Killam Minor Hockey receives 2015 Hockey Association of the Year award

Killam Minor Hockey recently learned that they have been awarded the 2015 Minor Hockey Association of the Year Award from Hockey Alberta.

Hockey Alberta Executive Director Rob Litwinski said in the notification letter, “This award is presented to an association judged to have made an outstanding contribution to its community by providing properly organized programs where kids can learn the basic skills and the fundamentals of hockey and participate in a fun and safe environment.

“Killam Minor Hockey has truly represented what it means to be a recipient of this award.”

Killam’s Director of Community Services, Charlene Jackson, nominated the group for this award on behalf of the Killam Rec. Board.

In her nomination, she says, “In August, when the ice goes back in, Killam Arena is a place where friendships are forged and renewed, both on and off the ice.

“It is where our Killam Minor Hockey families gather to watch our children develop as players and grow as individuals.

“It is where our community gathers for the ‘big game.’

“The arena is not just about hockey. It defines our community, without an active arena or hockey association bringing people to our town, your community only becomes a place to work and sleep.”

Jackson went on to describe the effective and impressive fundraising efforts of the group, necessary because of the rising cost of running the arena.

She also says, “on top of the excellent programs and opportunities offered, the association works hard to offer low dues, free dues opportunities, discounts for additional programs, payment plans for dues, and supply families with contacts locally and through Hockey Alberta for substance to families in need.”

Jackson summed up her nomination with the statement, “This executive is a group of forward thinkers and gets things done.

“They still meet on a monthly basis year round to plan the many opportunities they will offer the players on and off the ice.

“Not only will this group work to keep this sport alive but the home facility as well.”

Litwinski invited Association President Dwayne Kelndorfer and a guest to attend the 2015 Hockey Alberta BFL Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 13 at the Westin Hotel in Calgary to accept the award.

As a terrific example of forward thinking, other news is that Sedgewick and Killam Minor Hockey decided on April 21 to merge together. The idea is to create one minor hockey association going forward. A committee formed, with members including a group of Killam and Sedgewick people, and worked with Hockey Alberta and other associations on how to go about merging, says Jackson.

They created bylaws and procedures for the new association as well.

Members at large from the 2014/2015 season for both associations took the merger to a vote on April 21, which passed, effective immediately.

An executive for the new association has already been elected.

Jackson says just last week, after a member vote, they have named the new organization the Battle River Knights.

Leslie Cholowsky
Editor