Banff Minor Hockey
Novice / Atom Season Format for 2010-11
WHAT is NEW ?
For the 2010 / 11 Hockey season in the Banff Minor Hockey association,Novice and Atom divisions will play as exhibition/tournament teams maintaining membership with Hockey Alberta.
WHY?
Due to uncontrollable factors involving the renovation of the Banff Recreation Centre and the availability of ice time. This would impose further travel above the already extensive travel we normally do.
This situation has provided Banff Minor Hockey with an opportunity to explore new possibilities in the development of our young players. We are pleased to announce that we will be exploring these new avenues. We will strive to provide our Novice and Atom players with an excellent hockey program which will focus on developing their skills as young hockey players in a fun, competitive and challenging program.
Please read the information below. We hope to answer some of the commonly asked questions. If you have any further inquiries, please contact our president, Stephane Prevost at president@banffbears.com
Banff Minor Hockey
Novice and Atoms teams 2010 – 11 season
FAQ
Why are the Atom and Novice teams not participating in CAHL this season?
With the building of the new Recreation Center, the Town of Banff is unable to provide ice times until, nor guarantee, the tentative date of November 1,2010. As a result of this, Banff Minor Hockey is unable to procure reasonable ice times and location to meet CAHL requirements for the coming season. We have made the decision to alleviate the difficulties and uncertainties of this situation by becoming exhibition / tournament teams for the 2010-11 season.
What exactly are Exhibition - Tournament teams?
Exhibition - Tournament teams follow the same format of practices throughout the season as league teams do. Instead of playing competitive league games,they play competitive non-league games with similar teams or teams that are part of a league and look for additional competitive games outside the realm of their leagues. In addition, those teams will enter a variety of tournaments, including hosting their own.
What caliber of teams will we be competing with?
The caliber of teams we will be competing with can be of any caliber we wish to face. Realistically, we will be playing against teams which are of the same level as we are.
Will being an exhibition team negativelly affect the caliber of our teams?
Absolutely not. Our teams will continue to positively develop under a clear and effective skills development program for all our players.
How much travel will we have to do?
Much less than usual. We will not have to go on long road trips to Oyen,Hanna, Fort MacLeod, Brooks or even Medicine Hat who is now a full-time CAHL member. We will be able to pick and choose our own destinations and not have to be on the road all the time.
Will there be extra costs?
While we might assume increased tournaments costs, we believe that the money saved on gas, food and lodging from travelling less should make the overall cost no more expensive than normal and perhaps even cheaper.
Will we be playing every/most weekends?
We will have the option to play games most likely on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. By playing games on Fridays, which is common for exhibition games, this gives more flexibility for families to enjoy diverse activities during weekends.
Will we be able to rejoin CAHL in the future?
Yes. We have confirmed with CAHL that we will be able to return to the league in the future.
Will Banff Minor Hockey provide the same ice times as in the past?
Due to the nature of the Recreation Center Renovations, We will not have the same ice times as in the past until the tentative date of November 1st, 2010.We will begin our season on September 13 at the Canmore Recreation Center, until November 1st,
Will our teams be able to enter Provincial Championships?
Yes. We have confirmed with Hockey Alberta.
Do we now have a list of potential tournaments?
All tournaments sanctioned in every province are posted on their provincial hockey website. There is lots of tournament play available. It will be the manager and coaches responsibility to do this research.
Will we have a set schedule? How long in advance will we receive it?
Until the first ice rink in Banff is fully operational, the schedule will be tentative and will require flexibility. After that we anticipate a two to three week lead time with scheduling.
How many games will the teams play?
We anticipate playing 24 to 32 games for each team
How many tournaments will Banff (Novice/Atom) host?
We would like to host a couple of tournaments for each team. We will be able to confirm the exact number by late September.
Thank you for supporting Banff Minor Hockey as it enters a new and exciting era with the building of a new recreation centre. We look forward to continuing development of young hockey players from our community in a fun, challenging and inspiring setting.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any question.
