To review our past 2011-12 season's coverage stories posted click down on our front page which displays hockey reports ranging from TOTS to Feature Stories on former graduates. In addition to our front page stories you can visit of PHOTO LINK at the top of the page where we have many season photo shots taken during the season.

For "former players" you can check out our archive of PAST STORIES LINK which ranges back with hockey stories posted for the past 6 hockey seasons. ENJOY !

For many of our Kind Spporters of our successful weekly 50/50 Draw, please click on our 50/50 Results Link located on our front webpage's left side for a complete list of all this year's PAST WINNERS!.  

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has assigned left wing Quinton Howden to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. In addition, the Rampage have signed right wing Logan Shaw to an amateur try-out (ATO).

Howden, 20, posted 30 goals, 35 assists, and a rating of plus-10 in 52 regular season games with the Moose Jaw Warriors (Western Hockey League) this season. He also added five goals, 10 assists, and a rating of plus-7 in 14 playoff contests. In five seasons with Moose Jaw, the 6-foot-3, 183-pound Howden totaled 111 goals, 128 assists, and a minus-10 rating in 244 games. The Oak Bank, Manitoba native was selected by the Panthers in the first round (25th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Shaw, 19, recorded a combined 20 goals, 21 assists, and a rating of minus-23 in 60 games this year with the Quebec Remparts and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He also registered six goals, five assists, and a plus-2 rating in 11 playoff contests. In four seasons in the QMJHL, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Shaw totaled 60 goals, 59 assists, and a minus-35 rating in 244 games. The Glace Bay, Nova Scotia native was selected by the Panthers in the third round (76th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The Rampage begin their Western Conference Semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Barons on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cox Center. The game can be heard on The Ticket KTRK 760 AM and be seen on AHL Live with Voice of the Rampage Dan Weiss calling all of the action! Please click here to Watch and Listen Live.

Article posted May 1st, 2012: www.sarampage.com

Pictured above Left to Right: Kayla McNamara (Most Improved for Novice Division), Doug Sulliman - Special Guest Presenter, Paige Pimentel (Most Improved Tots Division), Kenneth McKinnon – Coach of The Year, Andrea Battiste (Overall Sportsman Novice Division), Jessica Gracie – Ricky Wrathall Memorial Award (Sportsmanship & Dedication),  Aiden Donovan Most Improved Atom Division), Nathan Doucet (Overall Sportsman Pee Wee Division), Gabby Gillis – (Most Improved for Pee Wee Division), Aimee O'Neill (Overall Sportsman for Atom Division), Travis Christie (Most Improved for Bantam Division), James Matheson (Most Improved player for Midget Division), Jill Doucette (Overall Sportsman for the Midget Division) and GBMHA President – James Edwards. Missing from the photo was Atom AAA goaltender, Seth Crowe who was selected for the Brent Boutilier Memorial Goaltending Award.

Recently our GBMHA held their season closing Awards Night @ the BAYplex. The event was well attended by a cross-section of players, coaches and many proud parents. Glace Bay’s Doug Sulliman was on hand once again to help present and pass out the trophy hardware to our well-deserving recipients. Before the trophy presentations Sulliman passed along several congratulatory messages to the youngsters saying that they should be very proud of the accomplishments during the past season. He stated that “trophies are simply a symbol of all  your effort and hard work, if you have a real passion for something in life, such as hockey or other interests, the hard work always seems much easier”.      

Later in the evening GBMHA president James Edwards made a special sweater presentation to Doug both for his attendance at the Awards Night but moreover for his exceptional effort that he contributed back to GBMH during the past year. Edwards stated that “Doug’s contribution during this past season by attending many hockey events and by offering a helping hand to our coaching staff, has inspired many of our youngsters ". To show our association’s appreciation Edwards presented Doug with a the newest  edition of MINER’s jersey, accented with customized miniature cresting depicting his NHL teams, namely the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Hartford Whalers and Philidepha Flyers.

Congratulations to all our award winners !

For additional photo coverage click on our PHOTO LINK at the top of our website page.   

We caught up to former Glace Bay resident Kirk Furey within this past week and was glad that he was able to spend a little time with us to provide us with an up-date, since leaving home many years ago to pursue the life of a professional hockey player. When we think of  GBMH graduate success stories depending on the age of the reader, we may reflect about a Doug Sulliman in the 80’s or focus on hockey personalities like Robbie Sinclair who starred with Princeton University and then onto semi-pro in the 90’s. In recent years, most of our readership is now focused on Quebec Rampart’s right-winger, Logan Shaw who was recently drafted by the NHL Florida Panthers as Glace Bay’s newest pro hopeful.

For this feature report we are going to look back and reflect back a few more years and share some interesting facts about one of Glace Bay’s “best kept hockey secrets” by the name of, Kirk Furey.

Personal Background:

Kirk Furey was born in Antigonish,NS (January 28, 1976), but in his later years spent the majority of his childhood growing up in the town of Glace Bay. As a Bay-Bye, Kirk states “I am proud to say I spent my best growing years with my family and friends in Glace Bay”. Kirk’s parents are Sandra and the late Jim Furey, while his siblings are his brother Brad and sisters Paula & Tanya. Currently Kirk is playing professional hockey in Austria along with his young family. He is married to Jennifer, from Winnipeg and together, they are the very proud parents of two young “Austrian born” children namely, Brinn Leo a 3 year old daughter and most recently their youngest a son, Skyler James who is a mere four months old.  

Hockey Background:

After three years in the Ontario Hockey League for the Owen Sound Platers, Furey played a year with the Cape Breton Islander's of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League before going to Acadia University and suiting up for the ACADIA AXEMEN of the AUAA. Furey turned pro in 2001 and spent the next three seasons dividing his time between the ECHL's Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies and the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms. In 2004, Furey moved to the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany where he played for the Kassel Huskies and then the Iserlohn Roosters between 2005 and 2007. During the past five seasons 2007-12 he has been suited up with the Klagenfurt AC of the Austrian Hockey League. Furey a veteran right-shooting defenseman this season, has accumulated 30 points, scoring 3 goals and adding 27 assists in 48 games.

 Questions & Answers:

How has your family adjusted to living in Europe specifically Germany & Austria, since leaving hockey your North American residences?

In the beginning it was definitely an adjustment to become accustom to the lifestyle here but I feel that my family and I have adjusted quite nicely to the European and more specifically the Austrian lifestyle.  In terms of lifestyle it has been very enjoyable embracing the culture as the people are very nice and friendly. Our daughter Brinn will be starting school her in September. The cost of living is more in some regards but less in others. The travel in the league is much less than North American Pro Hockey. Travel can be hard on the wear and tear of your athletic body.

The German language is very difficult in my mind but over the years now we've done our best to embrace the language be able to communicate with people in their native tongue. Many people also speak English, but it is also nice to show that you are making the effort to become a part of the community by learning their language.

How does the hockey competition in the European Elite League compare to the level of hockey you played in the American Hockey League and what influenced your decision to make the change to play overseas?

In my opinion I think it is difficult to really compare Europe to North America. The size of the ice makes it a much different game. It is not as physical but in terms of skill and speed on any given night the level could be compared to the American Hockey League. The biggest reason that I decided to come to Europe at the time was I felt at the age of 28 and the point of my career, it was simply the best time for me to make the move. 

Now playing in your 8^th season in Europe what has been your hockey highlight or most outstanding hockey moment so far?

