Hockey heroes honoured by Steinbach hockey community

The Steinbach Minor Hockey Association is celebrating local hockey heroes. 

Jasmine Dyck feels it is important to acknowledge unsung heroes who play a key role in local hockey and in the lives of many children in the area. 

“It started from when I first took over the social media page, as just a hockey mom that wanted to highlight how great our association is, and I thought it would just be a really fun way to show the hockey community and Steinbach, the people that make it possible.” 

From Zamboni drivers to referees to board members and players, Dyck says each person is important to the local hockey community and she wants to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. 

She has been busy this winter, gathering information and photographs of some people who play a key role in making minor hockey a great experience. 

That information is then shared to Steinbach Minor Hockey’s social media pages. 

“And it just gives people the opportunity to tell these people how great they are and how much they appreciate the time that they spent on their kids and the things that the kids love doing.” 

She says these hero highlights are getting a positive response from parents, players and volunteers. 

January’s Steinbach Minor Hockey Hero is Emerson. He and his team played in a U9 tournament in Rosenort when he and an opponent collided while chasing the puck, leaving Emerson unable to move on the ice. 

“An ambulance transferred Emerson and his family to Children’s Hospital with suspected spinal cord trauma. With tremendous joy we are so glad to say that this dude is ok! Because of the intensity of the hit and fall, doctors think it compressed a nerve that caused the temporary inability to feel or move. Thank you to all who prayed for Emerson and his family. And thank you to the teams safety and to the first responders for keeping him safe.” - Facebook.com/steinbachminorhockey

Emerson was able to return to the tournament to cheer on his team. 

In December, U18 Millers head coach Kevin Schellenberg was honoured as a Steinbach Minor Hockey Hero.

Steinbach Minor Hockey recognizes Coach Kevin Schellenberg as a Hockey Hero. (Photo Credit: Facebook.com/steinbachminorhockey) 

“This hero has been coaching with SMHA for 13 years! He began his journey as a U18 coach, but once his own son started playing, he tagged along and coached him all the way from U7 - U18. Kevin says, “I love the game and want to teach other players to enjoy it as much as I have throughout the years.”  

When Kevin isn’t volunteering his time with SMHA he works as an automotive technician, but he’s always thinking of hockey and scheming up new drills for the next ice with the U18 Millers. We are so grateful for your time and passion for the game Kevin! Thank you!!” - Facebook.com/steinbachminorhockey 

In November, the Steinbach Minor Hockey Hero was somebody who lives and breathes hockey. 

Jacqui is passionate about hockey and is the administrative assistant plus the registrar for SMHA. Recognized in November as a Steinbach Minor Hockey Hero. (Photo Credit: Facebook.com/steinbachminorhockey) 

“Jacqui is the administrative assistant and the registrar for SMHA. Which means she’s the face behind the emails. She’s been our registrar for the last 5 years and her focus has always been “what’s best for the kids?” She works hard to make sure they all have the opportunity to play, develop, and mostly have fun!

"When Jacqui isn’t spending her time thinking of the athletes of SMHA, she is thinking of another set of athletes in her role as Client Services Manager for Alpha Hockey Inc, a NHLPA certified agency. When we say this woman lives and breathes hockey, we mean it! Our hockey community is so grateful for you Jacqui and all that you do for SMHA and the 175 registrants that you want the best for.” - Facebook.com/steinbachminorhockey

-With files from Carly Koop.