Hockey Edmonton Magazine Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

EDMONTON Excellence Award Winner 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2020 • 2021 • 2022

VOLVO XC90

VOLVO XC60

“We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence then is not an act but a habit.”

- Aristotle

COME EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Road 780-486-5100 VOLVO CARS EDMONTON Ellerslie & 101 Street volvocarsedmonton.com © 2023 Volvo Car Canada Ltd. Always remember to wear your seat belt. Visit volvocars.ca.

I

’ t a wh s

E D I INS TER IN W I E IN Z A G A NM CKEY EDMONTO

2024

HO

THIS ISSUE HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT QEMHW 2024 & CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF MINOR HOCKEY WEEK IN EDMONTON

5

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF HOCKEY EDMONTON

7 9

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

11

13 14 16

QEMHW 2024 FINALS SCHEDULE QEMHW 2024 RULES & REGULATIONS QEMHW 2024 60 FACTS TO CELEBRATE 60 YEARS

19

60 YEARS CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK

PROCLAMATIONS FROM THE MAYOR OF EDMONTON AND THE PREMIER OF ALBERTA

24

MEMORIES MONTAGE PHOTOS FROM THE 2023 QEMHW TOURNAMENT & FROM YEARS PRIOR

MESSAGES FROM THE CHAIR AND HONOURARY CHAIR OF QEMHW

26

60 YEARS AGO OUR CITY & SPORTS IN 1964

29 31 33

HOCKEY EDMONTON PRESIDENTS HONOURING THE PRESIDENTS FROM THE PAST 60 YEARS QEMHW 50/50 THE HISTORY OF THE WAYNE GRETZKY AWARD

34

1964 FLASHBACK COST OF LIVING, MOVIES, MUSIC & EVENTS IN 1964

40

HOCKEY EDMONTON PHOTO MONTAGE

43

GETTING GRANDFATHERED IN FEATURING TWO GRANDSON AND GRANDFATHER OFFICIALS ENFORCING THE RULES TOGETHER

k n a h T ! u Yo Without the support of coaches, parents, players, volunteers and sponsors, Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week wouldn’t have a shot!

Thank you to everyone whose time, effort and dedication helped make this year’s Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week such a success.

Quikcard Minor Hockey Week is proud to be supported by community leaders committed to the development of our youth.

Thank you for your ongoing support of sportsmanship and minor hockey in the Edmonton region.

4

Message From The President of

Hockey Edmonton 10618 124 Street Edmonton, AB T5N 1S3 Ph: (780) 413-3498 • Fax: (780) 440-6475 www.hockeyedmonton.ca

As we gather to commemorate the 60th Annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, I am honoured to extend my sincere congratulations to each and every one of you who has played an integral role in making this event a cherished tradition in the world of minor hockey.

Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week is played on traditional land in Treaty Six Territory. We would like to thank the diverse Indigenous Peoples whose ancestors’ footsteps have marked this territory for centuries.

This milestone marks not only a significant anniversary but also a celebration of the countless players, coaches, families, officials, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who have been the heart of this tournament over the past six decades. To each of you, I extend my deepest gratitude for contributing to the success and legacy of this extraordinary event.

HOCKEY EDMONTON | EXECUTIVES President: Will Jang 1st VP: April MacKinnon Finance Director/Treasurer: Dave Onyschuk Director of Elite Hockey: Alex Card Director of Community Hockey: John Putters Director at Large: Bruce Wright Director at Large: Karen Hiscock Director at Large: Ron Oscroft

HOCKEY EDMONTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS SE District: Brad Butterfield SW District: Trevor Elliott NW District: Pauline Hughes NE District: Dylan Thomas KC Federation: Paul Brown EGHA: April MacKinnon CAC: Rick McAdie MLAC: Neil Brown KC: Bruce Fitzpatrick SSAC: Ted Boomer EFAC: Howie Draper

HOCKEY EDMONTON | STAFF Executive Director: Jeremy Haluschak General Manager: Ray Vigneau Office Manager: Sharlene Cook Director of Hockey Administration and Registration: Glenn Sommerville Technical Director: Joel Lenius Marketing & Communications Director: Kylee Quinn

Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week holds a special place in the hearts of tens of thousands of players who, over the years, have laced up their skates and competed with passion and dedication. The memories created on the ice during this iconic event have become a part of the rich tapestry that binds us together as a hockey community.

Your involvement, whether as a player, coach, volunteer, or supporter, has helped shape the character and spirit of this tournament.

As we reflect on the past 60 years, we recognize the enduring legacy and tradition that each of you has contributed to and become a part of. Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week is more than just a 10day event; it is a symbol of the shared commitment to fostering the growth and development of young athletes.

Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week has not only become a cornerstone in the local hockey scene but has also achieved global recognition as a world-renowned event. Our collective efforts have elevated it to a prestigious status, and I am confident that, with your continued support, the 2024 edition will be the biggest and best yet.

To the players, coaches, families, officials, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, I extend my best wishes for a successful and memorable event.

May the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and joy that characterize this event continue to inspire the next generation of hockey players.

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. Here’s to the next 60 years of excellence!

Yours in Hockey, Will Jang

President Hockey Edmonton

5

Message From The Publisher This year marks the 60th anniversary of Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, for which Quikcard has been the title sponsor for the past 24 years!

This tournament has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest minor hockey tournament in the world.

An event this large could not happen without the tireless work of volunteers, which is true of its very beginning, and just as true today. This includes the organizers, schedulemakers, scorekeepers, coaches, team managers, etc. who donate their time and effort for the benefit of the kids who participate in this tournament.

Officials also participate in minor hockey week, and they donate their time in doing so. The value of their donated time works out to over $60,000, which is a huge commitment, something we should remember when we see them on the ice. This is an important reminder for all those who participate, whether you are a player, coach or a fan watching the game.

In this edition of the magazine, we have included some great photos taken at previous years’ events. You can see how proud and excited the players are, especially when they win a gold medal at this event.

Win or lose, the common theme is to make this tournament special for the players, one they will remember for years to come.

To the players, we extend our best wishes! Memories of a lifetime will come to many who play hockey during Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. As parents, family members and friends cheer you on, give it your best, and above all, have fun!

CREDITS President and Publisher I Rob Suggitt Graphic Designer Kate Suggitt Contributing Writers Hockey Edmonton Rob Suggitt Shari Narine Cover Photos Provided by MVP Photography Photography Credits Hockey Edmonton MVP Photography SC Parker Photography Copy Editing Shari Narine Sales Katerina MacKenzie Accounting Manager Amber-Lea Grmek

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Hockey Edmonton Magazine is a product of Suggitt Publishers Ltd. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

President & CEO | Rob Suggitt

Sincerely,

10177 - 105 Street, Edmonton AB T5J 1E2 Ph: 780.423.5834 | Fax: 780.413.6185

Rob Suggitt

Publisher of the

Hockey Edmonton Magazine

All Rights Reserved. The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expresses within do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or Hockey Edmonton. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, ie. electronic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise recorded without the prior written permission of the publisher - www.suggitt.com

Printed By DCM

7

Official coffee of Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week.

© 2024 McDonald’s

Message from His Worship Mayor Amarjeet Sohi

Message from The Premier of Alberta

On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 60th Annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week!

On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 60th anniversary Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week—one of the biggest and longest-running minor hockey tournaments in the world.

Hockey is a defining part of Edmonton’s identity and culture, and minor hockey week is intrinsically a part of that. Since 1964, young hockey players from across the region have gathered during this week to compete and show off their skills.

Whether you’re a kid dreaming of joining the Oilers when you grow up, a parent cheering on your child’s success, or simply a lifelong fan of the sport, hockey has the special ability to bring our community together to celebrate sportsmanship and achievement. In hockey, we are united as one community.

I thank Hockey Edmonton, as well as the thousands of volunteers, sponsors, players, coaches, referees and families, for making this important annual event possible.

Best of luck to all the athletes!

Sport provides an opportunity for young people to stay healthy and active, hone their abilities and develop teamwork and leadership skills. The more than 10,000 players anticipated to participate in this tournament have worked hard to reach this point, and I commend each of them for their commitment. It is exciting to celebrate our national passion and cheer these athletes on as teams compete for the top spots in each division.

Congratulations and thank you to Hockey Edmonton and all those involved in making this tournament a success for an incredible six decades. I know that would not be possible without the dedication of coaches, referees, families and volunteers, all of whom are invested in providing an outstanding experience for young players (and for fans!). Best wishes as you celebrate this milestone.

Good luck to all the competitors and have fun, everyone!

Amarjeet Sohi MAYOR OF THE CITY OF EDMONTON

9

Proud Title sponsor of Edmonton Minor Hockey Week for 24 years!

HEALTH SPENDING ACCOUNTS We're dedicated to nurturing the next generation, not just on the ice but in their overall well-being.

Our unwavering support for youth sports mirrors our broader mission: fostering a better tomorrow.

1 (800) 232-1997

QUIKCARD.COM

Message From The QEMHW Chairperson It is with great honour and enthusiasm that I extend my warmest greetings to all as the chair of the 60th Annual Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week Committee.

Sixty years ago, this prestigious tournament embarked on a journey that has seen generations of young athletes forge unforgettable memories on the ice. The thought that children, and possibly even grandchildren, of those early participants may be gracing the tournament today is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic event.

For countless young players, being a part of this annual spectacle is undeniably a pinnacle of their hockey journey. The prospect of competing, reaching the finals, and perhaps earning a coveted medal adds an extra layer of excitement to their experience. This milestone edition of the tournament not only marks a celebration of the sport but also pays homage to the countless individuals who have contributed to its enduring success over the decades.

I extend my deepest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who form the backbone of our committee, both new and longstanding.

Without your unwavering commitment, the tournament would not attain the level of success it enjoys today. Your selfless contributions make this event possible, and for that, we are truly grateful. A special thank you is needed for our referees and officials, who have volunteered their time and talents for the past 60 years. It is often a thankless job, but an absolutely invaluable piece of our event.

A special acknowledgment is reserved for our invaluable arena managers, whose tireless efforts ensure the seamless execution of the tournament. Over the course of 10 days, they diligently oversee arena preparations, manage game logistics, coordinate with referees, distribute buttons, update scores, and attend to a myriad of other responsibilities. Their dedication to the flawless operation of our tournament is truly commendable.

I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to our esteemed corporate sponsors. Your continued support is instrumental in elevating the calibre of our event. This year’s sponsors, whose names will be prominently featured, exemplify the spirit of community and commitment to the development of young athletes.

On behalf of the entire committee and Hockey Edmonton, I extend a heartfelt invitation to all to join us for 10 days of exhilarating hockey.

Bring your friends and family, share in the excitement, and witness firsthand the passion and skill displayed by these young athletes.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and here’s to another 60 years of excellence in minor hockey!

Message From The QEMHW Honourary Chairperson Welcome to the 60th year of Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week!

Sixty years ago my father, Vern Davis, along with Eric Reilly, Don McCombie and George Reith formed the very first committee to start up the tournament. The committee designed minor hockey week to give young hockey players a chance to be involved in a tournament that took them to a different part of the city to play teams outside their immediate community zone and an opportunity to play in an indoor arena with the finals played in the Edmonton Gardens. My father thought the tournament “would go on for a few years but it gained so much popularity and kept on going and going.”

Now in its 60th year, Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week has become one of the world’s largest and long-lasting tournaments. This is a tournament worthy of a Guinness World Record. In fact, back in 2003 QEMHW was officially recorded as the biggest hockey tournament in the world. I am honoured to be the honourary chairperson for this year’s milestone tournament.

Not long ago I was asked why this tournament remains so popular and has gone on for so many years and the answer is simple: 697 teams playing 931 games in 10 days is an incredible feat. There are hockey games going on every single day and all teams get to play at least two games. I also believe that the overtime format is incredibly exciting.

To be sure, some things have changed since 1964. The scheduling of all the games was, up until 2014, manually done without the use of computer programs. All the results of each game can now be viewed on the Hockey Edmonton website in real time. What has remained constant, though, throughout all 60 years of the tournament is the effort and dedication of the army of volunteers necessary to run a tournament of this magnitude.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of this event and they put in countless numbers of hours prior to and during the event. Arena managers take on such tasks as setting up the arenas, organizing dressing rooms, scorekeepers, timekeepers, referees as well as organizing the rest of their arena volunteer crew.

The referees are a huge part of the army of volunteers as well. Every game played during the tournament is officiated by referees who volunteer their time. Without their generosity the cost of the event would be enormous and there would be no games played without them. So please do not forget to thank them for the energy and devotion that they put into the games.

Last but not least, thank you to all the participants in this year’s tournament.

To quote Bill Ross (Mr. Central), who has been on the committee for over 50 years, “Winning is nice, but part of growing up is knowing how to lose, too. No matter the outcomes of the game, be proud of yourself for a job well done.”

I know my father and the original minor hockey week committee would be incredibly proud that this tournament has carried on for 60 years and the hockey community looks forward to many more years of this exciting tournament.

Look forward to seeing you at the arenas.

Sincerely,

Crystal Feader Chairperson, Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week

Sincerely,

Darrell Davis

Honourary Chairperson, Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week

11

ALL GIRLS HOCKEY PLAYERS AGED 7-12

JULY 22-26 ROGERS PLACE/

+

DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY ARENA

CO-ED

HOCKEY PLAYERS AGED 7-12

JULY 29-AUGUST 2 ROGERS PLACE/ DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY ARENA

EdmontonOilers.com

TIME

TERWILLEGAR A

10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:30 pm

U11 BLUE TIER 1 BLUE U11 TIER 1 RED U13 TIER 3 BLUE U15 TIER 2 BLUE BC U15 FEMALE A U18 FEMALE A U18 TIER 2 RED BC

TIME

TERWILLEGAR B

10:15 am 11:30 am 1:00 pm 2:30 pm 4:00 pm 5:30 pm

U11 TIER 1 GREEN U13 TIER 5 RED U13 TIER 4 RED U15 TIER 3BLUE BC U18 TIER 3 GREEN BC U18 TIER 2 BLUE BC

S A T U R D A Y

TIME

TERWILLEGAR C

10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:00 pm

U11 TIER 5 GREEN U13 TIER 6 GREEN U13 TIER 4 GREEN U15 TIER 3 BLUE NBC U15 TIER 3 RED NBC U18 TIER 3 BLUE NBC

JANUARY

20

QEMHW TIME

TERWILLEGAR A

8:15 am 9:45 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 2:15 pm 3:45 pm 5:15 pm 6:45 pm 8:15 pm

U11 TIER 3 SOUTH U11 TIER 3 NORTH U11 HADP U13 TIER 1 BLUE U13 TIER 1 RED U15 TIER 1 BC U15 FEMALE B U18 FEMALE B U18 TIER 1 BC

TIME

TERWILLEGAR B

8:00 am 9:15 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:30 pm 6:00 pm 7:30 pm

U11 TIER 4 SOUTH RED U11 TIER 2 GREEN U11 TIER 2 RED U13 TIER 4 BLUE U13 TIER 3 RED U13 TIER 2 RED U15 TIER 2 RED BC U15 TIER 1 NBC U18 TIER 3 RED NBC

FINALS S U N D A Y JANUARY

21

TIME

TERWILLEGAR C

8:15 am 9:45 am 11:15 am 12:45 pm 2:15 pm 3:45 pm 5:15 pm 6:45 pm 8:15 pm

U11 TIER 4 SOUTH BLUE U11 TIER 2 BLUE U13 TIER 6 BLUE U13 TIER 6 RED U13 TIER 3 GREEN U15 TIER 2 BLUE NBC U15 TIER 2 RED NBC U18 TIER 2 NBC U18 TIER 1 NBC

TIME

TERWILLEGAR D

8:00 am 9:15 am 10:45 am 12:15 pm 1:45 pm 3:15 pm 4:45 pm 6:15 pm 7:45 pm

U11 TIER 5 BLUE U11 TIER 5 RED U11 TIER 4 NORTH U13 TIER 5 GREEN U13 TIER 5 BLUE U13 TIER 2 BLUE U15 TIER 3 RED BC U18 TIER 3 BLUE BC U18 TIER 3 RED BC

13

2024 RULES&REGULATIONS 1

GENERAL RULES

1.1

Every player dressed must play at least twice in every period during regulation play, with the exception of goalkeepers.

