The Official Magazine of the Greater Hockey League & Its Member Organizations

WINTER 2016 - 17

STANDING California TALL Love Markus Augusto’s From the G inspiring journey to the Gold Coast Page 24 Page 34

@ GTHLHOCKEY 1 File Name: SPONS-AD-GTHL-BreakoutMag-1016 Publication: GTHL Breakout Magazine Trim: 16.5” x 10.5” Material Deadline: November 18, 2016 Creative & Production Services Bleed: 0.5" Safety: 0.5” Mech Res: 300dpi 100 Yonge Street, 10th Floor Insertion Dates: December 15, 2016 Toronto, ON M5C 2W1 Colours: CMYK

The 5th is when kids dream big.

From the plains of Saskatchewan to the suburbs of , kids dream legendary hockey moments. That’s why we’re proud to support over 8,000 community hockey teams from coast to coast. Because even if they don’t score the game-winning , every kid should know what being a hockey hero feels like. #The5thSeason

www.scotiabank.com/the5thseason

®* Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the . © NHL 2016. All Rights Reserved.

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SPONS-AD-GTHL-BreakoutMag-1016.indd 1 2016-10-28 9:43 AM File Name: SPONS-AD-GTHL-BreakoutMag-1016 Publication: GTHL Breakout Magazine Trim: 16.5” x 10.5” Material Deadline: November 18, 2016 Creative & Production Services Bleed: 0.5" Safety: 0.5” Mech Res: 300dpi 100 Yonge Street, 10th Floor Insertion Dates: December 15, 2016 Toronto, ON M5C 2W1 Colours: CMYK

The 5th Season is when kids dream big.

From the plains of Saskatchewan to the suburbs of Ontario, kids dream legendary hockey moments. That’s why we’re proud to support over 8,000 community hockey teams from coast to coast. Because even if they don’t score the game-winning goal, every kid should know what being a hockey hero feels like. #The5thSeason

www.scotiabank.com/the5thseason

®* Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia. NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. © NHL 2016. All Rights Reserved.

@ GTHLHOCKEY 3

SPONS-AD-GTHL-BreakoutMag-1016.indd 1 2016-10-28 9:43 AM www.prohockeylife.com WINTER 2016-17 The Official Magazine of the Greater Toronto Hockey League & its Member Organizations GTHLHOCKEY @GTHLHOCKEY GTHLHOCKEY STARTING LINE-UP 16 12 First Words Reflections on the most important parts of our game. 14 gOLDEN QUESTIONS Team head coach Dominique Ducharme on the challenge of building a winning team. 16 THIRSTY? The importance of hydration in sport, with tips from our friends at Recharge With Milk. 18 HOLIDAY HOCKEY TIP Become a stick-handling master with help from HockeyShot.com. 20 #IPlayInTheG A campaign to capture the stories behind the games. 20 22 22 REMEMBERING TYLER CRAGG THE JR. Honouring the life of an inspiring CANADIENS mentor who left us too soon. ARE CONTINUING BY BRENDON CROSSMAN THE LEGACY 23 ONE IN A BILLION OF THEIR LATE One woman’s story of learning and COACH TYLER growing the game half a world away. CRAGG BY CHRIS ACKROYD 24 sTANDING TALL 23 24 26 Be inspired by a remarkable teenager who refuses to let cancer get in the way of his dreams. BY ADRIENNE MIDDLEBROOK 28 a PLAN IN MOTION A look at the work being done to prevent and treat concussions in the GTHL. BY ROBYN COX & STEPHANIE MCFARLAND 30 THE START OF SOMETHING BIG Alumni from the GTHL Top Prospects Game Powered by Under Armour have blazed an impressive trail. 32 THIS IS 40 Meadowvale Minor Hockey Association, 40 years later. 34 calIFORNIA LOVE 36 100 YEARS OF HISTORY 38 FROM THE STANDS Andrew Cogliano, Mike Futa and Celebrating a century of Maple The ups and downs of minor COVER: #IPlayintheG, Photos by Erin Riley on the California Leafs hockey. hockey, from a parent’s perspective. hockey scene. BY JOSHUA DAWSON BY MICK KERN

@ GTHLHOCKEY 5 6 GTHLCANADA.COM SNAPSHOTS

DEVIL OF A TIME

GTHL Puck Drop Weekend celebrated the start of the hockey season for a sixth straight year, with more than 200 GTHL teams taking the ice over two days at .

Photo by ERIN RILEY

Facebook.com/GTHLHockey has more pics from Puck Drop Weekend

@ GTHLHOCKEY 7 8 GTHLCANADA.COM SNAPSHOTS

LEADING THE CHARGE

Goaltender Nolan Walsh leads the Minor Atom AA Toros into action at Centennial Park Arena in Etobicoke on Oct. 20. The Toros won the game 7-3 to improve to 6-0-1 on the season.

Photo by ERIN RILEY

Be at the top of your game, every game. Flip to page 16 for Recharge with Milk hydration tips.

@ GTHLHOCKEY 9 10 GTHLCANADA.COM SNAPSHOTS

FILL THE NET!

Members of the Faustina Fury collected donations for the Daily Bread Food Bank during the PlayStation Platinum Cup in late November.

Photo by ERIN RILEY

Find more PlayStation Platinum Cup coverage beginning on page 24.

@ GTHLHOCKEY 11 First Words editor Brendon Crossman WINTER | DECEMBER 2016

Editor Brendon Crossman [email protected] Publisher REMEMBER THE MOMENTS Greater Toronto Hockey League The details sometimes wash away, but the feelings last a lifetime Design & Layout PIX hen I was in university, one of my which chronicles the work being done to prevent and assignments was to write weekly treat concussions in the GTHL. As you’ll see, incredibly Photography Erin Riley reflection journals during a practicum intelligent people are doing great things to protect our CHL Images placement. This task was always at the precious memory banks. bottom of my to-do list and, in all honesty, There’s a quote by Dr. Maya Angelou, an American Matthew Manor Wthe entries were loosely based on reality by the time author and civil rights activist, which came to mind Terry Wilson I got around to them. Not because I was creating when writing this piece: “I’ve learned that people will Contributing Writers fiction, but because I simply couldn’t recount whether forget what you said, people will forget what you did, Chris Ackroyd Mick Kern Robyn Cox Stephanie McFarland my lesson plan had been delivered on a Monday or a but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Brendon Crossman Adrienne Middlebrook Tuesday, or whether my group had worked as a It’s true, isn’t it? Find one person who could recount Joshua Dawson Erin Riley cohesive unit throughout a term project. It was a coach’s pre-game speech verbatim. (The kid who Advertising Sales simply a case of memories blurring together, of one absolutely nails the Herb Brooks speech from Dave Lowes day running into the next. Miracle doesn’t count.) Tell me all the drills you 57 Carl Hall Road, Toronto, ON Which is exactly why we should reflect – because learned in practice or your stat line from each hockey 416-636-6845 we forget. Call it misremembering if you prefer, but season. Without reference to recordings or books, [email protected] we do it all the time, save for those few with it’s downright impossible to be accurate all the time. GTHL Executive Officers impeccable recall. We forget scores of hockey games. But how did that coach make you feel? Inspired? Don West President John Gardner Immediate Past President We forget an elbow pad in the basement. We forget to Excited? Angry? Ken Smith First Vice President cover the player in front of the net. What about the practices and games? Did the Gordon McDonald Second Vice President The articles within these pages are meant to stops and starts make your legs burn? Did the Geoff Shaw Third Vice President preserve the facts and help us remember, to tell horseshoe drill get boring? Is the thought of a W. John Trimble Treasurer stories that don’t show up on game sheets. In thrilling victory giving you chills? GTHL Board of Directors Remembering Tyler Cragg you’ll read about an It’s not all about what happens on the ice, as Andrew Kidd Chick Evans inspiring mentor who left us too soon; Standing Tall you’ll see in This is 40. In fact, our parent contributor David Leathem tells the story of a remarkable teenager refusing to let Mick Kern might have put it best: It All Matters. Mike Lewicki cancer get in the way of his dreams; and 100 Years of Every little thing about our great game is worth Doug Thomson Steve Allmen History takes you back in time with the Toronto remembering, so take the time this season to do just that. Phil Wolfenden Maple Leafs. Happy Hockey Holidays, folks, and thanks for Wally Turner And how could we forget about A Plan in Motion, reading! Brian Webster President, MHL Bob Svanefelt President, NYHL GTHL Office Staff Scott Oakman Executive Director Managers Peter Kourtis Hockey Operations Dave Lowes Corporate Partnerships and Communications Josh Hamilton Membership Services and Events Dinesh Virmani Accounting Coordinators Olivia Costantino Registration Michelle Fata Officiating Development, Insurance and Risk Management SLOW IT DOWN Chris Whiting League Officiating The hockey season can seem like a blur at times, which is why we’re Jennifer Crawford League Operations and Events trying to slow things down and tell your stories off the ice. Flip to page 20 Brian Kyla-Lassila Coach and Player for more on the #IPlayInTheG initiative. Development Adrienne Middlebrook Marketing and Communications Anthony Munro League Schedule Thanks Patty Ciddio Administration to our Mary Mendes Customer Service Supporters GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE 57 Carl Hall Road Toronto, ON M3K 2B6 Phone: 416-636-6845 Fax: 416-636-2035 Email: [email protected]

