Alberta’s Lacey Senuk to officiate at 2021 Women’s World Championship

RED DEER - Ron Panchyshyn, one of the founders of the Officiating Program in Alberta, passed away on February 27 at the age of 82, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ron started his officiating career in 1964, working at all levels including University and Major Junior, and multiple national and international championships. Ron was one of the first Level 6 officials in Alberta and Canada, when the Level system started in 1976. Off the ice, Ron was a tireless volunteer who served as tournament chairman at dozens of local and national events. He spent four years as the North Zone Chair, 13 years as the Past Chair, and was the third Provincial Chairman in Alberta (1986-90). Ron also served 14 years on the Board of Directors for Hockey Alberta.

Ron was inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004 and was named a Life Member of the Hockey Alberta Officials Committee in 1998.

Ron was also an influential referee supervisor, mentoring officials such as George McCorry, Mike Rebus, Dave Shaw, and Lance Roberts, who all became Level 6 officials. He was committed to Grassroots officiating, teaching clinics as early as 1973 and was the first referee coordinator for the Edmonton Minor Hockey Week which started in 1964. One of his proudest accomplishments was negotiating the donation of officiating services to that tournament, a tradition that carries on to this day.

Ron was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Joyce, and a man who lived and loved for his children and grandchildren. One of Ron’s favourite things was to watch his grandchildren play hockey and football.

The family is asking for those that wish to do so, donations be made in Ron’s name to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

The application period for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2022-23 is now open!

A truly unique experience designed to help kids fall in love with hockey. The six-week learn to play program continues to focus on having fun while learning basic skills. Full head-to-toe Bauer equipment is included with registration.

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community, and enroll their kids in our sport. Because of the program’s belief in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, the NHL/NHLPA First Shift was designed to make hockey accessible, affordable, safe and most importantly, fun!

The plan for 2022-23 is to host 160 programs (coed, all girls and para hockey) resulting in the potential registration of more the 6,000 participants, as well as the return of ‘’A programs’’ with 45 participants. The NHL/NHLPA First Shift partners are committed to ensuring the program and the sport of hockey welcomes participants, no matter the race, gender, religion, ability, or sexual orientation. A more inclusive future creates avenues for new players across all backgrounds the chance to inspire the next generations on and off the ice. We believe diversity makes us all stronger and want to ensure opportunities are available for everyone to be welcomed into the hockey community.

We encourage local hockey associations to share their intentions for any equity, diversity and inclusion focused programming.

For more information on the program please go to www.firstshift.ca or apply immediately to host an event by CLICKING HERE.

Episode Eight of the Centre Ice Podcast takes a closer look at the inequality and discrimination faced by many in the game, but also focuses on the steps being taken to make hockey a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

This episode features Minnesota Wild defenceman Matt Dumba and his father, long-time Hockey Alberta Official Charle Dumba speaking about the discrimination their family has faced, and the work being done to eradicate racism in hockey, including Matt’s involvement in the Hockey Diversity Alliance. Sanjeev Bhagrath, a Sikh Official from Edmonton, shares his own experiences of racism and inequality, and Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke speaks on the You Can Play initiative, and the work being done to eradicate homophobia from hockey.

Episode Links: Hockey’s Path Forward > | Hockey Diversity Alliance > | Hockey Alberta Officials > | Coach of the Month Nominations > | Host the First Shift in Your Community > | The Coaches Site Global Skills Showcase > | Foundation Accepted into Birdies for Kids Program > | You Can Play Project >

More Episodes >

Centre Ice is the brand-new Hockey Alberta podcast, featuring the latest news and views on amateur hockey across the province. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast app!

WHITEHORSE – The Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC), following discussions with Wood Buffalo 2022 Arctic Winter Games Host Society, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and the Government of Alberta, has made the decision to postpone the Wood Buffalo 2022 Arctic Winter Games in a planned and proactive response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Games, originally scheduled to take place in Wood Buffalo from March 6-12, 2022, will be rescheduled to a later date to be announced.

Held every two years, the Arctic Winter Games is the premier circumpolar sport and cultural event for youth hosting up to 2,000 participants and an equal number of volunteers.

The decision to plan the postponement of the Games was made to ensure the health and safety of all the participants, coaches, volunteers, staff, spectators, and the host community. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic would likely prevent the Arctic Winter Games International Committee from delivering on their mission to host a meaningful Arctic Winter Games experience.

No decision has been made at this time on the new dates for the Arctic Winter Games in Wood Buffalo. The Arctic Winter Games International Committee and the Wood Buffalo Host Society are diligently working together to determine an appropriate date for the Games to be rescheduled and intend to announce that date in the near future. Both organizations will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all Games participants while monitoring the global pandemic and providing updates to all stakeholders on the Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games, as they become available.

FAQ’s on the AWG postponement

For the full release and information visit the Arctic Winter Games website.

RED DEER - The application period for local hockey associations wishing to host the NHL/NHLPA First Shift in 2021-22 is NOW OPEN!

A truly unique experience designed to help kids fall in love with hockey. The six-week learn to play program continues to focus on having fun while learning basic skills. Full head-to-toe Bauer equipment is included with registration.

The NHL/NHLPA First Shift mission is to change the way hockey is offered, to inspire new families to join our community, and enroll their kids in our sport. Because of the program’s belief in all that hockey has to offer kids, their families and our communities, the NHL/NHLPA First Shift was designed to make hockey accessible, affordable, safe and most importantly, fun!

For more information on the program please go to www.firstshift.ca or apply immediately to host an event by CLICKING HERE

HOST ASSOCIATION FAQ >

HOST ASSOCIATION INFO >

RED DEER - The evolution of hockey has been led by the increase in skill of its players.

Behind the scenes, the game’s elite players are being trained by dedicated coaches who have evaluated and broken down the complex skills that hockey demands and transferred these skills to the next generation of players.

Join these dedicated elite level coaches as they share their knowledge during The Coaches Site Global Skills Showcase, March 22-26.

The online five-day event - presented by InStat - will feature the top skill development coaches in hockey, selected from more than 150 applicants.

Each guest coach will provide unique insights into their method for developing players and identifying the key details that will make a difference once the puck is dropped. This is an exclusive opportunity to learn from the game’s best and to enhance your own abilities as a coach.

To register you must be a member of The Coaches Site.

If you are not currently a member of The Coaches Site, you can register at a discounted annual rate which includes attendance to the Global Skills Showcase.

For more information, a complete list of speakers and bios or to register go to The Coaches Site.