let’s keep the dialogue rolling. future?” In order to do so we must learn from the past and understand the present. Visit Hockey Alberta’s website and Definitely a great bit of introspective download the powerpoints from keynote thinking. presentations by Ryan Walter, Dr. Norris, and George Kingston. Their wide range of Ryan Walter, in his speech on leadership, thoughts is very interesting, informative, and explained that leadership is in fact getting hard-hitting. They helped kick start some people to do what you want them to do important conversations and they certainly because they want to do it. What a great have me thinking about the game of hockey way to get people involved in creating in ways I hadn’t before the Summit. change! Our game isn’t broken, but it can always be Dr. Steve Norris touched on the idea of better. And that’s what the Summit, and having kids take part in other sports and these important discussions moving forward, activities, outside of hockey, in order to help is all about.

10 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 11 FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS

n the aftermath of the Southern flooded, and they may have lost some of calls and emails started to come in from Alberta floods, a Hockey Alberta zone the association’s gear. She said, even if they across Canada, equipment came out from as irepresentative initiated an equipment could get everything replaced, she didn’t far as Stirling, Ont. Telus then came on board drive—and the support was extraordinary. believe they would have players, as so many with volunteers and a financial donation to had lost their homes, their hockey gear, and the association. Tamara Robbins and her crew had so much with the insurance questions looming, this support that they figured they be able to would be a low priority when you consider AC: How did Hockey Canada come on board? outfit a large portion – if not the entire – the magnitude of the situation. TR: I had calculated the average cost for Foothills Minor Hockey Association. players in High River and the number of Many families also had their businesses or players affected and it was going to cost From a closing-down sporting goods store places of work impacted, drastically. approximately $110,000 to cover their that donated all their gear, to Hayley registrations. I received a call from Hockey Wickenheiser spreading the word via I came home; thinking about my own family, Canada; they wanted to know the costs and Twitter—it was an unbelievable effort by the and was heartbroken. For these children and informed me they were going to donate hockey community. their families, their lives have been turned $250,000 to all players affected from the upside down and now the children may not flood in Southern Alberta to pay for their “[Tamara] was the catalyst and sent out be able to play hockey. registration fees. an email to her colleagues within Hockey HOCKEY COMMUNITY COMES Alberta,” said Derek Harper, president of I sat down and started thinking about it. AC: And what was your reaction at that point? Foothills MHA. “It made its rounds on Hayley Then, the idea came to me, as I thought, I TR: We did it. We had a lot of the gear Wickenheiser’s Twitter account and, since have extra gear downstairs, if I could collect and hockey fees covered. I then received then, it has been grown rapidly at a pace we enough to help them out, we could at least a call from the NHLPA. Devin asked where TOGETHER IN TIME OF NEED could not control.” dress them; then I thought, for those who donations were lacking? I explained I am may not have extra gear - if we can collect concerned with used helmets as a safety “The actual support compared to the initial some financial donations to help bring the issue; also, we did not have enough used UNBELIEVABLE RESPONSE FOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT DRIVE IN WAKE OF expectations has been overwhelming. I never registration fees down - maybe we could get bags or sticks to give everyone. He called me anticipated the generosity from all over the the children playing hockey and help heal back and informed me they had partnered SOUTHERN ALBERTA FLOODS; Q&A WITH TAMARA ROBBINS, THE country…It took the focus off of everyone’s this community, bring them some normal in up with RBC and were donating $50,000 WOMAN WHO STARTED IT ALL hardships and it gave everyone hope, again… all the chaos – to everyone – if they can go worth of equipment for all players in the Without this opportunity, the registration to the rink and forget about everything for minor hockey association. They supplied numbers would have dropped substantially even just for an hour or so, visit and watch brand new helmets, sticks, bags and gloves BY | Andrew Chong and we would potentially not have hockey hockey, that’s what its all about. for all 304 players. this year.” AC: So, how did you get the word out? AC: In the end, how much equipment did you To complement the incredible work of the TR: I sat down and wrote an email and collect? equipment drive at the grassroots level, posted the letter on social media, explaining TR: We had enough gear to completely Hockey Canada donated a $250,000 the situation and my goals with my requests dress all hockey players in High River from registration assistance pledge, the NHLPA for High River Hockey players. I sent it to all head to toe: skates, socks, jerseys, shin pads, and RBC partnered to donate $50,000 in my hockey contacts and family and friends pants, chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, equipment, and Bauer donated $37,000 throughout Alberta. I have experienced this and helmet. And that’s for minor hockey, worth of new home and away jerseys. great hockey community in Alberta for the Junior B, coaches, senior men, ladies, and past 15 years, so I was very optimistic. children that just want to play hockey on the “Equipment drives like this inspired pond. We also took out two truck-and-trailer additional flood relief efforts like Hockey AC: And what were people’s initial loads with enough gear to dress 200 players Canada Foundation’s $250,000 dollar reactions? with Siksika First Nations. And all players registration assistance pledge that we, TR: The word spread quickly and the that were affected by the floods had their Hockey Alberta, helped them administer and response was phenomenal. Then I received a registration covered. We had surpassed the distribute,” said Greg Pallister, manager at call and was informed goals by a mile—this could have not been Hockey Alberta. “Gathering the registration was Tweeting about it. I was speechless—the done without this great hockey community assistance applications has called for a queen of hockey had my email and was we live in throughout Canada. tremendous effort from all the volunteers spreading it around. involved. I believe Hockey Alberta and the AC: Looking back at all that transpired, what Hockey Canada Foundation have done a AC: So, how did the equipment start coming in? are your conclusions? great job of reaching out and assisting a TR: Alberta really came forward; people TR: This experience has changed my life. large majority of those players in need.” started hockey equipment drives and so What started as a need to help the children forth in Slave Lake, Fort , and the community turned into so much Talk about a success story; and it all started Taber – plus, Shaunavon, Sask. – and many more than that. The response across this with an idea from Tamara Robbins. associations in Calgary—this was just the country from a hockey parent to a large start. People were volunteering throughout organization—everyone came together to AC: Tamara, how did this amazing journey the province to help – especially Calgary, help this community. You have to remember, begin? who also had been affected from the floods also, this was off-season – summer holidays – TR: This all started when I ran into the and wanted to help—equipment drives, so to have so much involvement was beyond Foothills Minor Hockey registrar a few hockey tournaments & fundraisers. Within words. I will never be able to put into words days after the flood, while they were still the first week, I had to find a hall to store how it felt that day, watching the hockey evacuated. She started to tell me that she everything—my garage was full. Vince Miller players dress-up and the families chatting didn’t know if their community would be able with the High River Junior B team found me hockey. I felt so privileged to have been a to have hockey this season; the arena was a hall, free of charge, for the summer. Then, part of that date.