12 GTHLCANADA.COM @ GTHLHOCKEY 13 World Juniors

Team Canada captured a gold medal in 2015 when the tournament was last hosted in Canada. GTHL graduates (1-2—3), Connor McDavid (1-0—1) and Nick Paul (1-0—1) each scored in the final, a 5-4 win over Russia at Air Canada . Terry Wilson / CHL Images Terry The challenge of building a GOLDEN QUESTIONS gold medal-winning team ho wears the “C”? Who takes the first and guys in the NHL so it’s got to be done by a face-off? Who’s the starting ? team,” said Ducharme when we reconnected. W Which guys are on the first power play “Everyone is chipping in and our scout Ryan unit? Jankowski is doing a great job being all over TEAM CANADA Before those questions are answered, and the place, all around the country.” long ahead of Canada’s National Junior Team As director of player personnel, Jankowski playing its first preliminary-round game of the has been tasked with finding talent and then IN TORONTO 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, head helping to narrow the list of candidates ahead Group B round-robin play coach Dominique Ducharme and his staff are of December’s selection camp. The role is a begins at Air Canada Centre pondering other queries. perfect fit for Jankowski, who has been on Boxing Day. Who’s having a breakout season? Where are ’s head scout (and responsible the gems hiding? How many players from the for the Program of Excellence) since 2013. * summer development camp will make the Jankowski’s experience in the NHL – eight Friday, Dec. 23 final cut? What’s the right mix of talent and years as an executive and scout with the New CAN vs SUI 7:00pm grit? York Islanders and Canadiens – “One of the biggest things is to get to know offers wisdom to Ducharme and his staff when the players as much as possible, which is not dealing with another question that crops up monday, Dec. 26 easy because of the size of the country and the each December: are any NHL players available? CAN vs RUS 8:00pm different leagues,” said Ducharme in a phone “The closer we get to the tournament, we’ll interview with Breakout. “Everyone gathers as know about those guys,” said Ducharme. Tuesday, Dec. 27 much information as they can. There’s no easy “Management is keeping in touch with NHL CAN vs SVK 8:00pm way.” teams, so we’re looking at everyone possible. ‘No easy way’ is an understatement for a The final say comes from the NHL team, and group wearing many hats this season. we just want to be aware and ready when they Thursday, Dec. 29 Ducharme took our call from the team bus, make their decision.” LAT vs CAN 8:00pm while making the eight-hour trek to Baie Ducharme is confident in his group, Comeau, , where his Drummondville regardless of how the 23-player roster comes Voltigeurs were playing the Drakkar. The call together. Satday, Dec. 31 dropped once during our conversation, as the “We’re going to have a good team no matter USA vs CAN 3:30pm bus traced the north shore of the Saint what happens. We have great candidates Lawrence River along Route 138 East. around the country and we’re going to be a *Exhibition game “You also have guys playing at U.S. colleges good team.”

14 GTHLCANADA.COM WORLD JUNIORS @ THE ACC | STARTS DEC. 26 THE CANADIAN HOLIDAY TRADITION SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE

HOCKEYCANADA.CA/ TICKETS

@ GTHLHOCKEY 15 THIRSTY?

The importance of hydration in sport

any factors work behind the scenes to help you achieve your best results during a workout. One factor that can make or break a physical performance is hydrationM – do it properly and your body will run like a well-oiled machine, but beware if you let your engine run dry. Erin Riley

DRINK UP, PERFORM BETTER per cent of your body weight through your yourself before and after your workout – sweat can lead to game-changing side effects rehydrate with 1.25 to 1.5 litres of fluid for Our bodies are made up of approximately 60 (see “Being dehydrated can lead to . . .”). every kilogram of body weight lost.* per cent water, and the daily recommended The fluid intake recommendations noted * According to a February 2016 publication fluid intake is between two and three litres above aren’t limited to just water – general by the Dietitians of Canada, the Academy of per day (2.2 litres for women and 3 litres for hydration guidelines also include milk, 100% Nutrition and Dietetics and the American men). That range is even higher for active vegetable/fruit juices and smoothies. How College of Sports Medicine. individuals. much you specifically need will depend on Countering fluid loss as it happens will your body size, your level and type of activity help keep you at the top of your game. and the environment you are training in. When dehydration kicks in, you can feel Drinking fluids before, during and after Pro Tip tired, dizzy, and perhaps have a foggy mind workouts is also key to a successful Fluid loss continues even after – not good when you’re trying to make tape- performance. Right before a workout, and exercise stops! That means to-tape passes or rip one-timers. You may when exercising for 60 minutes or less, water post-game fluid consumption even mistake hunger for thirst (and no one is likely all you need. That said, you may need is just as important for your wants to have that hangry feeling on the ice). to consider a sports drink when exercising body. Beverages that contain As a result, your motivated mindset for 90 minutes or more, especially if you’re carbohydrates, electrolytes (sodium) and protein help disappears and your performance suffers. training at a high intensity and/or in hot enhance your rehydration temperatures. Common signs that you are dehydrated and recovery. Milk and chocolate milk are great include a dry or sticky mouth, not urinating A simple way of checking your hydration choices to help replace fluid lost during exercise throughout the day, urine that is darker status is to monitor urine output. Look for and get you ready for another personal best yellow, headaches and muscle cramping. clear or pale yellow and sufficient volume workout! And it doesn’t take much – losing just two throughout the day. When exercising, weigh

