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Being welcomed to Canada’s game

Richmond Minor Hockey's Intro to Hockey program developing puck passion

For all the talented teams he has coached and the championship banners won, Glenn Wheeler’s greatest gratification as a hockey mentor is far removed from the big games.

Since September, Wheeler has been overseeing Introduction to Hockey at the Richmond Ice Centre.

This outstanding program offered by Richmond Minor Hockey provides kids off all ages an opportunity to learn the game at a gradual pace in a non-competitive environment. It compliments RMHA’s immensely popular First and Second Shift programs which are an affordable option for children to discover Canada’s favourite winter pastime. At just $199 for three weekly on ice sessions over six months, Intro to Hockey is also a great deal.

“I am a pretty competitive guy. Last year I was coaching a good group of 2005s (born players) and running these First Shift Programs. I wasn’t sure personally where the satisfaction was going to come from,” recalled Wheeler, RMHA’s director of player and coach development. “But it’s almost the same feeling as holding a provincial banner. It’s way more gratifying because these our kids in my community and you just look at the demographics here.”

The Intro to Hockey participants would make the United Nations proud.

There is 16-year-old Louis Vigneras who grew up playing handball in France but wanted to try hockey and “be Canadian” when his dad’s job transferred to Vancouver. He had never skated before.

“There is just so much movement he smiled. “In handball you mark then go back to defence. Here in hockey you just never stop moving.”

When Shirley Xu came from China she wanted to learn to skate when she found out she could try hockey too. The 15-year-old McMath student has not only made tremendous progress on the ice but is speaking fluent English as well.

“I think I have improved my skating a lot. Hockey is interesting because you can get a lot of energy from it,” she said. “I just want to keep improving.”

Jenny Wang’s son said he wanted to play hockey but she wasn’t sure what to do.

As a beginner skater, Frank was overwhelmed when he initially signed up for community centre drop-in hockey program and joining his Grade 5 friends on a minor hockey team was far too intimidating. Luckily, Wang discovered First Shift and her son has never looked back. He has progressed to the point where he now regularly practices with an Atom team which is part of the program’s transition process when kids are ready.

“When my son was in First Shift he felt like a real star,” said Wang. “I am so proud and so happy. I can’t thank Richmond Minor Hockey enough for helping.”

The introductory programs also caters to those who simply want to try the game at a later age or don’t want to make a huge financial commitment. Richmond Minor has an inventory of used equipment that is available.

“Never was hockey on the radar for my two kids,” said Ron Hill “It was a cost effective way to get them to learn how to skate. Obviously it gets more expensive as you get into it but at this level it’s affordable and there is no pressure.

“It’s given them the chance to get comfortable. It is like a team for them as well. They feel like they are part of something.”

Nicole and Brad Chin echo Hill’s thoughts. Their two boys have progressed through First and Second Shifts and now Intro. Team hockey is on the horizon.

“It’s such good value and good exposure to hockey to see if they like it,” said Nicole. “The atmosphere and the coaches are just great.”

A number of volunteer coaches work with Wheeler to make this program possible. Among them is former RMHA player Jarred Wong.

“I’m just doing my part here,” said Wong. “It’s an exercise of trying to adapt in every situation. I usually work with the weaker kids so I am on my knees on the ice with them half the time. They all love the game and it’s really something watching them learn it. It’s something special about Richmond and how we are open to everyone."

Overseeing the program is RMHA president Carolyn Hart and her husband Richard. She will talk about her association’s success with these programs at the upcoming B.C. Hockey AGM. They also will be continued when Richmond Minor and Seafair merge next season.

“As far as we are concerned, especially in a community like Richmond, it is incredibly important to offer an entry point,” said Hart. “For several of them this is their way to feel like they are part of the community in Richmond and being Canadian. It’s how they gain an identity at school because now they are hockey players.”

The Harts attend nearly every session. Many are so grateful for their efforts.

Brigette Stavrou and her husband Tim moved to Vancouver from England last year. Their 14-year-old daughter Serena was intrigued with hockey before even arriving in Canada, watching games on her laptop.

“I must say the husband and wife who organize this our absolutely amazing,” said Tim. “Serena lives at the rink. I don’t know where it comes from. I have never played hockey and never knew how to skate. Just the way they took in Serena. It’s a fantastic program.”