12 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 13 MORGAN KLIMCHUK MORGAN KLIMCHUK

Klimchuk got his start with the Team Alberta Canadian-born players. to fall, “I knew a lot of people were watching program at the 2010 Alberta Cup (now but there were a lot of emotions going known as the ATB Alberta Cup), scoring nine “The Team Alberta program prepares you through my head.” points in five games while suiting up for the for what to expect with Team Canada, the Calgary South Flames. At the 2011 Canada preparation it takes to get ready for games Meanwhile on TV, TSN’s Hockey Analyst Winter Games, Klimchuk dawned the Team and practices and how seriously you have to compared Klimchuk to the Alberta jersey for the first time, finishing take things,” said Klimchuk. 1983 winner, Steve MORGAN KLIMCHUK’S with three goals and an assist in six games Larmer, a remark that wowed Pierre McGuire helping Alberta win a bronze medal. The World U17 Hockey Challenge is the and Bob McKenzie, the other analysts. first step of Hockey Canada’s Program of “I really enjoyed the opportunity [to play Excellence, giving Hockey Canada their first “Wow… that’s a tremendous hockey player, for Team Alberta] and learned a lot,” said opportunity to evaluate the country’s top 110 Steve Larmer, one of the better, unsung Klimchuk. “You get to wear your jersey in athletes. players that’s played in the National Hockey front of all the scouts and get to see how you League in the last 25 years,” claimed PATH TO THE NHL stack up against top talent in your area.” Following his appearance with Team Pacific, McGuire. Klimchuk would wear the Team Canada crest The Team Alberta program is designed to twice in his NHL draft year. His first taste of “The scouts always like to get perspective KLIMCHUK CLIMBS HOCKEY RANKS IN WILD ROSE lead athletes into Hockey Canada’s Program hockey as a member of the national team from the peers, guys they play with and COUNTRY, ALL THE WAY TO NHL DRAFT of Excellence. 160 athletes compete at would yield him a gold medal at the Ivan against… the scouts I talked to said that, the ATB Alberta Cup, after which they are Hlinka Memorial Tournament before the over and over again, players said Morgan invited to participate in one of Hockey 2012-13 season. His second showing would BY | Jimmy Adams Alberta’s week-long camps, Team Alberta U16 Provincial Camp or Team Alberta Elite organ Klimchuk was born in Regina, Development Camp. Through high intensity Saskatchewan, lived in Calgary, played on and off-ice training, players are given HEARING YOUR NAME IN THE FIRST ROUND Min the Calgary Buffaloes system, the chance to develop their skills as hockey drafted by the , represented Team players and people. Alberta at the Canada Winter Games before AND HEARING IT CALLED FROM YOUR HOMETOWN moving on to play for Team Canada at the Once the camps are done in the summer Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and again time, Team Alberta short lists the Top 35 TEAM IS SOMETHING YOU DREAM OF AS KID AND at the IIHF World U18 Championships. In his players in the province. Those players are NHL draft year, he scored 76 points in 72 then scouted with their club teams, in SOMETHING I’LL NEVER FORGET. games and was subsequently drafted by an Klimchuk’s case, the Calgary Buffaloes, until Alberta-based NHL team in the first round. the Under-16 team is named. Klimchuk is a guy they respect, they like “It was pretty nerve-racking because I had also result in a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF playing with and find hard to play against,” never really been through that and you’re World U18 Championships, where he was said McKenzie not really sure where you fit in. You get to among tournament scoring leaders with see how the team is going to shape up as eight points in seven games, tied for second There was one other player Ferraro players get turned down so you just have to on Team Canada. mentioned at the draft; Jordan Eberle of the keep battling through the cuts,” he explains. Edmonton Oilers. That event ended just less than two months The U16 Program strives to create an before the 2013 NHL Draft in New Jersey. Klimchuk and Eberle have become good environment where players, coaches, Going into the draft, Klimchuk was ranked friends and training partners, but they’ve trainers and administrators can meet new 25th among North American skaters and his also followed very similar hockey paths. friends, compete with peers and approach hometown team, the Calgary Flames had levels of commitment and excellence three picks in the first round, two of which Eberle was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, everyone has the potential to achieve. were acquired in trades with the St. Louis lived in Calgary, played in the Calgary Blues and Penguins, so they were Buffaloes system, drafted by the Regina Pats, “It’s pretty special; to wear the Team Alberta late in the round. jersey is one thing and it was an honour but represented Team Alberta at the Canada Winter Games before moving on to play for the friendships make it all the more special.” With Calgary’s final first round pick, 28th says Klimchuk. overall, Morgan Klimchuk heard his name Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial called by General Manager, Jay Feaster. Tournament and again at the IIHF World After competing at the Canada Winter Klimchuk was the 19th North American U18 Championships. In his NHL draft year, Games in Halifax, , Klimchuk skater taken. he scored 75 points in 70 games and was continued to progress within the Team subsequently drafted by an Alberta-based Alberta Program. He was invited to “It was pretty special,” says Klimchuk. NHL team in the first round. He went on participate in the Under-17 Provincial Camp “Hearing your name in the first round and to play a major role with Team Canada at where he would identified as one of the Top hearing it called from your hometown the World Junior Championship and World 11 players from Alberta and named to the team is something you dream of as kid and Championship and scored 156 points in 195 Team Pacific roster that would compete something I’ll never forget.” games in his first three NHL seasons. at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He would finish the tournament second in When asked what he was thinking while “If I can become half the player and half the team scoring with six points in five games, he was making his way down to the stage, person that Jordan is, that’s an honour in of good enough to be sixth in scoring among Klimchuk jokes that he had to tell himself not itself,” says Klimchuk.