16 GTHLCANADA.COM Keep the Fluids Flowing MAKE A HYDRATION PLAN Is there a magic number for how much fluid you should drink more Approach hydration like you do other areas of the sport – consume during a workout? Unfortunately not, since our fluids the day with pre-game, in-game and post-game routines. bodies vary so much and fluid intake also depends on the before a type of exercise you are doing. The good news, though, is that Be ready for the first shift there are a few tricks that can help you gauge how much you major event Whenever you exercise, you’ll always be at your best if you should drink when you’re in the gym or on the ice. are well-hydrated to start. So what’s the secret to success? Follow these tips to stay out of the dehydration deep on game day, Live by this rule of thumb: drink more fluids the day before end: a major event. Then on game day, give yourself about two give yourself hours to hydrate before puck drop – this will give your body Read your body language about two time to properly process the fluids. If your workout is feeling tougher than usual, even after a pre-workout snack, you could be low on fluid. Signs of hours to In-game hydration dehydration can include weakness, headaches or difficulty hydrate More is always better, right? Not necessarily. It’s important concentrating. before puck to get enough water, but balance is key because an H2O overflow during an extreme workout can drop your sodium Track your bathroom breaks drop levels to harmful lows and put you at risk. If you do get Check your urine – the goal is to have a pale yellow colour waterlogged, try offsetting the negative effects with a and higher amounts. Dark urine in low amounts is a sign beverage that contains sodium and potassium. of dehydration. Drink chocolate Milk to rehydrate Avoid cotton mouth milk within After the big game you will need to replace all the fluid and Drink up! Our bodies usually tell us when we need fluid, electrolytes lost in sweat. In addition, there are other nutrients but thirst alone isn’t always an accurate gauge. Play it safe 30 minutes of – like carbohydrates and protein – that will help you recover. by making a hydration plan so fluid replacement is part an intense Drinking chocolate milk within 30 minutes of an intense of your training regimen. workout can help provide the fluid, electrolytes, carbs and workout protein your body needs to rehydrate, refuel and recharge. It’s a great way to make tomorrow’s workout better today. BEING DEHYDRATED CAN LEAD TO ... Delayed muscle recovery or 1 increased risk for muscle injury Decreased concentration, 2 coordination and reaction time Increased perceived effort in 3 training sessions Impaired body temperature 4 regulation 5 Added cardiovascular stress 6 Increased risk of heat illness 7 Early onset of fatigue 8 Muscle cramping Erin Riley

@ GTHLHOCKEY 17 GTHL TIPS Presented by

HOLIDAY HOCKEY TIP: STICK-HANDLING HockeyShot.com has the tips and products you need to perfect your game

Want to be as smooth as Connor McDavid and stick-handle on your other side. Another way to improve control play like ? Consider these next your puck control is to stick-handle in place, then move stick-handling techniques and elevate your game to your feet and body around the puck. new levels. Practicing is never about being better than someone else As a young hockey player, most coaches will tell – it’s about being better than you were yesterday. Follow you to keep your head up, and this is true. However, these simple stick-handling techniques and you’ll feel more that doesn’t mean “never look at the puck.” In fact, if comfortable with the puck, giving you confidence to go on you can understand and recognize the times when that end-to-end rush! sneaking a peak is helpful, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an elite puck-handler. Heads up hockey When it comes to stick-handling, you want to Keep your head up when skating up ice. Channeling your be comfortable with the puck and become familiar inner McDavid when zipping through the neutral zone will with how it feels on the blade of your stick. As you help you read and react to defenders as well as find open ice. get more and more comfortable, try stick-handling with your head up. Proper execution will make Make your move navigating the ice that much easier. Keep the puck DRYLAND FLOORING TILES When you’re ready to pull off a difficult deke or dangle, ALLSTAR ★ EDITION in your sweet spot – out in front of you with your HockeyShot’s top-selling Dryland Flooring Tiles that’s when you should take a quick glance at the puck. arms extended slightly – and you’ll have the puck in just got better! The new and improved formula Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings before your peripheral vision, enabling you to stick-handle provides our best puck handling yet. Train like a looking down; you don’t want to come across the middle effectively and dance through defenders as you pro with the best tile on the market. with your head down and have the opposing defenseman cruise up ice. step up to clean your clock. It’s important to practice moving with the puck at SHOP NOW all positions around your body. For example, begin by This is a great product to help you work Bury the biscuit stick-handling on your forehand or strong side, then on and improve your game! For over 200 top If your timing is right, you’ll be on your way to the highlight move your arms across your body and continue to hockey training aids, visit HockeyShot.com. reel.

18 GTHLCANADA.COM @ GTHLHOCKEY 19 GTHL FEATURE #IPlayinTheG

ith the wacky world of social media constantly at our fingertips (literally), it Wcan be easy for messages to get lost. The same holds true for the wonderful world of hockey, with the true meaning of sport lost somewhere between the standings and scoring leaderboards. The GTHL’s new #IPlayInTheG social campaign set out to find what is sometimes lost, to share the special moments, tell the bigger stories, redefine community and to amplify the pride our players have each and every time they hit the ice. One busy Saturday in November, GTHL photographer Erin Riley visited Herb Carnegie and Chesswood Arenas to capture the stories behind the games and to reinforce the notion that from house league to select to rep, we all play in the G.

Share your #IPlayInTheG story.

@GTHLHockey @GTHLHockey @GTHLHockey @GTHLHockey

20 GTHLCANADA.COM #IPlayinTheG

Zoe Haldenby feels special being the only girl on the Minor Atom AAA Rangers. She loves her (goofy!) team and says she has great teammates.

”We have the best team clowns in the league.” Stefano Papetti and Ryan Henry think their team is the best because they’re funny and laugh a lot.

Chris Paolone of the says his teammates have become more like family during his four years of hockey.

Mac & cheese is a staple pre-game meal in the Jansen household, which has three boys in hockey: Eric, 6; Isaac, 8; and big brother Jacob, who was on the ice with the Minor Atom AA Toronto Shamrocks when Breakout snapped this photo.

“I learned pretty quickly how to tape a stick.” Adrienne Colpitts says her family takes a divide and conquer approach to getting two boys get to the rink.

Leaside Flames goaltender Andrew McHardy says he and his Atom A teammates love the competitive nature of the GTHL: “When we play hockey,we play hockey.” @ GTHLHOCKEY 21 GTHL COMMUNITY REMEMBERING TYLER CRAGG Smart. Funny. A Champ. A Fighter. By BRENDON CROSSMAN

o an outsider, the Tyler Cragg Memorial Winstanley praised. “His 1990 team was a very Tournament was a chance to capture a gold special group to Tyler. He had on Tmedal; to take home bragging rights. that team and he would love to sit and tell us stories For those in the Toronto Jr. Canadiens about how good he was as a kid.” organization – and to anyone who had the pleasure Not as a player, but as a kid. That’s what manner and fought every minute,” said Jr. Canadiens of knowing the tournament’s namesake – the event mattered most to Cragg, ensuring his boys owner Peter Friedmann. was a way to honour a man that dedicated his life to developed as human beings as well as hockey Born in British Columbia, Tyler grew up in a the game, touching so many others along the way. players. Pietrangelo is a perfect example of military family and his parents, Erik and Karen, Tyler Cragg first got involved in the Jr. Cragg’s goals coming to fruition – he now captains eventually landed in Orleans, Massachusetts, where Canadiens organization in 2000 and went on to serve the St. Louis . his father opened a dentistry practice. In the spring of 2015, Tyler joined his family in the small town on Cape Cod to continue his recovery from a stroke that followed his third brain surgery in two years. On August 18, 2015 – Cragg’s 44th birthday – a Go Fund Me page with a goal of $55,000 was established to raise money for his treatment. The target was surpassed within days, thanks in large part to the generosity of those in the JRC, GTHL and Ontario Junior Hockey League communities. “Coaches he competed against for years stepped up,” recalled Winstanley. “People donated who had never even met Tyler, but had kids in the JRC organization. I’m sure his family read every name that donated to him.” “Tyler was fully aware of the efforts and they were very much appreciated by the Cragg family,” added Friedmann, who, along with his family,