Yours in hockey,
Banff Minor Hockey Association
Please visit our website at: www.banffbears.com
ON-LINE REGISTRATION
The required forms will be converted to writable PDF's in the future so they can be filled out on-line, but currently they must be downloaded, filled out and mailed or dropped off. Keep checking the website, as we are working on making these 5 forms available so they can be done right on the computer and then sent directly to the Registrar through email.
FOR THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE TO REGISTER IN PERSON, THE FOLLOWING REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE:
PLEASE FIRST READ ALL REGISTRATION INFORMATION!
1. DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORMS FOUND UNDER THE TOP MENU IN "REGISTRATION" drop down to "FORMS"
2. HAVE THESE FORMS FILLED OUT (5) IN TOTAL, COMPLETE WITH YOUR CHEQUE AND SEND IN THE MAIL
3. HAVE THESE FORMS FILLED OUT (5) IN TOTAL ALONG WITH YOUR CHEQUE AND DROP OFF AT GOURLAY'S PHARMACY
4. HAVE THESE FORMS FILLED OUT (5) IN TOTAL, DROP THE FORMS AT GOURLAY'S AND DO YOUR PAYMENT ON-LINE WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD
5. CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS CAN BE DONE IN FULL, OR BY THE 2 PAYMENT INSTALLMENT
Banff Minor Hockey and Banff Hockey Academy are working together to come up with a universal logo that can be used by both groups. The Bear will be more red and the 'Hockey Academy" will read 'Banff Hockey'.
Respect In Sport Program from Hockey Alberta
Thursday, March 04, 2010
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Bulletin No: 09/22
Date: March 1, 2010
To: Board of Directors All Minor Hockey Associations
MinorCouncil All MinorHockey Teams
FemaleCouncil All Leagues
Hockey DevelopmentCouncil Hockey Alberta Staff
From: Rob Litwinski
General Manager
SUBJECT: Respect in Sport Parent Program Launch Information
As previously discussed at the January Zone meetings, Hockey Alberta, in partnership with Respect Group Inc., is launching the Respect in Sport Online Parent Program. The program will be available to the entire Hockey Alberta membership via www.hockeyalberta.ca as of March 10, 2010 for a cost of $12.00 + GST per family.
Respect in Sport for Parents is an in-depth one hour program providing information on parents' natural influence over a child,the coach or leaders role in an activity, the role parents play in their child's enjoyment and of a sport or activity, and protecting your child when they are outside of your immediate control. The program also provides parents with tools to evaluate their own behaviour by highlighting 5 key ‘behavioural traps’ frequently exhibited by parents, particularly in competitive sports.
This multi-media program utilizes audio with synchronized visuals and animations that demonstrate negative behaviours and provide ideas of how a situation may be better handled. It includes valuable information from subject matter experts delivered in a clear and concise fashion. The program asks questions to parents based on the animated scenarios displayed.
The program is an effective tool for parents to improve their own experience and the experience of their children in the game. It also is an efficient method for us to continue to communicate the importance of providing a safe and fun sporting environment to all our members.
The official launch of the program will take place at 12:00pm at Rexall Place on March 10, 2010 via a press conference. It is at that time members can begin promoting the program within each individual association.
To assist LMHA’s in promoting this innovative program, Hockey Alberta has set up a digital toolbox online for our members to access the following promotional materials. LMHA’s can promote the Respect in Sport Parent Program within your association by utilizing the resources we have made available to you through the digital tool box which includes:
Press Release – We have a sample press release you can customize by adding in your association logo, quote from your president, local contact information etc.
Web Banners/Buttons – You can choose one of the pre-made website banners or buttons to put on your website with a direct link to the Hockey Alberta Respect in Sport Parent Program page.
Posters –Hockey Alberta has created a promotional Respect in Sport Parent Program poster for your use. It comes in two different sizes (8.5” x 11” and 11” x 17”) in PDF format. You can choose to place the poster in high traffic areas in your arena and community. If you would like your association’s logo added to the poster please email a high resolution logo to Danielle Nystrom (dnystrom@hockeyalberta.ca) and advise which poster you would like altered.
Logos – The Hockey Alberta, Right Way and Respect in Sport logos can be downloaded for your use on letterhead, your website, local promotions etc.