14 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 15 KARLY HEFFERNAN KARLY HEFFERNAN

QUICK HITS: KARLY HEFFERNAN, TEAM CANADA U-18 WOMEN High hopes for Hollywood crush: country singer, Luke Bryan Favourite NHL player: Pavel Datsyuk, ‘Heffs’ Favourite pro team: Edmonton Oilers Favourite you’ve scored: U-18 SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR ALBERTA UNDER-18 STAR gold medal OT-winner Biggest JWHL rival: Okanagan Hockey BY | Andrew Chong Academy Favourite female player: Meghan here’s an Alberta female hockey star “Harvard is obviously an amazing school, but grit and passion for the game.” Agosta on the rise and it doesn’t look like it wasn’t the label that drew me towards it,” Started hockey at what age: 3 anything can stop her ascent. she said. “It’s the academics, coaching, team, “We definitely have every piece to the puzzle T Favourite school subject: Math and atmosphere.” which was what I felt we were lacking the ’s Karly Heffernan had her past few years. Our coaches are confident Non-hockey hobby/interest: first big starring moment when she scored “I’ve visited Harvard, every summer now, and in us and our biggest thing, as a team, right Jogging and spending time the gold medal-winning goal for every summer I go back, I feel completely now, is believing we can do it. Being the with family Canada against Team USA in the final of at home. It’s almost surreal to be in this hosts of Nationals will allow for an amazing the Women’s World U-18 Championship in Nickname teammates position, so it’s nice to take a step back and atmosphere and it will be so nice to play in give you: Heffs Finland, this past January. look at everything and take nothing for front of family and friends. I’m just really granted.” excited to be apart of it with this group of The 17-year-old forward had two goals and staff and girls.” four points in five tournament games. At press time, Heffernan had her fingers crossed, waiting to hear official word on her BECOMING A COMPLETE PLAYER And there’s sure to be plenty more where acceptance to the school, with the big news that came from. expected to come in November. Heffernan is lauded for her speed and goal- scoring ability, but she has been particularly conscientious in working-on a more [THE OLYMPICS ARE] DEFINITELY MY complete game. “A few years ago, some may have known me as a toe drag queen but since then I’ve been ULTIMATE GOAL BUT FOR RIGHT NOW I’M FOCUSING growing towards an all-around player,” she And as Heffernan has shown prowess and said. “Don’t get me wrong, I love nothing ability in playing for Team Canada’s Under-18 ON GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND BEING THE more than scoring goals and winning but squad, she is definitely on the radar as a I have learned to use my skill set in the future member of the women’s national BEST I CAN WITH THE U-18S. defensive zone in order to be able to be team. more offensively effective.” I asked her where she plans to be in February “I love making plays and I feel I see the ice 2018. She has an idea, but isn’t getting too Heffernan is playing for Kelowna, B.C.’s caught-up in the idea, just yet. Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy, this NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT well; but again, I’m learning to grow as an all around player so I’m trusted in all aspects of season. “Well, hopefully Korea,” she said, laughing. Heffernan is looking ahead to some more big the ice.” dates in November, with the 2013 National “It’s definitely my ultimate goal but for right The Grade 12 student was an elite goal-scorer now I’m focusing on getting to the next level in the Junior Women’s Hockey League last Women’s Under-18 Championship, Nov. 6 to THE BIGGEST DREAM OF ALL 10 in Calgary. and being the best I can with the U-18s, then season, scoring 28 goals and 44 points in 31 building from there. “ games with Calgary’s Edge Mountaineers—six Heffernan will turn 18-years-old, the day Heffernan believes Team Alberta can before the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in of her goals were game-winners. “Being with the Hockey Canada program and definitely be a contender for the gold in their Sochi, Russia. And no doubt, as she watches Team Alberta has taught me so much as to home province. Canada’s national women’s team compete, HARVARD-BOUND who I am as a person and what I need to do she will have visions of the 2018 Olympics in order to achieve anything in life. They’ve Verbally committed to Harvard for the “I expect a lot from this year’s Team Alberta running through her mind. given me all the tools in order to succeed 2014/15 season, Heffernan has already experience,” she said. “Winning gold is the and now it’s all hard work and mindset from become quite familiar with the NCAA ultimate goal and I see so much potential in It’s arguably the ultimate for any female here and I’m loving every second of the Division I program and the school, itself. our team. We aren’t all skill—we have a lot of hockey player. journey.”