If the team has two goalkeepers, each one must play at least one period in each game. No warm ups for incoming goalkeepers. Coaches and managers failing to comply with the above rule will be dealt with by the Discipline Chairperson.

1.2

The Tournament Arena Manager is in charge of the arena and his or her decision is final.

1.3

Time clocks shall start at the listed game time. Any team not on the ice and ready to play within five (5) minutes of the listed time may be disqualified. The Arena Manager shall be the judge of this action.

1.4

If, in the Arena Manager’s opinion, a uniform change is required, the home team shall make the change. Note: It would be advisable that the Team Managers confer before the game to ensure that no game time will be lost during the necessary sweater change.

1.5

All Hockey Edmonton and EFHL Rules and Regulations are in effect during QEMHW. They count as regular league games for the purpose of determining the number of games a player/coach/manager or trainer will sit out. Suspensions incurred in Minor Hockey Week will carry over into league play if not fully served in QEMHW.

1.6

1.7

2 2.1

In the event referees do not arrive, the below rule will apply:

Rule 41-K, Page 74, Canadian Hockey Association Official Rule Book: If for whatever reason, the ref or linesman appointed is prevented from appearing, the managers or coaches of the two (2) competing clubs shall agree on a referee and one (1) or two (2) linesmen. If they are unable to agree, they shall appoint a player from each team who shall act as officials.

2.3 (a) Every player competing in the games sanctioned

by HA and its MHAs shall be a member of a hockey team registered with HA and shall, prior to competing in their first league game, be duly registered in the registry.

2.3 (b) In addition to the current information required for

registration a player movement form must be submitted to the zone minor administration coordinator for each nonresident player at the time of registration.

Hockey Canada Minimum Suspension RULE # 2.3 INFRACTION: Ineligible Players / Team Officials: Team official who is party to or had knowledge of playing a player not properly registered with that team or properly affiliated to that team and/or allowing a team official who is not properly registered to that team to participate on the bench. Team official who is party to or had knowledge of playing a player or allows a team official to participate on the bench who is under suspension.

2.4

AFFILIATE PLAYERS ARE NOT ALLOWED, with the exception being of goalies. If an affiliated goaltender is not available, the Hockey Alberta Substitute Goaltender process is to be used (just as in league play).

2.5

Approved players and bench staff names must be legibly printed (or have a sticker affixed) to the game sheet by the designated team official. Players are NOT required to sign the game sheet during QEMHW. A person who is an approved HCR bench staff must sign the game sheet.

2.6

In the event a team does not show for their game, the coach will be subject to disciplinary action. The offending team will forfeit the game.

3 3.1

Duration of games will be posted on draw sheets at each arena. The arena manager is responsible for advising game officials of the games duration. Games will be straight time.

The last two (2) minutes shall be stop time unless there is a goal spread of five (5) goals or more then it will be straight time.

Game time will run the duration, no matter what.

3.2

FINALS – last five (5) minutes will be stop time unless there is a five (5) goal spread or more, then it will be straight time.

TEAM REGISTRATION

3.3

Coaches must be in possession of their approved HCR team roster and able to present to the arena manager at their request (it’s recommended that associations issue updated HCR team rosters - paper/electronic - to all teams no later than the week prior to the start of QEMHW play).

The referees may assess a two (2) minute bench minor penalty for delay of game if they feel the coaching staff is using up time by deliberately slowing down the line changes. This rule applies to both straight and stop time. The clock will not stop for any reason (injury or otherwise) once the opening face-off has taken place (exception being rules 3.1 & 3.2).

3.4

All minor penalties are two (2) minutes of straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All major penalties are 5 minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All misconducts will be 10 minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. Any portion of a penalty not served during straight time will be completed as a stop time penalty.

3.5

In case of a tie at the end of regulation play, overtime will be played. Play will continue until the first goal is scored, which will terminate the game, and the team scoring the goal will be the winner.

3.6

No timeouts may be called by a coach or player during regulation time.

In case of dispute, the decision of the QEMHW Chairperson or their designate is final. There are no appeals during QEMHW.

players registered on the team must be named on the game 2.2 All sheet and those not dressed shall be noted appropriately with an explanation of why they are not dressed.

team arrives at the arena without their HCR team roster 2.3 Iforawith a roster that does not have all participants duly noted,

an official HCR team roster must be produced by the team or an association executive prior to the end of regulation time of said game or the issue will be passed on to discipline and dealt with according to the below regulation.

14

REGULATION TIME

4

OVERTIME

is played to sudden victory. Teams may remove 4.1 Overtime goalkeepers at any time. Teams may change “on the fly” at any

time. To commence overtime, each team will place six (6) players (one may be a goaltender) on the ice for the face-off at centre ice. The teams will not change ends for the overtime period and the time clock will be set for one (1) minute.

4.2 OVERTIME SHALL BE STOP TIME. will be played in one (1) minute increments. At the 4.3 Overtime end of one (1) minute, the horn will sound and each team

will remove one (1) player from the ice. Play will resume immediately at the closest face-off spot. The timekeeper will stop the clock and sound the horn after each minute until the teams are reduced to two (2) players (one may be a goaltender) on the ice. Game time will run the duration, no matter what.

4.4

Once each team has been reduced to two (2) players, the clock will be set to six (6) minutes. To commence play, the face-off will be held at the closest face-off spot. There will be no further reductions to the number of players and the one minute periods will end. Time will continue until the six (6) minute period has expired. If still tied at the end of the six (6) minute period, ten (10) minute periods will be played with two (2) players (one may be a goaltender) until a winner is determined.

To commence play in the ten (10) minute period, the face-off will be held at the centre face-off spot.

4.5 No timeouts may be called by a coach or player in overtime.

5 PENALTIES minor penalties are two (2) minutes of straight time and the 5.1 All penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All major penalties

are five minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck. All misconducts will be ten minutes straight time and the penalty will begin at the drop of the puck.

• Should each team have an unexpired time penalty when teams are reduced to two (2) players (including the goaltender), a penalty shot(s) will be awarded to each team. The team with the least time to serve will shoot first. Each team must be provided their shot. If the teams are still tied, overtime will continue.

• All time penalties incurred with two (2) players (including goaltenders) on the ice shall result in the awarding of penalty shot(s) in lieu of penalty times.

• If the game is still tied after period 7, Period 8 will begin with the clock set at 6:00 with the face-off at the closest face-off spot and will be played with two (2) players (including goaltenders) until a winner is determined.

• If the game is still tied after period 8, Period 9 will begin with the clock set at 10:00 with face-off at centre ice and will be played with two (2) players (including goaltenders) until a winner is determined.

6 U9 HOCKEY Game formats and protocols align with Hockey Canada’s new program.

• Rink dividers: Half-ice divider systems setup across centre-ice line; • Game format: 4 vs. 4 plus goalie, 3-minute warm-up, TWO 24-minute game halves; • Puck: Blue Pucks only (4 oz.); • Scorekeeping: No scorekeeping, no standings, no statistics; • Face-offs: Start of game and second half; • Off-side & icing: None; • Goaltender freezes puck: offending team backs off and goalie gives puck to a teammate to resume play; • Goal is scored: scoring team backs off, goalie pulls puck out of net, resume play; • U9 shift length: 1.5 minutes; buzzer is set to 1.5 min intervals, on buzzer players leave puck, go to bench and new players enter the ice and continue to play; • Penalties: Offending player misses next shift, team still plays full strength. Major, match and misconduct infractions must be recorded on the game report.

incurred in regulation time and not completely served 5.2 Penalties in regulation time shall carry over into the overtime period (as a stop time penalty) and will be completed in overtime unless the game is ended.

incurred during overtime should be handled as stated 5.3 Penalties below:

BOOSTER REWARDS APP! BERRY POINTS DIGITAL GIFT CARDS • At no time will a team be required to have less than two (2) players (including the goaltender) on the ice.

