A Facebook friend - and fellow Ryerson journalism grad from some time ago - bemoans the lack of hockey in St. John's, NL, and looks forward to the Four Nations women's hockey tournament. Guess they still miss the Toronto Maple Leafs' farm team.
Developing women's hockey beyond Canada and the United States is important to the sport, especially if they hope to keep it as an event at the Women's Olympics.
Hockey Canada's http://www.hockeycanada.ca/ excellent website has details and there's this blog http://www.themuse.ca/articles/35207
Minor Hockey Moments
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Unruly hockey parents test the rest of us
I used to cyber-work with Kalvin Reid, an excellent opinion writer with the St. Catharines Standard. Here is Kalvin's latest take on minor hockey, unruly parents and the Calgary test. Couldn't have said it better myself.
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2824610
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2824610
No-checking hockey stirs controversy
The checking vs. non-checking debate takes centre ice in Prince Edward Island. A few years ago, minor hockey officials in London, Ont., wisely made house league hockey non-checking in all age groups while keeping it in competitive hockey's older groups. It's a better system for many reasons, including safety and a sincere effort to keep more kids playing the game. Many kids enjoy hockey for the skating, speed and friendship but have no interest in hitting. Often in the early teens there's such a wide variety in body sizes that allowing hitting adds to the risk of injury. And house league level kids might not be nimble enough on their skates or be able to react quickly enough to avoid hits.
Good for PEI.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Taking a run at minor hockey
A cool day for family athletics - providing personal thrills and lessons for minor hockey.
It started with a high school cross-country meet at Springbank Park bringing together the best of the best from London and area to compete in the WOSSAA (Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletics Association) championships.
Our younger son, who shunned minor hockey despite his older brother's uncurbed enthusiasm, barely qualified by finishing 15th last week in the city championships. He might have finished higher, but he ran the last third of the 6 km race in his socks after taking off his shoes when one lace became untied. He did it not thinking of himself, but because completing the race was important for the team.
At WOSSAA, running with about 150 high-placing athletes, he finished 19th, the best among juniors from his high school and one of the best in the city, but not nearly good enough to advance to the Ontario final.
Still, there were congratulations, applause, admiration and pride. No parents screamed insults. No peers tried to injure him.
Now comes the contrast.
At my older son's midget hockey game, respect, honour and sportsmanship were given the short shrift.
Adam, who has not been playing at 100% and has always been a defence-first defenceman, scored his first goal of the season. He was very involved in the play, drawing one deserved penalty and one that was a bit of a mystery. And he was, late in the game, part of a two-on-none breakout on an empty net and let his teammate pot the goal.
It was after than empty net goal when the lack of minor hockey sportsmanship reared its head. An opposing Stratford Warrior slashed my son on the arm as he and teammates were skating back to their bench. The game was 5-2 with only seconds left to play. What was the point, other than to assault?
Maybe if minor hockey wants to continue to attract families and the best young athletes, the sport needs to take a lesson in athletics from high school cross-country runners.
As is uncanny tradition, I missed taking a photo of my son's rare goal. I was at the far end of the rink. But I did snap this shot of one of his teammates scoring on Stratford.
It started with a high school cross-country meet at Springbank Park bringing together the best of the best from London and area to compete in the WOSSAA (Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletics Association) championships.
Our younger son, who shunned minor hockey despite his older brother's uncurbed enthusiasm, barely qualified by finishing 15th last week in the city championships. He might have finished higher, but he ran the last third of the 6 km race in his socks after taking off his shoes when one lace became untied. He did it not thinking of himself, but because completing the race was important for the team.
At WOSSAA, running with about 150 high-placing athletes, he finished 19th, the best among juniors from his high school and one of the best in the city, but not nearly good enough to advance to the Ontario final.
Still, there were congratulations, applause, admiration and pride. No parents screamed insults. No peers tried to injure him.
Now comes the contrast.
At my older son's midget hockey game, respect, honour and sportsmanship were given the short shrift.
Adam, who has not been playing at 100% and has always been a defence-first defenceman, scored his first goal of the season. He was very involved in the play, drawing one deserved penalty and one that was a bit of a mystery. And he was, late in the game, part of a two-on-none breakout on an empty net and let his teammate pot the goal.
It was after than empty net goal when the lack of minor hockey sportsmanship reared its head. An opposing Stratford Warrior slashed my son on the arm as he and teammates were skating back to their bench. The game was 5-2 with only seconds left to play. What was the point, other than to assault?
As is uncanny tradition, I missed taking a photo of my son's rare goal. I was at the far end of the rink. But I did snap this shot of one of his teammates scoring on Stratford.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sledge hockey championship coming to London
Not exactly minor hockey, but look what's coming to hockey's heartland at the Western Fair Sports Centre.
,http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/London+named+host+world+sledge+hockey+challenge/3740998/story.html
Sledge hockey players are awesome, and while they'll not draw the crowds of major junior or the NHL, the sledge championship should draw lots of attention in London, Ont.
I remember a hockey dad from a team several years ago grousing about sledge hockey, complaining about how the players carve up the ice and suggesting they should have their own rink.
Nice thought that minor hockey kids should always have perfect ice, but community rinks are for sharing.
And any hockey - ice, field, table, air included - is good.
,http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/London+named+host+world+sledge+hockey+challenge/3740998/story.html
Sledge hockey players are awesome, and while they'll not draw the crowds of major junior or the NHL, the sledge championship should draw lots of attention in London, Ont.
I remember a hockey dad from a team several years ago grousing about sledge hockey, complaining about how the players carve up the ice and suggesting they should have their own rink.
Nice thought that minor hockey kids should always have perfect ice, but community rinks are for sharing.
And any hockey - ice, field, table, air included - is good.
Trick or treat teambuilding
When I managed little kids' teams, I always went to great lengths to make the experience go beyond what happened on the ice. It was an attempt to create positive peer experiences that I hope resulted in positive interactions, great memories and maybe some lasting friendships.