16 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 17 HOCKEY & OTHER SPORTS Playing other sports helps Point Blank: hockey players improve QUICK SHOTS FROM THE BODY BY | Mark Janzen CHECKING RULE CHANGE IN ALBERTA ecently, two Western Hockey League player. worked with professional and elite-level Hockey Alberta’s Board of Directors approved a motion from the Body Checking general managers – Scott Bonner of athletes for the last 20 years. For Smith, life Review Committee in April 2013, to remove body checking at the peewee level Rthe Giants and “Hockey doesn’t become mundane,” Bonner is all about striking a balance. starting in the 2013-14 season. of the – have aired their said. “You don’t necessarily have to play anxiety about the state of hockey and the (these other sports) at a high level. I would “Sometimes, I think we get too narrow with current era of uber-specialization. just suggest they enjoy other sports, meet onet spor and see it as do or die,” Smith said. other people and work to become a more “Playing different sports allows the player They believe the relatively new idea of a one- well-rounded person.” to stay fresh and enjoy life even when things sport focus is a detriment to the game. don’t go so well with hockey.” ATHLETICISM AT THE CORE OF THE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 “It’s good for guys to get away from the ELITE HOCKEY PLAYER Recently, Smith has been working with a few BODY SKATING AND AGILITY POSITIONING & STICK CHECKING game,” Bonner said. “Last year, some of elite level hockey players. This summer, he CHECKS progression Teach players the ANGLING Teach players how to our guys were playing and it If there’s one person who is most qualified is encouraging them to get away from the importance of striding, Teach players how to effectively us their stick to BODY was shocking how bad some of them were. to discuss the how-to of developing hockey rink and try something completely new. And CONTACT edge control, stopping, posture themselves and poke check, sweep check, We’re in an era in which hockey players are players, it’s Peter Twist. forget even baseball or soccer. How about pivots, stance, balance and what line to take when stick lift and locking up the becoming one-dimensional at a young age. I whitewater rafting or canoeing or kayaking? agility. approaching an opponent. opponents stick. think society is at risk of losing a generation The founder and CEO of Twist Conditioning STICK CHECKS of quality all-around athletes and it’s a has coached over 700 pro athletes and “Let kids have fun,” Smith said. “When dangerous precedent.” mentored thousands of young players. you get to be an adult, then you can be a STEP 5 STEP 4 professional. But even then, when (adults) ANGLING & POSITIIONING In a story written in the Edmonton Journal in “Without question, the best athletes haven’t learned that balance as a kid, they progression BODY CHECKING CONTACT CONFIDENCE AND early 2013, Sutter made his position on the rise to the top,” Twist said. “Elite hockey have major problems, which I’m dealing with The final stage of progression. BODY CONTACT matter clear. requires a plethora of physical ingredients a lot. And then, when they’re not playing well Teach players the techniques Teach players how to use the body SKATING & AGILITY and movement strategies that are best or their team isn’t playing well, it’s like the to check and receive a body to block the opponent’s way and the “You just don’t have as many players today grown and compiled from varied sport end of the world.” check as well as safety, rules and correct stance and effective use of that are as good athletes as they used to participation.” age & skill development respect. leg strength used to initiate contact. be,” Sutter told the Edmonton Journal. “Too much today, especially in young players, is “The body and mind would appreciate focused on hockey 12 months a year. They variety and, really, at an early age, you don’t don’t play soccer, they don’t play baseball or know which sport a child even has the best tennis or the other things that people used potential to excel in, or which one best lights to do.” his fire.”

“It is so noticeable on a hockey team that THE CORNER PIECE: MENTAL VARIETY the kids who have played other sports and Dr. Douglas Smith, 66, 800Registered male and female 12, 000+Registered coaches and team experienced different things are always the smarter players on your team, and they are working with players in Alberta playing officials in Alberta. able to handle adversity better.” Pro Mind Sports minor hockey. Psychology, is a PROOF THAT MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES leading psychologist in CAN THRIVE IN HOCKEY Ontario who has

There are few teams in the WHL that can rival the lineage of talented stars produced 70% by Bonner’s Giants. Body Body of all minor hockey across Canada is being vs. played without body checking, including male For five years in particular, from 2005 to and females of all levels and abilities. 2010, the Giants churned-out the likes of Checking Contact budding NHL stars of the Bruins, of the Jets Body Checking: An attempt by Body Contact: Incidental contact and, most recently, Brendan Gallagher of the a player to gain an advantage on of two opposing players in pursuit There is a 4 fold . the opponent with the use of the of the puck or position on the ice in body. Body checking results when the same direction. Body contact increased risk Not surprisingly, all three have one thing in two opposing players collide while occurs as a result of movement by of concussion in Peewee Hockey players common: a sporting passion away from the rink. skating in opposite direction or when the offensive player. There must in leagues where body checking is positioning and angling allow the be no action where the offensive allowed compared to leagues where it is As teenagers, Lucic was boxer, Kane was a checker to use the force of the body player is pushed, checked or shoved not allowed. soccer-playing striker and Gallagher was a to gain the advantage. into the boards.

18 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 19 ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT DR. STEVEN NORRIS: STUDENT OF THE GAME BY | Derrick Newman

“What it takes to become a champion is The former Director of Performance and doing as many things as possible initially and comes through the brutally honest truth very different than what it takes to be a Strategy with the Canadian Sport Institute gradually specializing.’ that child sport has quickly become adult champion.” views hockey, and all other sports, in the entertainment. realm of performance arts and believes “What I tend to see with increasing This is what Dr. Steven Norris, a renowned parent education is at the forefront of frequency is kids that can’t throw or catch “It’s because of what people want to watch. sports scientist, firmly believes regarding changing the way child athletes develop. or can’t run. They might look quite good as We rush everything and we don’t teach the process of developing athletes in the 21st a young skier or young hockey player but anything effectively. Personally, I’m fed up century. “Dr. Cal Botterill, a very eminent sport there are too many cracks or deficiencies so as a professional dealing with 23-year-old psychologist, is often quoted as saying: what actually happens is parents actually at the highest level of the game “One of the things is that we rush to make ‘Sport allows us to care passionately about limit where their child can ultimately get to. that can’t even skate backwards because hockey look like the adult game but we don’t something that doesn’t really matter.’ I think We have to put a lot more time into parent people haven’t spent the time early on to understand that we haven’t put the building he says that kind of tongue and cheek,” education,” Norris said despite stating that do that. We just are not students of the blocks in place to be able to play the game,” Norris said, pointing out that sport, like art, he thinks some organizations are getting process.” Norris said. “Just because that’s the way it’s is a very important aspect of people’s lives. better in this aspect. always been done doesn’t mean it’s the best way and the most appropriate.” “The aspect of sport at the highest end is about pushing those boundaries; how far Before taking the job as vice president of can we go? And then as you come down sport at WinSport Canada in Calgary, Norris through the development ranks it’s almost WE RUSH TO MAKE HOCKEY LOOK LIKE THE was a critical behind-the-scenes player in a microcosm of life. Life itself is this athletic the past three Winter Olympics and helped event and every child is an athlete. If we are ADULT GAME BUT WE DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT WE play a key role in the Own the Podium high lucky we have about 80 years on the planet. performance and technical program from It’s largely aerobic endurance type activities, 2005 to 2010. wandering around, jogging here and there. HAVEN’T PUT THE BUILDING BLOCKS IN PLACE TO BE Sporadically we have some lifting and some “Many of the deficiencies in technical sprints thrown in for fun. That’s life.” acumen are because we tend to rush – ABLE TO PLAY THE GAME. imposing an adult game on youngsters – at The British sports scientist is adamant a time when you also have to superimpose to point out that sports have some harsh Norris continually makes it clear that parents gross maturation differences, and realities for parents and children alike to far too often focus on what the professional particularly at critical ages.” learn and it’s about understanding those game looks like and they try to mirror that realities that will enable the athlete to for the 10-year olds going out on a Saturday succeed in life. morning at the community rink.

