Hello Humber Valley families,
The 2022-23 hockey season is well underway and our teams and organization have accomplished a lot already! In this update I want to highlight some fantastic new initiatives spearheaded by members of Humber Valley which truly demonstrate the culture of this organization, as well as celebrate the successes of many of our teams.
Buck-A-Puck for ALS Launched by Humber Valley players and their parents this fall after the loss of beloved Humber Valley Coach Steve Daly to ALS, Buck-A-Puck for ALS aims to raise $1 million for ALS research and care in Canada.
All Humber Valley teams are encouraged to participate in the challenge and help raise funds for this incredible cause. Humber Valley will be awarding a party to the team who raises the most by February 28th. All teams, players and families will receive a package detailing the program in the coming days so please keep an eye out. Click here for more details about Buck-A-Puck for ALS.
West End Learn to Skate Program
On November 19th, Humber Valley in partnership with Silver Blades Skating Club, launched a free learn to skate program focused on under-serviced communities within the West End of Toronto. This four week program is entirely free to all participants and includes helmets, skates and transportation where needed.
A tremendous thank you to everyone that helped make this initiative a huge success.
- The Silver Blades coaches and Board of Directors for their support of the program
- Humber Valley coaches who have volunteered their time on-ice to help make sure this program is a success
- All the Humber Valley families for the amazing donations of skates and helmets delivered to our friends at Newson’s Skate Exchange
With a wait list of over 90 people we hope to provide more of these programs in the near future!
Sharks Swag Swap and Central Arena Banner & Trophy Refresh
On December 3rd from 2:30-6pm at Central Arena, Humber Valley will hold our first Sharks Swag Swap in support of Daily Bread Food Bank. The swap will be combined with a long overdue championship banner and trophy update at Central arena.
Everyone is welcome to attend! For those who are able, please bring any clean, gently used Sharks logo swag (e.g. jackets, sweatshirts, etc.) or hockey equipment to swap or just donate for a great cause!
A reminder for this event will be sent next week but please start looking in those closets now!
Sharks Updates
Our Sharks teams have made us very proud this season! Big congratulations go out to the following teams who brought home gold from tournaments that occured throughout October & November.
- U16 A, winners of the Can-Am Challenge Cup in Lake Placid, New York
- U18 AA, winners of the Sylvia Tremblett Silver Stick regional tournament in Georgina. This win secures their invitation the the finals in Sarnia in January. Best of luck to you then!
- U15 A, winners of the Can/Am Challenge Cup from November 11 to the 13th in Montreal
- U11 AA, winners of the London Green and White Tournament November 11-13
- U15 AA, winners of the CanAm Challenge Cup in Ann Arbor Michigan
Way to go Sharks! Take a look at the tournament photo gallery here.
Hockey Canada Assessment Fee
Recently Hockey Canada announced that it will not be collecting the $3/player assessment fee for the 2022-23 season. On November 7th the GTHL informed Humber Valley that given the Hockey Canada announcement the club would not be invoiced for this fee. Our Board is currently reviewing how these uncollected fees will be utilized and we will provide an update on this as soon as one is available.
Humber Valley Fundraising Programs
Mable’s Labels
Support Humber Valley hockey and make sure your player’s equipment keeps coming home! Get personalized (sweat proof!) labels for all of your hockey gear. 20% of all label sales placed by HV families will be returned to our hockey club to support our programs! Visit the link below and choose Humber Valley Hockey Association for the list. Then shop and your labels will ship directly to you for FREE! https://mabelslabels.ca/en_CA/fundraising/support/
Apple Program extended to November 29th
There’s still time to order farm fresh apples in support of Humber Valley! We’re proud to have the support of Oaklane Orchards to help fundraise for our hockey club, by offering families freshly picked apples, delivered to your home. 15% of all apple sales placed by HV families will be returned to our hockey club to support our programs. Use promo code: “sharks” and place your order for Honeycrisp and Gala apples at:
https://www.oaklaneorchards.com/discount/Sharks?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fapples
The culture of our organization is demonstrated day in and out through the enthusiasm and support of this community for all the important initiatives covered today. I want to thank you all for what you have done and continue to do to make sure they are successful. I’m so proud to be part of this organization and I look forward to seeing you at the rink!
Ross Bitove
President, HVHA
rbitove@humbervalleyhockey.com