Erin Riley visited Tyler on a regular basis and is remains in touch with the Craggs. the club as a head coach and president, while also It was in April 2013, while preparing for the Jr. Less than four months later, on Dec. 7, 2015, Tyler acting as general manager of the Canadian Ice Canadiens’ year-end banquet, that Cragg had his died after “courageously fighting cancer without Academy in . first seizure. Within two days he had a lesion – a complaint for nearly three years.” He was “Tyler started coaching in the Markham damaged or abnormally functioning area – removed surrounded by family and had recently had a visit Islanders organization in the late 90s,” wrote Toronto from his brain. from Rick Crumpton, Joe Pietrangelo and Brian Jr. Canadiens general manager Johnny Winstanley The ensuing diagnosis was a shock to everyone Hood, some of his closest friends from the JRC in an email to Breakout. who knew the otherwise healthy 41-year-old: organization. “He took over the 1990-born JRC team for the Glioblastoma Multiforme, a form of brain cancer. Cragg’s impact on the players he led and the 2000-01 season and then coached in the organization Cragg tackled the news the only way he knew organization he represented with such high esteem for 15 years, was president and general manager for how – with unbeatable spirit and unmatched for more than a decade, continues through his name six years and also coached the inaugural season with determination. He hardly missed a beat at the rink, – from the tournament he helped create to the newly our Jr. A program.” returning to both the Jr. Canadiens and the Academy renamed Jr. Canadiens Coach of the Year Award to A leader in every sense of the word, Cragg was as he began treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer the bursary fund established in his memory. the driving force behind the creation of the Centre in Toronto. “When you think or speak about Tyler the same Canadiens Cup tournament, the event that now Through it all, Cragg continued to pour his heart thing always comes up,” said Winstanley. “He was a bears his name. and soul into his greatest passion. great hockey guy and an even better person.” “He took pride in everyone he coached,” “He dealt with his illness in a very positive And that’s how he’ll always be remembered.

22 GTHLCANADA.COM GTHL Officiating

Ivy at her fist international tournament, the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II qualifiers in Hong Kong. Ivy and her on-ice partner Phil Gallant.

learn different officiating cultures. I brought them to the GTHL and they made friends with the GTHL referees and they skated together and had fun, and learned a lot.” “Officiating in the GTHL is very good. Their way of teaching is very good and GTHL referees are ONE IN A BILLION all great teachers. They helped me a lot and I got a One woman’s story of learning and growing the game half a world away lot of experience learning from them.” With that experience, Xu returned to China By CHRIS ACKROYD with new skills and knowledge, quickly moving up here are more than 1.35 billion people in China. only way to get on the ice. When I learned, I realized the ranks in the country’s women’s hockey scene. According to the International officials can be very smart on the ice and it’s helped Xu has certainly come a long way from her simple Federation, 95 of them are hockey officials. When me in work and other parts of life.” beginnings as a curious off-ice official – she was T up the middle for the qualification round of the a new rink opened up in Shenzhen City, just north Xu eventually donned the armbands as a referee, of Hong Kong, Jingwei (Ivy) Xu decided she wanted a transition similar to that of other officials. The 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championship and to get on the ice for fun – a decision that ultimately development process, however, was unique serves as an off-ice official with the Kontinental led her to the GTHL and, compared to most of her Hockey League, which expanded to China eventually, to the IIHF. counterparts. this season. Though never having Though never having Each September, the While the opportunities presented by the played hockey, Xu was intrigued Chinese National Women’s GTHL helped Xu develop, it was her commitment by the game. She wanted to played hockey, Xu was Team holds training camp and to the game and to continually improving that learn more about the sport that intrigued by the game. plays exhibition games in set her apart. is second nature to many Ontario. In 2013, Xu joined the “It would be fair to say that Ivy is the most , but foreign to most She wanted to learn more team for the trip, seeking dedicated and hard-working hockey official I in China. Excited about the about the sport that is coaching from experienced have met in my 48 years of officiating,” said Wallace. sport, she asked the Chinese Ice second nature to many Canadian officials. Steve “She has worked very hard in hopes of becoming Hockey Association how she Wallace, the GTHL’s technical China’s first ice hockey referee in the Olympics.” could be involved, thus Canadians, but foreign to director of officiating, agreed With the 2022 Winter Olympics being hosted in beginning her unlikely journey. most in China. to lend a hand to help educate Beijing, China, 2,200 km north of Shenzhen, Xu’s With little knowledge of the an eager new official. objectives continue to evolve. Already with sport and a fairly basic skating Since her first visit to the an impressive collection of accolades, her next ability, Xu learned the game as GTHL’s Canadian School of step is to give back. an off-ice official for two years before ever picking Hockey Officiating, Xu has grown immensely as an “In officiating, my goal is to teach more up a whistle. Working in the timekeeper’s box official. In her repeated visits to the GTA, she has students that they can get a chance,” said Xu. “I think provided a chance to be involved while learning officiated games in the GTHL, MHL, and NYHL, as it’s a good opportunity for Chinese young people if about the nuances of ice hockey, further developing well as experiencing junior hockey through the ref they can officiate in the Olympic Games. I hope both her understanding of and appreciation for the school. China can be a strong hockey country.” game. Passionate about the opportunities presented to While the GTHL continues to develop referees After working as an off-ice official and her, Xu made it a priority to help aspiring officials in and linesmen who progress to the OHL, AHL, and improving her skating in her spare time, Xu China, bringing a contingent to her most recent visit NHL, the league and its officials have helped transitioned into the role of linesperson. to Canada in 2015. contribute to a global movement – one driven by the “I started for fun, to get on the ice,” said Xu “The first two years I went to Canada by myself, work of a passionate woman from southern China. during a phone interview from a hotel in Qiqihar, but in the third year some of my students came,” Xu continues to inspire, and that bodes well for where she was officiating a women’s tournament. said Xu, speaking with great excitement about the growth of officiating – and hockey – in places we “There is no team in my city so officiating was the their potential. “They wanted to learn more and rarely think of.

@ GTHLHOCKEY 23 GTHL SPOTLIGHT

mother, Alice Augusto. “The swelling in the area became hard and felt hot to the touch.” What came next for Marcus was a whirlwind of doctors’ visits, tests, and X-rays. After a referral to SickKids, the diagnosis came in: osteosarcoma, a cancer that starts in the STANDING TALL bones. Most hockey wounds heal. Marcus Augusto’s never did. “The oncology team at SickKids were an By Adrienne Middlebrook integral part of the process,” said Mrs. Augusto. “They were so optimistic about the treatment t was something Marcus Augusto had seen options available and they answered all of before: a bruise on his knee after a hard Marcus’ questions.” Ifought hockey game. The 15-year-old had “It’s hard to describe, but it was Most importantly, SickKids staff never been playing hockey for almost 10 years, one of the best weeks of my life. discouraged Marcus from his desire to play starting as a six-year-old at Parkwoods House hockey again. To keep his spirits up, Marcus League. He knew getting hit by the puck would It made me feel like I could do kept in touch with his teammates and would leave a mark on occasion, it was just part of the anything I put my mind to.” head to the rink to cheer on his squad between game. Now playing with the Bantam AA West treatments. To improve his future mobility, Hill Golden Hawks, he figured a bruise wasn’t - Marcus Augusto, on his time at Marcus was advised to undergo a worth spending much time on. rotationplasty, a common procedure for As the weeks went by, Marcus couldn’t Camp Ooch children with bone cancer where a portion of ignore the nagging bruise that just wouldn’t go the affected limb is removed. In Marcus’ case, away. In fact, the affected area started to swell doctors removed part of his right leg just and get worse. below the knee. “It wasn’t getting better,” explained Marcus’ The surgery assisted Marcus in his

24 GTHLCANADA.COM GTHL SPOTLIGHT

recovery, but it also prevented him from playing traditional hockey. Never one to be discouraged, Marcus found motivation elsewhere. He described to the Toronto Star that watching Canada’s Paralympic athletes changed his outlook on playing sports in the future, calling them “inspiring.” Determined to get back on the ice, Marcus joined a Markham-based sledge hockey team and played in the Cruisers Cup, a competitive international tournament held in each year since 2009. “It was exciting and rewarding to feel like my old athletic self again,” said Marcus. “We even made it to the quarter-finals.” An integral part of Marcus starting a new normal was becoming involved with Camp Ooch, an organization that provides kids with and affected by childhood cancer with what they need most – the chance to be kids. Marcus attended the organization’s week-long camp in Muskoka and is part of their teen program. “Marcus demonstrates the confidence of a seasoned camper, and he never turns down a challenge,” said Camp Ooch leadership program coordinator Kevin Limeback. “This can-do attitude, in combination with his wonderfully charismatic and caring personality, allows him to shine as a leader among his peers and within our community.” “It’s hard to describe, but it was one of the best weeks of my life,” said Marcus about his experience at the camp. “It made me feel like I could do anything I put my mind to.” Camp Ooch is equipped with volunteers from SickKids who work closely with the oncology team to ensure all campers have the best possible experience. “I’ll definitely participate again for years to come,” said Marcus, who is currently in the midst of chemotherapy treatments. “I want to be one of their volunteers or leaders.”

In addition to starting sledge hockey and jumping off docks at Camp Ooch, Marcus recently starred in a widely acclaimed SickKids campaign focusing on the daily battle of patients at the hospital. The campaign, which features ads titled “VS” and “Anthem” fittingly made its debut during the home opener.

@ GTHLHOCKEY 25 2016 PLAYSTATION PLATINUM CUP Atom-level tournament makes triumphant return in support of Camp Ooch PHOTOS BY ERIN RILEY

The final weekend of November was full of fun and games on and off the ice as 24 teams from Atom A, AA and AAA competed in the second PlayStation Platinum Cup at MasterCard Centre. Powered by the Toronto Maple Leafs and GTHL, the event again raised $30,000 for Camp Ooch, an organization that assists kids with and affected by childhood cancer. CHAMPIONS Two GTHL clubs and one MHL team reached the finals, winning championships in the AA and AAA divisions.

Atom A Riverside Rangers 3, Erindale Spitfires 1 Atom AA North Toronto 3, Caledon Hawks 0 Atom AAA Mississauga Senators 3, 0

Browse more 2016 PPC pics on the GTHLHockey Facebook page

26 GTHLCANADA.COM @ GTHLHOCKEY 27 GTHL SPOTLIGHT

Staff from Holland Bloorview’s concussion centre trained 1,200 coaches and trainers in three short weeks.

AThree mo nPLANths later, GTHL’s new concussi INon policy is helMOTIONping players get back in the game safely By ROBYN COX & STEPHANIE McFARLAND ow do you mobilize 1,200 coaches Knowing the symptoms and trainers, in three short weeks, to The first step in implementing the policy was effectively use a new concussion to make sure coaches and trainers were policy across the largest minor educated on how to prevent, identify and Signs & hockey league in the world? With manage concussions. In August, Holland Hthorough education and easy-to-follow Bloorview’s concussion centre delivered eight Symptoms protocols, the GTHL and Holland Bloorview two-hour sessions where each of the GTHL’s Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s concussion 1,200 coaches and trainers received evidence- A concussion can express centre have accomplished just that. based concussion information and training itself through physical, The GTHL set out to create a new on their roles in the new concussion policy. concussion policy this season to provide To recognize a suspected concussion you cognitive, emotional or clearer steps for trainers, coaches, parents and have to know what to look for (see Signs & sleep related symptoms. players to make sure all suspected concussions Symptoms to the right). Team staff were Be on the lookout for issues are diagnosed and medically cleared by a equipped with the knowledge and training like headaches, trouble physician before players return to the ice. to recognize these symptoms, regardless of The 2016-2017 concussion policy is one severity, and with the instruction to remove concentrating, of the most comprehensive of its kind a player from activity for proper care. drowsiness, for minor sports in Ontario. Taking it “With this new policy, players can be irritability, from plan to action has been an involved assured that the GTHL is looking after them,” process, with coaches, trainers and said Prentice Toker, a trainer for Toronto anxiety and families working in unison to ensure Marlboros Minor Midget AAA team. difficulty players are supported in every step of recovery “Players don’t have to feel pressured to say sleeping. so they can return to the game happy, healthy they’re okay. Instead, the process dictates and ready to play. whether they are okay to return to play.”

28 GTHLCANADA.COM GTHL SPOTLIGHT

Using the policy already helping to educate people that this Having the knowledge is important but procedure – which is already accepted implementing the training is key to the practice for other injuries – is what is best process, and to the future health of each for the long-term health of the player. affected player. “Working in Minor Midget AAA, there “Learning the signs and symptoms is is a certain amount of pressure to get one thing, but ensuring a player is safe to players back on the ice. When a player come back on the ice is another,” says Sean breaks a collar bone, there is a healing Abenstein, trainer for Forest Hill Minor process and return to play protocol that’s Peewee AA team. pretty understandable to everyone. Erin Riley “That’s why we need these policy “With a concussion or a suspected changes; to ensure we’re not onlymanaging concussion, the injuries aren’t visible so the early stages of concussions, but people don’t always understand what POLICY OVERVIEW keeping kids healthy even years after.” recovery looks like. The new GTHL return What are the steps in the new GTHL concussion The new policy makes sure all trainers, to play protocol gives me the support policy? system I need to resist any pressure and coaches, parents and players know their • If a trainer suspects a concussion, they fill out a role in concussion recovery. It also includes make sure players are recovered before Suspected Concussion Report Form; crucial touchpoints with physicians to they hit the ice.” • Once this form is completed a player must see a ensure diagnosis and medical clearance family physician, pediatrician, emergency room What’s next? before players get back in the game. physician, sports medicine physician, neurologist or Determining what a “gradual return” The GTHL is already a leader for their nurse practitioner to find out if they have a looks like in a hockey specific environment proactive approach to concussion in the concussion; is another important part of the policy. Ontario minor sports scene, but it doesn’t • If the player does not have a concussion, parents and Players are able to see their progress stop there. The League and Holland players keep an eye out for symptoms for one to three through clear guidelines in the return to Bloorview’s concussion centre are also days. This waiting period is important because play protocol that break down the working together to propel concussion symptoms can appear or worsen over time; recovery process into steps. It’s all about research forward. • If the player is diagnosed with a concussion, they enter adding safe and manageable activity During the August training sessions, the GTHL Return to Play Protocol; levels, seeing how a player responds and, if 939 coaches and trainers completed a all goes well, adding more. survey to participate in a collaborative • The player and parent follow all seven Recovery can take a long time, often research study, helping us learn what they steps of the return to play protocol and receive medical clearance from one of the identified weeks. Success at one stage in the recovery currently know about concussion and physicians prior to a full-contact team practice. doesn’t guarantee an easy transition to the how their knowledge, attitudes and next stage. Sometimes players need to take practices in hockey may change over the a break, rest for a day, and go back to the next five years. This insight will help previous step before moving forward. inform future concussion education As Toker points out, the new policy is efforts in sport. TESTIMONIALS “We hope for each of our players to grow up healthy and live long, happy lives. The better we are at managing concussions in the here and now, the better off our players will be in the future.” - Sean Abenstein, AA trainer

