Saskatoon Redwings
Newsletter - November 2004

- Newsletter in pdf format (printer-friendly)

Contents

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER'S REPORT (back)
Another Redwing season is under way and the teams are set and in place for the 2004-2005 season. I am happy to say that besides a few complications, the year has gone fairly smoothly and all seems to be going full steam ahead.

Our coaches have been selected and in my opinion, we are very fortunate to have the talented coaches in our zone that we do. We have many, many coaches who have played or coached at high levels all the way up to the NHL. These people are very approachable and in my experience, if you have any questions or need a bit of advice to help your program, they are readily available to pass on their experiences and share for the benefit of all. As well, it is nice to see the commitment of some of our coaches taking extra time and offering elaborate programs including dry land training, agility drills, and drug and alcohol awareness. This improves all of our kids, not only on the ice but for all that lies ahead in their athletic and professional careers. I encourage all to look for other ways to get your kids in shape and to get them together to build a strong team atmosphere. If you need any suggestions or want programs, please contact me and I will be sure to get you the proper information you need to suit the needs of your team.

New processes from Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association with regards to Criminal Background Checks will ensure we have the safest environment for our kids in hockey in the coming years.

On another note, I would just like to say a special thanks to all the coordinators for all their long hours and their hard work in getting the kids at the proper levels and for getting them started for the season ahead. Also, a special thanks to the families of the coordinators who have to give up their spouses and children, just so others can get our children on a team for the year ahead. As well, thanks to Kevin, our zone Commissioner, and all the executive for all their long hours and their tireless work. It is a very difficult jog and is often overlooked. I, for one, appreciate what they do to get our kids on the ice.

In closing, I wish you all a good year for the 2004-2005 season and hope the kids have plenty of success and enjoy their year.

Yours in Hockey
Todd Plaxton

INITIATION REPORT (back)
This year we have five Initiation teams: three in the Beginner Level and two in the Advanced Level, with team sizes averaging around 15-17 players per team.

The team names and their respective head coaches are as follows:

Initiation (Beginner)
Redwing Raptors - Carmen Millham
Redwing Rhinos - Scott Thomas
Redwing Stars - Scott Scissons

Initiation (Advanced)
Redwing Huskies - Pat Boehm
Redwing Lightning - Darrell Sader

Things have gone fairly smoothly (I hope) since registration night and I want to thank Rob Keln, Past Initiation Coordinator, Rob Haynes, and my assistant at registration night for all their help in making this a lot easier for me. I would also like to thank the assistant coaches and managers for taking their responsibilities so seriously and special thanks to the Head coaches as it isn't easy being a Head coach in hockey anymore. Clinics (Initiation, Safety, and others) are necessary and beneficial to all; however, they still take extra time away from the game as well as from their family.

As an assistant coach in my second year at the Initiation Level, I have had the opportunity to be involved in most of our teams' practices and games so far and I have to say, I am very impressed with our hockey players. I am just as impressed with our hockey moms and dads for the positive atmosphere they provide around the rink and with their kids. It's great being involved in Initiation hockey as the atmosphere on the ice is always full of excitement, laughs, and lots of falls, then joy as the players see their parents after they leave the ice. This all helps make the program a success and helps make my job easier as a result.

Initiation Coordinator
Blaine Unger

ATOM COORDINATOR'S REPORT (back)
I would like to welcome all the players and parents new and returning alike to a very busy yet promising season of Redwing hockey. I hope that everyone had a chance to enjoy what we had for summer weather and that you are ready to hit the ice!

This year we have ten teams in Atom Contact: three Senior; four Intermediate; and three Junior with a total of 156 players registering. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, who had to share me with all the players and parents during evaluation time. Thank you, again, for being there for me.

Likewise, my job would have been much harder if it weren't for the help of all the parent volunteers who came out and spent time on the ice and helped at the rink during evaluations. A great big "thank you" to: Jeff Rohlicek, Dwight Zolonski, Dominic Santoro, and Tammy Shercliff. Your efforts and assistance were very much appreciated. In addition, many thanks to Kevin Wilhelm for your assistance and support. Once again, the "Redwing Mustang" was seen buzzing around from rink to rink, moving Kevin around town in style. Thank you, again, for all that you do for the Redwing zone. And finally, a big thanks to Kevin Dickie for taking the time to conduct an excellent Power Skate and Checking camp.