• If due to penalties, a team is reduced to two (2) players (including the goaltender) and another time penalty is incurred, the offending team will serve the most recent penalty and a penalty shot(s) will be awarded to the nonoffending team for each unexpired penalty.

RECEIVE OFFERS

15

g n i t a r b e l Ce

60

YEARS with

60

FACTS

ABOUT MINOR HOCKEY WEEK IN EDMONTON 1. The inaugural Edmonton minor hockey week was created by Vern Davis, Eric Reilly, George Reith, and Don McCombie in 1964.

2. The legacy of the Davis family has lived on with Vern’s son Darrell being an integral part of the organizing committee for 12 years.

3. In addition to Darrell Davis, Joan Krillo, Rod McMahon, Terry

Brown are also long standing members of the QEMHW organizing committee. Joan, Rod and Terry have been involved with the committee for over 20 years! You may recognize those names, as a special plaque was installed outside Rink A at Terwillegar Arena in 2012 honouring their outstanding volunteer efforts.

4. As a valued member of the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association Alumni, Darrell Davis is the event’s 60th annual Honourary Chair.

5. You might recognize a few of these famous names who have all participated in QAEMHW: Randy Gregg, Shannon Szabados, Mark Fistric, Matt Benning and Danielle Serdachny, to name a few!

6. In 2003 the tournament was awarded with a Guinness World

Record for the largest ice hockey tournament with 471 teams and 7,127 players.

7. In the early days of EMHW games were played outdoors. If temperatures dipped below minus 24 degrees Celsius, games were canceled; if the weather was too warm, games with rinks in direct sunlight had to be rescheduled to those in shaded areas, requiring a personal phone call to coaches in either scenario.

8. 250 thousand hockey players from Edmonton and area are

estimated to have participated in the tournament since its inception.

9. The referees and officials donated their time to this special event

12. When MHW Central was first established it was run out of

Confederation Arena. Volunteers would come from all over the city to assist Mr. Central with taking scores from arenas and providing updates to arenas of scores so their schedules (ladders) could be updated so everyone was aware of all the scores. The internet was NOT a thing back then. There were also runners who would run out to arenas to pick up game sheets of completed games.

13. When Confederation arena was shut down for renovations Mr.

Central decided to move “Central” further south to the new Kinsmen Arena. Mr. Central’s rotary phone lines and his dedicated core of volunteers followed him there. The internet DID become a thing and schedules and scores are now posted online. Game scores are still communicated to a “virtual” central to be posted online and the ladders updated.

14. As a way to honour Mr. Bill Ross, the Arena Manager of the Year

Award has been named after him, which celebrates the incredible volunteerism of the rink managers throughout the 10 day event.

15. 5,000 pucks are used throughout the 10 day event 16. Last year there were 887 games played 17. Last year there were 98 OT games played 18. Last year there were 173 shutouts 19. Last year there were 4,317 goals scored (U11-U18) 20. This year 32 arenas will be used

from 1964 to 2024.

21. This year 50 sheets of ice will be used

10. In the early 1970s, the World Hockey Association came to

22. This year 696 teams will participate

Edmonton. Vern Davis, one of the founders, called the front desk at the Hotel Macdonald, where Bobby Hull and the Winnipeg Jets were staying prior to a game against the Alberta Oilers. Much to Vern’s surprise, his call was put right through to Hull’s room. Vern posed a question: Would Hull consider presenting the winning team medals for some Minor Hockey Week finals? Hull said yes, Vern picked him up and drove him to the old Edmonton Gardens. Hull had a great time, signed autographs and was almost late for his own game.

11. You may have heard of Mr. Central, the affectionate nickname of

Mr. Bill Ross, who volunteered with the tournament for 50 years. He got that nickname when he began working in the room considered the nerve centre of the tournament. The room was set up in one of the arenas around town where hundreds of scores were phoned in after each game.

23. This year 930 games will be played 24. 10,000 players participated in the first-ever MHW 25. 11,000 players will participate in 2024 26. 4,000 coaches will participate in 2024 27. 2,000 referees will participate in 2024 28. Final games this year will be played again at Terwillegar Rec Centre. They have been played there since the arena opened in 2012.

29. In the ‘60s and ‘70s finals were played at Edmonton Gardens.

30. For some years the finals were played at Northlands Coliseum.

16

31. In the ‘90s finals were played at Northlands Agricom.

32. In the ‘90s and early 2000s, finals were played at Clareview Arena.

33. Gold medal winners last year were provided an opportunity to have their team scrimmage outdoors on the ODR ball diamond at ReMax field courtesy of the Edmonton Riverhawks.

34. Quikcard has been a sponsor of the tournament since 2000.

35. In the early days only the finals were played indoors. All other games were played outdoors

36. Back in the late ‘60s and up until the mid ‘70s the Edmonton

Journal reported the scores for each game played during minor hockey week on a daily basis. This meant that MHW committee members would have to stop by the Edmonton Journal building downtown usually late at night to drop off the results of the games played so the EJ could publish them the next day.

37. The original four committee members hoped that the tournament would last a few years

38. All games and finals were scheduled without the use of

computer programs until 2015. The late Ron Sollanych was a genius at scheduling.

39. The first year of the tournament there were more than 700 teams participating.

40. During the first few years of the tournament, it was a single knockout. Today, teams are guaranteed at least 2 games.

41. In the early days of the tournament the committee had

to do a lot of policing. There were some coaches that wanted to play only their top players and that resulted in committee members going to all the games and making sure all players got at least 2 shifts per period.

42. During the first few years, the goalie was pulled in overtime

and you had to be over the blue line before you shot on the empty net.

43. Kevin Lowe suggested to the NHL commissioner that the NHL adopt the overtime procedure that QEMHW uses.

44. The late MLA and Speaker of the House, Gene Zwosdesky, was a certified referee and refereed many QMHW games.

45. For many years, Orest Zaozirny organized the Fair Play Program that recognized teams who had a penalty-free game.

Each game that was played penalty free by a team gave them an entry into a draw for great prizes.

46. QEMHW started the Wayne Gretzky awards in 1989. The

recipients are nominated and chosen based on sportsmanship, scholastic achievement and community involvement. These awards embody the qualities that mark a true rising hockey star.

47. There are only 5 Wayne Gretzky miniature statues in the

world. In 1989, three of them were presented to George Dermott, President of the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association. They are replicas of the Wayne Gretzky statue that stands in front of Rogers Place. John Weaver is the master artist who created the limited edition bronze statues. It is understood that once the statues were created the mold was destroyed and no more will ever be made.

48. Wayne Gretzky owns one of the miniature statues.

49. Rogers Hometown Hockey tour celebrated the winning teams from the 2017 Quikcard Minor Hockey Week on February 4, 2017.

Gold medal novice, atom, peewee, bantam and midget teams paraded from City Hall to Churchill Square to celebrate Rogers Hometown Hockey event in Edmonton.

50. Ron MacLean and Tara Slone were presented with official

QEMHW pucks and mugs at the Rogers Hometown Hockey Event.

51. Every year the Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Tournament

receives a proclamation from the Mayor of Edmonton and the Premier of Alberta to officially proclaim the start of the tournament.

52. In the early ‘80s, the Edmonton Jaycees were one of the first ever corporate sponsors followed by United Cycle.

53. Bill Comrie, owner of The Brick was the corporate sponsor in the ‘90s until Lyle Best, owner of Quikcard, took over in 2000.

54. Schedules, scores, and standings used to be posted in each arena, and teams would have to go in to physically check to see who advanced.

55. Hockey Edmonton will recognize several former event Chairs and volunteers as “Honourary Decade Chairs” for their significant contributions to the event.

56. Hockey Edmonton will acknowledge former local players who went on to play hockey professionally as “Honourary Captains”.

