Hockey season is in full swing as the calendar flips to November. This autumn saw the culture of hockey and its leadership placed under a microscope. It is clear that this scrutiny was necessary to initiate the change to our sport, and specifically the culture surrounding it, to move forward. Today, change is happening across hockey, and that includes at the highest level of our National Sport Organization, Hockey Canada.
Soon we will see the results from the first wave of changes including new leadership at both the Board and executive level at Hockey Canada, the Governance Review by former Supreme Court Justice Thomas Cromwell, and a series of important interim steps already underway. Change is everywhere.
Collectively we will all have a hand in changing our game. We will have the chance to make our game a place that provides a fun environment that is safe and inclusive for all. So, let’s get to it, and start today by asking a couple important questions:
What can we all do to accelerate positive change in our game?
How can we make sure that everyone who participates in our game has a great, safe, fulfilling experience?
Some answers are right in front of us, starting with the fact that we all care. Thousands of great people in B.C. and Yukon are delivering safe and enjoyable hockey to tens of thousands of participants, day in and day out, and the ways that we do so are always improving.
The six pillars of the new Hockey Canada Action Plan are adding a new layer of accountability, with important work that is just beginning. Everyone reading this can help, as we move quickly to create change. An example; our Board of Directors has added two new Workgroups, that combined with our already established Indigenous Workgroup, will begin to work on ensuring that BC Hockey is an even better place for everyone to enjoy our game. If you are interested in applying to be a member of either the BC Hockey Board Safe Sport Workgroup or the BC Hockey Board Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workgroup, please follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/222895364145058
And there is another home-grown step we’re proud of – our new Strategic Plan. We took the time to create this document to be reflective of our membership's desires for the direction of BC Hockey. Our members had a voice throughout the many iterations of this document. We believe, the final version is unique, and on point with where we currently sit as a sport. After all, has there ever been a time in hockey where a roadmap that stresses Values, Grassroots, and a focus on PLAY has ever been more relevant? Our Plan is aimed at reminding us all, and anyone else who sees it, who we are and how we operate. It lights up the big themes, identifies the HOW priorities and commitments, affirms “support” mechanisms, and asks us to get out there and PLAY. You can link to it HERE. We hope you see yourself in it.
We will set aside some time this winter to get together virtually with those who’d like to chat more about it.
And finally, remember, we have Values. We live and work and make all our important decisions with them in mind. They are in the Strategic Plan, and when you get a chance to read it you will see FUN is the first one.
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BC Hockey Celebrates World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend |
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The 2022 edition of World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend took place from October 8-9, 2022, and was a huge success! Events took place across B.C. and Yukon, and across the world, with the goal to recruit, retain and engage female players.
Thank you to everyone who took part in this year's edition of World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend! Here's a look at just a few events that took place across B.C. and Yukon:
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Vancouver Female Hockey Festival |
October 7-10, 2022, marked the inaugural Vancouver Female Hockey Festival.
The festival was put on by Vancouver Female Ice Hockey Association and saw over 900 players from across B.C. and the U.S.A. come together at the U11, U13 and U15 levels.
Click HERE to view the tournament photo gallery.
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Female-Only Officiating Clinic |
On October 9th, Vancouver's Killarney Community Centre hosted a female-only officiating clinic for new officials.
This was a great opportunity for beginner officials to get involved in the game.
Click HERE to view the clinic photo gallery.
If you want to wear the stripes for the upcoming season, you can get certified for only $5.00 HERE.
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Prince George MHA - Skill Development Sessions |
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100 Mile House MHA - Esso Fun Day |
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Tons of fun was had in Prince George during World Girls' Ice Hockey Weekend! Prince George MHA hosted several skill development sessions throughout the weekend, and girls of all ages came out to celebrate the weekend.
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On Saturday, October 8th, 100 Mile House MHA hosted an Esso Fun Day! It was a terrific event that gave new players an introduction to the game in a fun, encouraging and positive environment.
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Coaching Clinics Underway Across the Province! |
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The 2022-23 hockey season is off and running, and so are our coaching clinics! Throughout the fall, courses are being offered online and in-person so all coaches can get their certifications for the season ahead. If you still need to attend a clinic, or need to complete a course to get certified, click the buttons below to get yourself all set for the season.
If you are unsure of what requirements you need to get certified click on the Coaching Requirements button below, which will outline exactly what you'll need to complete based on the level of hockey that you are coaching.
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BC Hockey's National Coaches Week Contest |
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From September 17-25, 2022, we celebrated National Coaches Week when we gave members a chance to nominate a coach that had a positive impact on their life. We received a tremendous amount of nominations and we eventually were able to decide on the three grand prize winners. The three winners received their story posted on social media as well as a swag bag from BC Hockey. Please see the link below to read our winners stories.
The three winners of this year's National Coaches Week contest were:
- Laura DeSantis - Burnaby Minor Hockey Association
- Chris Mills - Cloverdale Minor Hockey Association
- Kyle Nielsen - Chase Minor Hockey Association
Congratulations to Laura, Chris and Kyle, along with all of the amazing coaches across B.C. and Yukon! We’re lucky to have so many great coaches who have such a positive impact on their people and the game.
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BCEHL Partners with Buddy Check for Jesse |
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In October, the British Columbia Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) announced a partnership with Buddy Check for Jesse, an initiative with the goal to raise awareness around mental health education and de-stigmatization. Buddy Check for Jesse is an organization founded by Dr. Stu Gershman, dedicated to empowering and encouraging youth and young adults to support one another, working together to destigmatize mental health challenges.
The campaign runs for the entirety of the 2022-23 season, with all 33 teams showing their support by sporting Buddy Check for Jesse helmet stickers, along with all coaches and managers taking part in a mental health recognition webinar. Green stick tape also was used at the Female U18 Showcase that ran from September 30th through October 2nd, and also was featured over the October 8-9 weekend in the U18 league.
Click the buttons below for helpful links for both youth and coaches from the Buddy Check for Jesse website!
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A pair of international events are coming to B.C. in November!
From November 3-12, 2022, the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge comes to the Langley Events Centre and Delta's Sungod Arena. This is your chance to catch the stars of tomorrow in-action! Canada will have three teams competing in the event. Make sure to use the promo code U17BCHOCKEYL when purchasing ticket packages in Langley, and U17BCHOCKEYD when purchasing ticket packages in Delta for special BC Hockey member pricing. See below for a link to ticket information.
Then, in a rematch of the 2022 IIHF Women's World Championship Gold Medal game, the Rivalry Series between Canada and USA will take place at Kelowna's Prospera Place on November 15 and Kamloops' Sandman Centre on November 17. Ticket information below.
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With the season underway there is lots of news surrounding BC Hockey. Check out some additional Quick Hits below:
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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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