Hockey News
Bauer Recalling Junior Hockey Sticks
March 18, 2010
Bauer Hockey is recalling 100,000 junior hockey sticks worldwide, 67,000 of which were sold in Canada. There are 13 models of junior sticks being recalled due to high levels of lead. Click here to find the full story and the list of recalled models. Anyone who has purchased one of the above models should call 1-888-734-0443 to arrange to have the stick returned.
INCREASED PENALTY STATISTICS
The statistics for the 2008-2009 season were released to the Discipline Chairs of all 8 Associations this week. The areas of concern were the 11.5% increase in the "Hits from Behind" & the 82% of "Fighting" penalties that were assigned to the Minor Midget, Midget & Juvenile age groups.
GM50 & GM51 Checking from Behind - the majority of the increase was seen in the Minor Peewee & Peewee Red & "A" levels. Although no changes to the Discipline Emphasis are planned at this point, the situation will continue to be monitored. It was advised that all coaches for teams were this is an issue, please increase their diligence and the education for their players.
GM30 & GM31 Fighting - By far the majority of these penalties were handed out to the Minor Midget, Midget, & Juvenile age groups. Interestingly, the bulk of these penalties were handed out in the last 5 minutes of the game. There did not appear to be any specific correlation with how the game had been called prior to the 3rd period or the goal differential of the game. With the issue of player safety raised, and to keep the FUN in hockey, it was decided that there would be an increase in the number of games suspensions received if the fighting penalty was received in the 3rd period.
We, the Associations, hope that this added deterrent will help keep the fights to a minimum for the coming season. Again, this situation will continue to be monitored throughout the season & if need be, the suspensions will be increased again.
On a positive note - the number of GM20 & GM21 - Disputing Call of Official / Verbal Abuse of Official - called last season went down by 18.8%. The majority of the decrease was attributed to coaches exercising increased restraint during the games. CONGRATULATIONS COACHES!
Unfortunately, there was no notable decrease in the number of calls assigned to the players. We ask that the coaches please reinforce with their players that arguing with or swearing at an official will NOT be tolerated.
Lois Kalchman - April 9 2009
Special to the Star
The Greater Toronto Hockey League announced last night that it has scrapped its controversial player registration fee system and instituted a $6 gate fee for the 2009-2010 season for all players and most fans.
After extensive discussion at a closed meeting, the decision was made to continue with a gate fee rather than an advance player registration fee (PRF) of about $520 per player.
GTHL president John Gardner also announced the formation of a Revenue Generation Task Force to explore new ways to offset league expenses.
"We spent an extensive amount of time consulting and listening to our member teams and in the end it was felt that the $6 gate fee is the best option for this year," said Gardner. "We will spend the next 12 months exploring the PRF and other ideas to determine the best long-term approach for the league and its participants."
Nominate your RBC Local Hockey Leader and watch them carry the flame in the
2010 Olympic Torch Relay
The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program is back and better than ever!
The RBC Local Hockey Leaders program is a nationwide initiative designed to uncover and honour Canada’s most dedicated hockey volunteers. Our distinguished group of panellists, including representatives from Hockey Canada, the Hockey Hall of Fame, will select the winners based on their proven dedication to minor hockey in their community.
This year we are once again selecting fourteen winners -- one from each of Hockey Canada’s member branches and one RBC employee winner.
Each winner will receive:
· special recognition in the Hockey Hall of Fame
· an autographed Team Canada jersey
· $10,000 towards a minor hockey cause in their community
As an exciting addition, each of the 2009 RBC Local Hockey Leader winners will also be given the honour of carrying the Olympic Flame with a team spot in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.
For more information on the program and to nominate your RBC Local Hockey Leader visit www.rbclocalhockeyleaders.com!
The final games for the MHL regular season, up to February 5th, have been posted. Playoffs will begin as scheduled on February 7th for House League teams and February 9th for ‘A’ teams.
Please note; some loops require some additional “make up” games which will extend their regular season to no later than February 12th. Those extended regular season games have also been posted. Following that date, all loops will be involved in playoff games.
Playoff schedules will be posted beginning the week of January 26.
Insurance for tournaments information:
The following are some additional options for obtaining extra coverage outside of the described provisions under the HC policy. (an outing to an Amusement Park while at a hockey tournament would not be covered by the HC policy).
Blue Cross - The OHF indicated many teams have used Blue Cross and received good rates.The Ontario Hockey Federation havehad teams who have picked up insurance through www.hockeyinsurance.ca
As well, BFL Canada is the insurance provider for Hockey Canada. They may be able to fill to help out. Please contact Steve LaCoste at (800) 465-2842.Hockey Canada Insurance information begins on page 43 of the "Safety Requires Teamwork" booklet. (http://www.hockey.on.ca/MHL/html/pdfs/Safety%20Requires%20Teamwork%202008-09)When are you covered?1. Hockey Canada/Branch sanctioned events (league games, tournaments, practices, training camps, sanctioned fundraisers) when playing member teams only!2. Transportation directly to and from the arena or venue.3. Accommodations while billeted or at a hotel during a Hockey Canada/Branch
sanctioned hockey activity.PLEASE NOTE: Member teams include any tournaments sanctioned by Hockey Canada (including those in the United States and abroad) which would be tournaments sanctioned by Hockey USA for example. (Any tournaments outside of the US & Canada require special application).
Hockey Canada bulletin distributed last season about the dangers and hazards associated with locker boxing.
Click on link to the 2008-09 "Safety Requires Teamwork" booklet
published by Hockey Canada.
There is a hockey helmet recall for several models of RBK and CCM Hockey Helmets sold May 2008 to July 2008 (as reported by Health Canada).