Video –A Respect in Sport promotional video will be available shortly after the official launch. The video will include testimonials from our Respect in Sport Spokesperson Craig Simpson, hockey parents who have taken the program etc. The video will be available through the Digital Tool Box via YouTube for embedding on your website if you choose.
CLICK HERETO ACCESS THE RESPECT IN SPORT DIGITAL TOOL BOX
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support for the Respect in Sport Parent Program.
Rob Litwinski
General Manager
Respect in Sport
2010 Provincial News Release
Thursday, March 04, 2010
News Release
March 4, 2010
For Immediate Release Teams Gear Up For 2010 Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials Red Deer, Alta – The 2010 Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials begin on Saturday, March 5 with the Senior A Female provincial championship tournament in Calgary.
Over the next month, more than 6000 amateur male and female hockey players, ranging in age divisions from Atom to Senior, will take part in the 2010 Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials. Over 400 teams will hit the ice in the months of March and April to battle it out for their respective Provincial titles.
“This is the largest Hockey Alberta event our members take part in,” said Annie Orton, president, Hockey Alberta. “Playing for a provincial championship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of the participants and I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the experience.”
The 2010 Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials kick off on March 5 in Calgary with the Southern Alberta Women’s Hockey Association hosting the Senior A Female championship.
SENIOR A FEMALE TEAMS –MARCH 5-7, 2010 – Calgary
Bon Accord Raiders Calgary Ice Hawks
Grande Prairie Panthers Calgary Rivulettes
Westlock Bandits Calgary Canadians
Irma Bruins Savanna Stars
Once again, Hockey Alberta has joined forces with RAMP Interactive to provide each host with a website to post scores, tournament information, schedules and stats. The website can be found at www.provincialchampionships.com or linked through www.hockeyalberta.ca.
Investors Group is the title sponsor for the sixth year in a row. Investors Group is an excellent community partner with a longstanding commitment to youth and sport. This partnership assists Hockey Alberta in being able to make the 2010 Investors Group Hockey Alberta Provincials an unforgettable experience for not only the athletes, but the parents, coaches, fans and host communities.
In addition to the Provincial title, players can also strive for another goal, the Source for Sports Play SMART Team Award. The team selected as the Play SMARTteam for the tournament/event will be the team that best reflects the philosophy of Play SMART (Shaping Minds, Attitudes and Respect Together). PlaySMART is a program that encourages all participants to take responsibility and ownership in making the game of hockey an enjoyable experience for everyone.
“The idea of Play SMART reflects the true essence of the game and I want to wish everyone good luck this weekend. Remember to play SMART and have fun,” addedOrton.
Hockey Alberta is also pleased to have Newcap Radio, Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta and Elite Sportswear and Awards as official sponsors and suppliers to the provincial championships.
For more information visit www.hockeyalberta.ca or contact:
Mike Dennis
Coordinator, Communications
Hockey Alberta
P: (403) 342-6777 ext. 125
C: (403) 872-9095
mdennis@hockeyalberta.ca
Danielle Nystrom
Coordinator, Promotions and Events
Hockey Alberta
P:(403) 342-6777 ext. 118
C:(403) 896-0908
F:(403) 346-4277
dnystrom@hockeyalberta.ca
Brad Robbins
Senior Manager, Operations
Hockey Alberta
P: (403)342-6777
F: (403) 346-4277
brobbins@hockeyalberta.ca
BHA brings in Midget Girls Team
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Click on the document below to see the new proposal submitted by Banff Hockey Academy. This program is supported and promoted by Banff Minor Hockey. The Banff Hockey Academy will be adding a Female Midget Program to their current roster. Look for more information on the Banff Hockey Academy website.
BHA Adds Female Midget Program
Officials for Games Peewee Up in CAHL
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
This email is from the Vice-President of CAHL - James Park - please read it over and make sure you are are getting the referees needed for your games!
