This month my time coaching a U15 hockey team here in my home town concluded. It was quite a season.

I was certainly rusty. It had been seven years since I coached in the minor hockey system. But in this season of my life I felt reconnecting with our local minor hockey association would be good for me and for the ministry. I was right on both counts. The boys on the team very quickly became very special. They were a unique group. I had never coached a team that loved to practice so much! They rarely missed a practice. There was great energy, enthusiasm, and passion with every drill. Interestingly, at first their performance in practice did not translate into their game play. I discovered there was a need to teach them how to compete in games. So I began to build competitive drills into our training sessions, competing against each other. The approach worked. As the season progressed we witnessed the team beginning to utilize their speed and skill in games with the scoreboard rewarding their efforts.

I also discovered the players had quickly taken hold of me. That was illustrated so vividly as we entered the new year and registration opened for our Christian Hockey Camps here in Quispamsis. Within the first three hours of opening the system to receive campers there were 52 kids registered. The pace continued steadily towards the eventual filling of both our camps (July 6-10; July 20-24) with over 200 boys and girls! As I scanned the names of the kids that had signed up for the camps I saw over half my team had signed up for a week of hockey camp. I teared up with emotion thinking of so many of my boys getting to experience a week of a Hockey Ministries camp. I am praying for a special week with so many of my players joining the many others at camp.



Another season of ministry concluded last month with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Joe and I had a tremendous year with the team. Our weekly chapels were so well attended, with between 18-21 players coming out. There were the conversations, the questions, the distribution of team Bibles, and the arrival of a Christian player traded here during the Christmas trade period.

In February Joe and I traveled to Cape Breton to facilitate the relaunching of a ministry with the Cape Breton Eagles of the QMJHL. I am returning to Cape Breton in June to speak at a church that has supported the work for a number of years.

There are ongoing conversations regarding a weekend clinic in the Cree community of Lake Mistissini, QC. It has been many years since I was there ministering to young people. Now some of those same young people are now adults seeking to have the next generation of youth ministered to through a Hockey Ministries program.

The activites in ministry also requires funding. Next month (May 5-7) our annual on-line fundraising auction will take place. If you'd like to be involved here's the link:

https://www.32auctions.com/hmiauction26

In June, Joe and I plan to be at the QMJHL Draft scheduled for Halifax. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with many across the league in one location. Plus we get to meet the Sea Dogs newly drafted players and their families to introduce ourselves as a resource in support of them in a big transition time of life.

I am thankful for the opportunities in ministry that continue to come our way.





It began with an email from the front office of the Saint John Sea Dogs with a request; could we help with organizing a Faith & Family event during an upcoming Sea Dogs home game? Once again another ministry opportunity fell into my lap. Joe and I met with some of the marketing people to discuss making the night happen. The date of March 13th was selected and we began promoting and planning.

The night was a great success in seeing 1,000 extra tickets sold. So many came in support of the night. HMI had a display set up at the front doors of TD Station where we had volunteers handing out copies of our "New Testament for Hockey Players". A local Christian musician provided music before and after the game. Following the game Joe and I spoke. We played a short video recorded by Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, Jaccob Slavin where he shared his story of coming to faith in Christ. The evening concluded with a family skate. There was plenty of positive feedback fueling the plan to offer a bigger and better Faith & Family event for next season.



On March 7th Joe & I travelled to Amherst, NS to address the governors of the Maritime Hockey League. We have had limited involvement with teams in this league but felt the time was right to explore expansion. We contacted the Commissioner to discuss HMI and the possibilities of further involvement. He agreed to have us included on the agenda for their March meeting. Our session with the governors went very well. I was able to speak to the group about the history of HMI's involvement in the American Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Joe spoke as a former junior player in the league and some of the challenges junior players face. The response was an overwhelming approval to move forward. The league has planned a press release announcing a partnership with HMI. The ministry will also be highlighted on the league's website communicating official recognition of the relationship between the MHL and HMI. A busy fall awaits as we seek to establish chaplains and chapel programs with each team. Exciting days are ahead.





“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  - Jeremiah 29:11

To my Dear Teammates,



This often quoted verse was written for a specific time and situation. But I also believe the principles are applicable for today. As I continue on in the work of Hockey Ministries following Vicki's death I am keenly aware of the dramatic change in my life. There's a disorienting quality that often leads to uncertainty regarding the road ahead. But the Bible reassures that God has a plan and a path marked out for me. That knowledge helps me face each new day. I have a great sense that the Lord is not done with me in Hockey Ministries, that there is more work for me to do. So I press on, making myself available to be used by the Lord as He sees fit.

Just today I was reading a story on NASA's mission to Mars. Currently they have a device on the planet seeking for signs of life. The thought came to me, here I am on planet earth seeking to declare life to a hurting and broken world. That life is found in Jesus Christ, a full and abundant life that only He can provide.

Thank you for being wonderful teammates and supporting me in sharing the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,

Bruce