A message from the president of the Clearwater and District Minor Hockey Association
By Ole Kjenstad, CDMHA President
With the 2017-2018 season three-quarters over, and Hockey Days upon us, I would like to take this time to address our group and everyone participating in Hockey Days.
What a year we have had so far. Our numbers are solid all the way through our association.
I want to take this time to thank all the volunteers that make our association great. Starting with all the coaches; the time you put in is more than most people can comprehend. Time on the ice, in dressing rooms, coaching games, dealing with parents, driving to every game on the road … much thanks! To the managers, jersey moms, tournament organizers, parent volunteers that help at games, we could not do it without you.
Sponsors … some of you visible and always there to help, others quietly giving so everyone can play. Never to be forgotten is the arena staff, you keep our home rink the envy of OMAHA … very proud.
Finally, I would like to thank our executive. This group puts in countless hours to keep everyone organized. You are the glue that holds us together, we could not do it without you! Let’s keep moving forward, and making sure our kids have fun at Hockey!
Pre-Novice kids are also in Can-skate
Clearwater’s Pre-Novice team this year has 26 players and is coached by Elijah Wicks, along with on-ice helpers Brett Colborne, Craig Shook, Jamie Wilkinson, Michael Murphy, Tyler McGill and Soli Barstow. Team manager is Heather Romeril.
Hockey practices are Saturdays, 9 – 9:50 a.m. The kids are continually improving and most importantly having FUN! They are also in Can-skate on Mondays, 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.
Our team was invited to an introduction Little Tykes Tournament in Valemount in November of 2017. They enjoyed playing games and the entire experience that going to a tournament brings. They are so excited to go to another one in the future.
The kids also took part in the Christmas Gala that the Raft Mountain Skating Club organized with great success.
Kids who play hockey at a young age are more likely to play that sport throughout their lives than other sports.
Putting your child in hockey you are creating a lifelong enthusiast and a health-oriented individual.
Benefits of hockey at a young age:
• Hockey is great exercise;
• Hockey builds character … learning the value of working with others;
• Hockey improves mental agility … making quick decisions and using strategy.
Big thank you to the coaches, on-ice volunteers and manager Heather Romeril for volunteering your time. It is greatly appreciated.
Novice team hosts tournament Jan. 27 and 28
Clearwater Novice Ice Hawks are being coached this year by Brett Colborne, Donald Collins, Elijah Wicks, and Mike Smith. On-ice helpers are Jarrod Christensen and Ken Irvine. Manager is Erika Rotzetter
Our coaches are working hard to teach our players a variety of skills – ones that they have demonstrated in their games and scrimmages and will be able to take with them as they advance in hockey. They are learning teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership on and off the ice.
The team so far this year has played a few games at home and away and have put forth their best efforts.
January is a busy month for this group, with away games in 100 Mile House, plus games at home on Jan. 21 at 10:00 and another at 2:00.
The Novices will host a home tournament on Jan. 27 and 28. They get the opportunity in the beginning of February to go to Williams Lake for a tournament.
Come out and cheer on the Novice Ice Hawks on Jan. 27 and 28!
Clearwater Atoms’ focus is on having fun
This season we have excellent representation in the Atom division with 18 players on the roster, all of whom are enthusiastic and love to play hockey.
The Clearwater Atom Ice Hawks are coached by Scott MacDonald, Art Dulaba and Craig Shook. Team manager is Kirstin MacDonald.
In early December Clearwater hosted an eight-team tournament, which was fun for all, and there are several upcoming league games prior to the playoffs at season end.
The team’s goals for the year are to concentrate on skill development, learn positioning, focus on team play and most of all to have fun!
Peewees are third in their league
Clearwater’s Peewee team this season consists of 15 players: six girls and nine boys.
We are currently in third place in the standings in the Thompson-Cariboo Peewee Rec league, which consists of seven teams. In our league play, we have seven wins, no losses and one tie.
We traveled to Lumby for a tournament in November where we met some tough competition. All of our games were very close and super exciting, and we ended the tournament with a two and two record.
We hosted a home tournament in December where we placed third overall.
Over the next couple of months, we have numerous league games followed by playoffs and then districts (hosted by Clearwater in March).
We would like to thank our dedicated coaches for all their time, effort and expertise this year: Barb Coates, Jamie Fischer, Ken Irvine and Mike Smith. Huge thanks to our manager Tera Carter, who volunteers her time to make sure things run smoothly. It is very much appreciated.
Midget Rec team sticks together
Clearwater’s Midget Recreation Ice Hawk team is having a busy season with league games and tournaments.
The next two games at home will be against Merritt on Jan. 20 and 21.
So far this season they have gone to tournaments in north Okanagan and Summerland. They will host their home tournament on Feb. 9 – 11.
The team itself is mixed in many ways – with seven girls and 12 boys, players from Clearwater and Barriere, and ranging from grades 8 to 12. The results on the ice have been mixed too, but one thing that has been solid is this team’s ability to win and lose together as a team.
There have been some delicious team dinners and many good laughs.
Although there is quite a mixture on this team, the thing that brought them together and has created an opportunity for lifelong memories is their love of Hockey. Remember: keep your stick on the ice.
Coaches this season are Geoff Giesbrecht, Hans Wadlegger and Donald Collins. Helping out behind the scenes is manager Kim Lavigne.
Midget Ice Hawks at the top of Tier 4 league
This year’s Midget Rep Ice Hawks team has had a great season to date and is currently sitting at the top of the standings. Three Clearwater players are in the top five for scoring in the Tier 4 league.
Our team has decided to declare and bump up to Tier 3 for playoffs this season. Our boys attended an away tournament in Winfield and have played a couple exhibition games against some Tier 3 teams and have done well.
This team is lead by captains Jaxon Kjenstad and Mason Wadlegger with help from assistants Colby Rhodes, Dorian McGill and John Meyer.
We have also had three players – Jaxon Kjenstad, Colby Rhodes and John Meyer – go to Junior B camps where they did well, getting their chance to play at a higher level in exhibition games and getting affiliated. Colby had a shot to play a few Junior B games with the 100 Mile Wranglers and scored his first Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) goal.
The team will finish up league games in February and head right into playoffs.
A huge thank you to our coaching staff of Ole Kjenstad, Jay Meyer, Sepp Wadlegger and Grant Simpson for all their time and dedication to the team.