One of the standards during the tyke and novice years was Halloween candy. Just like their dads sharing a cold one or a Timmies, the bonding of sharing candy for kids cannot be measured.
Just don't do what I did and give it to them before the game.
One of the standards during the tyke and novice years was Halloween candy. Just like their dads sharing a cold one or a Timmies, the bonding of sharing candy for kids cannot be measured.
Just don't do what I did and give it to them before the game.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario offers parental advice
This new program by the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario http://www.alliancehockey.com/display_news.asp?id=415 seems like a well-intentioned attempt to curb the enthusiasm of minor hockey parents, not unlike a compulsory program in Calgary.
But with the MHAO's attempt really attract any notice from the parents who need it the most?
Like making the NHL, one can only hope and dream.
But with the MHAO's attempt really attract any notice from the parents who need it the most?
Like making the NHL, one can only hope and dream.
Graham James surrenders
Graham James is 1-1 in the courtroom. Stage is now set for the tiebreaker. Has minor and junior hockey done enough to prevent incidents of abuse? Speak Out clinics for team volunteers were one step. Here is a Canadian Press version of the latest Graham James twist. http://www.thestar.com/news/crime/article/882097--ex-hockey-coach-graham-james-rearrested?bn=1
I once knew a reporter who saw James at work with kids before the first allegations surfaced. Back then he was known as odd and loud and a coach who among other things liked to kick garbage cans behind the closed doors of change rooms. If your coach starts doing things like that, should you call him Mr. James?
I once knew a reporter who saw James at work with kids before the first allegations surfaced. Back then he was known as odd and loud and a coach who among other things liked to kick garbage cans behind the closed doors of change rooms. If your coach starts doing things like that, should you call him Mr. James?
Minor hockey coach charged
On the same day Graham James is arrested again, this from Montreal minor hockey. Does minor hockey and closed-door change rooms attract predators? Here's the Montreal Gazette story http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Minor+hockey+coach+charged+with+sexual+exploitation/3735831/story.html
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Joe Thornton IS toast
Culinary skills of St. Thomas Minor Hockey/Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs product Joe Thornton shine in this funny NHL commercial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5qf0ifMNGQ
Will Fontana check London minor hockey parents?
Joe Fontana is London's mayor-elect in a mild surprise. Kind of like the West London Hawks defeating one of the Junior Knights teams.
Fontana won largely by selling a promise he will be hard-pressed to keep - no increases in taxes. Given that much of the city budget goes to pay firefighters, police and other municipal workers, most of whom have contracts calling for annual raises, what does that mean for users of city services?
Think of groups such as minor hockey associations renting city-owned arenas. Think dramatically higher fees.
Minor hockey families in London should brace for this during the next four years as user fees and rental fees seem certain to skyrocket. That will result in higher minor hockey registration fees. It could mean fewer families playing hockey, which could lead to even higher fees for those who still want to play.
Most hockey fans would be shocked to learn how much it really costs to run arenas. In most communities, user groups are charged a fraction of the true price with taxpayers making up the difference.
It'll be interesting to see if London prices kids out of hockey during the next four years.
Fontana won largely by selling a promise he will be hard-pressed to keep - no increases in taxes. Given that much of the city budget goes to pay firefighters, police and other municipal workers, most of whom have contracts calling for annual raises, what does that mean for users of city services?
Think of groups such as minor hockey associations renting city-owned arenas. Think dramatically higher fees.
Minor hockey families in London should brace for this during the next four years as user fees and rental fees seem certain to skyrocket. That will result in higher minor hockey registration fees. It could mean fewer families playing hockey, which could lead to even higher fees for those who still want to play.
Most hockey fans would be shocked to learn how much it really costs to run arenas. In most communities, user groups are charged a fraction of the true price with taxpayers making up the difference.
It'll be interesting to see if London prices kids out of hockey during the next four years.
Most stinky sport in the world?
Pros and major junior teams don't have to hold their noses.
Stench, it seems, is the bailiwick of minor hockey. Not novices, not peewees. But when the kids hit bantam, it starts to ramp up until reaching a zenith of gag in midget.
Strangely, only parents and passersby notice the scent. Teenage players are either immune or embrace it as part of their bravado.
Moving gear from the basement to the garage helps at home. But once 18 teens unzip their bags in tiny, non-vented changerooms - watch out.
At a tournament on the weekend, my son's team prompted a critique from a passing referee. Lucky they didn't start the game with a gross misconduct for aroma.
I've tried many things over the years, from expensive commercial treatments to lots of Febreze.
The starting point is to dry it out properly, but that's a tough task during tournaments.
Beyond that, the cheapest and most effective method is simply to wash the gear at home frequently. Velcro fasteners might be a little worse for wear, but that's what tape is for.
Stench, it seems, is the bailiwick of minor hockey. Not novices, not peewees. But when the kids hit bantam, it starts to ramp up until reaching a zenith of gag in midget.
Strangely, only parents and passersby notice the scent. Teenage players are either immune or embrace it as part of their bravado.
Moving gear from the basement to the garage helps at home. But once 18 teens unzip their bags in tiny, non-vented changerooms - watch out.
At a tournament on the weekend, my son's team prompted a critique from a passing referee. Lucky they didn't start the game with a gross misconduct for aroma.
I've tried many things over the years, from expensive commercial treatments to lots of Febreze.
The starting point is to dry it out properly, but that's a tough task during tournaments.
Beyond that, the cheapest and most effective method is simply to wash the gear at home frequently. Velcro fasteners might be a little worse for wear, but that's what tape is for.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Stretcher, knee, eye
Game 6 of the weekend brought my son's team back to league play against the AA London Knights in what was, unfortunately, the most physical game of the season so far.