“You want to make sure that you are giving your players the best chance to succeed and realize their dreams. One of the ways you can most help is by keeping them healthy. Our team probably plays 90 games in a season, including tournaments. There’s no need to sweat missing a few.” - Prentice Toker, AAA trainer

Inform Yourself Download the GTHL’s new concussion policy and learn more about concussion services at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital by visiting GTHLCanada.com/concussions.

Concussion policy task force: Dr. Nick Reed, Jason Carmichael, Stephanie McFarland, Katherine Wilson, Andie Hickling, James Murphy, Scott Oakman and Michelle Fata

@ GTHLHOCKEY 29 GTHL PROSPECTS THE START OF SOMETHING BIG GTHL Top Prospects Game alumni have blazed an impressive trail

When rosters are announced each year, most names don’t ring a bell. we hope they achieve it. Handles like Brandon Coe, Billy Constantinou, Cody Morgan, Jamieson That’s the beauty of the game – not just the Top Prospects Game, Rees and Nick Robertson haven’t quite become names synonymous but the sport in general. The outcome is so unpredictable. That’s why with hockey. But maybe one day. we watch. That’s why we play. There’s little doubt that the dream of becoming a household name Because, maybe one day. . . lingers in the minds of the 40-some kids that skate each year in the All-Time Rosters GTHL Top Prospects Game Powered by Under Armour. Wouldn’t it be Find all the names at GTHLCanada.com/GTHL-Top-Prospects-Game-All- nice to look back one day and think, ‘that was the start of something big.’ Time-Rosters That certainly has been the case for a fair number of the game’s alumni. Look at NHL boxscores on any given night and you’re sure to find at least one mention ofConnor McDavid, , Nick Ritchie or Max Domi. Not to mention Darnell Nurse, Sam Bennett, and . We could keep going, but you get the point. Big names play in this game. Year in and year out. Right now it’s only a small circle that knows of them. Friends at school, scouts in the stands, proud family members. But with each passing game, the circle grows. Local writers, junior-market television stations, college recruiters, NHL executives. For a fortunate few, that circle continues to expand into the professional ranks and soon they’re a talking point on . That’s the dream. Of course that won’t be the case for each alumnus – of which there are nearly 300 from the first seven games. The numbers simply don’t add up, but that’s not to stop them from putting on a show in a best-on- best matchup against their minor midget peers. Imagine the stories you could tell if you beat out Monahan, McDavid or Marner for team MVP, like Matia Marcantuoni, Dante Salituro and Nicolas Mucci did in their years. In fairness to those three Maple Leafs rookie Mitch Marner helped Team Kypreos pick up a 2-0 win at MVPs, they’re each still chasing the dream of making the NHL, and the fourth GTHL Top Prospects Game in 2013.

MVP STATUS A look at the top performers from the first seven games Team Flatley 4 Team Flatley 12 Team Clark 9 Team Kypreos 2 Team Graves 6, Team MacLean-Clark 3 Team Graves 4 Team Clark 0 Team Clark 4 Team Kypreos 2 Team MacLean 0 Team Clark 5 SO Team Kypreos-Graves 2 Team Corson 2 (Jan. 21, 2010) (Dec. 14, 2010) (Jan. 11, 2012) (Jan. 8, 2013) (Jan. 7, 2014) (Dec. 16, 2014) (Dec. 15, 2015) MVPs: Robert MVPs: Max Domi MVPs: Dante MVPs: Nicolas MVPs: Jack MVPs: Jacob Tortora MVPs: Alexis Gravel Polesello and and Bryson Salituro and Mucci and Lafontaine and and Brendan Bonello and Travis Mailhot Matia Marcantuoni Cianfrone Sam Bennett Nikita Korostelev Michael McLeod

30 GTHLCANADA.COM CAREY PRICE G, MONTRÉAL

@ GTHLHOCKEY 31

UABM1637_GTHL_MagazineAd_8.25x10.5.indd 1 11/18/16 11:22 AM 40th aNNIVERSARY This is 40 Meadowvale Minor Hockey Association celebrates 40th year

In 1976, when just over a quarter-million people spent many hours at the rink as families and it still had wondered why the player was not back and called Mississauga home, a brand new arena was feels like home when I walk into the Four Rinks.” called them; the parents told him they could not built just south of the 401 at Erin Mills Parkway. afford it so my dad told him to come to the rink Over the 40 years since, its most frequent users, the Community effort anyway and play.” Meadowvale Minor Hockey Association, have Go door-to-door in the Meadowvale area and you’re Another anecdote comes from former MMHA grown into the largest minor hockey organization still likely to come across someone involved in president Ron Popadiuk, who tells the story of the in a city that, at last count, is home to nearly the MMHA. The organization prides itself on most shocking – and proudest – moment from his 800,000 residents. being powered by volunteers, writing on surprise 50th birthday party. meadowvalehockey.com that it is staffed “solely “Twenty or so young gentlemen all born in the Growing the game and exclusively by volunteers from within the year 1995 came,” said Popadiuk, who is in his 17th year The MMHA began with a modest seven-team entry Meadowvale hockey community,” from parents with the organization. “These young men were all in 1976-77, one for each of its founding members. Jim and family members of players past and present. part of teams I coached over the years. I truly felt Buckle, Wally Jones, Wally Rawn, Brian Shaw, Dave “Committed and talented volunteers continue to respected for the time I have and will continue to put Strutt and Bob and Pat Jones were the brainworks drive the success of our organization, ensuring into minor hockey in Mississauga.” behind the association, which now has 87 teams on that our minor hockey players receive positive Stories like these are the foundation of the ice for its 40th anniversary season. experiences both on and off the ice,” said community – people being there for others, from the Jeff Jones, son of Bob and Pat, carries vivid Liz Wilson-Ciconte, publicity director for the kindness of their hearts. That’s what makes minor memories of what it was like growing up in the MMHA (a volunteer position, of course). hockey. That’s what makes Meadowvale. blossoming MMHA community. One of the most popular offerings in Meadowvale Cheers to (at least) another 40 years of happiness “My earliest memory is of going with my dad to currently is free registration into the Team Shutout and hockey. the not yet finished Meadowvale Four Rinks to see Goalie School, a pro-level training program for if he could get some ice time on Sundays for the new of any age and skill level. house league,” wrote Jones in an email to Breakout. “As a goalie and a goalie mom I felt that our goalies GIVE A LITTLE BIT Jeff essentially grew up at the rink, where his needed more attention during practice,” said Tracy Just a few of the initiatives run by the parents each served as president of the MMHA – Graham-Urwin, Meadowvale’s (volunteer) Bob the first and Pat the fourth. He would skate at programming director for the past five years. “Our Meadowvale hockey community. every opportunity and soon followed in his parents’ goalies are happy, increasing their confidence on and • Meadowvale Charity Night with the footsteps by immersing himself in the organization off the ice, and they feel special that this time is and in the Mississauga community. dedicated to help them be better players for their “I was one of the first house league referees and teams.” • Food drive and team tours of Eden Food reffed on Sunday mornings for years,” said Jones. for Change Each trip to the rink – and every hockey-gear clad Paying it forward • Christmas toy drive in support of Toys venture onto the MMHA float in the Bread and The volunteerism and free clinics of today are for Tots Honey parade – was a way to maintain a sense of characteristic of the organization’s roots. While some community in the ever-growing Mississauga contributions are rewarded with trophies and • ice Puppys coaches charity game in metropolis. And as the city grew, so too did the awards, many acts of kindness fly under the radar support of MHL Play-More Program organization, and the friendships it was founded in the minor hockey community. Their impact, • “Adopt” a seniors’ home initiative, upon. though, lasts generations. connecting generations through hockey “The group of people who were involved in the “Someone I didn’t know came up to me at an event formation of the league were like family to me,” said last year and asked if I was Jeff Jones. The man then • For the Love of Hockey Annual Gala to Jones. “Wally and Diane Rawn, Bob and Elaine told me how his parents were unable to register him thank volunteers and parents Enros, Mac Macfarlane, Jim and Bibi Pinfold; we all in his second year of hockey due to money. My dad

