Minor Hockey Moments

Monday, August 29, 2011

Gretzky's hometown hockey embraces sportsmanship

Playing in the same league as the Brantford 99ers generated more than its fair share of complaints stories from the stands during the past few seasons. From "line fights" to celebrating injuries of opposing players, Brantford kids gained a reputation as being the misfits of the league.
No longer - hopefully.
With leadership from the top down, Brantford Minor Hockey is initiating a new program that isn't a magic bullet, but should help shift attitudes to the sport.
Although they bury the lead, the Brantford Expositor reports hockey parents will soon be required to take a one-hour online course impressing upon them the influence they have on the kids (on both teams) playing the sport. Calgary already has a program like this in place where kids can't play until parents complete the courset.
In Brantford's case, it's being rolled out with the city's high-skill AAA and A teams first, then to house league. The course is professionally designed by Respect in Sport. Watch for it to be rolled out at other minor sports associations - not just hockey.
It looks like a great season ahead for Brantford, where renovations are complete at the Gretztky Sports Centre, the city's minor hockey palace. The association is also rolling out newly designed jerseys.
By the way, competitive teams in Brantford are nicknamed for Wayne Gretzky - the 99ers.


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