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Did you know that “AUTHENTICITY” was selected as the Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s word of the year for 2023? Me either, until I read a recent article about it. Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s Editor at Large, announced the news by noting that, “The line between ‘real’ and ‘fake’ has become increasingly blurred. As a result, in social media and marketing, authentic has become the gold standard for building trust.”
I like it. Authenticity deserves to get some attention, and recognition, because in my opinion it has always been a driver (heck, maybe THE driver) of what we all do in delivering hockey in our communities. I mean, is there anything more real than being a volunteer hockey coach? Or a MHA board member? Or a four-games-a-day tournament referee? Or a 7:00 a.m. jamboree scorekeeper? Or a mom who gets an eight-year-old to one arena for 9:45 a.m., and a 10-year-old to the rink across town for 10:30 a.m.? We do these things because we understand the authentic value in our game, and what it means to our kids and to our communities.
People’s understanding of authenticity varies, of course, but I think we know it when we see it. We recognize it when we reflect on the value of something we add to our busy lives, like hockey. We also see it in our non-profit delivery model, pushing hard for fairness and safety and accountability and fun, in an ever-more-monetized world where these things are sometimes forgotten. And we can see it in the mirror, when we are true to ourselves and acting in ways that are consistent with our own values. I guess what I’m saying is that in today’s era – where we can be bombarded by misdirection, deception, and agendas of every stripe - searching for truth, and recognizing authenticity, has never been more important. And there is great authenticity in our game and in what it brings to our lives.
I am excited to see that more families than ever seem to agree. Our participation numbers in sanctioned hockey are up, across the board this year. We have more players, more coaches, and more officials than ever before in B.C. and Yukon. And as spring approaches, I am authentically excited about watching some great goals, saves and celebrations this month in the communities hosting championship tournaments, and then at the Esso Cup in Vernon in April!
And when the 2023-24 season finally winds down, I hope to see many of you at our AGM and Congress in June. Our game will always have challenges, but we’ll meet them the way we always do. With authentic and thoughtful engagement, communication, and discussion. In the meantime, I’ll see you at the rink!
Cameron Hope - Chief Executive Officer
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It's Almost Championship
Season!
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Championship season is just around the corner!
Around B.C. and Yukon, teams at the U13, U15, Female U18, U18, U21, Junior A and Senior AA levels will hit the ice with hopes on being crowned provincial champions.
The 2024 BC Hockey Junior A Tier ll Championship will be played in Kimberley and hosted by the Kimberley Dynamiters from April 18-21, 2024. It will be a four-team tournament between the champions of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) and Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) along with the host Dynamiters.
The Provincial Senior Male AA Champions will be crowned in Powell River at the 2024 Coy Cup, hosted by the Powell River Regals. The dates and schedule for the Coy Cup will be announced at a later date.
As puck drop nears, click the button below and check out the Championships page on the BC Hockey website to find all the information you'll need including locations, dates, host information and much more.
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Donor Spotlight - Canucks for Kids Fund | |
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BC Hockey is grateful for the support of the Canucks for Kids Fund. Their generosity helps in supporting minor hockey programming across various initiatives in British Columbia and Yukon. These opportunities that are provided to minor hockey players by the Canucks for Kids Fund are invaluable, and we thank them for their support.
In the BCEHL, players across all four leagues now proudly sport the Canucks for Kids Fund logo on their helmets to show their support.
The Canucks for Kids Fund dedicates resources to assist charities which supports children's health and wellness, foster the development of grassroots hockey, and facilitate and encourage education in British Columbia.
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Make a Difference in our Game! | |
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Want to make a difference in the game of hockey in B.C. and Yukon? The BC Hockey Nominating Committee is encouraging all interested individuals to apply for a spot on the BC Hockey Board of Directors. Five spots on the board will become available in 2024, including Chair of the Board.
The timeline of the nomination process is as follows:
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March 10, 2024 – Deadline for Director nominations
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March 25, 2024 – First circulation of Director candidates to membership
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April 9, 2024 – Final Director nomination deadline
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April 19, 2024 – Final date for nominees to run for Board Chair
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April 24, 2024 – Finalized candidate list circulated to membership
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June 8, 2024 – BC Hockey Annual General Meeting and Board elections
Click HERE to access a list of Frequently Asked Questions surrounding the BC Hockey Board of Directors.
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Save The Date! - 2024 Annual Congress | |
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BC Hockey's Annual Congress returns to the beautiful Penticton Lakeside Resort from June 7-8, 2024!
With the limited amount of rooms available at the Penticton Lakeside Resort, we encourage everyone that is planning on attending to book their accommodation as soon as possible. This year’s Congress will revolve around the theme, "The Hockey Life". Stay tuned for more information on workshops and seminars focused on this year's theme.