57. Kevin Karius and John Sexsmith, sports announcers at Global

News, would often do remote updates from the players box at different arenas during the sports section of the news throughout the tournament.

58. The 40th anniversary of QEMHW took place in 2002 at KC

arena and 3 of the original 4 committee members (Vern Davis, Don McCombie and George Reith) were there to celebrate.

59. Long time Terwillegar arena manager, Shaun Mitchell, would recruit his wife Dawn and members of his family and extended family to run the arena during the tournament. Shaun earned the nickname the “Sheriff of Terwillegar,” which was a tribute to his impeccable organization skills.

60. Coronation Arena for years was run by Brenda Davidson. She always had the crock pot full of delicious chili for the referees.

We are excited and ready for another 60+ years of Minor Hockey Week in Edmonton.

If you are interested in volunteering on the QEMHW organizing committee next year, please contact office@hockeyedmonton.ca

17

We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

1.877.378.8728 | servus.ca

6

60

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: DON MCCOMBIE, VERN DAVIS, GEORGE REITH

AN EXPECTATION OF A FEW YEARS TURNS INTO A

60-year celebration

By Shari Narine

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HOCKEY EDMONTON

Edmonton Minor Hockey Week is celebrating 60 years!

But never did they think the event would carry on for 60 years!

“My dad would be absolutely thrilled that the tournament is still going on,” said Darrell Davis, who became a member of the Edmonton Minor Hockey Week committee in 2010.

Darrell says the group of co-founders thought the tournament would last only two or three years. But minor hockey week soon became the Stanley Cup playoffs and each division-winning team saw their gold medal as Stanley Cup triumphs.

Darrell’s father Vern Davis was one of four co-founders of the tournament that brought cross-city play to otherwise neighbourhood competition and the indoor hockey rink experience to the lucky finalists in each division.

The year was 1963 and Eric Reilly had just returned from Toronto where he had become aware of a minor hockey tournament. He thought something similar would work well in Edmonton.

Reilly, Vern Davis, Don McCombie and George Reith decided to make that tournament a reality.

Back then, recalls Darrell Davis, games took place between neighbourhood teams and always on outdoor rinks. There weren’t any playoffs and no medals or trophies were ever handed out.

The group of four decided to change that for 10 glorious days in January 1964. The teams played on outdoor rinks for the opportunity to earn a gold medal in games hosted in the Edmonton Gardens.

“This whole culture has grown around it. It's gained so much momentum amongst the kids,” said Darrell, who spent a number of years as chair of the minor hockey week committee.

But more than the glory of gold medals, Darrell says his father wanted hockey to remain a fun experience for all players. The tournament was set up in such a way that every player had to skate a minimum of two shifts in each period and teams with two goalies had to ensure they each played at least one period. There were even player checker volunteers in the stands to make sure each kid got the requisite time on ice.

“My dad said that there were some coaches who just wanted to win no matter what and they would bench their poorer skaters. And he said that wasn't the spirit of the tournament. The spirit of the tournament was all the kids get to play,” said Darrell.

19

20

Stanley Cup final Games took on other unique characteristics. They were played in straight time except for the last two minutes of the game when the clock was stopped for whistles unless there was a five-goal deficit or less. Coaches couldn’t call timeouts. Affiliate players were not allowed with the exception of goalies. Teams were guaranteed two games.

Everything was done and decided after 10 days of intense play.

But the overtime, says Darrell, was what made the game exciting and is what has helped to keep the tournament alive.

“The overtime experience is incredible,” he said.

Overtime started off six-on-six and then dropped by one player each minute. At any time, the goalie could be substituted for another skater.

Penalties resulted in penalty shots. Overtime was played in stop time.

By 1973, all hockey games—not just the gold medal finals—were played indoors.

And in 1980, minor hockey week started tiering the teams to ensure an even playing field.

But the longevity of the tournament is only in part due to the excitement of its format.

“If it wasn’t for the volunteers, of course, there wouldn’t be anything.

But I don’t know. It just mushroomed,” said Bill Ross, now 90 years old.

“I’ve heard the kids talk about it like it’s the Stanley Cup final and when we had the opportunity to have the finals indoors, I guess that really clicked. They figured they were really something when they could play indoors,” he said.

Mr. Ross was dubbed “Mr. Central” for the integral role he played for 42 years to keep the tournament flowing smoothly.

His involvement started only years after minor hockey week began. At that time, he was coaching his son. But when his son decided he no longer wanted to play, Mr. Ross “hung around” and became a regular member of the minor hockey week machinations.

“I looked after the control centre,” he said. He started at the Confederation complex and when remodelling forced a new relocation, he took over at the Kinsmen twin arenas.

His job included relaying scores, trouble shooting with arena managers and grabbing last minute referees.

“

heard the kids talk “ I’veabout it like it’s the

“Bill Ross would phone me and say, ‘Darrell, we need a referee at some arena,’ and there was myself and Jeff Seuss, another referee on the committee. We tootled off to whatever arena needed a referee and we refereed the game,” said Darrell.

He says he would keep his referee gear with him in his car just in case of an emergency phone call from Mr. Ross.

Darrell calls the referees the event’s biggest sponsors, as they contribute upwards of $80,000 in referee fees.

“They donate their time and they’re excited to do so because the games are so exciting and the format of the hockey is really fun and it’s a chance for the referees to give back to the game,” said Darrell.

Darrell remembers when the Clareview arena lost power and the game had to be moved right away. Mr. Ross rallied the committee members and quickly found ice at Glengarry arena so the game could be played.

In honour of Mr. Ross’s work, a Mr. Central trophy has been handed out since 2019 to the best all-around arena manager.

Some of the arena managers, says Darrell, have been managing arenas for years during minor hockey week. Many of them have been involved in hockey in many of the zones that make up Hockey Edmonton.

“And a lot of the volunteers had their favourite arenas that they wanted to be the managers of and they ran the show,” he said.

Darrell recalls Brenda Davidson, arena manager at Coronation, bringing crockpots of food and treats for referees. The referees, who were students, would leave directly from high school, he says, to go to the arena for something to eat before they reffed the games.

Duties for arena managers included running the time clocks, recording the scores, handing out keys to the dressing rooms.

“They kept things moving, kept things organized,” said Darrell.

He also notes the work undertaken by Shaun and Dawn Mitchell, who managed the Terwilligar arena, which has hosted the finals for about the last 15 years.

Darrell notes other long time volunteers including Rod McMahon, Joan Kirillo and Terry Brown.

21

Two memorable occasions stand out for Darrell.

In 1973, Vern Davis encouraged Bobby Hull to become involved with the tournament. The Winnipeg Jets were in the city to play the Alberta Oilers.

“My dad finds out about this and he decides he’s going to see if Bobby Hull would present trophies to the winning teams,” said Darrell.

Vern tracked Hull down at the Hotel Macdonald and on a phone call, asked Hull to present the trophies. Hull agreed and Vern drove to the hotel to pick him up.

“Bobby Hull is just elated that he’s with kids handing out the trophies. He actually was late to get to the dressing room for (the Jets’) game and he got reamed out by his coach,” said Darrell. “It’s kind of a neat little fun fact there.”

Another occasion that stands out was when Brad, Darrell’s son, received a medal from Vern.

In speaking with Hockey Edmonton, Darrell said, “I’m just looking at a photo, one of the best, proudest moments. My dad was presenting a medal to my son in minor hockey week. It was in 2008 and that was kind of one of the neat moments.”

It was a silver medal in the Davis Midget division. It marked the final game of the minor hockey tournament that year and Brad’s final year in minor hockey.

“

“

22

i’m just looking at a photo, one of the best, proudest moments. My dad was presenting a medal to my son in minor hockey week. It was in 2008 and that was kind of one of the neat moments

At one point Edmonton’s minor hockey week had become so large it held the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ever ice tournament.

Darrell played in minor hockey week, coached by Vern. In turn, Darrell coached his son. But even with all those years, Darrell never won a gold medal, but “lots of silvers!”

Both Darrell and his son are still playing hockey.

