The FHBC Coach Conference took place in early February. Holding an in-person coaching conference was a priority for us, something we were excited to have re-instated for the first time in several years.

We are grateful for the funding support from the Province of BC and viaSport BC, helping to make an event such as this possible.

Thank you to our speakers Michel Kinnen, Mark Egner, Dave Cox, and Krista Thompson for sharing your wealth of coaching knowledge and expertise with us. The sessions throughout the weekend were a great environment of learning and growth for those who attended. Lots of open dialogue and ideas shared by all. 

Also, congratulations to the group of 8 coaches who completed the NCCP Competition-Introduction field hockey specific coursework (pictured to the right).

They did four modules of theory learning via twice weekly zoom sessions. A significant time commitment, giving up their evenings after many had spent a long day at the field. This was followed by a four hour practical session during Coach Conference weekend. Thank you to facilitators Ali Baggott, Alex Bale, Krista Thompson and Nancy McCutcheon. As well it was great to have Dave Cox and Michel Kinnon make a guest appearance at the practical session.

If you are looking for any information on coach education and future course opportunities, please contact katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com

The 2024 Field Hockey BC AGM took place on Wednesday February 7, 2024. Thank you to all of the registered delegates that took time out of their evening to attend the meeting on behalf of their member clubs!

All pertinent AGM information is available for viewing on our website at the following link https://fieldhockeybc.com/annual-general-meeting-agm/ .

Congratulations to the Maple Selects for winning the 2024 FHBC Senior Indoor Championships that took place February 2-4 in Duncan.

Final Standings:

1) Maple Selects

2) UBC White

T-3) UVIC Blue

T-3) UVIC White

5) Island 1

6) Island 2

7) UBC Blue

8) Western Crew

9) Canada O45s

Thank you to Tournament Directors Brenda Rushton and Sue Jameson, to Cowichan FHC for assisting with the hosting, as well as to all of the umpires and judges/technical officials involved.

On January 26th, we gathered at the Heritage Hall in Vancouver for our Field Hockey BC Voluntary Recognition and Awards Dinner.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our sport, dedicating their time and energy to ensure its success and vibrancy. It was a wonderful evening, taking the time to acknowledge not only the incredible contributions of our volunteers but also extend our heartfelt appreciation to some the athletes, coaches, and officials who form the backbone of our field hockey community.

Their passion, dedication, and hard work on and off the field elevate the standard of our sport and contribute to its continuous growth. Together, volunteers, athletes, coaches, and officials create a dynamic and supportive environment, shaping the landscape of field hockey in our province.

We express our deep gratitude to each of them for their essential roles in fostering the spirit of camaraderie and excellence that defines our field hockey family.

Field Hockey BC Annual Award Winners for 2023

Senior Male Player of the Year: Brenden Bissett

Senior Female Player of the Year: Kathleen Leahy

Junior Male Player of the Year (Under 18): Jude Nicholson

Junior Female Player of the Year (Under 18): Calista Schwartz

Junior Male Player of the Year (Under 16): Caleb Fitch

Junior Female Player of the Year (Under 16): Mackenna Brown

Barbara Schrodt Award: Ali Baggott

Contribution to Men’s Field Hockey: Chris Roydhouse

Coach of the Year: Muhammad Imran

Umpire of the Year: Tyler Klenk

Field Hockey BC Volunteer Recognition Award Winners for 2023

Field Hockey BC Governance Support:

Alan Waterman

Margaret Johnson

Jennifer Taylor

Joanna Mukai

Megan Robertson

Gurjit Sidhu

Brian Groos

Field Hockey BC Governance & Technical Program Support:

Brenda Rushton

BC Community Club Recognition Award Winners for 2023

These awards are as nominated by their respective club/association membership:

Anterpreet Singh Johal -- Gobind Sarvar FHC

Christine Stelmack -- West Vancouver FHC

Kelvin Kum -- Victoria Junior FHA

Jagir Dhanowa -- Field Hockey Victoria

Kukri Sports Canada - Junior Player Awards Sponsor

Thank you to Kukri Sports Canada for sponsoring our Junior Player of the Year Awards. Our Junior Player Award winners Jude Nicholson, Calista Schwartz, Caleb Fitch, and Mackenna Brown each received a $300 clothing voucher from Kukri Sports Canada.

Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame - 2023 Induction Class

Sea-to-Sky FHC held a club day recently at Rutledge Field as an opportunity for parents and athletes to come together. During the event there was a BBQ with donations raised for the Allyn Murison Grassroots Bursary. Thank you to all involved for your thoughtfulness and generosity in raising funds for such a great cause!

Please see the below playing opportunity for Women's Masters athletes, and reach out to Alanna or Ronnie directly if you have any questions.

We are pleased to welcome Masters teams to the 2024 Pat Hall Masters Tournament, named after the late Patricia Hall who was a pillar of field hockey on Vancouver Island, in BC and in Canada. Pat helped orchestrate the island-hosted Masters Tournament for a number of years so it only seems fitting that the first year after her passing the tournament is renamed in her honour. Please find the below information ahead of the tournament.

What: Pat Hall Masters Tournament

When: Saturday March 30 and Sunday March 31, 2024 (Easter Weekend)

Where: Shawnigan Lake School (water-based and rubber-based turfs)

Who: Women’s Masters teams (players must be 30 years of age or older)

Cost: fee will be per team and dependent on number of teams

Please express your interest in submitting a team as soon as possible so the committee can start to plan the budget and schedule. 

Team registration notes: Exceptions for under-age players, particularly for goalkeepers, may be made by approval of the committee. Please submit requests in writing. Players must be on a single team’s roster for the duration of the tournament. Hyde-Lay pavilion will be available throughout the tournament for teams to socialize and take cover as needed.

Please submit expression of interest or any questions to:

Alanna Martin (abcdmartin@shaw.ca) and Ronnie Lee (leeronnie19@gmail.com)