Hockey Alberta celebrated another milestone on Saturday Jan. 24, with the official Grand Opening and celebration of its first Regional Leadership Development Centre (RLDC) in Grande Prairie, AB.
As a direct extension of Hockey Alberta the Regional Centre carries the same vision and goals as the head office in Red Deer, AB; However it is designed as a first contact for members in North West Alberta for all areas of hockey development which may not have been accessible or even available in years prior.
The Hockey Alberta RLDC started on Jan. 3, 2006, with only one employee utilizing a temporary space provided within the Grande Prairie Minor Hockey office. It has now expanded on its own, and has acquired its own space in the Coca Cola Centre.
The Grand Opening was done in true Hockey Alberta style with a day full of events. The days events took place at the home of the new office in the Coca Cola Centre, located at 6 knowledge Way in Grande Prairie, AB.
Beginning at 2 p.m. a President’s Forum was held, hosted by Terry Ledingham, Hockey Alberta President, Wayne Curry, Zone 1 Director and Tim Leer, Senior Manager, Hockey Development. The forum was centered on hockey’s hot topics, including, helmets on coaches, development of the grassroots player and fighting in the game, among others. A reception followed the forum, with the unveiling of the RLDC’s logo and official ribbon cutting, marking the grand opening of the RLDC.
Centennial awards were also presented at the reception and were given to Grande Prairie Minor Hockey Association, Wembley Minor Hockey Association and Fairview Minor Hockey Association for contributions made to the Cenntenial Legacy Fund. Mike Kraichy was also introduced as the newest member to the Hockey Alberta team, he is the new Coordinator, Regional Development at the Grande Prairie RLDC.
Incorporated into the days events was a novice jamboree, coaching seminar and a silent auction with a number of items that included a signed Sidney Crosby jersey, Sheldon Souray autographed jersey and Glenn Anderson signed print among many others.
"We had over 60 kids brave the minus 35 temperature to attend the jamboree Saturday morning. Despite the temperature they were all enthusiastic, energetic and eager to learn," said Mike Kraichy Coordinator, Regional Development Center.
The first part of the coach’s seminar was held in the morning with approximately 25 coaches taking in the classroom session. A few guest speakers were on hand, presenting on a number of topics including developing defencemen and bench management. The second part of the coaching seminar included a question and answer period with the coaches from the Grande Prairie Strom as well as on ice instruction.
"Speaking with the other coaches and the players, everyone had a great time. We are happy with the outcome of both the jamboree and the coaching seminar." Said Kraichy
To wrap up the days festivities the Grande Prairie Storm were host to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at the Coca Cola Centre. In the foyer the silent auction items were set on display and open for bids through the duration of the game.
During the second intermission the RLDC held a frisbee toss with prizes donated from Elite Sportswear and the Westin in Edmonton. Frisbee’s were available to purchase for $5.00 with all proceeds going to the RLDC. The Frisbee toss winner took home a grand prize of a pair of tickets to the Saturday, Feb. 21 Flames vx Oilers game, two vintage Oilers jerseys, one nights accomodation at the Westin Edmonton, two Oilers hats signed by Grant Fuhr, and a few other surprises.
With the silent auction and Frisbee toss a total of $6,650 was raised over the course of the evening for the RLDC.
The event was a great success with the help of everyone involved including local supporters, Ernie's Sports Experts, Grande Prairie Storm, City of Grande Prairie and Grande Prairie Minor Hockey.
"Hockey Alberta was proud to mark this momentous occasion. It is just another step towards development of the game and its up and coming players. We look forward to the continued success of the Regional Center in Grande Prairie and for more centers to open across the province." Said Terry Ledingham, President Hockey Alberta.
For more information on the days events and the RLDC please go to www.hockeyalberta.ca. |