In our Austrian Hockey League, 8 teams make the playoffs and there is just a winner within our league. We don't move on to a European Championship. Since I have been in Europe for sure the highlight of my career was winning a championship here in Klagenfurt 3 years ago.

Everyone from home is always intrigued by the style of European hockey uniforms which look more like hockey billboards?

The main reason European hockey jerseys look like billboards is because it generates a lot of revenue for the teams. When you first come over here the jerseys are a little overwhelming but you get used to it and actually now to see a jersey with no sponsorship is a little different to look at too. It is definitely not a distraction now.

As far as games, how do you find the fan support compared to north American fans, game knowledge, game prices etc…

The fan support where I have played in Europe has been exceptional. The places I have played average about 5,000 a game which for these venues is a sellout. The fans are much different here because they are constantly “making noise” whether it be cheering or booing. Most of the time you can't hear yourself think, but again you adjust. The knowledge of the game varies from city to city. Currently I am playing in a “hockey crazy town”, where the team is over 100 years old, so the knowledge of the game here is very good. Admission prices range from 10 Euros ($13) standing, to 20 Euros ($26) for a seat.

Reflecting back over your hockey experiences…would you have done anything different since leaving home as far as your hockey choices?

There is not one thing I would change throughout my path in my hockey. I had the luxury at a young age of spending some time in the OHL, I also sincerely enjoyed my one season with the Cape Breton Jr A Islanders. My time with Acadia playing with the AXEMEN was also very enjoyable where I had the privilege of playing for a great university and completing a Business Degree. My professional hockey life was also been pretty enjoyable, playing in the AHL was amazing especially after growing up and watching the Cape Breton Oilers play for so many years in Sydney. Finally, my move to Europe has been extremely good and has nicely rounded out my hockey career.

Looking back at playing hockey in Glace Bay, what was your favorite memory?

I think my greatest hockey memory from playing in Glace Bay Was winning the Atom B Provincials. Your first Championship, always leave lasting impressions.

What coach in your hockey career path, had the most impact on your hockey development?

Well to be quite honest with you every coach you have you can take away something from each of them that has helped along the way. I have had more than one coach that taught me something that has really helped my career. Fraser MacGregor was one of my very first coaches, in Glace Bay, who told me as a defenseman, “if you are going to go up the ice 100mph you better skate back 150 mph”. (In other words don't get caught). The other coaches are my brother Brad (Furey) and Sonny MacDougall. They really pushed us in Bantam. After turning professional, Mike Haviland who coached me in Atlantic City (ECHL) and now is the assistant with the Chicago Black Hawks really helped me be a better all-around player. I really feel what he taught me as a professional, has allowed me to keep playing.

What was the best lesson or hockey tip ever given to you?

The best piece of advice I have ever been given was to “never give up, work hard and persevere”.

Who was your hockey idol while playing in Glace Bay Minor Hockey?

Ironically now at the age of 36 as I look back, my favorite player growing up was Doug Sulliman. I looked up to him although he was a forward, I strived to be where he was and I think having him come from Glace Bay and make it to the NHL there was no better person to look up to.

Who do you view as being the best player in the game today and why?

In my opinion Sidney Crosby is the best player in the NHL. He is not only an unbelievably offensively gifted player. But he also showed that he wants to become better by becoming better defensively and also by working to become one of the best faceoff men in the NHL. He is an amazing player.

Who was the most talented player that you played against and who in your opinion is the Best Austrian player in the game to-day?

In my mind it would be Patrick Sharp who is now a right winger with the Chicago Blackhawks and as far as the best hockey player today I would have to say Thomas Vanek of the Buffalo Sabres.

What are your playing expectations in future years?

Currently I have a contract that extends through the 2012/2013 season and I hope that I can play as long as I can. This is a unique opportunity that we have. With that being said, my future must be beneficial for me and my family, as it needs to be a situation where we are still enjoying the experience and having fun. Currently we live just outside Calgary in a town called Airdrie, Alta and in my off-season and we usually return there anywhere from  one to three months each year. Our future plans of life after hockey is still undecided. Coming back to Glace Bay to visit friends and family, is for sure. Work after hockey is a guarantee.

Would A Coaching Be a Possible Career Option Back in Canada?

“I am not quite sure just yet about coaching in the future as I am definitely interested, but to what magnitude that would be, I have not yet decided”.

Team website: http://www.kac.at/ec-kac/team/mannschaft/furey-kirk

Glace Bay Miner's Players Selected for NS Provincial Awards: Left-Right- Emily MacKinnon - Top Goaltender, Bobbi MacCormick - All Star Defense and Anna Campbell is Top Defense Player.

Pictured above are members of the Glace Bay Female Miner's Midget "A" team who went 4-0 and finished runner-up in Nova Scotia Provincials this past weekend in Kingston, NS.

PROVINCIAL NOTES:

GAME ONE: Congratulations to our Glace Bay Miners who scored a 3-1 victory over South Shore in their opening game of the 2012 NS Midget “A” Provincials tonight in Kingston, NS. Miner’s slick skating forward Candea Wadden opened the scoring for Glace Bay in the first period to give the Bay a 1-0 lead. In the middle frame Miner’s Anna Campbell would tally two goals in the contest which included the game winner but also the equalizer as the South Shore replied with a single goal in the same period. For Campbell’s effort she was awarded her team’s Player of the Game.

GAME TWO: Miners shutout Western Valley 5-0. Shutout - Emily MacKinnon. Goals: 1st Period - Danielle MacEachern, and Bobbi MacCormick, 2nd Period: Corinne Heffernan and Mikayla Courtney. 3rd Period: Danielle MacEachern. PLAYER of the GAME:Mikayla Courtney.

Game Three: After East Hants scored the first two goals in the game our Miners stormed back on markers from Corrine Heffernan and Bobbi MacCormick before the 1st period expired. In the middle frame MacCormick notched her second tally in the game at 14:24. Early in the third period East Hants drew even at 3-3 only to have Katherine Shaw stretched the twine to score the Miner's fourth goal and give them a 4-3 lead. Later in the period Mikayla Courtney would score what would later prove the game winner as she made the score 5-3. East Hants made it interesting adding another goal with 5:08 remaining and then went with the extra skater late in the game only to be turned back by a determined Miner's strong defense and solid goaltending. Player of the Game for the Miner's was Bobbi MacCormick.

Game Four: GLCAE BAY 1 PARRSOBO 0. Scoreless first period. Miner's forward Corinne Heffernan scores the eventual game winning goal at 10:19 in the second period. Third period our Miners found themselves short-handed for the last 1:05 but were successful in killing off the penalty to win the game 1-0 over Parssboro. Miner's goaltender Emily MacKinnon earned the shutout victory and was awarded her team's Player of the Game. 

Championship Game: PARRSBORO 1 - GLACE BAY 0. Our Miners faced a determined Parrsboro team who avenged their loss earlier in the day against the miners by playing a disciplined style of hockey and was able to score the only goal in the game on a power play opportunity. Miner's Player of the Game was Kelsie MacLean.

Glace Bay Miner's Players Selected for NS Provincial Awards: Emily MacKinnon - Top Goaltender, Bobbi MacCormick - All Star Defense and Anna Campbell is Top Defense Player. 

(Stay tuned to our website for follow-up photos - check our PHOTO LINK)

NICE JOB THIS WEEKEND "MINERS", YOUR TEAM PLAYED VERY WELL WINNING SILVER !

