It was a special season for the South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association (SOMHA). And that led to a very special night at the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos April 1.
No, there was nothing to April ‘Fool’ about last week when the minor hockey association invited players, coaches, managers, team personnel, family and friends to take part in a celebration of what took place on the hockey ice this past winter – just a whole lot of smiling faces.
“The success this season has been tremendous both on-the-ice and off. We have from the outset of the season set a course for fiscal and social responsibility as well as fostering a culture and mindset within SOMHA of academic achievement,” explained Jason Bartsch, 2nd vice-president within the association. “What our teams have achieved on the ice has never been accomplished before within our association and to the best of anyone’s recollection never been accomplished within our territory before – a small regional association sending all three representative teams to Provincial tournaments in a given year.”
For the younger players in the Novice and Atom age groups, the awards night provided the opportunity to see what you can achieve when you work together with a group and have a common goal in mind.
And, a trio of South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association teams certainly came together this past season, battling injuries and tough losses, and forging ahead to claim league championships.
Once the Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget Rep teams had achieved that goal, they moved on to the Okanagan Mainline Minor Hockey Association (OMAHA) playoffs, with all three winning titles.
That meant all three South Okanagan teams, for the first time in association history, would move on to play in provincials against the best teams in BC.
Both the Peewee and Bantam teams lost semifinal games, and finished fourth, while the Midgets ended up sixth at provincials. All were honoured during the ceremony.
While the game may be built on winning and losing, Bartsch believes playing minor hockey can give the communities’ youth more than just an education in hockey.
“SOMHA is at a cross-road this year, and we are setting a standard of professional conduct on and off the ice, in the classroom and within the community. We want these kids to become our future community leaders and we hope hockey and athletics will help springboard them to success in all facets of life,” added Bartsch, who believes success on the ice can translate into higher registration numbers in fall. “Absolutely. Since 2013 our registration has increased by 11 per cent and with success like our year this year, it only stands to improve. In addition, we are committed to making the game of hockey as affordable as possible by keeping registration fees low and the value high for all our players and families. Our board this year has been dedicated to finding alternative revenue sources – through grants, sponsorships, and other channels – to maintain our commitment to affordable hockey.”
For Bartsch, speaking on behalf of SOMHA President Dean Maynard, and 1st Vice-President Daryn Pottinger, it was a season to be proud of. He was asked what was going through his mind while standing in front of the entire hockey association during the April 1 ceremony.
“In two words — thank you. Thank you to our players for working as hard as they do each and every minute on the ice. Thank you to our volunteer coaches, managers and support network for making this season one of the greatest success stories of SOMHA’s history. Thank you to our sponsors and financial supporters for their ongoing support and trust in our organization. And a huge thank you to all the parents, fans and families committed to allowing their children to play hockey. Our volunteers and families are the lifeblood of our organization and we can’t thank them enough.”
It is officially spring outside, and hockey diehards may be more interested in finding out if the Canucks will make the NHL playoffs, and how far they will go.
However, at the South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association level, the focus is still on what’s happening on the ice.
“Spring and summer hockey programs are in full-swing, although most remain outside the SOMHA umbrella,” summarized Bartsch. “We are huge proponents of their programs and support their efforts to provide access to hockey for those interested in playing outside of the SOMHA season.”
And with that, another minor hockey season is in the books, with the hope more and more youth will want to sign up for the 2015-16 season – and be a part of one of the most-successful minor hockey associations in BC.
Coming up: The SOMHA AGM April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre.
Dale Cory
Oliver Chronicle
