Happy New Year Warriors!
With the regular season underway, and many teams participating in tournaments, we are in the height of our season. It’s wonderful to see the friendships that have developed, both on and off the ice. We have seen many examples of Warriors in the Community lending a helping hand. Community clean up, Christmas hamper preparation and bottle drives help to show our kids and community that we are all stronger when we come together.
Come join us for the Warriors Fill the Rink event January 22 at Crowchild Twin Arena, where we have an assortment of Warriors teams playing throughout the day. All members are encouraged to come out to enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast from 8:00-10:00am and cheer on the NW Warrior teams that will be playing (see schedule here). Many Board Members and Association Volunteers will be in attendance (some flipping Pancakes). This is a great opportunity to catch up with other NW Warrior families and share stories about Esso Minor Hockey Week and the season to date.
The Northwest Warriors are fully committed to supporting a safe, inclusive, and fun hockey community for all players, parents, and coaches, and we firmly stand against harassment and discrimination of any kind. Unfortunately, we know that harassment and discrimination continue to be present in our environment, and it saddens me to hear of each case that arises. However, I am encouraged that reporting is occurring and being actioned, and that processes are in place to support players, families, and coaches to feel safe and confident to report inappropriate conduct. My ask is for our community to commit to a “speak up” culture – encourage speaking up and raising concerns if anyone hears or witnesses inappropriate conduct. Commit to listening and supporting concerns.
I’d like to take this opportunity to raise awareness to the reporting processes which are in place:
Hockey Alberta is committed to ensuring investigations of all maltreatment, bullying or harassment involving participants takes place; more info available here, and incidents can be reported through Hockey Alberta Reporting. Hockey Canada has established an Independent Safe Sport Complaint Process here.
We are committed to creating positive experiences for all who are involved in our association, and we believe in the importance of safety, diversity, inclusion and belonging in sport.
The return to regular hockey has once again given the Hockey Calgary Operations Committee space to return to some pre-Covid initiatives, including the boundary discussion. Shelving the issue as we managed Covid has left some of our northern Associations at somewhat of a disadvantage as we try to maintain competitiveness against the larger southern associations. The subcommittee is looking across all the Associations in the north in an effort to achieve a long-term sustainable balance that is best for all minor hockey players in city. While it remains undecided what the exact impact will be on the existing NWW boundary, you can expect to see boundary changes put in place for the 23/24 season.
Best of luck to all Warriors teams in pursuit of the coveted Esso Minor Hockey Week title, and may you make everlasting memories through the experience!
Janis Rogers, President
Northwest Warriors Hockey Association