One player from our team hobbled off with a knee injury in the first period. Another wisely opted not to play the third after experiencing blurry vision.
But of greatest concern was a boy from the Junior Knights team who encountered a major health problem while sitting on the bench. After getting attention on the bench, paramedics were called to take him to hospital. We all hope he's OK.
As a gesture, concerned boys from both teams banged their sticks on the ice as the stretcher left the rink.
Then they resumed play with a vigour that was at times excessive.
In the end, it turned out to be a one-goal loss in what turned out to be a rare curfewed game in the league. Our team was on a power play with the goalie pulled when the ice time hour glass expired.
One player from our team hobbled off with a knee injury in the first period. Another wisely opted not to play the third after experiencing blurry vision.
But of greatest concern was a boy from the Junior Knights team who encountered a major health problem while sitting on the bench. After getting attention on the bench, paramedics were called to take him to hospital. We all hope he's OK.
As a gesture, concerned boys from both teams banged their sticks on the ice as the stretcher left the rink.
Then they resumed play with a vigour that was at times excessive.
In the end, it turned out to be a one-goal loss in what turned out to be a rare curfewed game in the league. Our team was on a power play with the goalie pulled when the ice time hour glass expired.
Winning never gets old
It's sweet feeling to win the first tournament the team enters - and we're having it for the first time since my son started playing minor hockey in 1999.
His West London Hawks midget team won the St. Thomas tournament this afternoon in a classic minor hockey game that gave full value to everyone. The Dorchester Dragons, a gifted skating club, scored first on a power play and held the lead until the third when my son's team scored three unanswered goals, plus a fourth into an empty net.
My son's team survived two injuries, one to a player's leg after he was hit and the other to the assistant coach who took an errant puck to the jaw. (Our head coach saw the puck coming and ducked.)
When he first started playing minor hockey, it took years before my son was finally part of a team that won a tournament, league title or championship. Savor the moment when it happens because no matter what level you are playing at, winning is sweet.
His West London Hawks midget team won the St. Thomas tournament this afternoon in a classic minor hockey game that gave full value to everyone. The Dorchester Dragons, a gifted skating club, scored first on a power play and held the lead until the third when my son's team scored three unanswered goals, plus a fourth into an empty net.
When he first started playing minor hockey, it took years before my son was finally part of a team that won a tournament, league title or championship. Savor the moment when it happens because no matter what level you are playing at, winning is sweet.
Steve Simmons, NHL and minor hockey
Always excellent sports columnist Steve Simmons writes in today's Toronto Sun (and Monday's London Free Press): "In every NHL game there are six or seven hits that would get you suspended in minor hockey: It's hard for kids who watch the NHL to understand what they can and cannot do in their own games."
Interesting that some hits from behind will get a kid tossed from a game when they are 12 or 13, but part of the routine when they are 16 or 17. And don't even get me started with hits to the head and late hits in which the puck is nowhere close and the hit in no way tactical to the game - just an intimidation move or burst of teen boy bravado.
Still, it's hits, not goals or great saves, that get the biggest response from benches and hockey moms. Hockey dads just quietly grin or grimace.
Here's the Toronto Sun link to Simmon's full column.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/columnists/steve_simmons/2010/10/23/15805331.html
Interesting that some hits from behind will get a kid tossed from a game when they are 12 or 13, but part of the routine when they are 16 or 17. And don't even get me started with hits to the head and late hits in which the puck is nowhere close and the hit in no way tactical to the game - just an intimidation move or burst of teen boy bravado.
Still, it's hits, not goals or great saves, that get the biggest response from benches and hockey moms. Hockey dads just quietly grin or grimace.
Here's the Toronto Sun link to Simmon's full column.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/columnists/steve_simmons/2010/10/23/15805331.html
Trophy day?
The kids play in the tournament final this afternoon in St. Thomas, the fifth of six games they're playing this weekend.
It'll be interesting to see how chipper they are or if, like one I know, they used time between games yesterday to play touch football with school friends in the rain, and ended the night with homework and staying up to watch Saturday Night Live.
Parents who've paid $900 or so to enter their kids' teams in tournaments know the dubious value, especially if travel, restaurant meals, beer and hotel rooms are factored in. Teams that don't advance beyond preliminary games end up paying a lot of coin for little ice. When that's the case, just smile and remember tournaments are really fundraisers for local minor hockey associations. Unless you're dealing with a private U.S. sports tournament company, but that's another blog entry.
Wish us luck. Our West London Hawks are playing against a very fast-skating, highly skilled Dorchester Dragons team. They had a tough schedule in the preliminaries, playing three games on Saturday. Our kids beat them 2-1 in what was Dorchester's third game of the day.
Unfortunately, one of the Dorchester boys was hurt when hit into the boards. Looked like a broken collar bone.
Later tonight, it's back to league play where our 'A' team plays the 'AA' London Knights.
And Monday, it's back to our real lives.
It'll be interesting to see how chipper they are or if, like one I know, they used time between games yesterday to play touch football with school friends in the rain, and ended the night with homework and staying up to watch Saturday Night Live.
Parents who've paid $900 or so to enter their kids' teams in tournaments know the dubious value, especially if travel, restaurant meals, beer and hotel rooms are factored in. Teams that don't advance beyond preliminary games end up paying a lot of coin for little ice. When that's the case, just smile and remember tournaments are really fundraisers for local minor hockey associations. Unless you're dealing with a private U.S. sports tournament company, but that's another blog entry.
Wish us luck. Our West London Hawks are playing against a very fast-skating, highly skilled Dorchester Dragons team. They had a tough schedule in the preliminaries, playing three games on Saturday. Our kids beat them 2-1 in what was Dorchester's third game of the day.
Unfortunately, one of the Dorchester boys was hurt when hit into the boards. Looked like a broken collar bone.
Later tonight, it's back to league play where our 'A' team plays the 'AA' London Knights.