32 GTHLCANADA.COM Share your #IPlayInTheG story.

@GTHLHockey @GTHLHockey @GTHLHockey @GTHLHockey GTHL Alumni CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME GTHL graduates are making an impact in the ever-growing California hockey community

ockey is booming on the Gold Coast. USA Hockey – tops in the country. reported that in 2015-16, the Pacific region – With nation-leading numbers among the 19-plus which serves Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, population, hockey is bound to continue its growth on Oregon and Washington – posted the fourth- the west coast. Breakout caught up with a few GTHL highestH registration total of its 12 districts, including expats who are helping to grow the game in their new more than 28,000 registered players over the age of 19 hockey homes.

Futa: Getting to practice at and had to rebuild through the draft. You Mike Futa in in the morning and having tell us really have to draft your own core, and in turn his MTHL that we’re not allowed to shoot pucks against the develop them. The days of buying an all-star days. boards because it left black marks and didn’t look team are so long gone. good on TV. Then getting to stick around to watch your heroes practice. GTHL grad won the Cup withyou guys and seems to be part of that core you Who would you say has had the biggest referenced. impact on your career in hockey? I think Don Cherry said it – we’re kind of like an Paul Dennis, who was with the Marlies and Father OHL all-star team. Obviously we’ve got some Henry Carr [Catholic Secondary School]. There incredible pieces like Quickie and Kopi [goaltender was a period of time I was kind of off track with and Anze Kopitar] how much I was putting into hockey and around it, but you think of the night we had wondering what I was getting out of it; he was just success in Toronto [a 7-0 win on Nov. 8] and nearly MAKING THE MOVES such a positive influence in channeling in the every player that scored was an OHL grad. Mike Futa right direction. At the same time there was Father Ted McLean, our principal, who helped my focus. What are your thoughts on the California Vice President, Hockey Operations hockey scene? and Director of Player Personnel What is one of the biggest keys tosustained for the success in today’s NHL? It truly is growing. It started out with roller hockey down here, but what I’m finding is there GTHL Teams: Royal York Rangers, You really have to draft well and develop your are so many great Ontario-based hockey players Marlboros and Young Nationals own. That’s kind of what [Kings general manager] that now live here. These guys have travelled and Dean Lombardi has done with regards to the have seen it all. They take the whole mentality and class of an organization, and look at how they Breakout: What is your most vividmemory amount of responsibility he gave myself and [Kings director of amateur scouting] Mark truly have marketed their tradition, and they try of playing in what was then the MTHL? Yannetti when we were not such a strong team to emulate with the Jr. Kings teams.

34 GTHLCANADA.COM GTHL Alumni

memories so valuable – relationships and bonds Reaching the Final in your first that were formed 41 years ago. season with San Jose must have been a wild ride, too. Who would you say has had the biggest impact on your career in hockey? It has been incredible. Working with Pete DeBoer again and with great players such as Joe In the GTHL, Randy Ward was a coach that Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelski and played a positive role in my life. He was a true Brent Burns makes coming to work a treat every mentor that believed in me as a player and I day. I’m very fortunate. It’s hard to believe that we greatly appreciated that. Dan Cameron in Jr. B were two wins away from winning a Stanley Cup. Steve Spott during the and Terry Slater at Colgate University also played At first it was very difficult emotionally but I 2016 Stanley Cup Final. major roles in my career and life. I’m grateful to all realize now that our year was pretty special. The three of them. They were firm yet fair and always key is to not let the adversity hurt your team put school first and hockey second. mentally. Hopefully we can bring the Cup to the BEHIND THE BENCH Bay Area; Sharks fans deserve it. Steve Spott Have the past few seasons been awhirlwind, starting back with your years in Toronto? What are your thoughts on the California Assistant Coach for the hockey scene? I still remember driving to my first day of work with the Marlies in the AHL wondering if I had I was astounded to see the four sheets of ice at our GTHL Teams: Wexford, Marlboros made the right decision leaving junior hockey in practice facility in San Jose fully reserved from an incredible market [Kitchener]. The ride we morning to night. Kids are learning to skate daily and Young Nationals had that year as a team was a lot of fun. The and youth hockey has exploded in California. following year with the Toronto Maple Leafs was The growth of the game has continued for both Breakout: What is your most vividmemory memorable for a lot of reasons. As a boy growing boys and girls. Our Jr. Sharks program is very of playing in what was then the MTHL? up in Toronto and admiring the Leafs, here I was strong and is becoming more competitive every standing on their bench; that was very cool. We year. I’m confident California will continue to Spott: The combination of great coaches, had our challenges on the ice, however, I feel the develop players in the WHL, NCAA and NHL. It’s teammates and parents made my experience very adversity I dealt with as a first-year NHL assistant great to see the game we all love in Canada special. That is what made my minor hockey coach has helped me. flourishing in California.

Cogliano: It would have to be our peewee trip a student-athlete and I think the style of hockey Andrew to Quebec with the Vaughan Kings. It was played a key role in how I developed. Michigan has Cogliano wore always a big tournament and well known. We always been a strong hockey program and I No. 7 even in had success and most importantly I made a lot learned key tools both on and off ice that have his minor of friends and met a lot of good people playing helped me in the NHL. hockey days. minor hockey in Vaughan. That’s one thing I have always held on to as I’ve moved on in Do you have any superstitions about your hockey. ironman streak?

