Appreciation Night

Friday, June 6, we hosted our first post Covid appreciation night , to celebrate all the wonderful volunteers we have at SMHA.  Hockey simply doesn’t happen without volunteers.  SMHA has been very lucky to have some of the very best people who give so much of their time to help our players develop both on and off the ice.  This was demonstrated through the great voter turnout with such positive messages of appreciation from parents. 

U7 Coach of the Year - John Calder

John is in his 3rd year as a volunteer in the u7 program.  John had previously volunteered with SMHA before having his kids join the program.  John is always found in the rink with a smile, willing to help in whatever capacity is needed. He balances fun with learning skills and ensures everyone is able to fall in love with hockey.   His patience and enthusiasm has created a positive environment where all the kids feel supported and excited to be part of a team.  John has been helping organize volunteers and sharing plans to ensure the icetimes run smoothly.  

U9 Coach of the Year - Bryan Mac Doanld

Bryan has been volunteering with SMHA since 2018.  He has spent time in u7,u9 and u11.  This year, and the previous 3 years he has taken on the responsibility of setting weekly plans for the u9 practices. Bryan has coached a u9 team for the last 5 years  Bryan spends many evenings at the rink and consistently shows up for his players. 

Rec Coach of the Year - Dave MacNeil

Dave has been on the benching helping out for the past 5 years.  Dave is the first to lend a helping hand or do anything to ensure the kids have everything they need to have a successful year.  Dave leads by example with kindness and humility.   Never looking for recognition and always willing to learn whatever necessary to contribute.  Dave knows the true value in sports is friendships and its ability to foster kids into good community minded individuals.  

Team of the Year - U11C1 

This team has bonded and became a family in face of heartbreaking tragic loss of Nadine Wadden.  Nadine loved to be in the rink cheering for Chase and all the players.  In the face of this sudden loss, this team lead with leadership from Dave MacNeil, Richard Tubbrett, Alex MacDonald, Justin Bruce, Stephanie Pitchuk and Cavelle MaNeil have created an unbreakable bond for these kids.  Turning hockey to a safe place, the team provided yellow jerseys for each player, Jeff and his daughter which they wore for the entirety of the year.  This isn’t possible without the love and support of each player and their family.  In the face of adversity, these kids have learned the real value in sports.   

Rep Coach of the Year - Ben Gillis

This year was Ben's first year as a volunteer at SMHA.  A former player who graduated  as a SMHA player and is generously giving his time for young players.  The excitement and enthusiasm that Ben & his coaching staff demonstrate for SMHA is admirable.  Their love of the game is visible and we know that is a positive thing for our young players. 

Manager of the Year - Ellen Sampson

Ellen has been a staple at the rink for many years now.  You will see her generously offering to help in whatever capacity is needed.  Ellen continuously puts players first and is able to allow coaches to focus on ice component.  A huge advantage for any coach.  Ellen has clear communication with coaches, parents and SMHA board to ensure all the things are running successfully.  

Volunteer of the Year - Jeff Globe

Jeff spends almost all of his evenings and most of his weekend mornings in the rink.  Jeff has been volunteering with SMHA for the past 7 years.  Jeff continuously steps up to ensure all the kids develop and have the opportunity to be successful.  He has consistently worked with a group of kids which allowed SMHA to offer an u11AA team for the first time in several years.  Jeff can also be found in our u7 program bringing his true love of the game to our youngest skaters! Jeff is always available for conditioning camps, development skates and puts his whole heart into his teams.  He is his players biggest supporter and can be found cheering them on in whatever they do.

While, we don’t typically award board members awards; it did not seem right to not acknowledge in some way the selflessness of these two individuals.  Both continuously give generously quietly in the background never looking for recognition.  Therefore, we equally merit the Pillar of Excellence Award to Chris Cameron & Cathy Field-Currie.

Pillar of Excellence Award - Chris Cameron

While Chris spends countless hours in the rink, he is usually quietly in the shadows.  From planning our conditioning camp, to spending countless hours on the ice during conditioning camp or development nights, to running grayjay, building our development program and managing teams in such an explicit manner that appears seamless but unattainable to anyone else. Chris has mentored other managers and time keepers. He ensures everyone is treated equally in a fair manner to maintain the most positive experience for all players.  He has established the Steel Town Showdown tournament and runs a skills competition in which all players have the opportunity to build friendships and ever lasting memories. 

Pillar of Excellence Award - Cathy Field Currie

Cathy has been a volunteer with SMHA since the centennial days.  Together she and Blaise have raised their kids through the village of friends and families of SMHA.  Cathy has worn many hats over the years, managing many teams.  Cathy has always been an advocate for the players, and she genuinely cares for each of those players throughout the organization.  She has worked quietly in the background building our original $2000 50/50 draw to the successful Cape Breton Minor Hockey Partners Draw.  Cathy has always done this, with the intent to keep more kids in hockey and make it affordable for anyone who wants to participate.  She would never leave a kid not fully suited to be successful, she is consistently encouraging and follows players' success throughout the years.

To all our volunteers & award winners, thank you for your commitment to SMHA and making a positive and lasting impact for our kids and the entire hockey community.