And Monday, it's back to our real lives.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Reaching the final in first tournament
It's my son's team against Dorchester in the midget final at the St. Thomas tournament http://stmha.net/Tournaments/1121/Divisions/18/
That works!
That works!
Coach cashes out?
Interesting minor hockey story out of Winnipeg in tomorrow's Sun about parents, money and a collecting coach.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2010/10/23/15801486.html
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2010/10/23/15801486.html
Joe Thornton banner
Here's a banner tribute to native son Joe Thornton at the St. Thomas Timken Community Centre.
My son's team is playing in a St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association tournament this weekend, with two wins and a loss (to the hometown Jr. Stars) so far.
What we thought was going to be a classic game against Barrie didn't quite turn out that way - it was 10-0 for our West London team. No one likes such lopsided games and I hope the Barrie kids do well in their next one.
Wonder if the San Jose Sharks read my blog?
 |
| Banner at the Timken Centre in St. Thomas traces the career Joe Thornton |
What we thought was going to be a classic game against Barrie didn't quite turn out that way - it was 10-0 for our West London team. No one likes such lopsided games and I hope the Barrie kids do well in their next one.
Wonder if the San Jose Sharks read my blog?
Thornton barely acknowledged in St. Thomas rinks
The most baffling thing about St. Thomas is the lack of recognition for its most famous athlete. Wandering around the city's two arenas this weekend during a tournament, I see little acknowledgement that the captain of the San Jose Sharks and Canadian Olympic gold medalist ever skated here as a lad.
There's a banner inside the Timken Centre's main rink saluting Joe Thornton when he wore No. 16 for a season with the local Jr. B Stars as a 16-year-old before decamping for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. But that's no more prominent than the banners for Brian Willsie of Belmont, a bona fide NHLer, but a journeyman, and goaltender Dan Cloutier, the former Vancouver Canuck whose only tie to St. Thomas was the fact he once played for the Jr. B team.
The wall of donors for the modern Timken Centre pays tribute to the cash given by local companies, some sadly no longer in business in the job-ravaged city, local professionals and generous citizens. But no mention of Thornton, whose NHL nickname Jumbo Joe refers to his hometown's connection to the circus elephant.
The right thing to do would have been to name this new, two-pad arena in honour of Thornton. Down the road in Brantford, a ramshackle minor hockey and swimming palace is named in honour of Wayne Gretzky. St. Thomas should have done one better.
Failing that - and I suspect the snag was getting cash for naming rights - the locals should have at least named the main rink where the Jr. B Stars now play in honour of Thornton. But no. It's now named not for a generous corporation, but for St. Thomas Minor Hockey. STMA no doubt is a major financial contributor to the arena and obviously its major user. If memory serves, it was first named for a local trucking company, which unfortunately has gone out of business.
I for one wish St. Thomas had called this rink the Joe Thornton Centre and linked his wonderful NHL and Canadian Olympic accomplishments to a feeling of community pride - not to mention sports tourism marketing.
Goodness knows St. Thomas needs to recapture its pride at a time when tributes to a lost railway era and elephants might not be enough.
The city has lost too many jobs during the post 9/11 recession, including the massive Sterling Truck assembly plant and, next year, the nearby Ford Assembly Plant.
Maybe Joe Thornton is the icon who can help boost St. Thomas's sagging fortunes, kind of like Kid Rock and Detroit.
There's a banner inside the Timken Centre's main rink saluting Joe Thornton when he wore No. 16 for a season with the local Jr. B Stars as a 16-year-old before decamping for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. But that's no more prominent than the banners for Brian Willsie of Belmont, a bona fide NHLer, but a journeyman, and goaltender Dan Cloutier, the former Vancouver Canuck whose only tie to St. Thomas was the fact he once played for the Jr. B team.
The wall of donors for the modern Timken Centre pays tribute to the cash given by local companies, some sadly no longer in business in the job-ravaged city, local professionals and generous citizens. But no mention of Thornton, whose NHL nickname Jumbo Joe refers to his hometown's connection to the circus elephant.
The right thing to do would have been to name this new, two-pad arena in honour of Thornton. Down the road in Brantford, a ramshackle minor hockey and swimming palace is named in honour of Wayne Gretzky. St. Thomas should have done one better.
Failing that - and I suspect the snag was getting cash for naming rights - the locals should have at least named the main rink where the Jr. B Stars now play in honour of Thornton. But no. It's now named not for a generous corporation, but for St. Thomas Minor Hockey. STMA no doubt is a major financial contributor to the arena and obviously its major user. If memory serves, it was first named for a local trucking company, which unfortunately has gone out of business.
I for one wish St. Thomas had called this rink the Joe Thornton Centre and linked his wonderful NHL and Canadian Olympic accomplishments to a feeling of community pride - not to mention sports tourism marketing.
Goodness knows St. Thomas needs to recapture its pride at a time when tributes to a lost railway era and elephants might not be enough.
The city has lost too many jobs during the post 9/11 recession, including the massive Sterling Truck assembly plant and, next year, the nearby Ford Assembly Plant.
Maybe Joe Thornton is the icon who can help boost St. Thomas's sagging fortunes, kind of like Kid Rock and Detroit.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Youth dies during hockey practice
This is a tragic story from a Saskatchewan minor hockey practice. How does a fit 17-year-old die during a hockey practice? How hard this must be for the family, teammates and the minor hockey community.
Here's a link to the Globe and Mail's story.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/saskatchewan-mourns-youth-hockey-players-death/article1769702/
Here's a link to the Globe and Mail's story.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/saskatchewan-mourns-youth-hockey-players-death/article1769702/
Tie Domi's 15-year-old son a top prospect
The next son of a former NHLer to star in major junior hockey might be Max Domi. Fifteen-year-old Max is a star AAA player in Toronto whose playing style has little in common with his father's. Well, maybe except for the fact he's been suspended eight games for taking part in one of those infamous minor hockey line brawls.