We have already had a number of issues with inappropriate officials for games this season. Specifically, there have been two man systems used for PW games where both officials were 14 years old and therefore Level One only. This is not acceptable. Other games have been conducted with a referee who is not currently registered. Although an official may have been registered in the past, if the person did not successfully attend a clinic this season, they are not acceptable to officiate games as either a referee or a linesman. Either of these cases is suitable grounds for an appeal of a game leading to the game being thrown out and either awarded to the visiting team or required to be replayed. This may lead to the home team being directed to pay mileage costs to the visiting team as well as the cost of the ice and officials for the replay.
It is preferable that we have a three man system for all games but shortage of officials means that many games will be conducted with a two man system. In a three man system for Peewee and above, the referee must be Level 2 or higher provided that the linesmen must be one age level older than the players (Bantam age for PW games). In a two man system, both must be Level 2 or higher for PW and above and at least one age level older than the players. To clarify, officials can not be Level 2 unless 16 years old regardless of how long they have been officiating.
All officials must have attended a Referee clinic this season and passed the test as required to be properly registered.
If you have questions about the suitability of officials, please contact either Jim Smith, or myself before there is a problem. Our contact information is available on the CAHL website. There is not enough time or surplus ice at this time to be replaying games as we wrap up the regular season and move into playoffs.
I also want to remind you that game sheets need to be properly filled in and forwarded promptly to Governors. Please remind your Managers to act promptly in this regard.
James Parks
CAHL VP
4. OFFICIALS
(a) A two (2) or three (3) man system of game officials will be used for all age categories and all referees should be at least one age category above the age category they are officiating (see 4(g)).
(b) The referees for Atom and Novice category must hold a Level 1 or higher card (see 4(g)).
(c) The referees for the Peewee category and above must hold a Level 2 or higher card (see 4(g)).
(d) Referees may not officiate a CAHL game if they have a member of their immediate family participating in the game, or carded or team sheeted to the team (immediate family includes son, brother, etc.) (see 4(g)).
(e) The local association is responsible for all officials for all CAHL games except as stated in 4(f).
(f) The President may assign all or some of the officials for any games (league tiering, regular season or playoff). If the President decides that it is necessary to do this he shall notify the appropriate Referee Zone Chairman and work with that person to handle the situation delicately as to not have officials quitting. The Referees Association will handle all the necessary communication with the official in question.
(g) In the event that a referee is not available to officiate a game, follow C.A.H.A. rules. Both coaches must agree on the referee to be used and sign the front of the game sheet before the game starts, or the game shall not be played and the home team shall submit a report to the President for evaluation. Penalties may be assessed against the offending Member Association at the discretion of the Executive and/or Board.
(h) Complaints against officials must be made in writing and sent to the CAHL Vice-President. All complaints must come from the Associations Director.
(i) Any complaint against an official will be forwarded to the chairman of the appropriate Referee Association for action.
(j) The CAHL reserves the right to bar any referee from officiating CAHL games by Executive decision.
HC / HA reward hockey kids
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
News Release
January 25, 2010
Hockey Alberta Teams Up with Hockey Canada to Send Gifts to More Than 29,000 Minor Hockey Players in Alberta
For Immediate Release
Calgary, Alta. - Hockey Alberta, in partnership with Hockey Canada, announced on Monday it is sending out a special package this week to more than 29,000 minor hockey players under 10 years old who have registered to play in Alberta for the 2009-10 season.
This is the third-straight year that Hockey Canada has teamed up with Hockey Alberta to connect with its grassroots membership by mailing out gift packages to the thousands of children who are taking to the ice across the province. This year, more than 29,000 children will receive the Source for Sports Play SMART (Shaping, Minds, Attitudes and Respect Together) with Pete Activity Guide from Hockey Alberta which includes an assortment of interactive games and stickers promoting the “Play SMART” message. The Hockey Canada portion of the gift includes a comic strip featuring Hockey Canada’s official mascot, Puckster, and a personalized workbook filled with a variety of fun activities and skills spotlights.
“It’s through initiatives like this we are able engage with the younger age groups of our membership and promote the great game of hockey within Alberta,” said Hockey Alberta President, Annie Orton. “We want to open the doors to the hockey world to anyone who wishes to be involved and this is a great way to do that.”
“Everyone who gets this package is a member of a bigger team, Team Canada,” said Ken Corbett, chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors. “When these young players watch other players represent Canada at the international level, they should remember that they are part of the same team as them - the Hockey Canada team.”
