This year’s kick-off ceremony will be held at the Labrador City Arena in Labrador City on Saturday, January 12, 2019. The host association (Labrador West Minor Hockey Association) was selected this year by Hockey NL. This northern area minor hockey association has over 300 registered players between 5 and 17 years of age.
The host association will have a cake-cutting ceremony and conduct a proclamation at 1:00 p.m. today, and has also organized a full day of competition for all age divisions within their membership.
The provincial slogan this season is “A Good Coach Can Change a Game, A Great Coach Can Change a Life”. Arnold Kelly of Goose Bay is the Chair of Minor Hockey for the provincial hockey governing body. “This season’s message suggests that we need to remind our volunteer coaches of their importance and the lasting impact they will have on our youth as they move through our system and beyond hockey”, said Kelly.
Kelly said he is pleased that volunteers continue to give their time to minor hockey in the province. “We congratulate and thank the Labrador West Minor Hockey Association for their pledge and commitment to celebrate our game”. “One of the objectives this year is grassroots hockey and incorporating fun and skill development in our programs”, remarks Kelly. Events will continue after the kick-off, including tournaments, skills camps and clinics. For a complete list of events, visit: www.hockeynl.ca/calendar/
How to help kids find a sport they love
(NC) Participating in organized sports is a great way for kids to get active and make new friends, but how do you know which activity is right for them? Follow the tips below to make finding a sport they love a little easier.
Take them to a game. Live sporting events are fun. Attend a game together and let them get engrossed in the action. This provides an opportunity for kids to learn about a sport and imagine themselves in the excitement. Whether it is at the professional or amateur level, watching a sport live can peak a kid’s interest and inspire them to take part.
Test out different options. Rather than risk dragging your kids to practices or games they have no interest in for an entire season, an alternative is an introductory program that allows them to try a sport a couple of times without taking on significant fees or a long-term commitment. A great example is The Canadian Tire First Shift, a six-week introduction to hockey for kids six to 10 who have never played before. For only $199, participants receive full head-to-toe Bauer hockey gear and six on-ice sessions.
Get involved. Once enrolled, you can keep kids engaged by getting involved yourself. Travel to out-of-town tournaments when you can, help with fundraising efforts and volunteer when needed. If your children see that you care about the team, they are more likely to be excited and keep playing thanks to your support.
Promoting positive hockey experiences
From January 12-19, minor hockey teams across Canada will be celebrating Minor Hockey Week. This event, organized by Hockey NL, is not only meant to promote our national sport, but also to encourage the development of hockey as a positive experience available to all.
The best examples of hockey as a positive experience are often those that parents create for their children at local skating rinks. By attending games and supporting your child’s team, you can play a role in assuring that the game remains a game and doesn’t become a source of unnecessary conflict.
A positive approach to the game accepts that both players and coaches will make mistakes. Shouting insults at players on the opposing team, at coaches or at referees is the kind of behaviour which should never be tolerated. The discomfort created by this sort of behaviour not only embarrasses the child of the parent at fault; it’s unpleasant for all of the other participants and for the other spectators.
The key thing for a young child who is joining a team for the first time is that it be a pleasant experience. Parents need to understand that the children are there to have a good time, while developing a healthy sense of competition. When your child’s team makes a good play, it’s heartwarming to hear the applause of the parents of the opposing team. You too should share your enthusiasm for the game by cheering for all of the players when they make a good pass, a great save or score a goal.
While the kids play for the fun of it, they nonetheless pay careful attention to what is going on in the stands, and they’ll be watching you for supportive looks and encouraging gestures.
4 reasons to enrol your daughter in hockey
(NC) With hockey’s popularity on the rise among women, there’s no better time to consider signing your daughter up to play. The International Ice Hockey Federation shows a four per cent increase in the number of female players and the continued success of Canada’s women’s team means that more girls are joining this fun and rewarding activity. Here are some reasons for your girl to join in:
Learn valuable life lessons. Hockey is a physically demanding sport that teaches precision, problem-solving, the value of hard work and how to be physically and mentally strong both on and off the ice. A recent study by the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies found that playing sports and learning these lessons lead to more successful careers.
Nurture a lifelong love of sport. Hockey Canada uses proven training programs and models, including Sport For Life’s Long-Term Athlete Development, to help kids develop into great hockey players and be active for life. By teaching kids the right skills at the right time, they are more likely to stay active in the long run.
Affordable entry-level programs. There are entry-level programs like The Canadian Tire First Shift that offer a reasonably priced introduction to hockey. The program offers head-to-toe hockey equipment and six on-ice sessions for only $199, providing an opportunity to try hockey before committing to a full season.
Positive female role models. Canada is home to some of the best hockey players in the world. When girls get on the ice, they can imagine themselves in the skates of someone like Olympic team captain Marie-Philip Poulin. Poulin explains why female role models are so important: “Seeing women achieve greatness helps young girls believe they too can achieve their goals.”