Bob McKenzie has the tale tongith on the TSN website. Here's the link
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=338281
Bob McKenzie has the tale tongith on the TSN website. Here's the link
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=338281
Hawks open tournament with win over Whitby
The kids have started their first tournament of the season on the right note, winning 4-1 over the Whitby Wildcats in St. Thomas's historical Memorial arena - where Joe Thornton learned to play with the local Jr. B club.
Here's hoping the Whitby coach is OK. He took a puck on the head and I'm not sure if an ice pack was going to be enough.
Taking pictures in dark old arenas is challenging for everyone except the pros, but that doesn't stop me from trying. Here's one of action around the Whitby net.
I take photos all season, then put them together as a slide show for the end-of-year party, amid much jocularity.
Here's hoping the Whitby coach is OK. He took a puck on the head and I'm not sure if an ice pack was going to be enough.
Taking pictures in dark old arenas is challenging for everyone except the pros, but that doesn't stop me from trying. Here's one of action around the Whitby net.
I take photos all season, then put them together as a slide show for the end-of-year party, amid much jocularity.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Minor hockey team responds
Everyone catch the story about the awful arena washroom incident involving a four-year-old girl? Thoughtful people on this Newmarket minor hockey team are responding.
Here's the link from yorkregion.com.
http://www.yorkregion.com/sports/local/article/891054--newmarket-teams-collect-funds-for-beaten-girl
Here's the link from yorkregion.com.
http://www.yorkregion.com/sports/local/article/891054--newmarket-teams-collect-funds-for-beaten-girl
Tournament time: Hello St. Thomas
Tryouts. Selection letters. Exhibition games. League games. First tournament of the season.
The minor hockey season scoots along. This weekend, my son's team plays in its first tournament, heading south to St. Thomas, hometown of San Jose Sharks Captain Joe Thornton.
The kids (can I call 16- and 17-year-olds who are bigger than me "kids"?) are in a five-team event with the neighbouring Dorchester Dragons (not part of our league), Whitby Wildcats, Barrie Jr. Colts and the host St. Thomas Jr. Stars (they are in our league; we have a loss and a tie against them so far).
The tournament starts with afternoon and evening games tomorrow. It's a PA day, but even so we might not have a full bench as some of the teens choose their part-time jobs over hockey.
I'm looking forward to one (or two) games against Barrie. Two years ago, my son's team played Barrie at a Silver Stick qualifier in Woodstock and at Barrie's tournament, losing each time.
West London and Barrie played a classic minor hockey game in the final in Barrie that year, full of speed, hits, back and forth leads and lots of goals. Barrie won, all against a backdrop of extreme winter weather and West London parents nervous about both the game and the drive home.
The drive that night was one of the slowest, most tense I've done as part of the minor hockey drill. It went from freezing rain north of Toronto to an unploughed Highway 401 between Kitchener and Woodstock where one had to guess where the edge of the pavement was.
Thankfully, everyone got home safely.
The minor hockey season scoots along. This weekend, my son's team plays in its first tournament, heading south to St. Thomas, hometown of San Jose Sharks Captain Joe Thornton.
The kids (can I call 16- and 17-year-olds who are bigger than me "kids"?) are in a five-team event with the neighbouring Dorchester Dragons (not part of our league), Whitby Wildcats, Barrie Jr. Colts and the host St. Thomas Jr. Stars (they are in our league; we have a loss and a tie against them so far).
The tournament starts with afternoon and evening games tomorrow. It's a PA day, but even so we might not have a full bench as some of the teens choose their part-time jobs over hockey.
I'm looking forward to one (or two) games against Barrie. Two years ago, my son's team played Barrie at a Silver Stick qualifier in Woodstock and at Barrie's tournament, losing each time.
West London and Barrie played a classic minor hockey game in the final in Barrie that year, full of speed, hits, back and forth leads and lots of goals. Barrie won, all against a backdrop of extreme winter weather and West London parents nervous about both the game and the drive home.
The drive that night was one of the slowest, most tense I've done as part of the minor hockey drill. It went from freezing rain north of Toronto to an unploughed Highway 401 between Kitchener and Woodstock where one had to guess where the edge of the pavement was.
Thankfully, everyone got home safely.
Quickie look at 1967 season
Here's one for hockey dads (hockey grandfathers?) from the 1967 NHL season.
NFB rocks.
http://www.nfb.ca/film/blades_and_brass/
NFB rocks.
http://www.nfb.ca/film/blades_and_brass/
Chinese women's team tours SW Ontario
This is a great sign that hockey is growing. Imagine if the Chinese start playing the sport in great numbers. They could become a powerhouse internationally on both the women's and men's sides. Here's the always excellent Steve Green's story about a touring Chinese team ready to play an exhibition game against the UWO women.
http://www.lfpress.com/sports/hockey/2010/10/19/15753866.html
http://www.lfpress.com/sports/hockey/2010/10/19/15753866.html
Olivia Newton-John as hockey mom?
Can you picture Aussie songbird Olivia Newton-John as a hockey mom? Nope. Apparently she has trouble keeping track of the puck. Maybe she needs one of those Fox Sports pointers the network tried 15 years ago.
This link explains http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/N/Newtonjohn_Olivia/2010/10/19/15746521.html
This link explains http://jam.canoe.ca/Movies/Artists/N/Newtonjohn_Olivia/2010/10/19/15746521.html
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Mayo Clinic focuses on concussions in all levels of hockey
Our son has been lucky. He's had only one suspected, minor concussion as a result of playing minor hockey. It wasn't a hit. It was a whack with a stick on the back of the head while he was sprawled on the ice after delivering a legal hit. The opposing player he hit struck back with his stick. And no, there was no penalty on the play.