Pictured above are three Female Pee Wee AA Miner\'s players who competed in the 2012 NS Provincial Championships being held in Colchester this past weekend. From left to right: Mary Wadden - 1st place in Backward Skating; Gabby Gillis - 1st Place in Shootout Goaltending and Leah Byrne - 1st Place in the Stickhandling Competition.

Pictured above are two players from our Glace Bay Miner's Female Pee Wee AA team who recently earned Awards at the NS Provincials Hockey Tournament. On the left, Leah Byrne who captured the Most Valuable Player and Most Goals in the tournament. On the right, Jodi Dauphine who earned an All-Star Defense Award.

Pictured above are members of our Glace Bay Female Miner’s Pee Wee AA hockey team who competed at the Nova Scotia Provincials this past weekend in Debert, NS.

Front row L-R: Emma Yates, Mary Wadden, Leah Byrne, Gabby Gillis, Kaitlynn Hayes, Jodi Dauphinee, Sarah-Jean Lohnes, Robyn MacIsaac. Back row L-R: Steve Grace (Coach) Kelly Hayes (manager), Maureen Wadden (manager), Karlie MacNeil, Nicole McNeil, Hannah McIntyre, Madison Grace, Kali, Hynes, Erica Cameron (Goalie Coach), Doug Sulliman (guest coach) and Derrick Hayes (coach).

The Miners have had a successful season this year as the team won two tournaments namely the Cape Breton West Tournament and then Pictou Selects Tournament.

Other teams vying for the AA provincial title are the Pictou Selects, Cholechester Cylones, Western Valley Vixens and Acadia East Hants.

TOURNAMENT NOTES:

Game One against Pictou MINERS loose a heart-breaker in sudden death overtime...

Game Two - Miners score with :28 seconds remaining in game to defeat Colchester. The win was important for the Miners to get in the win column but it also was a NORTHERN CONFERENCE CHAMIONSHIP game as well. GLACE BAY MINERS CLAIM NORTHERN CONFERENCE PEE WEE A LEAGUE TITLE...congratulations girls !!! 

NS PW AA PROVINCIAL SKILLS COMPETITION: First Place Winners - Shootout: Goaltender Gabby Gillis (Miners), Backwards Skate: Mary Wadden (Miners), Stickhandling: Leah Byrne (Miners). 

Pictured above are members of our Glace Bay Miner's Midget "C" hockey team who won Silver Medals in the Nova Scotia Provincial Tournament at Stellarton this past weekend.

Front Row L-R: Darren MacGillivary, Brandon Boland, Ryan Blois, Anthony MacGillivary, Kenzie Wadden, Cody Janes and Adam Roach. Back Row L-R: Shelly Syms (Coach), Justin Bert, Connor Bert, Blake Syms, Brendon O’Brien, Jordan Gibson, Jordan MacNeil, Patrick O’Leary, Cody Oliver and Dan MacDonald (Coach). Missing from photo: James Matheson, Anthony Byrne and Chris MacIntyre. 

(Stay tuned to our website for follow-up photos - check our PHOTO LINK)

Congratulations MINERS !... For Winning Silver Medals @ NS PROVINCIALS ! 

Any teams "not participating in future tournaments or Provincials playoffs", should be collecting your team’s hockey jerseys. It is the responsibility of the coach/manager to ensure that every team jersey is washed/dried and returned and should be OK for storing during the off-season. Once all team jerseys have been collected, please contact our Equipment Manager, Gary Gracie (H-849-8185 or C-565-6418) to make arrangements for drop-off.

Tracey Hanrahan
Office Manager -GBMH

Pictured above are members of our ATOM FEMALE MINERS who competed in the NS Provincials March 23-25 in Pictou. Front row L-R: Leeann McMullin, Claudia Lohnes, Zoe McKinnon. Middle row L-R: Kaitlyn MacLean, Kelsie MacDonald, Madison Capstick, Loren Hill, Eilidh Arsenault, Abby MacNeil, Sarah-Lynn Jewells. 3^rd Row L-R: Christina Wong, Kaitlyn O'Neill, Brooke Kelly, Braelee Hiscock, Eva McDougall, Emma Penney, Elizabeth Campbell, Kate MacNeil, Madison MacDonald. Back row L-R: Coaches Colin Campbell, Danny McDougall and Brad Penney.

Glace Bay defeated CB County 2-1 to finish 4th at the Atom Girls Provincials.  Braelee Hiscock scored both goals for Glace Bay and was named Player of the Game. Miner’s goaltender Claudia Lohnes also had a very strong game between the pipes.   

In the earlier Provincial round-robin games other Player of the Game Award winners - Emma Penney, Madison Capstick and Kelsie MacDonald.
 
The girls had a great time at Provincials.  It was a fantastic experience even though we were in tough against some of the teams.  It was great to end the season with a close game against County.  This concludes a very successful season for the very first Glace Bay Atom Girls hockey team.  Good job girls!

Female Atom, last updated Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:16 PM

Game	Home	Score	Away	Score	Date/time	Venue (surface)
1	TASA/Chebucto Gold	6	Pictou County	5	Fri Mar 23, 2012 4:00 PM	Hector Arena
2	CB County	0	Acadia/West Hants	14	Fri Mar 23, 2012 6:00 PM	Hector Arena
3	Glace Bay	1	TASA/Chebucto Gold	12	Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:00 PM	Hector Arena
4	Pictou County	13	CB County	0	Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:30 AM	Hector Arena
5	TASA/Chebucto Gold	2	Acadia/West Hants	1	Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:30 AM	Hector Arena
6	Pictou County	15	Glace Bay	0	Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:30 PM	Hector Arena
7	CB County	1	TASA/Chebucto Gold	7	Sat Mar 24, 2012 4:00 PM	Hector Arena
8	Acadia/West Hants	17	Glace Bay	0	Sat Mar 24, 2012 6:00 PM	Hector Arena
9	Glace Bay	2	CB County	1	Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:30 AM	Hector Arena
10	Pictou County	6	Acadia/West Hants	5	Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:30 AM	Hector Arena
11	TASA	4	PICTOU	5	Sun Mar 25, 2012 2:00 PM	Hector Arena

Congratulations to Emily Routledge who scored 5 goals and added 2 assists to win the 2012 Female Bantam "A" Scoring Award during the Nova Scotia Provincials, March 23-25 in Halifax. Of the 10 goals scored by the Miner's during their round-robin play, Routledge made a scoring contribution on 7 of her team's tallies.

Pictured above are our members of our Glace Bay MINER's Bantam "A" team.

	Female Bantam A, last updated Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:17 PM

Game	Home	Score	Away	Score	Date/time	Venue (surface)
1	Eastern Shore	2	Halifax	0	Fri Mar 23, 2012 4:00 PM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
2	Yarmouth	2	Antigonish	1	Fri Mar 23, 2012 6:00 PM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
3	Glace Bay	2	Eastern Shore	3	Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:00 PM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
4	Halifax	0	Yarmouth	4	Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:30 AM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
5	Eastern Shore	0	Antigonish	5	Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:30 AM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
6	Halifax	2	Glace Bay	6	Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:30 PM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
7	Yarmouth	2	Eastern Shore	2	Sat Mar 24, 2012 4:00 PM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
8	Antigonish	5	Glace Bay	0	Sat Mar 24, 2012 6:00 PM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
9	Glace Bay	2	Yarmouth	3	Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:30 AM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
10	Antigonish	7	Halifax	1	Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:30 AM	Centennial Arena, Halifax
11	Yarmouth	0	Antigonish	2	Sun Mar 25, 2012 2:00 PM	Centennial Arena, Halifax

Congratulations to Dick Wall, from Sydney, NS, Sydney, who just won $48369.50 in our last weekly 50/50 draw for the 2011-12 hockey season.

