c/o BC Local News

In most social circles, you'd be hard pressed to find youth who would want to hang out with, let alone get to know personally, their teachers, youth workers or local RCMP. But a group in Williams Lake is proving that anything is possible through the game of hockey.

"Me personally, my own story when I was a youth, I got into a little bit of trouble when I was young and that was partly because I didn't have anything to do. It was out o pure boredom," said Williams Lake RCMP Constable Colby Hendrickson, who came up with the idea to engage with youth through sport five (5) years ago. "It's about getting out on a Friday, getting some exercise, and for these kids, being around some of the RCMP and seeing that we are just human and let's have some fun together."

Judging by the smiles on the faces of youth in attendance, such as 17-year-old Keano William, who came out last Friday to play, Hendrickson's plan is working.

"I like how they let everyone play," William said from the bench, between shifts. "It doesn't matter how old you are, your skill level or if you have money, you just show up and have fun. And it's nice that it's free."

William, who was invited to play by a friend, said he also took part in the game to meet new people. "I like having that group of people who all like to have fun doing the same thing." 

Hendrickson attributes the success of the program to many partners, such as local First Nations communities and youth support worker Michael Archie of Changing Directions, who all split the cost.

Archie, who also got on the ice with the youth, along with other mentors such as LCSS principal Gregg Gaylord, said it's important for youth and the RCMP and service providers to build positive relationships. "This is another way to get in a positive activity," he said, noting he also organizes ball hockey and video game nights.

Archie said anyone at any age can be at risk in life, but engaging in positive activities and building positive relationships all helps. "All these guys, these officers, are awesome, and the youth are too, they are our future," Archie said. "This is huge. It's so important to bridge the gap with our youth."

Archie and Hendrickson said they plan to offer an afternoon hockey match-up every second Friday throughout the winter months.

The year was 1919. 

World War I had just ended with the signing of The Versailles Treaty and  f our (4) time Stanley Cup Champion, Montreal Canadien Emile "Butch" Bouchard was born. He played in 785 games with the Canadiens from 1941-1956 and led the team has captain for eight (8) seasons.

It was also the only time in the history of the Stanley Cup that the cup (other than the 2005 lockout) was not awarded.  The series between the Seattle Metropolitans (Pacific Coast Hockey Association champions) and the Montreal Canadiens (National Hockey League champions) was suspended after five (5) games due to an outbreak of influenza.

The Memorial Cup was awarded for the first time when the University of Toronto Schools defeated the Regina Pats in what used to be a two (2) game, total goal series, 29 - 8.

Kids these days probably don't even know what one looks like, but rotary phones (the ones with holes in the finger wheel) were invented and first pop up toaster was used after a man was tired of his burnt toast.

Also in 1919, the BC Amateur Hockey Association (now BC Hockey) was formed at a meeting held in the Daily Province newspaper offices in Vancouver, BC on February 9, 1919. F or the first three (3) years, Senior hockey was the only division under its jurisdiction.

Over the past 100 years, BC Hockey has created many memorable moments and helped develop some of the people who grew the game to where it is now.

From numerous Memorial Cup champions to some of the greatest NHL players and hockey builders the game has ever seen...  we have put the west coast of Canada on the map! And are proud and  want to celebrate it!

We are looking to collectively capture the history and diversity of hockey within BC and the Yukon through a celebration of 100 Great Moments in BC Hockey History.  The list will be presented at the BC Hockey Annual Congress in June 2018.

We want you to nominate a special moment, a great player or championship team or a hockey builder/innovator in your community. Don't miss you opportunity to bring forward a nomination and be part of something special!

NOMINATE A MOMENT/PERSON/TEAM

Deadline to submit a nomination is December 15, 2017, so don't wait! 

c/o CBC

The mayor of Fernie, BC is thanking the Calgary Flames Foundation for the "beautiful gesture" of paying for an NHL-sized outdoor rink. The community's indoor arena has been closed since ammonia - a toxic gas used to freeze ice - leaked and killed three (3) men last month.

The town's recreational services director Lloyd Smith, 52, chief facility operator Wayne Horquist, 59, and refidgeration specialist Jason Podloski, 46, died when investigating an alarm early in the morning on October 17, 2017 at the Fernie Memorial Arena.

"I have to say the first couple weeks were pretty challenging and sad for everybody," said Mayor Mary Giuliano. "I think people are starting to heal, and certainly this beautiful gesture ... is helping to alleviate some of the concerns that people have had about of a lack of rink."

Earlier this month, the Calgary Flames Foundation contacted the city of Fernie to offer to pay for a full-sized outdoor rink. The Fernie Lions Club co-ordinated the offer and found local businesses to donate supplies and skilled labour to the project.

On November 27, 2017, city council accepted a donation from the Calgary Flames Foundation in the form of boards, penalty boxes, player benches and a time keeper box.

"We believe in the power of sport and the benefit of providing communities opportunities to play and are happy to be part of mobilizing this in Fernie," foundation executive director Candice Goudie said in a statement.

Construction has begun, with the goal of opening the rink to the public by winter. The full-sized outdoor rink with natural ice will be built at the Fernie Aquatics Centre, and can made permanent if the city decides. It's large enough that youth, seniors and recreational hockey teams and figure skating can use if as a replacement for the indoor rink.

Right now, families and players are driving to donated ice times at rinks in the BC towns of Elkford, about 65 kilometres north, and Sparwood about 30 kilometres north.

"We've been told by citizens that came and approached the city that the commute is being found difficult for some of the parents and children, and they are concerned that some of them were dropping out," Giuliano said. "So this is a really welcome addition because having the rink here in Fernie will all for those groups to use it."

c/o www.grindstoneaward.com

It was a simple action that would made a big impact for the Grindstone Award Foundation and a young BC female hockey player. What started as Women's Hockey Life sharing the Grindstone Award Foundation's message earlier this year on social media, turned into Isabelle Fortin being able to play the game she loves.

Heading into last year's hockey season, and in need of new gear, Isabelle was faced with the reality she may not be able to play because of the high cost of new gear. Not willing to give-up, she worked with her mom to fund raise enough money to purchase the gear.

"My mom put together a salmon dinner fundraiser and I helped prepare it. My favourite part was making the dough for the bannock," says Isabelle. "My mom also got the neighbours to bring in the returnables as well. We worked really hard and it was so much fun."

Going through a growth spurt over the summer, Isabelle was once again in need of new equipment and was facing a similar fate of not being able to afford gear. That's when she saw the Grindstone Award Foundation post on Facebook through Women's Hockey Life. She quickly filled out a grant application form and sent it off in the hopes she could receive the needed funds to buy the gear.

When Grindstone Award Foundation founder Danielle Grundy saw Isabelle's application, she knew it was meant to be. "Isabelle embodies what the Grindstone Award Foundation is all about, working as hard as you can to play the game you love and never giving up," says Grundy.

To Isabelle's delight she was selected as one (1) of 10 recipients in 2017 and that's when the " Journey of the Grant" began.

Watch part one (1) of the journey of the Grindstone grant.

WATCH MORE

Nominate a child from your community for their chance to meet Calgary Flames defenceman, Travis Hamonic in Calgary and take in a Flames game.

Travis Hamonic is of Metis descent and is extremely proud of his heritage. That's why the Flames defenceman and his wife Stephanie have started the Travis Hamonic Community Program.

Eligibility

Must be Aborignal Must be between the ages of 6-17

Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

ENTER NOW

Shopping for friends and family has never been easier! The BC Hockey Locker Room offers you a convenient way to pick out gifts & stock up on stocking stuffers for everyone on your list this season!

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