My nephew, who once played on teams with first round NHL draft pick Brayden Schenn in Saskatoon, was forced to quit hockey early due to concussions suffered on the ice and on the rugby field. He faced a choice of risking another concussion and perhaps being left unable to play the guitar well or leaving contact sports. He's now in a Saskatchewan rock band.
There are many important things to remember about minor hockey. Rule 1: Kids come first. Rule 2: Hockey is temporary; heads are for life.
Today, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., starts a seminar on concussions in hockey at all levels. Let's all pay attention. Here's a link to today's CBC story http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2010/10/18/sp-concussion-summit.html
My nephew, who once played on teams with first round NHL draft pick Brayden Schenn in Saskatoon, was forced to quit hockey early due to concussions suffered on the ice and on the rugby field. He faced a choice of risking another concussion and perhaps being left unable to play the guitar well or leaving contact sports. He's now in a Saskatchewan rock band.
There are many important things to remember about minor hockey. Rule 1: Kids come first. Rule 2: Hockey is temporary; heads are for life.
Today, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., starts a seminar on concussions in hockey at all levels. Let's all pay attention. Here's a link to today's CBC story http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2010/10/18/sp-concussion-summit.html
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Minor hockey moms, dads need to chill
Tomorrow's Globe and Mail has an interesting story about hockey parents. Maybe all hockey associations should take the cue from Calgary's.
The worst behaviour I've witnessed was a mom during a final game in a Toronto hockey tournament. That she could swear like a sailor would have been funny if not for the fact young kids were in earshot. The truly troubling thing was her colourful comments were directed at kids on the opposing team - ours - and the referee.
Chill, folks. It's just children's recreation.
Here's the link for the Globe story: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey-dads-and-moms-told-to-chill/article1764392/
The worst behaviour I've witnessed was a mom during a final game in a Toronto hockey tournament. That she could swear like a sailor would have been funny if not for the fact young kids were in earshot. The truly troubling thing was her colourful comments were directed at kids on the opposing team - ours - and the referee.
Chill, folks. It's just children's recreation.
Here's the link for the Globe story: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey-dads-and-moms-told-to-chill/article1764392/
Tournament time: Nashville or bust
I've entered minor hockey teams in almost 40 tournaments over my son's career, from hockey hotspots such as Clifford (my hometown) to Mississauga, Ont. We've gone international in Niagara Falls, NY, and Ann Arbor, Mich.
But this year's plan sets a personal record for logistics and cost.
It's a winter road trip to Nashville, Tenn., to play in an Advanced Tournaments event. (Hopefully, we'll be the only team from north of the 49th. Not like a few years ago when my son's squad went to Niagara Falls and played a bunch of Canadian teams.)
We've chartered a bus (cha-ching, $7,000 please) decked out in University of Western Ontario colours and are bracing for the 11-hour ride. And that's not counting the idle time as the thorough US customs agents do their thing. (Note to American friends: No terrorists ever entered from Canada. Especially on a chartered bus filled with smelly hockey gear.)
We're planning to take in an NHL game between the Predators and Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Ironically, most nights fans can buy tickets on game day, but not this time. A Preds official told me today this game is likely to be one of Nashville's rare sell-outs.
On that count - a rockin' full house for an NHL game - we'll feel like we're in Canada.
But this year's plan sets a personal record for logistics and cost.
It's a winter road trip to Nashville, Tenn., to play in an Advanced Tournaments event. (Hopefully, we'll be the only team from north of the 49th. Not like a few years ago when my son's squad went to Niagara Falls and played a bunch of Canadian teams.)
We've chartered a bus (cha-ching, $7,000 please) decked out in University of Western Ontario colours and are bracing for the 11-hour ride. And that's not counting the idle time as the thorough US customs agents do their thing. (Note to American friends: No terrorists ever entered from Canada. Especially on a chartered bus filled with smelly hockey gear.)
We're planning to take in an NHL game between the Predators and Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.
Ironically, most nights fans can buy tickets on game day, but not this time. A Preds official told me today this game is likely to be one of Nashville's rare sell-outs.
On that count - a rockin' full house for an NHL game - we'll feel like we're in Canada.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Ex-London Knight only GTA goalie in NHL
How strange is this? The Greater Toronto Area has only one goalie in the National Hockey League, according to this Toronto Star story http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/article/877400--toronto-goalies-shut-out-of-nhl
It's Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets and formerly of the OHL London Knights.
I have a theory about why so few great hockey players - from Howe to Orr to Gretzky to Crosby - come from Canada's towns and smaller cities. It's part focus (what else is there to do?), part desperation, and part parenting style. I also wonder if talented big city kids get the joy of the game coached out of them with too many games and too much pressure.
Who was the last Toronto-born NHL superstar?
It's Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets and formerly of the OHL London Knights.
I have a theory about why so few great hockey players - from Howe to Orr to Gretzky to Crosby - come from Canada's towns and smaller cities. It's part focus (what else is there to do?), part desperation, and part parenting style. I also wonder if talented big city kids get the joy of the game coached out of them with too many games and too much pressure.
Who was the last Toronto-born NHL superstar?
Minor hockey gets messy in London
What if you made a product few people wanted to buy - unless they were strong-armed into doing so?
That's pretty much the situation this year in the heartland of minor hockey as the London Junior Knights competitive minor hockey organization and the city's various neighbourhood hockey associations wrestle with how to best organize the city's more skilled kids.
The Junior Knights run the city's elite AAA program, drawing kids from across the city and doing a fine job
But they also run the second-tier AA program fielding teams to compete in the same league as A teams from London's neighbourhood associations.
It's at the AA-A league level where trouble lurks and where the Junior Knights, using the power given them by the governing Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario, tip the balance by having first dibs on all AA-A players. The object of the exercise is to make sure the Junior Knights teams win.