To view MINER'S Pictures from the tournament "Click on Our PHOTO Link" at the top of our webpage. 

Atom AAA, last updated Tue Mar 13, 2012 10:11 PM

Game	Home	Score	Away	Score	Date/time	Venue (surface)
1	Acadia	7	South Shore	1	Thu Mar 22, 2012 12:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
2	Antigonish	8	Glace Bay	0	Thu Mar 22, 2012 2:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
3	TASA	2	Dartmouth	2	Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
4	South Shore	4	CB County	3	Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
5	Dartmouth	3	Antigonish	2	Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:00 AM	Antigonish Arena
6	South Shore	0	TASA	6	Fri Mar 23, 2012 10:00 AM	Antigonish Arena
7	CB County	1	Glace Bay	3	Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
8	Dartmouth	1	Acadia	3	Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
9	Antigonish	4	South Shore	1	Fri Mar 23, 2012 4:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
10	Glace Bay	2	TASA	3	Fri Mar 23, 2012 6:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
11	Acadia	11	CB County	0	Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
12	Glace Bay	1	Acadia	3	Sat Mar 24, 2012 10:00 AM	Antigonish Arena
13	TASA	4	Antigonish	4	Sat Mar 24, 2012 12:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
14	CB County	0	Dartmouth	7	Sat Mar 24, 2012 4:00 PM	Antigonish Arena
15	Acadia	5	Antigonish	4	Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:30 AM	Antigonish Arena
16	Tasa	4	Dartmouth	2	Sun Mar 25, 2012 10:30 AM	Antigonish Arena
17	Acadia	5	Tasa	1	Sun Mar 25, 2012 2:00 PM	Antigonish Arena

Congratulations to Logan Shaw who came out flying in his Quebec Rampart's opening playoff game Thursday night against their rival Drummondville Voltigeurs. Logan scored 1 goal and assisted on another to earn the game "1st Star" selection in their 5-2 win to take a 1-0 game lead in the series.

Additional Note: Logan also picked up 1st Game Star in his team's last game of the season as the Ramparts edged Chicoutimi 2-1. Shaw assisted on Mikhail Grigorenko's (40th goal of the season) game winner.

Pictured above are members of our Glace Bay Miner's Bantam AA who are sporting some nice trophy hardware following the Cape Breton Bantam AA Hockey League's closing banquet held at the BAYplex Saturday evening. 

L-R: Doug Sulliman (Special Guest), Travis Lynk - League's Top Goal Scorer and 1st All-Star Team Forward, Matt O"Brien - 2nd All-Star Team (Defense), Dylan Burchell - Miner's Coach's Award, Logan Cooke -2nd All-Star Team Goaltender, James Edwards (GBMH President) and Jordan MacInnis - League's Most Valuable Player and 1st All-Star Team Forward.

(Additional Photo on PHOTO LINK)

Congratulations to Glace Bay Miner Jordan Breen who was named to the Cape Breton Midget AAA All-Star Team named during the league's closing banquet this past weekend. Also receiving recognition was Miner's player Brent Huang who was awarded his team's Coach's Award.

In the above photo are L-R: Goaltender - Brandon Langlois Sydney Steelers, Defense - Brett Walker  CB West Screaming Eagles, Defense - Dan Keough Sydney Steelers, Forward - Rhett Sheppard New Waterford Sharks, Forward - Keegan Marcott CB West Screaming Eagles, Forward - Jordan Breen Glace Bay Miners

(photo submitted)

(Glace Bay Miner's forward Brandon Tutty reaches out to convert a good scoring chance early in the third period in order to get his team back in the game.) 

In Bantam A Regional Play-downs today in a game played at the BAYplex the home-town Miners sustained a crushing set-back by dropping a 6-3 contest to the visiting Pictou County Crushers. The Miner’s last chance to advance in this year’s regional NS Provincials will be Monday evening at the BAYplex when they meet their league rival CB County Islanders.

In Sunday’s playoff game Miner’s goal scorers were Connor Horroun, Breton Talbot and Jared MacIsaac. The Miner’s had plenty of support on their markers as Bret Pimentel, Brett MacDonald, Brandon Tutty, Brandon Carabin, Austin Bigley and Mitchell MacMullin all earned one assist on the three goals.

Good luck Monday evening MINERS ! Game time set for 6PM @ BAYplex.

(Pictured above Miner’s forward Trenton Gove #7 from behind the net, makes a nice tape-to-tape pass to an open team-mate out in font who converts a one-timer shot on goal only to have Shark’s goalie Mitchell MacNeil slide across to make a spectacular save.)  

Glace Bay Miner’s needed a big home-ice win tonight as they hosted the New Waterford Sharks in an all important NS Provincial Regional Pee Wee A qualifying game. The short staffed Miners gave their best in the game showing lots of hustle, but came up a bit short against the Sharks. As a result of New Waterford’s 5-2 victory they will now advance to Dartmouth, where they will compete in the NS Provincials at the end of March.

Scoring for the Miners was Christan Jackson and Tyler O’Leary. In the assist department Luke MacDonald and Mitchell Hoffman chipped with one apiece.

Scoring for the Sharks: JT Hawley, Carson Guyaux, Justin MacDougall, Josh Conrad and Jackson Desveaux.  

Great effort given from our Miner’s during this 2011-12 hockey season and Best of Luck to the SHARKS @ the PROVINCIALS !

Once again this year our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association is going all out to host 20 Novice hockey teams in the 2012 Hockey Jamboree as a fun-filled family event. Perhaps the biggest change has been the switch from the BAYplex to the Dominion Rink because of scheduling conflicts due to previous bookings. A spokesman for the event, Bill O’Brien states that “the change of location has not impacted our event what so ever as we have teams not only from Glace Bay, but also Sydney, Northside, Cape Breton County, New Waterford and finally one from Cheticamp who was experiencing a hockey road trip to Dominion for the first time”. In addition to lots of on-ice hockey, the organizing committee has provided the youngsters will have plenty of food and beverages throughout the weekend and have taken great strides to make the Jamboree a fun-filled family March Break event.

At  today’s Jamboree Official Opening, the novice-aged youngsters provided a special moment as one of the organizer’s Suzanne O’Brien directed a Special NHLer NOVICE Player Choir through a nice rendition of O’Canada. Following their applauded performance the next task was to have the opening face-off. For this, the organizers had a special guest on hand by the name of Doug Sulliman a former minor hockey player and ex-NHL player/coach who was hand to drop the puck and sign some anticipated autographs. (see photo link)  

Pictured above for the “official opening face-off”, back row L-R: James Edwards (President GB Minor Hockey),  Kevin Saccary (CBRM Councilor), Geof MacLellan (MLA Glace Bay), George MacDonald (CBRM Councilor) and John Morgan (CBRM Mayor).  In the front L-R Praker Hanrahan (Novice Player), Special Guest – Doug Sulliman (Former NHLer) and Mathew Crane (Novice Player).  

(For more photos click on our PHOTO LINKS)

(In the above game photo Islander's team captain lobs a high pass out front to team-mate Kenzie Lahey #14 in an attempt to convert a one-timer pass, as Miner's player's Victoria MacIntyre #3 and goaltender Logan Cooke keep an attentive eye on the floating puck.)  

