Posts by vinceplana
Coach’s Corner: Coming back to Storm with Xavier Poulin Norris
From playing U11 A1 to ending his playing career with a U21 Provincial Championship, Xavier Poulin Norris (better known to his friends and teammates as Xav) has had no shortage of highlights during his playing career with NVMHA. And now, in his second year of coaching, he wants to help his team and players create…
Read MoreAnnouncing Your 2024-25 NVMHA A1 Coaches
After an incredibly successful year, we’re thrilled to share that NVMHA has several A1 coaches already confirmed for next season. U11 A1 After winning the U11 Flight 2 League Banner and Playoff Banner, NVMHA alumni Thomas Winckers and Markus Jensen will be returning to coach U11 A1. U13 A1 After a successful campaign with U13…
Read MoreCoach’s Corner: A 20-year coaching career with U18 coach Jim Neal
Jim Neal started coaching hockey 20 years ago, when his second son began playing the sport. And even though his two boys are long gone from the North Vancouver Minor Hockey Association (NVMHA), close friendship with his fellow coaches has kept him coming back every year. The association had the chance to talk with Jim,…
Read MoreStorming into the BCEHL: James Wall becomes GM for the Vancouver North West Hawks
The North Vancouver Minor Hockey Association (NVMHA) is thrilled to share that James Wall has been named General Manager for the Vancouver North West Hawks of the British Columbia Elite Hockey League (BCEHL). Originally established in 2004-05 as the British Columbia Major Midget League, the BCEHL is the premier AAA hockey league in the province.…
Read MoreElevating our game: Introducing the 2024-25 U15 Rep High Performance Program
The North Vancouver Minor Hockey Association (NVMHA) is thrilled to introduce our new, cutting-edge High Performance Program that will be tailored specifically for U15 Rep players for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This program is designed to elevate your game and take you skills to new heights, both on and off the ice. Here’s everything that…
Read MoreWhat is Buddy Check for Jesse? Supporting mental health in hockey
What is Buddy Check for Jesse? In recent years, mental health awareness has become more prevalent than ever. That’s why a Dr. Stu Gershman, a Victoria-based parent and hockey coach, formed Buddy Check for Jesse. The Buddy Check for Jesse Society is a grassroots Canadian charity that was established in Victoria, BC in 2018. The…
Read MoreCoach’s Corner: Building resiliency and connections with Steve Kirkby, U15 C1 Coach
Introduction It’s no exaggeration to say that for Steve Kirkby, hockey has been a cornerstone throughout his life. “A great majority of the people I’ve met in my life, both professional and personal, have both come through that platform of hockey,” he tells NVMHA in an interview. He was born near Toronto in Woodstock, Ontario…
Read MoreCoach’s Corner: Teaching Total Hockey with Daniel Szpakowski, U15 A1 Coach
Coach’s Corner: Teaching Total Hockey with Daniel Szpakowski, U15 A1 Coach As players grow older, the difference in skill level gets smaller and smaller. That’s why Daniel Szpakowski had made it a priority to coach his team to be total hockey players – to differentiate themselves through their decision making, their hockey IQ, and their…
Read MoreA special moment for two generations of NVMHA referees
Becoming a referee is a rite of passage for many North Vancouver Minor hockey players. For some, it serves as a first job. For others, it’s a way to gain a fresh look at the game of hockey and even give back to your community. But when the latest group of NVMHA players completed their…
Read MoreCoach’s Corner: Clarke Saunders, 2022-23 Rookie Coach of the Year
Coach’s Corner: Introducing Clarke Saunders For Clarke Saunders it was almost certain that he’d be coming back to his roots at North Vancouver Minor Hockey Association (NVMHA). The now 23-year-old played with North Vancouver Minor from the age of five to 18. And now, hot off the tails of being the 2022-23 recipient of Rookie…
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