Who would you say has had the biggest I have been very fortunate and very lucky with impact on your career in hockey? what I have been able to do and to be honest, it’s not something I think about too much. I want to My dad. He has always shown me the right path play and contribute every night and that’s what and pushed me to get where I am today. It’s my focus will be on. Hopefully I can continue to ON THE ICE important to have someone give you both good do the right things in my training and stay and bad criticism and my dad has always helped fortunate. We’ll see what happens. Andrew Cogliano me with that. My old coach Barry Harte is also someone I need to credit my success to as he was What are your thoughts on the California Forward on the ; my coach all the way in minor hockey; he taught hockey scene? NHL’s active ironman (726+ me a lot about the game and played a vital role in me getting to the next level. consecutive games played) It’s definitely a sport that is up and coming. Kids continue to take up the sport and hockey GTHL Teams: Vaughan Kings, In what ways did your time at theU niversity programs continue to grow which is great to see. Rangers and Panthers of Michigan help your career? Hockey in Canada obviously is on another level in terms of popularity, but the sport is growing and Breakout: What is your most vivid memory Michigan was obviously a big step for me in terms with the help of the Ducks, Kings and Sharks of getting to the professional level. I enjoyed being of playing in the GTHL? hopefully that continues.

@ GTHLHOCKEY 35 HOCKEY HALL OF FAME 100 YEARS OF HISTORY Toronto Maple Leafs Centennial Exhibit on until March 6, 2017 By Joshua Dawson Imagine you could bottle 100 years of memories into pays homage to those who have worn the and white a time capsule. How would you choose your favourite and also highlights some of the most iconic moments in moments? What would be your most prized possessions? club history. The Hockey Hall of Fame managed to do just that – The must-see exhibit includes artifacts used by Leafs round up a century’s worth of history – when it unveiled legends Ted Kennedy, Dave Keon, and Johnny in July a limited-time exhibit honouring 100 years of the Bower, plus other unique treasures spanning from the early Toronto Maple Leafs franchise. The extensive showcase days of to current stars like Morgan Rielly. FEATURE ARTIFACTS A quick look at some of the hundreds of items on display

Matthew Manor/Hockey Hall of Fame Mike Terry The one-million dollar cheque Palmateer Sawchuk Matthew Manor/Hockey Hall of Fame On October 5, 1962, the day before the NHL All-Star Game, Chicago Black Hawks Behind the masks ownership met with Maple Leafs owners Harold Ballard and Stafford Smythe Hometown boy and GTHL graduate , protected by his maple at the Royal York hotel in Toronto. After an evening of revelry it was agreed that leaf-clad mask, was a fan-favourite in Toronto during the 1970s, largely because the Maple Leafs would sell Frank Mahovlich to the Black Hawks for one million of his acrobatic style in goal. dollars. The cheque was cut and an agreement was scrawled on a piece of Royal York stationary, signed and witnessed by all in attendance. The Maple Leafs The legendary Terry Sawchuk played nearly 1,000 games over 21 NHL seasons, reneged on the deal the next morning, infuriating the Black Hawks, and the including three campaigns in Toronto, and wore this mask in 1966-67 when he cheque went uncashed. backstopped the Maple Leafs to their 13th Stanley Cup.

Chief and Killer Jerseys on display include those worn by former KNOW THE FACTS Maple Leafs captains The Maple Leafs franchise has seen George “Chief” Armstrong 63 players and 16 builders inducted and “Killer” Doug Gilmour. into the Hockey Hall of Fame – more Armstrong wore his while than any other team. leading Toronto to the 1967 Stanley Cupchampionship, Gilmour while setting Hockey Hall of Fame Maple Leafs single-season Brookfield Place records for assists (95) and 30 Yonge Street, Toronto HHOF.com

points (127) in 1992-93. Matthew Manor/Hockey Hall of Fame Matthew Manor/Hockey Hall of Fame

36 GTHLCANADA.COM @ GTHLHOCKEY 37 FROM THE STANDS BY MICK KERN, PARENT CONTRIBUTOR

While we’re on that note, let’s cut the coaches some slack. The time it takes to run a team is considerable and most of these men and women won’t coach their children forever. These are special moments for them (and for us too, as parents in the stands). Granted, each kid on the ITThe ups andALL downs of minor MATTERS hockey, from a parent’s perspective team should matter equally – regardless of the level of hockey – so find balance and handle the ime goes by so fast; one minute your child tribulations as you are faced with. Remember, our situation like the adults our kids are looking up is taking their first tentative steps on kids are watching. to. HERE’S skates, the next they’re leaping into the Fifth, if you want your child to improve their I’ll speak last of money. We all spend a fair arms of their teammates after scoring a skating, shooting, and stick- amount of green on fees, equipment and travel. T Budget accordingly. Begin big goal in the GTHL. handling skills, seek out other Play Now. Win Forever. The mantra of the programs. The GTA is chock-full saving in January for next GTHL rings true for every child who has suited of hockey schools, where you It is difficult to season, if possible. When friends up for a game over the years, the vast majority of can pay by the hour for focused stand by and watch who don’t have kids in organized whom won’t ever skate across your HD TV screen coaching. Your son or daughter sport ask whether it’s worth the TO on a Saturday night. They will, however, be the will benefit from the time another adult pass time and money, the answer is bankers, teachers, engineers and health care invested. judgement on your easy – it’s worth it. workers of our future (to name a few options). Sixth, accept that there are child, but it comes Every precious second is Future community leaders are being shaped now things in life we simply cannot worth it. Watching your child in rinks across the GTA, and time spent navigating change. Of course the parent- with the territory grow and bond with other kids. the ups and downs of competitive hockey is part coach is going to have a soft spot in competitive Sitting in a cold arena, clutching of the learning curve of growing up. for their own little Johnny or sport. a warm drink for dear life. Not only the kids learn from their time in the little Julie. You would most likely Fighting rush-hour traffic to EARLY GTHL; so do the parents. After four years in the do the same thing; it’s in our get to some far flung arena, only league, with a son currently playing Peewee A, nature as parents. It often to watch the team lose 10-1. It here are some lessons my wife and I have learned happens without the coach all matters. Your child, and you, along the way: being cognizant of it, but even if you feel it’s learn so much from these experiences, and First, remember it is supposed to be fun for intentional, keep in mind that the majority of you’ll both look back with fondness at your your child. Of course, it won’t always be that way, parents behind the bench are trying their best. time in the G. given the nature of sport. There will be challenges and at least one valley for every peak, but never lose sight of the fact that hockey is a game, and BIRDS. not everyone can win. Hopefully every child will experience a moment when they score the big goal or win the big game, but there are no guarantees. Second, wins don’t matter. Not really. We keep track of the Ws and there’s nothing wrong with that, just don’t fixate on them. If you truly believe that your child is blessed with hockey talents that will take him or her farther than most, focus on development – at this stage it’s much more important than wins. After all, that precious wins column will re-set to zero in time for next season. Third, wins do matter. Okay, so a bit of a contradiction here, but let’s be real – nobody likes to lose all the time. Our son Alex played on a team that went through 33 losses, buffered by only three ties. The kids can count. They knew they hadn’t won. So while we preach skill development and hockey IQ, the score is kept and kids take notice. Be there for your child when the losses mount, and help restore their faith in the game they love. Fourth, be gentle. To everyone and everything around you in this game. I have admittedly failed at doing this time after time, but I keep trying. It is difficult to stand by and watch another adult pass GTHL photographer Erin Riley captured a judgement on your child, but it comes with the special moment at Etobicoke’s Centennial territory in competitive sport. Be gentle to other Park Arena in late October parents, who are going through similar trials and #BEATEVERYSUNRISE

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