Play got underway this evening in the Cape Breton Island Bantam AA League Championship, now known as the 2012 Cape Breton Cup. Five Cape Breton teams are competing not only for the league championship but moreover, the top two teams come Sunday will be advancing to represent Cape Breton at the NS Provincials later this month.

In tonight’s first game match-up the 1^st place Cape Breton County Islanders hosted the 2^nd seeded Glace Bay Miners in a classic rival contest. Islander’s forward Kenzie Lahey broke the ice on the score-sheet as he tallied the game’s first goal on a play with Noah Perry and Tyler Lund at the 9:07 mark. The Miner’s would rebound back with 4:38 left in the period as Zach Politte scored his team’s equalizer on a nice unassisted individual effort making the score 1-1.   

Both teams played through a scoreless middle frame as the fans in attendance were treated to some entertaining hockey.  In the third stanza, both goaltenders continued to be the difference as they kicked aside all scoring drives up until the 3:37 mark when the Miners quickly took advantage of an Islander penalty infraction. With the face-off deep in the Islander zone, Miner’s forward Jordan MacInnis won the draw and then released a split second tape-to-tape lateral pass over to Tristan White who made no mistake re-directing the puck to the open side of the Islander cage. With the score now 2-1 late in the game, Miner’s speedster Ian MacQueen received a stretch pass from Kyle Rideout and broke through a pair of Islander D-men and then slid the puck into the Islander net to tally his team’s insurance marker at 2:25 which was enough to put the game away.  

Miner’s goaltender Logan Cooke picked up the victory and also earned his team’s Player Of The Game award. Islander’s goal scorer in the game, Kenzie Lahey picked up his team’s Player Of The Game Award.

TOURNAMENT SUMMARY

#	DAY			Visitor		Home
1	Thursday	5:oo		Glace Bay 3		CB County 1
2	March 15th	6:30		Strait Richmond 2		Sydney 6
3		8:00		CB County 6		Northside 1
4	Friday	11:00		Northside 1		Glace Bay 3
5	March 16th	12:30		Strait Richmond 0		County 6
6		2:00		Sydney 4		Glace Bay 6
7		3:30		Northside 2		Strait Richmond 3

	DAY			Visitor		Home
8	Saturday	10:00		CB County 6		Sydney 0
9	March 17th	11:30		Glace Bay 2		Strait Richmond 2
10		1:00		Sydney 4		Northside 4

The top 4 teams based on tournament play advance to the semi-finals.

11	Sunday	9:00		Sydney 3		Glace Bay 2
12	March 18th	11:00		Strait 1		County 3

The two semi final winners advance to the Provincial Championship Tournament.

13

Sunday, March 18th

2:30

SYDNEY 1

CB COUNTY 6

Winner is CB Cup League Champion: COUNTY ISLANDERS

Congratulations to Gavin MacQueen a young defenseman who plays for our Glace Bay Atom AAA Miners hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. Gavin and his team travel to Antigonish next weekend to compete in the NS Provincials. To view Gavin's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

This past weekend our Glace Bay Wolverines won the Barry Lush Memorial Pee Wee Metro Tournament. The tourney hosted a total of fourteen teams representing many associations throughout our local area. In round robin play the Wolverines finished with 2 wins and a tie to finish first in their division. In the semi-final game the Wolverines defeated Glace Bay Maineiacs 5-2 with Christian Murphy being selected player of the game. In the championship game Glace Bay Wolverines skated to a 4-1 victory over their rival County Eagles 4-1 to win the title. Jordan MacNeil earned the award for Player of the Game.

During round robin play Wolverine players Braydon Chaput ,Chad Pond and Allister McNeil earned Player of the Game. During the round robin portion of the tourney the Wolverines edged the County Wolves 7-5, in game two they sawed off a 5-5 tie against the Glace Bay Maineiacs and then went on to nip the Strait Richmond Pirates 4-3.

Team members are: Justin Routledge, Chad Pond, Allister MacNeil, Brayden Chaput, Will Campbell, Nathan Doucet, Micheal Aucion, Christian Murphy, Brandon Boutilier, Jordan MacNeil, Riley Smith, Keeghan Comer, Josh Bordon, and Brandon White.

Congratulations Wolverines !

(photo submitted by team)

Congratulations to our Glace Bay Atom Miners who were declared the CAPE BRETON CUP Champions by defeating their rival Cape Breton West Eagles 3-2 Sunday at Dominion Rink. The Miners went into the final game with 3-0 record while the Eagles went 2-1 with their only loss being against our Miners.

Miner’s captain Dylan McDonald opened the game’s scoring with 1:48 remaining to put the Bay in the first on a nice unassisted effort. In the second frame Eagle’s player Thomas MacNeil converted his team’s first tally on a play Chase Ellis and Mathew Ellis to even up the score 1-1. One minute later Miner’s sniper, McDonald answered back for Glace Bay as he lit the lamp for his second marker with the help of team-mates Liam Burke and Adam Wilson.

With the Miners heading into the final period with a 2-1 lead they knew the Eagles would eventually get some scoring chances so they focused on a “defense-first” position starting out. Eventually as the period wound down within the two-minute mark Bret Baxter sent a stretch pass up to Dylan McDonald. Their captain broke in on the right wing and unleashed a snap wrister from the top-circle that found the left top shelf of the Eagle’s cage to give the Miners some insurance up 3-1. The Eagles called a time-out to organize a rally strategy including sitting their goaltender in favor of an extra skater. The Eagles immediately went up ice pressuring the Miners into a turnover resulting in Chase Ellis scoring their team’s clutch goal with just 1:30 remaining. For the balance of the period the Miner’s goaltender Seth Crowe stood tall to defend his goal and the rest of his team-mates dug down deep to defend their zone until the buzzer sounded.

As a result of winning the game the MINERS not only won the Cape Breton ATOM AAA League title, the CAPE BRETON CUP. With clinching the Cape Breton title they have now earned a spot to represent Cape Breton in the up-coming NS PROVINCIALS March 23-25 in Antigonish.

Other team members include: Dylan Rosnok, Tye Clarke, Gavin MacQueen, Aimee O’Neill, Nicholas Pastuck, Alec Campbell, Xavier Johnson, Colin Rosta, Nathan MacMillan, Tytan Donovan, Ty Tracey and Colton Boutlier. Coaching staff includes: Greg O’Neill (Head Coach), Tyler Lynk and Stephen Horyl (Assistant Coaches), Tyler Baxter (Team Manager) and Philip O”Neill (Trainer).

Pictured above are two proud youngsters who recieved special recognition for their strong performances in this past weekend's NS Pee Wee AAA Hockey Provincial Tournament.

Left to right Hunter Bettens Miner's team captain who received the 2012 NS Provincial Tournament "Sportsmanship Award". On the right is Chad O"Neill who earned a well-deserved forward position on the 2012 NS Provincials "All-Star Team".

Congratulations to both players and to all other Miner's team members including their coaching staff for a successful tournament. 

In today’s 2012 Nova Scotia Provincial Pee Wee AAA Championship Game played at the BAYplex the Bedford Blues skated to a well-earned 2-0 victory over our Glace Bay Miner’s. The stage was set for an exciting re-match as the local hockey fans came out in great numbers to support our Miners. Glace Bay had plenty of great scoring chances in the first period as both teams’ traded end-to-end close calls. In the middle frame the Blues took charge of the game scoring twice and then established a close-checking style of play that shut down the Miner’s offense for the balance of the period. In the final stanza, Miner’s puck-stopper Kaine Drake was the difference as he turned back all of the Blues drives while trying to give his team a chance to generate some scoring chances. In the dying minutes of the game our Miner’s pressed hard creating some goalmouth action but just couldn’t find a way to finish off their chances.