Vern Davis won the first Minor Hockey Week President’s award in 2003 for more than 50 years of services. An arena in Callingwood Rec Centre was named for him in 2010.

In 2012, Vern Davis, at the age of 88, passed away.

In 2000, Quikcard signed on as the title sponsor for Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. In 2022, Quikcard signed on for another five years.

“With sponsoring of minor hockey week, it’s always a feel-good thing for companies. It’s one of those things, that they say, ‘This is what we’re doing for the community,’ and it’s an event that has this huge magnitude. And you know they want to be there and they want to be recognized,” said Vigneau.

At one point Edmonton’s minor hockey week had become so large it held the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ever ice tournament. That title was eventually taken away by Calgary’s minor hockey week tournament in 2007.

For a tournament that wasn’t supposed to last for more than a handful of years, both Darrell and Mr. Ross are confident that Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week has at least another 10 years to operate and will be celebrating 70 years in 2034.

In a previous interview with Hockey Edmonton Magazine, Ray Vigneau,

“Absolutely,” said Darrell. “It’s kind of become an institution and it has created that culture and a lot of that culture is just the fact that it's in January and there's not much going on.”

general manager at Hockey

Edmonton, said he was pleased with the ease at which Quikcard and other corporate sponsors kept signing on the dotted line for the annual event.

“Providing we still get the cooperation from the volunteers and the hockey programs to do it, there's no reason why it can't keep going,” said Mr. Ross. “But it's mind boggling that it went this long.”

Whether your vehicle was used for shot practice, or somebody hit you from behind...

At CSN Herbers, we’ll straighten it out!

csnherbers.com

23

24 24

25

60 Years Ago in

Hockey The year was 1964, and it was the 47th season for the NHL, with six teams playing a 70-game regular season schedule. The Toronto Maple Leafs won their 12th Stanley Cup, defeating the Detroit Red Wings four games to three in the final series, the final took place at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Canada finished with identical records of five wins and two losses. Canada thought they had won the bronze medal based on the goal differential in the three games among the tied countries, but the IIHF changed the rules when there was 10 minutes left in the final game, which resulted in Canada finishing out of the medals.

In local hockey, the Edmonton Oil Kings played in the Central Alberta Hockey League from 1956 - 1965, and won the Memorial Cup in 1963. In 1964, their roster consisted of Glen Sather, Al Hamilton, Bert Marshall, Ron Anderson, Bob Falkenberg, all who went on to pro careers in the WHA or NHL.

60 Years Ago in

SPORTS The 1964 Olympics were held in Tokyo Japan, the first time in Asia.

Canada won four medals, including one gold (Roger Jackson and George Hungerford, Rowing), 2 Silvers (Bill Crothers, Men’s 800m; Doug Rogers, Men’s over 80 kg Judo), and one Bronze (Harry Jerome – Men’s 100m). Robert Hayes from the USA won gold, with a time of 10 seconds flat.)

Two players from the Chicago Black Hawks led the league in scoring, with Stan Makita edging out his teammate, Bobby Hull, by two points.

There was no Rocket Richard trophy back then for goal scoring, but if so, Bobby Hull would have won this trophy, with 43 goals.

The Hart Memorial trophy was awarded to Jean Beliveau, from the Montreal Canadiens, and the Norris Trophy was awarded to Pierre Pilote of the Chicago Black Hawks.

The Calder trophy was awarded to Jacques Laperriere, the talented defenseman from the Montreal Canadiens. He later went on to win the Norris in 1966, followed by Harry Howell in 1967. (Bobby Orr took over this award in 1968, winning it the next eight seasons in a row.)

The Vezina trophy was awarded to Charlie Hodge from the Montreal Canadiens, who had a record of 33-18-11, and a 2.26 GAA. Johnny Bower, from the Toronto Maple Leafs, led the league with a 2.11 GAA. (There were no records kept for save percentage back then.)

In international hockey, the 1964 Winter Olympics took place in Austria, and Canada sent a team of amateurs to play the best players of Russia, Sweden, and other competing countries. (NHL players were prohibited from playing in the Olympics until 1998 in Nagano, Japan) Canada finished fourth place in the tournament, but there was some controversy surrounding their finishing position.

26

Roger Jackson and George Hungerford

Bill Crothers and Harry Jerome

Harry Jerome’s 100 metre bronze medal win at the Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympics is captured in the documentary film Tokyo Olympiad (1965) directed by Kon Ichikawa. Slow motion close-up footage of Jerome (along with other athletes) preparing for the race begins at the 26 minute mark and then the race is shown in its entirety at full speed.

February 25 – Muhammed Ali defeated Sonny Liston on February 25, 1964, becoming the heavyweight champion of the world at the age of 22 March 14 – The Alberta Golden Bears win their first University Cup by defeating Sir George Williams Georgians 9 to 1. The final game was played at the Kingston Memorial Centre May 2 – Northern Dancer wins the Kentucky Derby Summer – At the Olympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan, Canada wins one gold medal April 25 – The Toronto Maple Leafs win their twelfth Stanley Cup by defeating the Detroit Red Wings 4 games to 3. The deciding Game 7 was played at Maple Leaf Gardens November 28 – In a rematch of the 51st Grey Cup, the B.C. Lions win their first Grey Cup by defeating the Hamilton TigerCats 34–24 in the 52nd Grey Cup at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium

60 Years Ago in

EDMONTON

Mayor of Edmonton: William Hawrelak Premier of Alberta: Ernest Manning (Social Credit) Prime Minister: Lester B. Pearson (Liberal) Population of Edmonton: 311,000 WEATHER: Edmonton received 140 cm (almost 5 feet) of snow this winter, and on December 15, 1964, it was minus 35 degrees celcius Jasper Community became part of Edmonton in 1964 Edmonton Opera established in 1963, the Citadel Theatre in 1965 October 22, 1964 – The flag committee makes its final selection of the design that will become the national flag

Canadians Born in 1964 January 31 – Sylvie Bernier, diver

September 1 – Brian Bellows, hockey player

May 3 – Ron Hextall, hockey player

November 14 – Silken Laumann, rower

April 1 – Scott Stevens, hockey player August 9 – Brett Hull, hockey player August 17 – Colin James, singer

September 2 – Keanu Reeves, actor November 16 – Diana Krall, singer December 19 – Lorie Kane, golfer

27

28

ast PPRESIDENTS We appreciate, honour and thank the presidents of Hockey Edmonton, past and present, for everything they have done for Minor Hockey in Edmonton over the last 60 years!

1963 - 1965: George Harvie 1965 - 1967: Don Brown 1967 - 1969: George Harvie 1969 - 1971: Phil Clarke 1971 - 1972: Bill Wintermute 1972 - 1974: Bob Bothwell 1974 - 1976: Harry Lewis 1976 - 1978: Frank Newbert 1978 - 1980: Don Dingwall 1980 - 1982: Russ Barnes 1982 - 1984; Gordon McLean 1984 - 1986: Noel Day 1987 - 1989: Leo St. Arnaud 1989 - 1991: George Dermott

1991 - 1993: Mal Rapley 1993 - 1995: Carl Brodie 1995 - 1997: Bill Bonner 1997 - 1999: Dick White 1999 - 2002: Pat Elliot 2002 - 2004: Charlene Davis 2004 - 2005: Jack Easton 2005 - 2006: Paul Schmidt 2007 - 2009: Lorne MacDonald 2009 - 2011: Chris Hurley 2011 - 2013: Betty Chmilar 2013 - 2019: Mark Doram 2019 - 2021: Joe Spatafora 2021 - Current: Will Jang

“We have had a lot of people doing great work to take our programming to new levels. Our elite streams have outstanding new standards and we have a community model that is freshly redesigned which keeps recreational players at the forefont. It’s an honour and a challenge to serve such a wide variety of members but one we are committed to excel at.”