But many, many of the city's hockey families want no part of the Junior Knights teams for a myriad of reasons from cost (Junior Knights teams tend to spend more on extra tournaments and travel) to playing with friends to avoiding certain coaches.
The situation came to a dramatic head last week when the North London Nationals midget team was stopped from playing a league game against the Junior Knights.
And the Junior Knights scooping of players to create not one but two midget teams under its brand led to the collapse of the South Southeast Bandits A team.
Solutions and compromise are possible. Maybe trying out for the Junior Knights needs to be voluntary. Maybe the Junior Knights should focus only on elite AAA players.
Sports columnist Morris Dalla Costa writes for a second time on the situation in today's London Free Press. You can find his excellent column here http://www.lfpress.com/sports/columnists/morris_dalla_costa/2010/10/17/15724381.html
That's pretty much the situation this year in the heartland of minor hockey as the London Junior Knights competitive minor hockey organization and the city's various neighbourhood hockey associations wrestle with how to best organize the city's more skilled kids.
The Junior Knights run the city's elite AAA program, drawing kids from across the city and doing a fine job
But they also run the second-tier AA program fielding teams to compete in the same league as A teams from London's neighbourhood associations.
It's at the AA-A league level where trouble lurks and where the Junior Knights, using the power given them by the governing Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario, tip the balance by having first dibs on all AA-A players. The object of the exercise is to make sure the Junior Knights teams win.
But many, many of the city's hockey families want no part of the Junior Knights teams for a myriad of reasons from cost (Junior Knights teams tend to spend more on extra tournaments and travel) to playing with friends to avoiding certain coaches.
The situation came to a dramatic head last week when the North London Nationals midget team was stopped from playing a league game against the Junior Knights.
And the Junior Knights scooping of players to create not one but two midget teams under its brand led to the collapse of the South Southeast Bandits A team.
Solutions and compromise are possible. Maybe trying out for the Junior Knights needs to be voluntary. Maybe the Junior Knights should focus only on elite AAA players.
Sports columnist Morris Dalla Costa writes for a second time on the situation in today's London Free Press. You can find his excellent column here http://www.lfpress.com/sports/columnists/morris_dalla_costa/2010/10/17/15724381.html
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Score: A Hockey Musical
Wonder if this new movie, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, will rival the best all-time hockey movies such as Miracle, Slap Shot or Mystery, Alaska. It opens in theatres in a few days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53UnxbugTOA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53UnxbugTOA
Minor hockey fights a teen-ie problem
Parents of teenage hockey players know the scene. A battle for the puck in the corner, a real or perceived slight against your goaltender, a high hit or elbow, an exchange of death stares - and suddenly a fight.
Call it hormones. Call it a misplaced attempt to emulate the major junior or professional game.
I saw it for the umpteenth time Friday night during my son's midget game in St. Thomas - and was unfazed. It was an explosion of emotion in the final seconds of a well-played 1-1 tie. The most at-risk people on the ice were the linesmen who had to separate a pair of determined, mutual combatants.
It was a different feeling the first time I saw kids I had known since novice start a hockey fight. The temptation then was to blame the coaches for not controlling kids in their charge.
And some actually had to be admired. A couple of years ago, a boy I'll call Billy the Kid took elbows and jabs with the stick until turning and dropping his agitator to the ice with one punch. I hope Billy joins the army or becomes a cop.
No one should like or encourage fights in minor hockey. But remember, there's a difference between scrums ignited by the intensity of the play and premeditated hooliganism where kids prefer to fight instead of playing the game. Those kind of kids should quit hockey and take up mixed martial arts.
Call it hormones. Call it a misplaced attempt to emulate the major junior or professional game.
I saw it for the umpteenth time Friday night during my son's midget game in St. Thomas - and was unfazed. It was an explosion of emotion in the final seconds of a well-played 1-1 tie. The most at-risk people on the ice were the linesmen who had to separate a pair of determined, mutual combatants.
It was a different feeling the first time I saw kids I had known since novice start a hockey fight. The temptation then was to blame the coaches for not controlling kids in their charge.
And some actually had to be admired. A couple of years ago, a boy I'll call Billy the Kid took elbows and jabs with the stick until turning and dropping his agitator to the ice with one punch. I hope Billy joins the army or becomes a cop.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Joe Thornton: Best, richest all-time athlete from St. Thomas
I wonder if Joe Thornton, captain of the San Jose Sharks, remembers this photo. It was taken in the old Jr. B dressing room of Memorial arena in St. Thomas. Joe, who had just been drafted No. 1 overall by the Boston Bruins, was hosting a fundraiser for his former club, the Stars.
My son was just about to embark on his minor hockey career, which has not turned out to be quite as lucrative as Joe's.
I thought Joe was a class act that day, more than 10 years ago. He deserves his contract extension with the San Jose Sharks. Hope they win the Stanley Cup this season.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/10/16/15715826.html
My son was just about to embark on his minor hockey career, which has not turned out to be quite as lucrative as Joe's.
I thought Joe was a class act that day, more than 10 years ago. He deserves his contract extension with the San Jose Sharks. Hope they win the Stanley Cup this season.
Getting a read on hockey fans
You know Christmas is in full flight over the "read" line when new hockey books start hitting the desks of book reviewers - people like me. I'm reviewing three new books for Sun Media's London Free Press, the daily newspaper here in the heartland of minor hockey.
The most timely of the three is The Ovechkin Project by crusty Toronto Star hockey writer Damien Cox and Gare Joyce of ESPN. The book's tagline is "A behind-the-scenes look at hockey's most dangerous player."
Kids idolize Ovechkin for his incredible skill and take-no-prisoners approach to professional hockey. Parents hoping for good role models may cringe when they discover the less-than-moral lifestyle he leads. Wisely, Ovechkin's handlers are trying to retool the overall image of the Washington Capitals' star.
Not sure yet if this book will help in that retooling. It's written for adult hockey fans, not the kids.