Miner’s goaltender Kaine Drake was an obvious pick for his team’s Player of the Game Award for his spectacular effort.

The MINER’s team and coaching staff should be very pleased that their team played so solid all weekend and gave their best effort right up until the final buzzer sounded. Not only did the team play hard but moreover they represented Glace Bay very well by showing great sportsmanship. Heading into the tournament everyone dreamed of winning the Championship but after all the fans left the building looking back at your effort you should be very proud that you finished second in our province capping off what was a great hockey season.

 Cody Smith, Chad O'Neill, Hunter Bettens, Cameron Yates, Connor Campbell, Kaine Drake. Drew Baxter, Dylon Turnbull, MacAulay McDougall, Brandon MacLean, Logan Struthers, Dylan Pimentel, Chase Fraser, Dylan Burke, Parker Spencer, Logan Bresowar, Logan Burke. Barrie Campbell (Head Coach), Jamie Struthers (Assistant Coach), Travis Turner (Assistant Coach), Philip O'Neill and Mark Bettens (Team Manager). 

The Miners would like to extend a "special thanks" to GB Minor Hockey for submitting the application to host this provincial tournament this year. Also a SINCERE THANKS to all the VOLUNTEERS who worked so hard all weekend to make this tournament a memorable experience for our team and all our visitors. 

Pictured above are members of our Glace Bay Miner’s hockey team which won SILVER MEDALS in the 2011-12 Nova Scotia Provincial Pee Wee AAA Hockey Championship played at BAYplex this past weekend. 

Front Row (L-R): Cody Smith, Chad O'Neill, Barrie Campbell (Head Coach), Hunter Bettens, Jamie Struthers (Assistant Coach), Cameron Yates, Connor Campbell, Kaine Drake. Back Row (L-R): Drew Baxter, Dylon Turnbull, MacAulay McDougall, Brandon MacLean, Logan Struthers, Dylan Pimentel, Chase Fraser, Dylan Burke, Parker Spencer, Logan Bresowar, Logan Burke and Mark Bettens (Manager). Missing from Photo Travis Turner (Assistant Coach) and Philip O'Neill (Trainer). (photo submitted by team)

In addition to their runner-up Silver Medals won this past weekend, overall, the Miner’s finished strong capturing 1^st place in the Cape Breton Pee Wee AAA League. Based on their 25 game regular schedule they finished with a record of 20-4-1 for a total of 41pts including a combined league leading 118 goals scored and only allowed 37 against.

In addition to their busy regular schedule the team displayed strong showings in their tournament play, winning 3 out of the 4 tournaments that they competed in. The Miners won Gold in their first tourney at the Antigonish’s Bill Chisholm Memorial, defeating Truro (province’s #1 seed) by a score of 2-1 early November. Glace Bay then travelled to the Northside just two weeks later where they captured the "Bobby Joe Ryan" tournament. The Miner’s rounded out their third Pee Wee AAA tournament victory by defeating TASA in the 25th Anniversary - McDonald Gallagher Cape Breton County.

Pee Wee 2012 Provincial Summary – BAYplex Rink, Glace Bay

Thursday March 8th, 2012

 12 PM - 2 PM Halifax 2  vs Truro 1

 2 PM - 4 PM South Shore 1 vs Glace Bay  5

 4 PM - 6 PM Sydney 2 vs Bedford  8

6 PM - 8 PM CB West 3 vs Halifax  2

 Friday March 9th, 2012

 8am-10am Glace Bay 9 vs Sydney 2

 10am-12pm Bedford 1 vs Halifax 0

 12pm-2pm South Shore 5  vs CB West 6

 2pm-4pm Truro 1 vs Sydney 5

 4pm-6pm Halifax 1 vs Glace Bay  2

 6pm-8pm Bedford 4 vs South Shore 1

 8pm-10pm CB West 4 vs Truro 2

 Saturday March 10th, 2012

 10am-12pm Truro 2 vs South Shore 2

 12pm-2pm Glace Bay 3 vs Bedford 4

Individual Skills Competition (Glace Bay, Sydney, CB West, Truro, South Shore, Bedford, Halifax) 

 4pm-6pm Sydney 6 vs CB West 6

 Sunday March 11th, 2012

8:30am- BEDFORD BLUES 8  vs SYDNEY STEELERS  3

10:30am-12:30pm GLACE BAY MINERS 5 vs CAPE BRETON WEST  0

Provincial Title Championship Game

Bedford Blues 2  vs  Glace Bay Miners 0

Miner’s forward Dylon Turnbull #10 creates a close-in scoring chance as the puck just misses the short side of the CB West net during the third period

 In this Morning’s semi-final game against Cape Breton West Eagles our Glace Bay Miner’s came out with lots of jump showing their opposition that they were determined to get to the “Big Show” in the afternoon for a chance to win a Provincial crown. The final score was a convincing 5-0 count which advances Glace Bay to a re-match against the Bedford Blues @ 2:00pm.

Scoring for our Miner’s was Dylan Pimental who stretched the twine twice while team-mates Chad O’Neill, Cameron Yates and Connor Campbell each lit the lamp once. In the assist column Cameron Yates, Logan Bresowar, Brandon MacLean and O’Neill all chipped two helpers apiece while Connor Campbell and Logan Struthers added one each.

Connor Campbell was awarded the Miner’s Player of the Game.

Miners now get ready for the Provincial title game later today.

(Miner's forward Chad O'Neill is shown fending off three Bedford Blues defenders to score Glace Bay's first goal of the game).

Going into todays game, both teams were boasting a 3-0 provincial tournament record so the large crowd at the BAYplex knew they would see a top notch hockey game. Bedford opened the scoring at the 13:40 mark to take an early lead but before the period ended Glace Bay answered back with two goals of their own. Miner’s forward Chad O”Neill drove to the net and pounced on a loose puck sitting in the crease to score the first marker. Cameron Yates and Connor Campbell earned assists on the play. Then with 4:26 left to go in the period Logan Struthers and Yates cycled down low to free up a pass out to O’Neill who one-timed a short-side shot to tally his second in the game.

In the middle period the Blues countered with their second to lock the scoreboard at 2-2 setting the stage for an overtime-like final period. Bedford made the first move scoring at the 9:00 minute mark. Just prior to flicker of the goal light, Miner’s puck-stopper Kaine Drake made two spectacular crowd-pleasing saves and finished his effort with an acrobatic dive across the crease stopping the third attempt. Less than a minute later O’Neill and Brandon MacLean teamed up to get the puck back to Miner’s blue-liner Hunter Bettens who unleashed a high blast from the point that went top shelf squaring the contest back up at 3-3. In the final minute the visiting Blues took advantage of a turnover inside the Miner’s end and scored a late goal with :08 seconds showing to get the win.

Glace Bay's forward Chad O'Neill who had two goals and an assist was awarded their team's Player Of The Game.   

Scoring for Bedford in the game was Keenan MacIsaac, Kynan Berger, Rhys MacKenzie and Regan MacDonald.

Despite the slight set-back, our Miner’s are still very much in contention for the all important provincial title as they already secured a playoff position based on their tournament 3-1 record. Their opposition and exact game time for Sunday morning will be determined later today when the final games are played.

