The legacy of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge became reality for the Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association this month, with the conversion of their drab office under the stands at the Alberni Valley Multiplex to a state-of-the-art coaching and training centre.

The AVMHA and newly-renamed School District Hockey Canada Skills Academy shared a $56,500 legacy grant from the U17 championship played in Port Alberni nearly a year ago. AVMHA president Al McCulloch revealed what the association and academy have done with their grant.

Counters and cupboards were built into the minor hockey office, a computer was bought (with plans for two more and a server), office equipment provided and a video replay system set up.

“More state-of-the-art tools for our coaches and players,” McCulloch said.

New goaltending equipment was purchased in anticipation of rule changes next year; the equipment space will be renovated to make more room and make everything more accessible; and rink dividers were purchased that can separate the main rink into three mini-rinks for mites and novices.

The dividers will also allow rink staff to cordon off an area during public skating for kids to play shinny, if so desired.

Continued / 33

From / 32

The grant will also help pay for equipment for the female hockey development program “to make it better for people who can’t afford it,” McCulloch said.

They’ll also set up an officiating program for females, and encourage all the midget girls to participate.

The hockey academy has set up a bursary with its portion of the grant.

“Hockey is big business in Canada,” AVMHA vice-president Jan Lavertu said. “How does a small community like ours stay competitive with some of the larger organizations?”

The answer, he said, is by educating their coaches as well as their players. The grant enabled the association to buy a web-based program called Flex Coach that coaches can use. They’re able to hire specialty coaches, such as goalie and power skating instructors to better help their own staff.

“We truly believe we will become more competitive in all levels of hockey,” Lavertu said.

He expects the association and hockey academy to sustain its programs through three financial avenues: by raffling off a truck donated by the See Group of Companies (tickets go on sale Nov. 28); with the U17 legacy and by selling advertising in the Coulson Rink.

“All the proceeds (from advertising) will be shared with all Multiplex children’s program user groups,” he said. Money received by minor hockey will be put towards coach and player development and will not go into the general operating fund, he added.

editor@albernivalleynews.com