It may not feel like it just yet, but in the hockey-corner of our lives we’re hitting the home stretch. I know, we've barely had time to get tree decorations packed away, or take down those holiday lights, but trust me – spring is right around the corner. And not so long after that, June, and our AGM and Annual Congress filled with thoughtful discussion, Board elections, and reconnecting through fun events and ceremonies.
But wait, let’s not look too far ahead. I mean, we haven’t even hit March, and it’s promise of warmer weather (maybe), bigger games (usually), playoffs (hopefully), and our championship tournaments! I looked at “the grid” this week – it’s on the wall in Keegan Goodrich’s office – and I could already imagine the action we'll soon enjoy in those 16 host communities. From bigger places (Cloverdale, Kelowna), to smaller ones (Clearwater, 100 Mile House), to up north (Ft. St. John, Terrace), to way west (Port Alberni), March 2023 will see rinks all over the province filled with championship action. I can’t wait.
In the meantime, let me finish this note by pointing everyone to our Strategic Plan. You can link to it HERE If you’re thinking, hey, this link was in the last Crease Crasher Newsletter... well you’d be right... it was, and it's here again. I just think that when an organization is built around a set of ideas, articulating those ideas again and again matters. Plus, it never hurts any of us to take a breath and remind ourselves of what we’re all doing here, and why we’re involved in this game in the first place. Hockey, delivered in alignment with our mission and values, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for PLAY, is what we all need in 2023. The physical, mental, and social benefits that flow from what we all do has never been more important.
See you at the rink,
Cam Hope
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Team BC Going for Gold at Canada Winter Games |
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The 2023 Canada Winter Games are just around the corner! Prince Edward Island will host the games, which begin on February 18, 2023, and conclude on March 5, 2023.
From February 19-25 the Male U16 Team BC will compete for Gold at the Games. The Female U18 Team BC will begin their quest on February 27 with the Gold Medal game scheduled on March 5. Visit the links below to view rosters, along with tournament schedules.
Stay tuned to our social channels where we'll be providing updates for both teams throughout the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
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BC Hockey Female Jamborees |
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A pair of female jamborees were hosted by BC Hockey during the month of January. These jamborees are geared towards female participants of all skill levels and create a non-competitive and fun atmosphere. |
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Penticton Female Jamboree |
Photo Credit: Island Images Photography
On January 21, 2023, during the BCHL's All Star Weekend, U7 and U9 players took the ice at Penticton's Outdoor Public Skating Rink. Teams combined of both ages categories each played in two 30-minute games of four-on-four hockey.
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A number of U7 and U9 players took part in BC Hockey's Female North Jamboree, which took place January 21-22, 2023, in Vanderhoof. Participants were divided into two groups and took the ice with the BCEHL's Northern Capitals in two skills sessions. Two full days of games followed, and tons of fun was had! |
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Applications Open for the BC Hockey Board of Directors |
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There is a terrific opportunity to give back to the game of hockey while helping the youth of British Columbia and Yukon by joining the BC Hockey Board of Directors.
Our focus is to seek out individuals who have professional designations, experience or education to apply for a seat on the Board and be a part the long-term health of our game.
All interested individuals are invited to apply for nomination for the four BC Hockey Board seats that will become available by clicking the "Application for Nomination" button below.
Click below for more information on the opportunity, and to submit your application. The Nominating Committee also developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions to provide more information about what a position on the Board looks like.
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Success on the International Stage |
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B.C. saw four athletes capture gold while representing Canada at the 2023 IIHF Women's U18 World Championship in Ostersund, Sweden. A huge congratulations to Jordan Baxter (Tri-Cities Female IHA), Gracie Graham (Kelowna MHA/Merritt MHA), Morgan Jackson (Comox Valley MHA) and Maya Serdachny (RINK Hockey Academy). Way to go!
A quartet of B.C. athletes also earned gold as members of Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick. Congratulations to Caedan Bankier (Cloverdale MHA/Burnaby Winter Club), Connor Bedard (North Shore Winter Club/North Vancouver MHA), Thomas Milic (Coquitlam MHA/Burnaby Winter Club) and Logan Stankoven (Kamloops MHA) on their accomplishment.
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Championship Season is Approaching! |
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Championship season is just around the corner. Across the province, various tournaments will be hosted from March 19, 2023, to April 16, 2023, in the U13, U15, U18, U21, Junior B and Senior AA levels. As we inch closer to March, click the link below to visit the Championships page on the BC Hockey website for all of the information you'll need, including, dates, locations, host information and more. |
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The 2023 BCEHL Winter Classic was a huge success! The communities of Fort St. James, Nak'azdli Whut'en and Vanderhoof hosted the event from January 20-22. The BCEHL had four teams make the trip, two teams from the Female U18 league (Northern Capitals and Thompson-Okanagan Lakers) and the U18 League (Cariboo Cougars and Thompson Blazers). The teams played a combined four games over the weekend, including two games at Ernie Sam Memorial Arena which is an outdoor ice surface. The temperatures over the weekend were a balmy -6°C. Great hockey weather!
Teams also took part in local elementary school visits, and participated in practices with local minor hockey teams. Thank you to everyone who made the event a success, and we're already looking forward to next year!
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With the hockey season in full swing, check out the Quick Hits below for more news surrounding BC Hockey.
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Belairdirect
Belairdirect is the exclusive and preferred home insurance provider of BC Hockey and its members. Take advantage of your membership benefits!
You could save on insurance and win $1,000 from our partner, belairdirect!
There are 36 x $1,000 cash prizes available to win. To enter the contest, simply complete the form at belairdirect.com/BONUS.
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Sandman Hotel Group
Sandman Hotel Group is the official hotel of the BCEHL. By choosing Sandman, you will be provided with the extra measure of quality, comfort, and personal convenience you are looking for.
Follow Sandman Hotel Group on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to be the first to hear about anything and everything surrounding Sandman!
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Wilsons Bus Company
Wilson’s Transportation Ltd is a proud partner of the BCEHL. Wilson’s Transportation Ltd is a locally-owned and operated charter bus company serving Victoria and Vancouver Island. In operation since 1962, we are a trusted provider known for our exceptional service, transporting groups large and small from one destination to another – safely and on time.
For more information, visit their website!
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See what's happening on our social sites: |
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BC HOCKEY
6671 Oldfield Rd.
Saanichton, BC V8M 2A1
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