A spokesman for the team stated that they are very pleased with the local fan turnout at all the Miner's games and it is their hope that they will continue to support the Miner's into CHAMIONSHIP SUNDAY !  

For More Tournament Photos Visit our PHOTO LINK

(In the above game action photo, Miner's forward Dylan Pimental breaks through the Steeler defense to create one of his scoring chances in this morning's game). 

The Glace Bay Miners are now sporting a 2-0 record after defeating their local rivals, Sydney Steelers 9-2 at the NS Provincial Play-downs this morning at the BAYplex. The hometown squad flexed some timely offense in the match two goals in the first, three in the middle frame and then sealed the game with four tallies in the final period. 

Miner’s sniper Dylan Pimental led the charge by notching a natural hat-trick and team-mate Chad O’Neill drew a brace of tallies in the game. Cameron Yates, Brandon MacLean, Parker Spencer and Connor Campbell rounded out the goal scoring department.  There were a number of good playmaking efforts as well as Logan Bresowar, Yates and Campbell recorded three assists apiece while Drew Baxter and O’Neill chipped in with single helpers. Miner’s puck-stopper Kaine Drake played a solid game in goal to earn his first win in the tournament.

Sydney Steeler goals came off the sticks of Colton Marchand and Derek Gentile while Aston Paul drew an assist on each of their goals and Mark Bates added one.

Glace Bay’s Player of the Game went to Dylan Pimental while Colton Marchand earned POG for Sydney.

Miner’s ht the ice later this afternoon when they face-off against the Halifax Hawks @ 4:00Pm.  

MORE PHOTOS on OUR PHOTO LINK ...

(In the above game photo Chad O'Neill makes good on his late game shot to tie the game with 1:18 remaining in regulation time.)

The Miners third game of the NS Provincials was by far their most dramatic according to the many fans who witnessed this afternoon’s game against Halifax. Glace Bay went into the game riding a two game win record while Halifax found themselves in a “must-win” situation, dependant upon Saturday's final results. Both teams displayed an excellent brand of playoff hockey during the first two periods of scoreless action which had several hundred fans watching from the edge of their seats.

As the third period got underway the hometown team found themselves back on their heels while trying to kill off a penalty situation. Halifax Hawk’s forward Ian Drysdale took a pass from Sam Allison at the 13:10 mark to convert a power-play marker making it 1-0. The goal seemed to lift the Hawks as they pressured the Miners even harder on offense only to be denied on a number of chances by Glace Bay’s goaltender Cody Smith. With time becoming a factor the Miner’s created some puck turnovers in the Halifax end zone due to some intense forechecking. Then with 1:18 showing on the clock the Bay’s Chad O’Neill took control of the puck at the top of the left circle and drilled a well-placed slap-shot to the back of the Halifax cage. Team-mates Logan Struthers and Connor Campbell drew assists on the tying goal.

In the final seconds Halifax realizing their potential fate of a must-win, sat their goalie in favor of an extra attacker only to have the Miner’s defense stand tall. Finally with :28 seconds remaining defenseman Hunter Bettens slid a pass over to Campbell who then went tic-tac-toe to send Dylan Pimental in on the Halifax empty goal to get the big game winner.  

Glace Bay’s goaltender Cody Smith picked-up a well deserved Player Of The Game Award  

(Glace Bay Miner's team captain Hunter Bettens leans into a blast while breaking into the South Shore's end zone during the first period of play). 

Glace Bay opened their first game of the 2011-12 Nova Scotia Pee Wee AAA Hockey Provincials this afternoon at the BAYplex before a large home crowd which was on hand to watch the MINERS skate to a convincing 5-1 win. Glace Bay opened the scoring at the 6:40 mark, as Chad O’Neill notched a marker on a nice play with Connor Campbell. Then with 1:52 remaining in the first, Cameron Yates took a pass from O’Neill and drove the net to put their team up 2-0. The second period went scoreless although the visiting South Shore squad appeared to have a slight edge in scoring chances.

Then in the final period the South Shore team’s offense effort finally cashed in, as Ryan O’Toole scored on a play with Aaron Wilcox at 12:51. Most of the home-town fans in the building were becoming quite concerned that they were seeing a momentum shift taking place against the local squad. Much to the delight of the crowd our gritty Miners dug down in a hurry as they suddenly put on an impressive scoring attack scoring three unanswered tallies in just the next 1:55 seconds, running the score well out of reach for the visitors. The scoring surge was spear-headed by Cameron Yates, Logan Bresowar and Dylan Burke while Logan Struthers, Brandon MacLean and Dylon Turnbull drew assists on the goals. As the game wound down the South Shore sat their goaltender in favor of the extra attacker but the Miner’s strong defensive play combined with timely goaltending by Cody Smith was enough to seal the 5-1 victory.

Glace Bay’s player Cameron Yates earned the Player of the Game while Jacob Myra picked up POG for the South Shore.

The Miner’s next game is set for 8:00am Friday against their rival Sydney Steelers and later in the day face-off against Halifax at 4:00pm.  

MORE PHOTOS on OUR PHOTO LINK ...

Congratulations to Gabby Gillis a young goaltender who plays nets for our Glace Bay Female Pee Wee Miners hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Gabby's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

The Glace Bay Midget “A” Miner’s travelled to Cheticamp this past weekend to compete in the Cape Breton Regional Qualifying Round-Robin Tournament. The Miners dropped their first two games but rallied strong to finish the round-robin hockey event with two big wins. Glace Bay and Cheticamp will now advance to play against two Mainland teams to determine which team will earn a berth in the up-coming NS Midget “A” Provincials later this month.

Above is the Miner’s team(L-R)Dana Cathcart, Brandon Osborne. Middle (L-R)Cameron Gilmet, Tyler Southwell, Brandon Binder, Mark MacLanders, Travis MacDonald, Cory MacVicar Back Row(L-R):Chris Dean (trainer), Blair MacVicar (coach), BJ Wadden, Randy Wadden, Skylar Peterson, Ryan Orr, Jordan Butts, Craig MacKinnon, Charles Dupuis (assistant coach) and Matt Budden
 
Missing from photo (due to injuries):Taylor Slade, Jarrot MacNeil, Breton MacEachern and Mason Kelloway.

WE DID IT !!!...Pictured above are members of our Glace Bay Midget Miners who are circling around their goaltender, Emily MacKinnon in a post-game celebration after earning a come-back series victory that will send them to the NS Provincials.

Our Glace Bay Female Midget hockey team completed on-ice task today at the BAYplex as they faced their up-hill challenge head-on against the Cumberland Ramblers. Heading into the weekend down 1-0 in their best of three provincial qualifying series the home town team edged the Ramblers 2-1 earlier in the day to make the series all-square.

In the rematch contest this evening our Miners opened the game by playing defensive limiting the Rambler’s scoring chances to a minimum. In the closing seconds of the opening period Corrine Heffernan showed plenty of determination as she broke through the opposing defense after taking a up-ice pass from Bobbi McCormick to open the game’s scoring at the 0:42 second mark. Both teams continued to display overtime-like hockey during the middle frame as both goaltenders turned in stellar shut-out performances.

In the final stanza, Miner’s skater Anna Campbell took a stretch pass from team-mate Candea Wadden who sent Campbell in on the Rambler goal and made no mistake in snapping a shot that found the back of the twine, increasing their lead 2-0. The Ramblers opened up their game plan in order to try to close the gap as ime was becomming a factor. Miner’s sniper Corrine Heffernan intercepted a Rambler up-ice pass and broke in on an unassisted play to score the Miner’s third goal with 6:59 remaining on the clock.

