It’s been seven years since I last coached local youth hockey with the Kennebecasis Valley Minor Hockey Association. I truly thought my minor hockey coaching days were behind me, and that, as grandparents, Vicki and I would simply sit in the stands and watch our grandson, Miles, play the game he loves.

But with Vicki’s passing, and in this season of adjusting to life without her, the idea of returning to coach Miles’s team slowly began to take shape. So, in October, I stepped back onto the ice to coach the U15 Rec Cardinals. It has been good for me—life-giving, even. One Friday evening, I found myself sitting at home at 8:30 p.m., waiting for our 9:15 practice, and I realized just how much I was looking forward to being on the ice again.

Already, ministry opportunities have come through this team. Early in the season, I held a parents’ meeting to introduce myself and explain my coaching philosophy. I shared that my approach to coaching is an extension of my Christian faith—something inseparable from who I am. After the meeting, a mother approached me and asked for prayer as she grieved the recent loss of her father. It struck me that conversations like this never happen if I’m sitting at home on the couch watching TV. Ministry happens when you show up and make yourself available.

We’ve already held our first Chapel @ The Rink before one of our games, with sixteen moms, dads, players, and siblings in attendance. And several of the players are campers from last summer’s Hockey Ministry camp—talk about follow-up!



The call came a few months ago from my dear friend and HMI Teammate, Bill Butters, asking me a question. "Would you be willing to come and be a part of a breakfast outreach on December 27th here in Minnesota?" These were the thoughts that flashed through my mind. If Vicki was here I would have said no; Christmas is a time that we want to spend with our family. At the same time the thought was, why not? I could sit here at home by myself in front of my miniature tree or go to Minnesota. And included in all these thoughts was a sense that this is what the Lord wants me to do, that He has arranged all of this and He is directing the path. So, on Boxing Day morning I am off on the 5:40am flight to Toronto, seven hours at the airport and on to Minneapolis for the event the following morning.

Beyond the event itself, there will be other points of contact for me. There will be a current Saint John Sea Dog, Olivers Murnieks, there playing for Team Latvia. Gardiner MacDougall, the Head Coach for the Moncton Wildcats, has been named one of the Assistant Coaches for Team Canada. I just recently had a call from a former GM and coach in the QMJHL who will be there at the tournament. I simply go, ready to see where the Lord will lead me.

When I look down the line-up of participants and read the names of former NHL players and then see my name I am deeply humbled, and somewhat embarrassed. What are you doing on that list? The voice inside my head says, you don't belong there. But here's what I have learned in the 36 years of ministry with HMI. The key to ministry is showing up, making oneself available for the Lord to use in whatever way He sees fit. So off I go, Lord willing, to Minnesota. Pray for me. Pray for the event and for all those in attendance. We have joyful news to share!





The two pillars of HMI—our summer hockey camps and our winter team ministry—are both in full swing. What many people don’t realize is that the summer camps require year-round planning and preparation. Recently, our committee for the New Brunswick camps met by video to begin organizing the two weeks at the Qplex in Quispamsis, NB (July 6–10 and July 20–24). We are excited about the possibility of selling out both weeks, with a maximum of 102 campers each.

Meanwhile, the winter ministry is well underway. HMI is printing a new edition of the “New Testament for Hockey Players” for distribution across North America and beyond. HMI Atlantic’s annual Christmas card mailing to QMJHL teams has already generated responses from players requesting personalized team Bibles. Chapels continue to be offered throughout the league, and attendance has been so encouraging.

We are truly thankful for the open doors and the many avenues God has provided for the work of HMI.



Ministry opportunities are before me. Former Halifax Moosehead owner and NHLer , Bobby Smith called to ask if I would be a part of a devotional delivered during a Christmas NHL alumni video call. As already mentioned, I am off to the World Junior Hockey Championships in Minnesota on December 26-30. In January we have been granted permission to present HMI to the owners and governors of the Junior "A" Maritime Hockey League as we seek to expand our team presence in that league. Discussions have begun with Share Word Global regarding ministry initiatives to the Indigenous communities. Funding cannot be ignored and emphasis must be placed on our two major fundraisers, the on-line auction is April, and our golf event in September. Next summer's HMI camp schedule is being worked on taking me to whichever camps the Lord would have me involved in. Life is full but also good.





Christmas 2025

“...You don’t lift the cup or wear a gold medal on your own. You lift it with everybody that ever lifted you. So to everybody who ever lifted me up, thank you for being my team.”   - Duncan Keith

To my Dear Teammates,

When NHL great Duncan Keith spoke these words during his acceptance speech as he was inducted into this year’s Hockey Hall of Fame, I immediately thought of “my team.” There are teammates reading this note who have lifted Vicki and me up on this incredible journey with Hockey Ministries International that began in May of 1989. It is the story of God’s call and faithfulness as we ventured out in faith believing that God was in it, guiding our footsteps every step of the way. And now I continue on without my beloved wife and teammate, but still remembering my other teammates who lift me up. Many of you have lifted me up in prayer. There are those who have lifted me up with words of encouragement. And then there are those who lift me up with financial support. All along the way we have relied on you, our teammates on Team HMI.

I write of the “lifters” in my life, but of course the ultimate lifter is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who I rely on daily for the grace to move forward. What has been made crystal clear is that I am to carry on in this work of Hockey Ministries and with your help I will press on toward the goal. Merry Christmas to each and everyone. Thank you for being wonderful teammates.

Sincerely,

Bruce