times. Through the team lessons that Kelton learns now, he can apply those to other concepts.” Noah Lippert is an 11-year-old right winger with the Simons Valley Snipers in Atom 7. He totally enjoyed winning Minor Hockey Week a year ago and claims his experience was a lot of fun. “I really enjoyed being happy with my friends,” says the sixth grade student. So far this season, Noah says his team has had two hard weekly practices to prepare for the January tournament. He plans to try his best on the ice and hopes to get as many points as possible. Asher Hulston is in his second year of Atom for the Springbank Stingers. Asher really enjoys hockey and working with his team. A defenceman, Asher says skating backwards and passing are his strengths on the ice. Reflecting back on last season, Asher has this to say about his Esso Minor Hockey Week experience. “It was my very first time winning the tournament,” he said. “It was very special, because as we won, our results were in the newspapers. “ This year, Asher says Crowchild and Trails West have really pushed Springbank so far this season. The 10-year-old fifth grade student hopes to improve his forward skating in practice to prepare for this month’s tournament. Levi Hulston, a 12-year-old left winger for the Springbank Cannons Pee Wee Team, won Esso Minor Hockey Week a year ago with the Springbank Grizzlies. Levi genuinely enjoys playing hockey. “I love scoring goals, but I realize there are so many other aspects of the game. I love just making plays and the feeling of accomplishing something on the ice. At left wing, you start the barrage up the zone and you finish at the other end. It’s a great position for me to use my speed.”
watching the clock go down to zero. The feeling of winning is hard to describe because it’s a great feeling. Through the week, I learned hard work does pay off, and the harder you work, the more benefits you get.” Levi, and his younger brother Asher, each won their gold medal in Esso Minor Hockey Week on the same day. Levi watched in the stands as Asher’s team won, but didn’t want to look at Asher’s medal right away. “I felt really good for my brother and it was really inspiring. But knowing that my final was later in the day, I didn’t want to see the medal or touch it.” This year, now playing for Pee Wee 1, Levi discusses the amount of preparation the team has gone through for this year’s tournament. “We have practices twice a week and have dry land practices and office sessions weekly.” Christine Hulston, the mother of Asher and Levi, thinks very highly of Esso Minor Hockey Week. “In my view it was absolutely fantastic,” she said. “Both of my sons won the gold. There’s great excitement being there with your kids and having the joy of seeing your kids on the ice, and knowing they’re having fun. It was a great experience for our family.” The feeling of victory during Esso Minor Hockey Week is extremely special for those that have experienced a championship on the ice. But for this one special week in January, it is equally important for all to participate in the fun and camaraderie, while concentrating on the chance to improve and develop individually as a team member. Those that accomplish any of these aspects are also winners of Esso Minor Hockey Week!
Looking back, Levi remembers the personal thrill of Esso Minor Hockey Week. “It’s different from other games and every other tournament,” he said. “You have a goal you’re working for. The tempo moves up and the game is faster. The best part (in each game) was
Le vi Hulston Current Team: Springbank Cannons Age: 12 School Grade: Six Number of years you’ve played Hockey: Six Usual Position: Left Wing Favourite Hockey Team: Calgary Flames Favourite Hockey Player: Evegni “Geno” Malkin Who is your role model?: My Parents Other Sports/Interests: Lacrosse, Running, Snowboarding, Mountain Biking Favourite Hockey Memory: Scoring a hat trick and four assists against Crowchild Novice at Shouldice Arena.
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ah Lippert
Current Team: Simons Valley Snipers Age: 11 School Grade: Five Number of years you’ve played Hockey: Three Usual Position: Right Wing Favourite Hockey Team: Calgary Flames Favourite Hockey Player: Dion Phaneuf Who is your role model?: Dion Phaneuf Other Sports/Interests: Swimming Favourite Hockey Memory: Winning the city championship at the Max Bell in 2008.
Hockey Calgary
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