“What the parents have to do is instill in “What does hockey look like for a vast children some of the values that sport can majority of participants? Although we teach them. And if they are lucky enough focus on the professional game, that’s not to have both the attitude and desire to be necessarily the real game that everyone one of those few that go to the Olympics or plays. Can we manage to be all things makes a professional career out of it, then to everyone that plays the game and so be it.” understand where certain decisions have to be made? It’s not simply one-size fits all. It’s He constantly points to the more prevalent a blend. It’s slight alterations that really fit issues in this day and age that we specialize what the different demographic require.” too early in a child’s life, where as we should be doing the exact opposite. “Many of the very important discussions degenerate into emotional arguments rather “We’ve moved very rapidly into this age and than necessarily looking at the facts.” parents are caught up in the trap of thinking that more is better. They want to put all their Furthermore, when asked to discuss the new resources into one activity at very early bodychecking rules in Peewee hockey, Norris ages and not understand the process of is quick to say that the emotional discussion

20 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 21 ALBERTA CHAMPIONSHIPS ALBERTA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Anthony Pretuzzelli would score the opening goal for Brooks just over seven minutes in, and Dakota Mason would double the lead just over a minute later. The Western Capitals would cut the lead halfway through the GOLDEN MOMENTS period. The 2-1 score would hold until late in the third period until Brooks’ captain and national player of the year honouree, Cam ALBERTA TEAMS STOCKPILE MEDALS IN 2012/13, HIGHLIGHTED BY THREE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Maclise, would add an empty netter to give the Bandits a 3-1 victory. BY | Jimmy Adams & Andrew Chong The are the eighth team t was an unprecedented year for Alberta moment, and to win it with the great group hard work we put in as a team had paid from the AJHL to win the Canada’s National hockey on the national stage in 2013. of guys that we had made it extra special,” off. Knowing that we accomplished our Junior A Championship, the first team i said Generals Head Coach, Brandin Cote. “It’s ultimate team goal of winning a National to do it since Camrose last won in 2001, Three out of four national championships something that we’ll all remember for the Championship, the feeling was almost and therefore completing the National were won by Alberta teams: the Bentley rest of our lives.” surreal,” said Leer. “Scoring a goal in the Championship Hat Trick for Alberta. Generals, the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs championship game was a great feeling and and the Brooks Bandits were named the RED DEER OPTIMIST CHIEFS REPEAT knowing that people all around the country EDMONTON THUNDER WIN BRONZE AT best teams in the country over the course AT saw it on TSN made the moment that much of April and May. In the fourth National more special.” Championship, the Midget AAA Female The following week, the Midget AAA Red Representing the Pacific region at the Edmonton Thunder also won the bronze Deer Optimist Chiefs made their way to Sault BROOKS BANDITS WIN PRESTIGIOUS Midget female national championship, the medal. Ste. Marie, Ontario on a quest to defend RBC CUP Edmonton Thunder took home the bronze their 2012 Telus Cup Championship. In 2012, medal. And if that wasn’t enough, the SSAC the Chiefs won in dramatic fashion, coming The Brooks Bandits, who tore up the Alberta Southgate Lions won the Western Canadian back from a 5-1 deficit to win 6-5 in double Junior Hockey League during the regular The Thunder knocked-off the Regina Rebels Bantam championship and the Okotoks overtime. season, finishing the campaign with a 53-4-3 (West), 1–0 in the bronze medal game at Bill Bisons earned bronze at , record, setting league records for wins and Copeland Sports Centre in , B.C. Western Canada’s Junior B championship. After a 2-1-2 preliminary round, the Chiefs points during a season. They spent the final found themselves facing the Saskatoon 22 weeks of the season as the top-ranked Elizabeth Salyn (Edmonton, Alta.) scored the It was a quite a season, to say the least. Contacts in the semi-final, one of the teams Canadian Junior Hockey League team, never lone goal midway through the third period. the tied with in the prelims. They made short dropping below the number two spot at any BENTLEY GENERALS CAPTURE ALLAN work of them, winning 5-1 and setting up a point in the season. SSAC SOUTHGATE LIONS WIN CUP final against the Jr. 67’s, the other WESTERN CANADIAN BANTAMS team they had tied in the prelims. After winning the AJHL league It started with the Senior AAA Bentley championship, Brooks faced off in the first The SSAC Southgate Lions won the Generals in mid-April. The Gens hosted the Red Deer, much like the Generals, would win ever Western , bringing together Western Canadian Bantam championships at the Red Deer Arena and went the championship on a shutout performance the winners of the BCHL, AJHL, SJHL, MJHL in Kindersley, Sask., with a win over cross- into the event as one of the favourites. After from their goalie. Matt Zentner faced 27 as well as the host . The provincial rivals, the North Shore Winter getting through the Rosetown Redwings and shots and stopped them all while his team Bandits would clinch top spot in that event Club Winterhawks (North Vancouver, B.C.) the Thistles in the preliminary round used five different scorers to take a 5-0 as well, but still had to win one of its final they were awarded a bye into the semi-finals. victory. two games to earn a berth at the RBC Cup. It was a bit of redemption for SSAC; in The Generals would face the Thistles again After missing on their first chance, losing to January, the Southgate Lions reached the in the semi-final, winning by a score of 3-2 Chase Thudium, Trey Degraaf, Ryker Leer, the , the Bandits would blank final of the John Reid Memorial Tournament, to reach the Allan Cup final for the fourth Chris Gerrie and Ian McLellan scored the Yorkton to get to the RBC Cup for the first only to lose to North Shore in overtime. time since 2009, when they last won the goals in the win, making Red Deer just the time in the team’s history. Allan Cup, and fifth time since 2008. The fourth team to ever repeat as Telus Cup In the final game of Westerns, the Lions won championship final was set between Bentley champions in history. Brooks proved why they were one of the championship with a 5-3 victory. and the Clarenville Caribous, who were the country’s top teams quickly in the looking for their second title in just three Thudium opened the scoring on a late preliminary round, winning its first two OKOTOKS BISONS EARN BRONZE AT years. powerplay goal in the first period. Early in games by a combined score of 13-4 and KEYSTONE CUP the second period, Degraaf and Leer would finishing the round with a 3-1 record, The Generals’ Chris Neiszner started the score just over a minute apart to make it 3-0. their only loss coming to the hands of the The Okotoks Bisons finished their season scoring in the final, 14 minutes into the Gerrie would put the Chiefs up 4-0 later in Summerside Western Capitals. with an 11–4 win over the Peguis Juniors second period which was followed up four the second, in a period which saw Red Deer to capture a bronze medal at the Keystone minutes later on a goal from Scott Doucet outshoot the 67’s 24-7. They would face the Minnesota Wilderness Cup, the Western Canadian Junior B to make it 2-0. In the third period, Keenan in the semi-final, a team they had beat by a championship. Desmet would give the Generals a 3-0 lead The Chiefs though, knew all too well that a score of 6-2 on day two of the event. The and Dan Bakala would hang on to the 35 four-goal lead going into the third period Bandits went into the third period down two The Bisons reached the bronze medal game save shutout, making the Generals the fifth might not be safe. The Chiefs would make goals and eventually would score the tying with a 2-1-1 record. host team in the last decade to win the Allan sure that a comeback wouldn’t happen, when goal with their goalie pulled and 48 seconds Cup. McLellan added the fifth goal with 6:21 left in left in the third. They’d pull out the win in B.C.’s won the Western the third. overtime on a goal by Mark Reners, setting Canadian Junior “B” Hockey title with a 5-2 “Winning the Allan Cup in Red Deer; in up a rematch against the host Summerside win over the Saskatoon Royals in the gold front of our friends and family was a special “It was great to win and to know all the Western Capitals. medal final.