Book two is a great for kids and serious NHL fans. Former Toronto Sun sports editor Scott Morrison offers a ranking of the greatest hockey players of all time in Best of the Best. Not sure why Red Kelly is pictured in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey while listed among the best-ever defencemen.
The third book on my desk hits broad demographics - all ages and all interest levels in hockey. He Shoots . . . He Skewers by editorial cartoonist Randy Duncan takes some fun jabs at the game we love. This might be the first of the three I read cover-to-cover.
Watch for my full reviews in the print edition of the London Free Press and other Sun Media newspapers (hopefully posted by lfpress.com) closer to Christmas shopping season.
The most timely of the three is The Ovechkin Project by crusty Toronto Star hockey writer Damien Cox and Gare Joyce of ESPN. The book's tagline is "A behind-the-scenes look at hockey's most dangerous player."
Kids idolize Ovechkin for his incredible skill and take-no-prisoners approach to professional hockey. Parents hoping for good role models may cringe when they discover the less-than-moral lifestyle he leads. Wisely, Ovechkin's handlers are trying to retool the overall image of the Washington Capitals' star.
Not sure yet if this book will help in that retooling. It's written for adult hockey fans, not the kids.
Book two is a great for kids and serious NHL fans. Former Toronto Sun sports editor Scott Morrison offers a ranking of the greatest hockey players of all time in Best of the Best. Not sure why Red Kelly is pictured in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey while listed among the best-ever defencemen.
The third book on my desk hits broad demographics - all ages and all interest levels in hockey. He Shoots . . . He Skewers by editorial cartoonist Randy Duncan takes some fun jabs at the game we love. This might be the first of the three I read cover-to-cover.
Watch for my full reviews in the print edition of the London Free Press and other Sun Media newspapers (hopefully posted by lfpress.com) closer to Christmas shopping season.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Calgary hockey parents face test deadline
Minor hockey parents in Calgary have to complete a test so their kids can play. I'm thinking this idea might catch on. Anything to re-enforced good behaviour is good.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/10/15/calgary-minor-hockey-parents-respect-course.html
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2010/10/15/calgary-minor-hockey-parents-respect-course.html
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Hockey mom, swimmer son
Hayley Wickenheiser's 10-year-old son is a swimmer, not a minor hockey player. It's all good - kids need to embrace the activities they like. Just get them involved in something that gets them moving. Canada's best magazine, Maclean's, published this story last week.
http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/10/14/hayley-wickenheiser-in-conversation/
http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/10/14/hayley-wickenheiser-in-conversation/
Broken sticks costly part of kids' hockey
My son set some kind of record last season for broken hockey sticks - two wooden ones, two $100 composites. We tried to repair one of the composites, but because it was broken near the heel, the results were not satisfactory - a waste of time and money. The situation was made all the more frustrating by a coach's request for a specific curve to improve his game. Ever try to find a gentle curve? Even in the heartland of minor hockey - London, Ont. - it's a challenge. Most are wicked, crazy curves endorsed by NHL forwards. My son is a defenceman, yet found comfort in a hard-to-find Henrik Zetterberg curve.
He's already broken one this season - and that was in practice while he was trying to master a slap shot.
In a perfect minor hockey world, kids would use cheaper wooden sticks. Things like flex are alien to them, anyway. But image, style and status rule the teenage mind and paying $100 for a stick instead of $30 is a burden parents seem to have gotten used to.
Sigh.
Here's an informative article about stick selection posted today: http://www.letsplayhockey.com/1017swusa.html
He's already broken one this season - and that was in practice while he was trying to master a slap shot.
In a perfect minor hockey world, kids would use cheaper wooden sticks. Things like flex are alien to them, anyway. But image, style and status rule the teenage mind and paying $100 for a stick instead of $30 is a burden parents seem to have gotten used to.
Sigh.
Here's an informative article about stick selection posted today: http://www.letsplayhockey.com/1017swusa.html
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Graham James
As we ramp up for minor hockey season, remember the sad saga of Graham James. The former hockey coach is back in the news. http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/10/13/15678206.html
Bobby Orr's thoughts on minor hockey
Did the great Bobby Orr's kids ever play organized hockey? I read somewhere long ago that they never did. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gOIIZCbFb8&feature=player_embedded#!
Miller's Magic Helmet plea to parents
Here's Miller's plea to parents, created when he was an atom. Put on the Magic Helmet, dads. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWjBvcfhRX0
Is it still Miller time?
Young Miller Donnelly was a YouTube celebrity when I wrote this column for the Toronto Sun. It appeared in newspapers across Canada. I hope Miller is still in hockey. http://www.torontosun.com/comment/2009/02/17/8414546-sun.html
The Sweater
This is a Canadian classic from the National Film Board. All hockey kids love it. By the way, boo Habs. http://www.nfb.ca/film/sweater/
PK Subban thrills peewees
Fun way to thrill a bunch of 12-year-olds. PK Subban of the Montreal Canadiens proves he's a great guy. All NHLers should take note.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNySP2u3-PU
Oops, no sportsmanship in street hockey
Oops. More conflict between homeowners and street hockey, again from Nova Scotia. We never had trouble growing up in Clifford, Ont., where road hockey was a way of life. Then again, in more urban areas school yards and parking lots are the way to go.http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/Couple+targeted+after+stopping+hockey+game/3661447/story.html
Street Hockey
Remember this street hockey tale from Nova Scotia? It garnered national publicity last season in Canada. We're past this now, right?http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/04/13/ns-street-hockey-tradition.html
Minor hockey lacks major sportsmanship - sometimes
I wrote this column for the London Free Press a year ago. Every season brings a fresh start. I'm optimistic sportsmanship will percolate throughout minor hockey teams everywhere this season.http://www.lfpress.com/comment/2010/02/05/12762211.html It starts with parents.
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