To all Chebucto families,
With the U18AA roster recently named, we have now concluded the 2023/24 evaluation process. While it is often a stressful time for parents and players, it is also very rewarding to see players working hard, setting and achieving goals, and more importantly, having fun. Arriving at the Sackville Arena at 7:45amon a Sunday for an exhibition game can be challenging, but when you see the smiling faces of players and goalies going on to the ice to play a game that they enjoy, it really puts things in perspective.
As VP Competitive, I am tasked with setting up the evaluation process and overseeing things as the process plays out. While this is my role, it would not be possible without the help of many, many volunteers, who I would like to take a moment to acknowledge.
While I set things up, it is my evaluation committee that does much of the heavy lifting, often behind the scenes where nobody actually sees the work being done. Without their unwavering support and dedication to seeing things through, setting things up, offering their support and giving it their all for close to 3 weeks, our evaluation process would not happen, period. These individuals are volunteers, often putting Chebucto ahead of their jobs, families, and other things to ensure the process is followed for all players, at all levels.
Our president, Craig Myra, while mandated to oversee the process, also puts in many, many hours to support us in too many ways to mention, again as a volunteer. Through his guidance, this process stays true to form, with the interests of the association and those players in it at the forefront.
Once set up and ready to go, as a volunteer organization, we are only as good as the volunteers in it. To all those people, parent or non-parent, who took the time to act as dressing room monitors, bench assistants, check-in personel, on-ice leads and assistants, evaluators, and any of the many other roles needed to make things work, your assistance is greatly appreciated and does not go unnoticed. A special shout out to Heather Fraser, our VP Admin, whose countless hours coordinating these volunteers makes what could be a very chaotic scene look very calm and collected.
To the parents, getting your players to and from evaluation sessions, ensuring they have everything they need, and supporting them throughout this process is very important, and can be challenging. Supporting your players, and guiding them through a process like this will serve them well as they get older and begin to navigate the "real" world with more independence.
Lastly, to the players, it is my hope that with the process now complete, you will settle into whatever team you are now a part of and be able to enjoy the game of hockey for what it really is. A chance to meet new people, make new friends, continue to make memories, and above all else, have fun. As someone who has been a part of this game for over 40 years, I have many great memories, and many great friendships that came as a result of the game of hockey. I still play, and continue to make friends and create memories every time I set foot on the ice or enter the rink. This has nothing to do with the level I play, and everything to do with what the game really is.
Stephen
VP Competitive
VP Competitive
Chebucto Minor Hockey Association
GrayJay Sports