22 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 23 UPCOMING EVENTS CHANGES TO HOCKEY ALBERTA 2013-14 EVENT SCHEDULE THE ALBERTA Date Event Category Location

Western Canada U16 Challenge Team Alberta WINTER GAMES OCT 31 - NOV 3, 2013 Calgary, AB PROGRAM Cup Under-16 Male NOV 4 - 10, 2013 Junior A Yarmouth, NS he 2014 Alberta Winter Games will be hosted in the beautiful mountain towns Tof Banff and Canmore, February 6th National Women’s U18 to 9th, 2014. The Games are held every two NOV 6 - 10, 2013 Team Alberta Under-18 Female Calgary, AB years, opposite of the Summer Games, and Championship this year will involve 19 sports.

Hockey is one of those sports, but this year DEC 26, 2013 - JAN 5, 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship Under-20 Male Malmo, the event will be slightly different on the male side. In past years, the male event was a peewee club team competition. Meaning local peewee teams from around the DEC 29, 2013 - JAN 4, 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge Team Pacific Under-17 Male Cape Breton, NS province competed to represent their zone at the Alberta Winter Games. Under-14 Male & Under-16 This year, Hockey Alberta and the Team FEB 6 - 9, 2014 Alberta Winter Games Banff/Canmore, AB Alberta Program has gotten involved with Female the Alberta Winter Games. Like the female program, the male program will now be a Western Canadian Sledge select team event. All peewee players born in TBA Sledge Hockey Leduc, AB 2001 will be eligible to try-out for the chance Hockey Tournament to be one of 20 athletes to represent their zone. Investors Group Hockey Alberta MAR 8 - APR 6, 2014 Atom – Senior Male and Female VARIOUS “The change aligns with the Learn to Train Provincials stage of the Long Term Player Development Model, allowing Hockey Alberta to provide Western Canadian Shield guidance to players and coaches in a positive APR 10 - 13, 2014 Senior A & B Female Calgary, AB developmental environment,” said Hockey (Regional Championship) Alberta’s Manager of Hockey Development, Justin Fesyk. Allan Cup (National APR 14 - 19, 2014 Senior AAA Male Dundas, ON The female event is held in opposite years Championship) of the ATB Alberta Challenge and is the first stage of the Team Alberta Female Program. Esso Cup (National Female players born from 1999-2002 are APR 20 - 27, 2014 Midget AAA Female Hamilton, ON eligible to try-out. After the event, 60 Championship) athletes are invited to attend the Team U16 Female summer development camp. Telus Cup (National APR 21 - 27, 2014 Midget AAA Male , SK The Alberta Winter Games were established Championship) in 1974 as multi-sport event to provide develop opportunities for amateur athletes and help them advance their skills in a APR 24 - 27, 2014 ATB Alberta Cup Under-16 Male Strathmore, AB competitive yet friendly environment. The Alberta Winter Games will host over 2800 athletes, coaches and referees all RBC Cup (National participating in 24 different sports such as: MAY 10 - 18, 2014 Junior A Male Vernon, BC badminton, wrestling, squash and more. Championship) Female Program Dates: Selection Camp: Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, 2013 Male Program Dates: Team Training: Jan. 25 or 26, 2014 Selection Camps: Dec. 6-8, 2013