All Atom players have now been leveled, coaches selected, and practices and games are underway. I expect that this season will be full of excitement and enthusiasm as each team goes forward in this hockey season. The Head coaches are as follows:

Junior Atom
Ron Lacey
Brian Schnitzler
Don Steel

Intermediate Atom
Steve Spicer
Mike Powiada
Dean Owen
Darren Doepker

Senior Atom
Garth Cribbs
Pat Elyniuk
Brad Thorimbert

Without your efforts and commitment, our program could not prosper. I have no doubt that these coaches will do their best to make each and every hockey player feel valued and treated as an equal amongst their teammates.

Thank you, as well, to all the players during tryouts for their outstanding showmanship of skills and abilities. There were many tough decisions that had to be made but I am confident that all the hockey players will have a positive year and will learn many new skills from their very knowledgeable coaches, co-coaches, assistant coaches, and managers. Once again, we arranged for evaluations to be done by a group of independent people whom I believe were objective and fair in their evaluations; however, should anyone have any questions or concerns, my door is always open.

Lastly, as with most organized sports, there have been some challenging situations that have been encountered and I hope that I have addressed all issues that you feel needed to be addressed. In closing, I offer good wishes to each and every player and parent, and hope that everyone has a positive experience and an enjoyable season.

Best Regards,
Dan Wingerak, Atom Coordinator

NOVICE COORDINATOR'S REPORT (back)
My second year of Novice Coordinator started with a bang when 157 players registered. The continued growth of our zone is no more evident that in the younger divisions. This number is an increase of 12 over last season. However, the decision was made to remain at 10 teams, placing 1 or 2 more players on each team. So, we enter the season once again, with 3 Senior, 4 Intermediate, and 3 Junior level teams.

After a hectic couple of months, we have all the players placed onto their respective teams. With the kids now practicing and playing with their new teammates, I think I echo the sentiments of many when I say I am happy this part of the season is over.

We have had an overwhelming number of coaches come forward this season, which left us little difficulty filling all the available positions. We thank all of those who have taken an active role in filling the many necessary positions on your child's team, from coaches to managers. I want to thank also the many people who provided their assistance, through the entire pre-season process, from registration helpers to the many on-ice helpers.

So, I leave you in the very capable hands of your team officials, with a sincere wish for a season filled with improvement, team successes and FUN. Now is the time for playing!

Yours in hockey
Darren Doepker, Novice Coordinator

REPORT OF THE EQUIPMENT MANAGER (back)
All teams should now have a set of jerseys, home (red) and away (white), and the necessary goalie equipment. If there are problems with any of the equipment that your team has been given, please tell you coach, who can e-mail me or call the equipment phone line. Please place all requests through your team.

Garth Cribbs

ZONE G BINGO COORDINATORS' REPORT (back)
Working bingo's continues to be a major fund raiser for our zone. Without these bingo's, hockey would be cost prohibitive for many of our families. Thanks to everyone who has signed up and worked bingo's; your support and cooperation makes our job as bingo coordinators easy.

In the past, we have been able to work bingo's for team fund raising; however, due to bingo gaming regulations, this is no longer an option. However, bingo's for registration have commenced and as bingo's become available, we will announce the dates on talk mail. We will attempt to allot two bingo's per child. We have begun working bingo's for registration (October to August 31/05), as hockey registration is usually held the first week of September. The amount of the credit will depend on the overall total of all bingo's worked. Bingo credits have varied between $70.00 and $80.00 dollars; unfortunately, however, our bingo credits may be less due to the non-smoking regulations and the decreased number of bingo patrons.

I would like to welcome Donna McNab to the Executive. She has replaced Penny Framingham as the bingo secretary. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Donna or myself.

Pat Sears, 933-4879
Donna McNab, 373-9705

CLOSING THOUGHTS (back)

PLEASE LET ME BE MYSELF

Well, here it is another season
so I'm writing you for just one reason.
Please don't scream or curse or yell,
remember, I'm not in the N.H.L.

I'm only 12 years old
and can't be bought or traded or sold.
I just want to have fun and play the game
and I'm not looking for hockey fame.
Please don't make me feel I've committed a sin
Just because my team didn't win.

I don't want to be that great you see
I'd rather play and just be me.
And in closing, I'd like to give you one tip
Remember the name of the game is Sportsmanship.

By Donny Chabot - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario