The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
In his second year as president of the Flin Flon Minor Hockey Association, Les Vancoughnett is ready to take on another season. And this time, Vancoughnett is hoping for some positive changes. "I want to get more people involved," he says. Although he doesn't have a number in mind, he just knows he wants to bring more people on board, both on and off the ice. Vancoughnett is also looking to generate more interest in girls' hockey. "It used to be really big here in Flin Flon and it seems to have died off, and I don't know why," he says. Another change Vancoughnett hopes to make is to have parents more involved. Just like other sports, parents give minor hockey a post-dated cheque for $100. "Every parent is required to volunteer for at least four hours throughout the year. If a parent doesn't do his (or her) volunteer hours, we cash the cheque," he says. He adds, "trust me, I would love to rip up all the cheques." Parents have the opportunity to help out in tournaments, functions and other events. "It would be great if we didn't have to cash so many cheques and more people volunteered," says Vancoughnett. Unfortunately, many people get the wrong idea about minor hockey, he says, mentioning that some wrongly believe that it's "an elite club." "Minor hockey is for everyone and anyone interested," he stresses. As he looks ahead at the season to come, Vancoughnett would also like to see more emphasis on House League hockey. "House is the grassroots of hockey in Flin Flon," he says. With that in mind, the Minor Hockey Association has added a new position to the board - statistician. Vancoughnett hopes that will make a difference. Another way to oomph up the House League is to generate more interest. One method to be tested is a new minor hockey logo. Vancoughnett notes that a contest is being held in which people registering have the option of devising the new logo. In addition the president hopes to make the minor hockey system more affordable. In two simple words, he sums up his goal: "corporate participation." "Canadian Tire has their Jump Start program, which helps families financially with getting their children into sports," he notes, adding that Sport Manitoba also helps fund activities for the kids. When starting out any sport, hockey in particular, Vancoughnett says you have to have the right equipment. The Minor Hockey Association will have some equipment, including shin guards, pants and gloves, up for grabs at its upcoming registration. It was donated by Wal-Mart. "We don't have everything, but we have some stuff," says Vancoughnett, adding that "if someone sees something they can use, by all means they are welcome to it." In Vancoughnett's view, the most important rule when it comes to minor hockey is this: it's all about having a good time. "I would like to see kids go from MSN to TSN. Get into sports, be active and have fun," he says. Vancoughnett also wants to see parents being more interactive when it comes to the sport. "You always hear parents saying, 'It's all about the kids.' Don't just say it, live it," he says. Parents can be more interactive in their child's sport in different ways. "Get out there and hoot and holler. Kids love that," says Vancoughnett. Of when it comes to cheering, there is a line between what is appropriate and what is not. "Keep it positive," he says. While he has high hopes, Vancoughnett says that's all they are this point - hopes. "You can't expect things, you can only hope your numbers go up and parents get more involved," he says. When it comes right down to it, Vancoughnett says the success of minor hockey is simple. "If you don't have kids, you don't have minor hockey and if you don't have parents, you don't have minor hockey," he says. Minor hockey registration will take place Saturday, September 8, from noon-4 p.m. at the Sportex lobby; and again from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, September 14, in the same location.