24 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 25 26 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 27 HOCKEY ALBERTA PROVINCIALS HOCKEY ALBERTA FOUNDATION RAISING FUNDS FOR THE MAKING IT HAPPEN: EVERY KID EVERY COMMUNITY PROGRAM THE ROAD TO PROVINCIALS BY | Jimmy Adams t the inaugural Glencross Invitational The 2013 Golf Classic was held at the BY | Jimmy Adams Charity Roughstock Event in 2012, Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club in A$196,000 was raised for the Ronald Canmore, Alberta. The tournament raised McDonald House in Red Deer and minor over $65,000 through sponsorships, a live very March, with the help of many “Anyone that lived in the country was hockey programming in Alberta through the auction and a silent auction. volunteers and Minor Hockey blocked in,” said Jack’s mom, Jennifer. “We Hockey Alberta Foundation. On August 23rd, Associations, Hockey Alberta hosts the didn’t get plowed out until the Sunday, E 2013 the 2nd Annual Glencross Invitation “We’re always trying to find ways to make Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials. and even then only one vehicle could get Charity Roughstock Event, presented by the the Golf Classic more and more successful,” In total, 45 provincial champions are through.” Calgary Flames and PennWest Exploration, said the Hockey Alberta Foundation’s crowned with more than 6,000 players was back and once again all the proceeds Executive Director, Scott Robinson. “Every and 400 teams participating. What doesn’t It wouldn’t be enough to stop Jack from was directed to the two charities. year we’re amazed at the funds raised at this happen every March though, are massive getting to Redwater though. event, and it goes to show how important snow storms that shut down highways across The roughstock event consisted of bull, hockey is to everyone and reinforces our the province. The family put his goalie equipment on a sled bronc, and bareback riding with some of the belief in the Every Kid Every Community and dragged it about a quarter-mile through most accomplished riders in . program.” On March 21st, 2013 much of northern and the field, up a snowbank and over a fence The event itself has more to it than just central Alberta was struck with such a storm. where their neighbour, Erick Landmark, was the rodeo. The Thursday night featured a The 2013 Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Reports indicate over 25 centimeters of waiting with a snowmobile. poker tournament for the event sponsors, Classic featured celebrities like Jay Onrait snowfall, resulting in slippery road conditions with the winner taking home $2,500 and and Dan O’Toole, the former TSN anchors with low visibility. The worst came on the “It’s hard to explain, it was crazy,” recalls a performance by country artist, Jason and NHLers Jordan Eberle (Edmonton QEII Highway, where a pileup left over 100 Jennifer. “Jack missed the first day of Greeley. The Friday night also included Oilers), Zach Boychuk (), people injured. Alberta Transportation was provincials but the snowplow got to Erick’s performances by the award-winning artist, Thomas Hickey (), Adam force to close many sections of highways all house just as he was coming out to get Gord Bamford and The Boom Chucka Boys. Cracknell (St. Louis Blues), Tyson Stratchan the way east to the Saskatchewan border. Jack.” (), one of Calgary’s 2013 “All proceeds are directed to the Ronald 1st round picks, Morgan Klimchuk and more. About one hour northeast of Edmonton, Landmark loaded up Jack and dragged his McDonald House in Red Deer and the the small community of Redwater was equipment behind the snowmobile and drove Hockey Alberta Foundation in support of Next year’s Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf busily getting ready to host the Peewee back to his vehicle and into town where minor hockey programs in Alberta. I grew Classic will return to the Stewart Creek Golf C provincials. They were expecting teams some of the other parents were waiting so up playing the game that I love in the Club in Canmore for the fourth year in a from Sundre, Athabasca, Bentley, Elk Point, Jack could make it to Redwater. province that I love,” said Calgary Flames row. Valleyview, Bow Valley and Provost. forward, Curtis Glencross. “There are many families who do not have the opportunity Follow the Glencross Invitational In Provost, Jack Schneider was getting ready “Our neighbour had kids that had played at to play hockey. Through Hockey Alberta Charity Roughstock Event on Twitter to go to provincials. It had already been a provincials themselves, so they took it upon and fundraising efforts like tonight and | www.twitter.com/cgandfriendsinc/ long, difficult road to get the opportunity themselves to make it happen for Jack,” said tomorrow, we can help to eliminate barriers and Facebook | www.facebook.com/ to represent his zone at provincials. Going Jennifer. “It was pretty nice.” that restrict youth in playing the game.” encrossInvitationalCharityRoughstockEvent back to January and February of 2012, Jack’s The Provost Blades would end up having a team had beat Wainwright and New Sarepta Minor hockey support will be directed to face Coronation in the Zone 7 playdown successful weekend in Redwater, reaching the championship game, in which they faced through the Every Kid Every Community finals. The series, which was two-game total program through the Hockey Alberta score, had Provost down by a goal heading Valleyview and would take home the silver medal. Foundation. The program, created as into game two. Provost would pull off the 5-3 a funding based program, offers an win in the second game, and win the right to opportunity for groups to create innovative go Redwater in March. On the bright side, Jennifer didn’t miss too much of the action because the Redwater ways to get more kids involved. provincial hosts broadcasted Provost’s final There was just one problem for Jack, the Funds for Hockey Alberta’s Every Kid Every two games online, so that those would were actual road outside the family farm, located Community Project are made available 24 km outside of Provost and 12 km away unable to attend could still cheer on from through Government of Alberta’s Community from a secondary highway, was snowed over. home. Spirit Program Grant, generous contributions from ATB Investor Services and the Glencross Roughstock Event and Hockey Alberta Foundation’s fundraising efforts, like the Hockey Alberta Foundation Golf Classic.

28 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 2013-2014 HOCKEY ALBERTA MAGAZINE 29 HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA Better late than never FINALLY, HOCKEY DAY IN CANADA COMES TO LLOYDMINSTER BY | Andrew Chong