- WILL JANG I CURRENT HOCKEY EDMONTON PRESIDENT

29

TEAMWEAR • AWARDS • PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Proudly Supporting

ELITEPROMOMARKETING.COM VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT

14703 - 118 AVE NW EDMONTON • 780.454.9775

30

50 50

RAFFLE

SCAN TO PURCHASE FOLLOW @PLAYHOCKEYEDM FOR JACKPOT UPDATES FOLLOW @PLAYHOCKEYEDM FOR JACKPOT UPDATES 31

32

History of

HOCKEY EDMONTON’S

WAYNE GRETZKY Award

Widely recognized as the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky spent a decade in orange and blue, winning four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and rewriting the NHL record book in the process. While he left an undeniable mark on the sport, his contributions off the ice have also been significant.

The trophy for the Wayne Gretzky Award is modelled after the iconic bronze statue of Wayne Gretzky, which was first unveiled in the City of Champions in August of 1989. Recipients of the Wayne Gretzky Awards are honoured with three of only five official miniature replicas in the entire world of the 950-pound, 9-foot-2-inch-tall bronze likeness of ‘the Great One’. As rare as the talent Gretzky possessed, these three trophies are no exception; upon completion of the limited-edition replica statues, the mold was destroyed and no more will ever be made.

Awarded annually during the Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week to three players, the prestigious Wayne Gretzky Awards are presented to athletes who embody the qualities that mark a true rising star, both on and off the ice.

To date, nearly 100 players have been bestowed the honour of the Wayne Gretzky Award during Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week.

Developing leaders on the ice and in our community, we are proud to recognize these outstanding athletes.

Lyle Best from Quikcard, Title Sponsor of Qukcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOCKEY EDMONTON

33

1964

flashback FAMOUS BIRTHS January 7 - Nicholas Cage January 27 - Bridget Fonda February 15 - Chris Farley February 17 - Joel Anick February 18 - Matt Dillon February 20 - French Stewart March 17 - Rob Lowe May 8 - Melissa Gilbert May 26 - Lenny Kravitz July 9 - Courtney Love July 26 - Sandra Bullock September 2 - Keanu Reeves September 11 - Kristy McNichol November 7 - Dana Plato November 11 - Phillip McKeon December 18 - "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

COST OF LIVING Average yearly income: $5,880 Gallon of gas: 0.25¢ Gallon of milk: $1.06 Loaf of bread: 0.21¢ 1st class postage stamp: 0.05 ¢ Pay phone (local call): 0.10¢ Life Magazine: 0.35¢ an issue Life Magazine 1 year subscription (51 issues) $5.00 Emerson 11” portable TV: $139.95 Best Homes: $8,990 - $17,990

34

top SINGLES

Baby Love (The Supremes) Can’t Buy Me Love (The Beatles) Chapel Of Love (The Dixie Cups) A Hard Day’s Night (The Beatles) House Of The Rising Sun (The Animals) I Get Around (The Beach Boys) I Want To Hold Your Hand (The Beatles) Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison) Rag Doll (The Four Seasons) There, I’ve Said It Again (Bobby Vinton)

TOP MOVIES Goldfinger Marnie

Mary Poppins

The Pink Panther

A Shot in the dark My Fair Lady

Last Man on Earth Lady in a Cage Dead Ringer

TV HIGHLIGHTS Jan 3 1964 - Jack Paar Show, shows a clip of the Beatles singing “She Loves You” Feb 9 1964 - 1st appearance of Beatles on “Ed Sullivan Show” (73.7 million viewers) Mar 9 1964 - Sean Connery’s 1st day of shooting on “Goldfinger” May 4 1964 - “Another World” & “As the World Turns” premiere on TV May 27 1964 - “From Russia With Love” premieres in US Sep 17 1964 - The comedy show, “Bewitched” premieres on ABC-TV. Show ran until 9/1/1972 and finished with 252 episodes.

Sep 18 1964 - “Addams Family” premiers on ABC-TV. Show would run intil 9/2/1966 and have 64 episodes made.

Sep 22 1964 - The “Man from U.N.C.L.E.” spy spoof premieres on NBC-TV. Show ran until 1/15/1968 and 105 episodes were made.

Sep 25 1964 -The comedy, “Gomer Pyle” begins on CBS-TV. Show ran until 9/19/1969 with 150 episodes.

Sep 26 1964 - “Gilligans Island” premiers on CBS-TV. Last show was on September 4th, 1967 and had a total of 98 episodes.

Oct 26 1964 - Rolling Stones appear on “Ed Sullivan Show” Dec 12 1964 - Shooting starts for “Star Trek” pilot “The Cage” (Menagerie) Dec 18 1964 - “The Pink Panther” cartoon series premieres (Pink Phink)

SPECIAL EVENTS OF ‘64 Chevrolet introduces the "Chevelle" for 1964. $2,268-$2,695 (base price) Pontiac comes out with the "GTO" or "Gran Turismo Omologato". It's a big hit with 7,384 sport coupes, 18,422 hardtops, and 6,644 convertibles made in its first year.

Marlboro Country ad campaign is launced in 1964. "Come to where the flavour is, come to Marlboro country."

Marlboro sales begin to grow 10% per year.

Cigarette smoking is enjoyed by 60% of the population The Academy award for Best Picture goes to "My Fair Lady." Julie Andrews wins for Best Actress in "Mary Poppins."

Police catch the "Boston Strangler," Albert DeSalvo.

"Hello Dolly," "Funny Girl," and "Fiddler on the Roof" premiere in New York Hasbro introduces the G.I. Joe Doll April 17 1964 - Ford Mustang formally introduced ($2368 base) June 27 1964 - Jan & Dean release “Little Old Lady From Pasadena” September 17 1964 - Supremes release “Baby Love” October 15 1964 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awarded Nobel Peace Prize October 27 1964 - Singers Sonny & Cher wed, Cher wore bell-bottoms Colonel Harland Sanders began his “Kentucy Fried Chicken” empire in 1952, and by 1964 over 600 restaurants were selling his chicken on a franchise basis

35

QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK

SPONSORS

make the world’s largest tournament

magical

By Shari Narine

It was fortuitous, says Lyle Best, that Quikcard was in the right place when Hockey Edmonton was about to start its search for a new title sponsor for Edmonton minor hockey week.

“The (other title sponsor) had given it up. One of our friends gave us the tip off it was happening,” said Best.

And the rest, as they say, is 24 years of history. With at least four more to come because Quikcard just signed on for another four years. No second thought was given to the commitment, Best adds, and Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week (QEMHW) goes on.

36

Best says minor hockey week lines up with his company’s family values.

“Over the years, we’ve done so many things in the community and across the country, but one thing people keep coming up to me about at various times of the year, ‘My grandson played Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week or my son did or I did.’ A lot of these kids, it’s the biggest tournament they’ll ever be in in their lives,” said Best.

Vigneau agrees that the generational impact of the event is second to none and that’s what keeps the 10 days of hockey action both unique and special.

Ray Vigneau, general manager at Hockey Edmonton, says he’s more than pleased with the ease at which Quikcard and other corporate sponsors keep signing on the dotted line for the annual event, this year being it 60th anniversary.

“The biggest positive that I’ve always heard over the years is just how important it is because the moms and dads have played in minor hockey week over the years. It’s that history. That it’s important,” said Vigneau.

“With sponsoring of minor hockey week, it’s always a feel-good thing for companies. It’s one of those things, that they say, ‘This is what we’re doing for the community,’ and it’s an event that has this huge magnitude. And you know they want to be there and they want to be recognized,” said Vigneau.

Corporate sponsorship is a big part of keeping QEMHW going.

“The amounts of the sponsorship we have has gone up over the years. Sponsors have come and sponsors have gone,” said Vigneau.

Those who pull out, he adds, is because their financial situations have changed forcing them to make tough decisions.

Another corporate sponsor of the event is McDonald’s, which has been involved with QEMHW for 20 years.

There’s a “sense of pride” in supporting the event, says Joseph Gebran, of McDonald’s.

“We’re always proud to give back and be a part of the communities we serve,” he said.

“Not only is it financial sponsorship, but McDonald’s gives coupons.

All of that goes to the kids so that’s a tangible benefit for the kids,” said Vigneau.

Gebran says that along with their sponsorship fee, they provide over 15,000 complimentary meals and beverages to players, coaches and referees.