Hockey Canada, in conjunction with all 13 member branches, will be reaching over 215,000 minor hockey players in total as part of the national initiative.
“We are very excited to be partnering with the 13 regional hockey branches in Canada to send this very special package to minor hockey players in Canada under 10 years old,” said Hockey Canada president and CEO Bob Nicholson. “On behalf of Hockey Canada and its regional branches, we welcome these youngsters to the great game of hockey and hope that many more will join our team next season.”
In total, there are more than 550,000 children who are registered in hockey through Hockey Canada’s 13 member branches and its member minor hockey associations. These young players benefit in many ways by participating in the sport, from having fun and building friendships to learning lessons about confidence, fair play, good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Hockey Canada has developed this special mail-out for children with the help of all 13 regional branches to communicate with the base of its membership and remind minor hockey players that they are an important part of Hockey Canada - just like members of Team Canada such as Jarome Iginla, Sidney Crosby, Hayley Wickenhesier and Kim St-Pierre. This year is an especially exciting season to be involved in hockey, with Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team and National Women’s Team to go for gold at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games next month and Canada’s National Sledge Team to compete at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in March.
The Hockey Canada gift package for minor hockey players in Alberta includes:
- The Play SMART with Pete Activity Guide which includes interactive activities and games
- Hockey Alberta and Team Alberta stickers
- A chance to win an NHL autographed jersey from Source for Sports
- a personalized Hockey Canada activity book featuring fun hockey-related activities and skills spotlights such as Shoot Like Wickenheiser
- a letter from Hockey Canada’s official mascot, Puckster
- a comic about Puckster’s hockey adventures for parents to read with their children
- a Puckster pin
- Team Canada and Canadian NHL team stickers
- a pull-out poster of Canada’s three national teams
Hockey Canada has also re-launched its popular kids website. The website features everything from videos, games and quizzes to an interactive hockey card builder, hockey tips and information about Team Canada. Check it out at www.hockeycanada.ca/kids, where an online version of the workbook and comic will also be available for download.
Minor hockey players between the ages of four and 10 who are registered with Hockey Canada but do not receive a mail-out package by Saturday, January 30 can have their parents email kids@hockeycanada.ca or their member branch to request the free gift or to get packages for friends that may want to register for minor hockey in the future. Please provide the player’s name, his or her club team, the name of the minor hockey association and a mailing address.
For more information please visit www.hockeyalberta.ca or contact:
Mike Dennis
Coordinator, Communications
Hockey Alberta
P: 403.342.6777
C: 403.872.9095
F: 403.346.4277
mdennis@hockeyalberta.ca
Brad Robbins
Senior Managers, Operations
Hockey Alberta
P: 403.342.6777
brobbins@hockeyalberta.ca
03.342.6777
brobbins@hockeyalberta.ca
Coach Appreciation - Good Year Support
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
T
o all Coaches , Managers and the Banff Minor Hockey Board:Click on the link below to download the Form:
Good Year Volunteer Nominations
Here is our chance to say thank you to all of the Coaches, Managers, parents, guardians that have put in tireless hours of driving car/truck/van loads of the kids from Banff Minor Hockey to all of those Alberta Rural Towns. These drivers may not win the prize through the nomination, but here is the reminder to say THANKS !!!!
Alternate Hockey Experience!
Friday, January 08, 2010
Are you looking for an alternate hockey experience than playing CAHL league hockey?
We have some other choices for you!
We would also like to take this opportunity to mention that there are still spaces available in Canmore for the House 1 Atom (ages 9-10) and older House 2 (ages 14-16) teams. The House program offers families a competitive and fun hockey experience that emphasizes skill development, teambuilding, sportsmanship and enjoyment of the game. The House 1 Atom team will play, this year, in the Cochrane/Canmore House League. House 2 (14-16) Team will have games in the Alberta Pond Hockey League which play in Priddis, Bragg Creek, Millarville, and Cochrane. Both program have a "no body-contact" rule. Please contact Canmore Minor Hockey House Program and please let other families that you think might be interested know of this program.