here was a little bump in the road – Back in 2011, when the city hosted the the festivities, in an interview with the city and I know a lot of people want to get breakfast. Ticketed events include a banquet, that whole NHL lockout thing – but Allan Cup (Canada’s senior men’s amateur Lloydminster Source. “People in our involved and be a part of it.” pub night, concert, and celebrity breakfast. TLloydminster, Alta. will finally get championship), there was a special community just step-up and get it done.” its much-deserved chance to host the appearance by . And in recent The planning team is looking at compiling The nationally-televised event, produced BIG EVENTS AT HOCKEY Hockey Day in Canada festivities, years of hosting minor hockey provincials, There are no less than 40 committees a roster of 350 volunteers to work in 12 by the CBC, will surely be a hot ticket; and Jan. 14 to 18, 2014. Lloydminster has become known for some planning the array of events that will different areas, from security, to parking, starting Nov. 1, people in Lloydminster will DAY IN CANADA IN pretty intense smoke and light shows during happen between Tuesday and Saturday. to merchandise, to working in the winter have the chance to get their hands on tickets festival. to the various events—and they will probably LLOYDMINSTER The event was supposed to happen in their opening ceremonies. And the ongoing call for volunteers has 7 January 2013, but the lockout meant been successful, with people rallying behind be scooped-up, quickly. Sponsorship dollars are being raised to put Lloydminster had to do some waiting. And the five-day Hockey Day in Canada 1. NHL ALUMNI GAME Hockey Day. on the local events, with any extra funds “Our tickets are going on sale on Nov. 1, I’m event will, no doubt, mean the city will be set to go towards the renovations at Russ thinking the last-minute Lloydminster people But that just meant more planning time for pulling out all the stops. It’s a community “There are a lot of people that are signing The game goes Saturday, 1:00 p.m. and Robertson Arena. Sponsors get tickets, will not get tickets unless they move on it will either be at the Civic Centre or the the city that has the unique distinction of that takes pride in coming together to host up, that’s for sure,” said Rekimowich. recognition, and signage. quickly,” said Rekimowich. outdoor rink. straddling Alberta and Saskatchewan. these types of events. “We’ll be flexible and work around people’s schedule and the sooner they sign up, the As for the events themselves, there will be a To become a sponsor, contact Larry Sauer: 2. And Lloydminster already has a bit of “It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event better chance they’ll get the job that they mix of free and ticketed events. [email protected] or 780-875-2737. HISTORY MUSEUM a reputation for a “go big or go home” and we want to showcase what Lloydminster wanted.” philosophy when it comes to hosting big has to offer to the rest of Canada,” said Free events include a winter festival, a To volunteer, fill-out an application at The Hockey Hall of Fame is bringing a hockey events. Cindy Rekimowich, project manager for “It’s going to be an amazing event for the skate with the Stanley Cup, and a pancake Lloydminster.ca/shdic mini version of their museum of hockey nostalgia. IT’S GOING TO BE A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT 3. PLAYER CLINICS Five player clinics, encompassing all AND WE WANT TO SHOWCASE WHAT LLOYDMINSTER levels of minor hockey, will feature celebrity players.

HAS TO OFFER TO THE REST OF CANADA. 4. INTERACTIVE SKILLS COMPETITION

Events could include hardest shot, DAY 3: THURSDAY shooting accuracy, fastest skater, DAY-BY-DAY: • Celebrity Breakfast w/ leading to an elite showdown. & • Stanley Cup arrives in Lloydminster 5. WINTER CLASSIC: BATTLE OF HOCKEY DAY THE BORDER • Referee Luncheon with Ron MacLean Two games, one Friday and one HIGHLIGHTS Saturday, featuring two local teams and DAY 4: FRIDAY two non-local teams. • Skate with the Cup DAY 1: TUESDAY • Military Battle on the Border Winter 6. COACHES CLINIC • Opening Reception Classic • Lloydminster Hockey History Museum • Banquet with Ron MacLean and Don Scotiabank and CBC are planning an • Interactive Hockey Skills Challenges Cherry opportunity for local coaches to work with pros. DAY 2: WEDNESDAY DAY 5: SATURDAY 7. BALL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT • Stanley Cup Relay Begins • Live national broadcast on CBC Takes place Saturday during Winter • Hockey Academy with Cassie Campbell • Winter Fest Celebration Fest, featuring four outdoor rinks with • CBC Shinny Game • Junior A game bales and snow fences.

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WHO IS HOCKEY ALBERTA?

OUR VISION: OUR MEMBERS: of Hockey Alberta is guided through a To become the most progressive and Hockey Alberta is the third largest provincial board of directors, councils, and many innovative sport organization in Canada. branch of Hockey Canada, which is the committees implemented through nine national governing body for amateur hockey zone teams. Without the devotion of these OUR MISSION: in Canada. Hockey Alberta is the acting people, Hockey Alberta would not be one of To create opportunities and valuable governing body for amateur hockey in the Canada’s leaders in hockey development. life experiences in hockey for Albertans province of Alberta ranging from the levels by providing exceptional leadership and of minor hockey to senior hockey including OUR STAFF: service. the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Hockey Hockey Alberta consists of 27 staff members Alberta has approximately 450 member that facilitate the Operations, Development OUR HISTORY: organizations representing over 90,000 and Marketing/Communications/Foundation Hockey Alberta was founded in 1907 and has participants. All players are coached, departments of the organization located acted as the governing body for the sport officiated and developed through the in Red Deer. Hockey Alberta has five staff of hockey in this province ever since. Since teachings and education that Hockey Alberta members who work remotely at Hockey then, Hockey Alberta has been designing provides at all levels of the game. Alberta Regional Centres - in , and implementing new ways to organize Lethbridge, Calgary, Lloydminster and Red and develop players, coaches, officials and OUR VOLUNTEERS: Deer. The staff oversees all of the programs administrators throughout the province to Hockey Alberta is a volunteer driven and services that Hockey Alberta provides create positive experiences for everyone organization with over 500 volunteers its members through implementation, involved in the game. involved in different roles through our discussion and development on a day-to-day committees and programs. The direction basis. PROVINCIAL SPONSORS

Title sponsor of Hockey Alberta’s Official Sports Store of Presenting sponsor of the Hockey provincial championships Hockey Alberta Alberta Foundation Golf Classic

Provincial sponsor for the Dodge Official hotel chain of Hockey Title Sponsor of the ATB Team Caravan Kids Program Alberta and Team Alberta Alberta Program

PROVINCIAL SUPPLIERS

LA Media

Official equipment Official apparel company of Hockey Alberta. Official fuel of the Official Official apparel supplier to Team A supporting sponsor of the Investors Group ATB Team Alberta Photographer for company of Team Alberta Hockey Alberta Provincials Program Hockey Alberta Alberta. PARTNERS IN HOCKEY

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