Another corporate sponsor is Elite Promotional Marketing. The company has been involved for over 35 years.

“We like to support local athletes and the local hockey community for the love of the sport and how it brings the community together,” said Keenan Oatway, who’s the communications and graphics coordinator with Elite.

Oatway adds that it’s always nice to see “the merch and swag be used and loved for years afterwards.”

QEMHW also gets support from the major sports organizations in the city, such as the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Oil Kings.

“With the history of the tournament and the amount of local players that participate, joining as a sponsor was an easy decision on our end,” said Patrick Garland, of the Oilers.

“Hockey Edmonton is a key partner of ours and we want to continue to strengthen that relationship and make the minor hockey system stronger in our community,” he said.

The Edmonton Oilers have been lending their support to the event for at least the past 10 years.

“We’re happy to continue to support minor hockey week to ensure the storied tournament continues to have a positive impact on the youth playing hockey in Oil Country,” said Garland.

“It’s such an incredible tournament that provides young players the opportunity to play in one of the biggest tournaments in the world,” he added.

Also providing sponsorship support are Serdachny Hockey, and the hockey academies of St. Thomas More and Donnan/Vimy.

And not to be forgotten, says Vigneau, are all the referees and lines officials who give their time for free to work the games, all the way from the first games to the exciting playoff games.

All the sponsorship helped QEMHW be awarded the Guiness World Records title for the largest ice hockey tournament in the world.

The support has allowed the tournament to grow and keep costs down, says Vigneau, and make the event extra special.

“Without that sponsorship, it would cost the parents, teams more money to participate in the event. Would we be able to give the prizes, medals, scholarships that we do without that sponsorship?

Probably not,” said Vigneau.

Without that support, he says, QEMHW wouldn’t hold the spot is does.

“It’s the history and the excitement and the other thing we often hear and we often say ourselves, ‘Winning minor hockey week is the pinnacle of the year,’” he said. “It’s huge. It’s something that people cherish for years.”

CONTACT DOUGLAS LUONG (587) 894-7041 | DLUONG@DFIC.CA

37

38

Gold medal winner monroe hobson CURRENT TEAM: SWAT 405 DEMONS NUMBER OF YEARS PLAYED: 6 SCHOOL GRADE: 5 USUAL POSITION: LEFT WING FAVOURITE HOCKEY TEAM: EDMONTON OILERS FAVOURITE PLAYER: LEON DRAISAITL YOUR ROLE MODEL: MY PARENTS HOBBIES: VIDEO GAMES, SPORTS & DRAWING FAVOURITE HOCKEY MEMORY: WHEN OUR TEAM WON QUIKCARD EDMONTON MINOR HOCKEY WEEK 2023!

39

40

41

GETTING

GRAND

FATHERED IN A Grandfather and two grandsons enforcing the rules together

By Rob Suggitt I PHOTOs BY SC PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

43

All three officials donate their time during Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week, and do it because of their love for the game.

Minor Hockey officials donate all of their time for QEMHW, the total value of donated time works out to over $60,000.)

Kaleb said it’s good to give back to the game, and Kohen continued, “Just seeing the players have fun and winning their games and seeing the smiles on their faces makes it worthwhile.” Kohen won gold at QEMHW in peewee, as captain of the team, he knows firsthand the joy of playing in QEMHW and the thrill of winning.

For Kevin (the grandfather if you’re following the names), his reasons for helping out are the same, going back to 2014 the first time he officiated QEMHW. “I love the game, everyone is so excited, and the game intensity is so unbelievable, and I love being a part of that.”

When asked what it’s like to officiate with his grandsons, Kevin said, “It’s an absolute pleasure, and so much fun watching them grow and improve.”

In late November, we met up with three minor hockey officials, uniquely, a grandfather working a game with his two grandsons.

The most senior official, Kevin Cassidy, started officiating minor hockey in 1988, well before his two grandsons (Kaleb Cassidy and Kohen Hammond) were even born.

The grandsons love it too, and consider their grandfather a great mentor. “Working games with my family is really special,” said Kaleb, who has worked games with his grandfather before. However, this was the first time officiating with his brother.

When he’s not officiating, Kevin’s “real” job is a business consultant for 7/11. Kevin was born and raised in Montreal (played minor hockey there), before heading to Toronto to finish his education (University of Toronto), he then moved to Fergus for work, and that’s where he first got involved as a hockey official.

“Living in a small town, getting involved with the hockey culture there, there was a need for officials. You know what, I probably wasn’t going to get drafted at that point, I was 30-odd years old (laughs), and thought ‘Let’s give it a try,’ and here we are, 35 years later.”

And 35 years later, he’s now officiating with two of his grandsons.

The oldest grandson, Kaleb, who turned 20 in December, began officiating at the first eligible age (13 years old), nearly 8 years ago.

Kaleb has risen in the ranks of minor hockey officials, working games at the U17AAA and U18AAA levels, and he’s also worked the prestigious John Reid Tournament for U15AAA.

Kohen, the younger grandson, loved the experience of officiating a game with his grandfather and Kaleb. “Very memorable. I don’t think too many people get this opportunity – I am very lucky to have very experienced people alongside me to work with.”

Meanwhile, his brother Kohen (who turns 17 this month), started officiating last season. As Kohen described, “It was sorta the family business. My grandfather does it, my uncle does it, and my brother does it, so it was just a natural instinct to start officiating and I did not want to leave the game after I stopped playing hockey.”

Both grandsons plan to continue their officiating careers. Kohen, in Grade 12 at Ross Sheppard, plans to become a firefighter. Kaleb is currently working in security, but his future plans are to be a police officer. (Which makes sense for someone enforcing the rules.)

Kohen finished his hockey career a few years ago, playing U15AAA. His last playing season was in bantam. Kaleb’s reason for getting into officiating was the same as his brother, he wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. (Skatesteps actually.)

44

“

“

Living in a small town, getting involved with the hockey culture there, there was a need for officials. You know what, I probably wasn’t going to get drafted at that point, I was 30odd years old (laughs), and thought let’s give it a try, and here we are, 35 years later.

As we wrapped things up with granddad and grandsons, we asked them if they had any advice for people playing, watching or coaching the game. Kaleb said “Be more respectful, especially to the young officials who are just getting started.” Like the players, they need to learn too.

And Kevin added “yelling or threatening officials does nothing but cost the program, as we lose many potential good referees. We are human and make mistakes. However, being on the ice, dodging pucks and players, sometimes we don’t see what the fans in the stands can. And please don’t abuse the young officials. Imagine that was your son or daughter out there. How would you feel? And more importantly, how would they feel?”

Great advice, and from someone who has been in the game for decades, as a player and an official. We need more officials like Kevin and his two grandsons in the game. And maybe one day we will do a feature on the next generation of Cassidy officials, and maybe, just maybe, a feature on a great-grandfather officiating a game with his great grandkid(s).

Feedback from Duncan MacDougall, NWZ Refereein-Chief (and Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame inductee): Kevin makes himself very available and I consider him one of the go-to officials when you need someone on very short notice. He helps with supervising other officials and works as a shadow with our very new officials in NW Edmonton.

Kaleb has been with NW Edmonton for about seven years. Kaleb’s progression has been reflective of a very competent official. Kaleb does most of his officiating in the elite stream, but he still finds time to return to his roots where he does several assignments during the season.

Kohen has only been with NW Edmonton for a couple of seasons. Kohen has great potential especially given his stature. Kohen is only limited by how much personal effort he is willing to put in as well as how much passion there is. I believe that the passion is there. This is a very classy and talented family.

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT: KOHEN HAMMOND, KEVIN CASSIDY, KALEB CASSIDY

45

Yelling at the refs will help your team win. ’Cause they really like that.

(Do ya think?)

We lose 10,000 officials every year. Are you the cause?

HOCKEY CANADA’S OFFICIATING PROGRAM Visit HockeyCanada.ca/officials to learn more about respect of officials and how you can get involved in officiating.

HockeyCanada.ca/officials

DCM AD