Click the link HERE to check out our Congress video from 2022 for an idea of what to expect for those who attend this year.
Keep an eye out for registration, which will open in April.
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A Celebration of Girls' Hockey | |
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It was a fantastic celebration of girls' hockey as the 2024 edition of the IIHF Global Girls' Game took place on February 17, 2024.
The Canadian leg of the Global Girls' Game featured one game from each of the 11 branches. In B.C., the 2024 Global Girls' Game was played at Meadow Park Sports Centre in Whistler between the Whistler MHA Female U15 Winterhawks and North Shore Winter Club Female U15 Winterhawks.
The IIHF Global Girls' Game is an annual event that involves female teams from around the world. In each game across the globe, one team is designated "Team White" and the other "Team Blue". The B.C. game saw North Shore Winter Club reign victorious over Whistler MHA by a score of 5-1.
Check out some snapshots of the action from the 2024 Global Girls' Game in Whistler!
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The Esso Cup is Coming to Vernon! | |
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The road to the 2024 National Female U18 AAA Championship concludes in Vernon at the 2024 Esso Cup! Hosted by the BCEHL's Thompson-Okanagan Lakers, Canada's top Female U18 AAA teams will gather from April 21-27 at Kal Tire Place with the goal of being crowned national champions.
Thompson-Okanagan will open their tournament on April 21 at 7:00 p.m. when they take on the champions of the Atlantic Region. Make sure to be a part of the action and cheer on the Lakers' as they go for a National Championship. Click the button below to secure your ticket packages.
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The 2024 edition of the BCEHL Winter Classic was a huge success!
Hosted by the communities of Fort St. James, Nak'azdli Whut'en and Vanderhoof from January 19-21, Four BCEHL teams took part in the festivities, the Northern Capitals and Vancouver Island Seals of the Female U18 league, and the Cariboo Cougars and Okanagan Rockets of the U18 league.
The teams skated in a total of four games over the weekend, including two games outdoors at the Ernie Sam Memorial Arena.
Over the weekend, teams took part in elementary school visits and practices with local minor hockey associations. A huge thank you to everyone that helped make the Winter Classic a success!
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With the hockey season in full swing, there is lots going on surrounding BC Hockey. Check out some additional Quick Hits below:
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Save on insurance and WIN BIG in the belairdirect Groups Contest!
As a member of a belairdirect groups partner organization, you could save on your insurance and win a $1,000 through our new contest!*
There are 36 x $1,000.00 cash prizes available to win!
To enter the contest, simply complete the form by clicking the link below.
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Take your weekend from good to great with Sandman's Weekend Best offer. Save up to 30% off the Standard Rate on your Friday, Saturday and Sunday stays at participating Sandman and Sandman Signature Hotels. Plus, members of their loyalty program, RSVP Rewards, save an extra 5%. If you're not already a member, sign up here for free to unlock perks every time you stay. Sandman Hotel Group has something for everyone - whether you're looking for a city break, country retreat, coastal getaway, or something in between.
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Ski Bus: Skip the drive and enjoy the ride to and from Mount Washington. Whether you need a lift, traveling with a large group, or simply don’t want to drive, our ski bus service can pick you up or drop you off at any of our 12 locations on southern Vancouver Island. Bundle & Save with our 6 Pack Bundle deal! These Bundles offer Mount Washington Ski Bus tickets at 40% off the regular one-way price for each ticket. Receive enough tickets for 6 round-trips (12 one-way trips). This is a great offer for families and frequent travellers.
Book Now
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BC Ferries Connector: Taking BC Ferries Connector is a convenient, hassle-free way to get you home or away for the holidays! With increased services over the holiday season, we are guaranteed onboard the sailings on which we operate. This means you can spend more time enjoying whatever it is that has you travelling this holiday season! We offer multiple pick up and drop off locations both in Victoria and Vancouver, including hotels and the YVR Airport for those looking to fly away to see friends and family, or someplace warm!
Book Now
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BC Hockey members have access to great travel coverage with MEDOC® through Johnson Insurance.
For often less than the cost of purchasing insurance for multiple trips separately, you can enjoy an unlimited number of trips during the policy year. You’ll always be prepared.
With MEDOC®, you’ll receive:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage
- Baggage protection
- And much more!
Give Johnson a call at 1-866-606-3362 or visit Johnson.ca/MEDOC to get a quote and finalize your coverage. Remember to mention BC Hockey as your group to get the discounted group rates!
Claim Your Offer
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BC HOCKEY
6671 Oldfield Rd.
Saanichton, BC V8M 2A1
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