Despite several more offense attempts, the Miner’s strong defense and stellar goaltending proved to be the difference as they turned back all challenges to pick up the series come-from-behind victory. Once again their team’s goaltender Emily MacKinnon stood tall between the pipes as she earned her second win of the day and finished with a shutout victory.

With a tandem set of well deserved wins today, our MINERS will now begin to prepare to compete in the Nova Scotia Female Midget A Provincials to be held in Middleton NS, March 30-April 1^st.

CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS ON YOUR WEEKEND VICTORY …YOUR TRIP TO THE 2011-12 NS PROVINCIALS IS WELL DESERVED !!!

The Glace Bay Wolverines have had quite a successful hockey season this year. The team capped off a winning season this afternoon at the Dominion Rink by defeating their league rival County Eagles with a 6-0 victory to win the 2011-12 Cape Breton Pee Wee Metro Division 1 Hockey crown.

Leading the way for the Glace Bay squad was Nathan Doucet and Jordan MacNeil who each scored a brace of tallies while team-mate Brandon Boutilier and Riley Smith rounded out the goals. In the assist department Chad Pond, Allister MacNeil, Brandon Chaput all chipped in with one assist apiece.  Wolverine netkeeper Justin Routledge kicked aside all Eagle shots directed at him to post the shutout victory.  Other players with the championship team include: Will Campbell, Michael Aucoin, Christan Murphy, Keeghan Comer and Josh Borden.  

A spokesman for the team said the Wolverines finished the season with an impressive 35 wins, 2 losses and a single tie. To get to the Championship title game today the team skated through the Metro League round-robin accumulating 7 wins and 1 loss, capping off the season with their Championship Victory today.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GLACE BAY WOLVERINES

2011-12 Pee Wee Metro Division 1 – Gold Medal Winners !

The Glace Bay Female Midget Miners knew they had a busy day ahead of them today at the BAYplex, if they wanted to overcome a one game series deficit, trailing the Cumberland Ramblers 1-0. In game two of the series today, our Miners found themselves behind 1-0 after the opening period of play as Kailey Kane scored for Cumberland.

The Miner’s coaching staff gave the girls a little pep talk between periods which seemed to give the team the jump they needed to start a rally. In the middle frame at the 4:34 mark Jill Doucette and Bobbi McCormick teamed up to send a pass into Corrine Heffernan who made a nice goalmouth play to notch their team’s first goal, tying the game 1-1. Then with 2:43 remaining in the stanza the Miners found themselves with a skater advantage due to a Rambler penalty and was determined to make it count. Miner’s player Anna Campbell took a tag-team feed from Katherine Shaw and Miranda MacIsaac and then as she broke in on the Rambler goal wristed well-placed blocker side shot to score (as seen in the above game photo) what would later prove to be the eventual 2-1 game winner.

In the final period both teams displayed exciting brand of end-to-end playoff hockey as both team’s goalie’s held the opposition scoreless with each making a timely saves. Miner’s goaltender Emily MacKinnon recorded the win.

The deciding third game in this regional qualifier goes later today at the BAYplex as both teams face-off in a 5:15pm re-match.

Best of Luck Miners !

Miner’s forward Cody Oliver #68, makes a lateral deke while cutting across the Trenton’s goal crease in play during today’s game. Oliver recorded a "hat-trick" in the contest. 

In Midget “C” Regional play-downs today at the BAYplex, the Glace Bay Miners recorded their second straight win by edging the visiting Trenton Royals 8-7 in a real old-fashioned shootout match-up. In today’s game the Miners held a 5-4 lead after two periods of play and then fell behind 7-6 late in the final frame. With 0:48 seconds remaining Miner’s speedster forward, Adam Roach scooped up a loose puck to tie the game and send the contest into overtime. Not only did Roach wear his team’s hero hat to tie the game but more importantly the sniper flashed his speed and offense skill by drilling home the Miner’s overtime winner with just  1:36 remaining in the O/T frame.

Also scoring for the Miners in the game was Cody Oliver, who notched a “hat-trick” to lead the way, Adam Roach scored both the tying and game winning marker and Jordan MacNeil, Blake Syms and Kenzie Wadden each chipped in single tallies. In the play-maker department, James Matheson and Anthony Byrne added a pair, while Brandon Boland, Wadden, Syms, Roach and MacNeil all added one assist each to help their team.

Scoring for Trenton was Cory Baird with two goals, while Ian MacDonald, Corey Perry, Craig Murray, Luke Turnbull and Shawn Curley each recorded goals on the box-score sheet.

Our Miners now hold a 2-0 win record in the Regional Qualifier format after previously defeating the County Islanders 7-0. The other team vying for the Provincial Qualifying position in the round robin format is Truro who the Miners face later tonight.

Note: Miners defeated Truro in the evening game to push their record to 3-0 and thereby earning a spot in the NS PROVINCIALS later this month.

The Glace Bay Miners have their backs against the wall heading into an important weekend series against their provincial rival Cumberland Ramblers. After dropping the opening game 6-4 on the road last weekend they are now facing a must-win situation in the best 2 of 3 provincial qualifying playoff series. The Winner of this series will advance to the Nova Scotia Hockey Provincials scheduled to take place in Middleton, NS March 30 - April 1st.  

Congratulations to Samantha O'Leary a young forward who plays in our Glace Bay TOTS One Division, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Samantha's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

The Glace Bay Miners skated to a convincing 5-2 victory on home ice over the Cape Breton County Islanders, Friday night at the BAYplex. The victory assures Glace Bay the top seeded position in the up-coming Cape Breton Bantam A sudden death play-off series later this weekend.

Scoring for the Miners, Liam Smith and Brett Pimentel who each notched a brace of tallies while Mitchell MacMullin added a single. In the above game photo MacMullin (hidden behind a crowd of players) releases a top-shelf shot to the back of the Islander cage, after converting a pass from team-mate Austin Bigley #11 (white jersey) to score the Miner's 4th goal in the game. Miner's players Michael Gouthro and Connor Harourn took charge in the assist department as each chipped in with a pair of helpers while Brandon Carabin, Bret MacDonald, Jared MacIsaac and Bigley all recorded one assist apiece.

Scoring for the Islanders was Christan Hardy and Jason Pink.

Our Glace Bay Bantam AA Miner's hit the road this past weekend as they travelled to Pictou, Nova Scotia to compete in a very competitive Bantam AA tourney which attracted some of the top teams in the province.

The Glace Bay team competed hard in order to get to the Championship Game. The Miners had to beat Pictou (5-2) and Northside (6-1). The team had lost to TASA in the 3^rd game (4-2) but bounced back to beat South Shore (4-2) in the crossovers. The MINERS team then went on to play Halifax in the championship Sunday and defeated the mainlanders by a score of 5-3.

In the championship game, Jordan MacInnis of the Miners scored a hat trick while Tristan White proved to be the game’s play-maker by being the set-up man on MacInnis’s 3 tallies. Team-mate’s Kyle Rideout and Brady Buchanan rounded out the scoring by chipping in with single markers.

In the AWARDS Department, Miner’s player, Tristan White received Player of the Game in the final, while team-mate Jordan MacInnis received the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Matt O’Brien picked up the tournament’s Top Defensemen Award and Miner’s goaltender Dillon Buchanan was awarded the Tourney’s Top Puck-Stopper.

Other players on the team include: Travis Lynk, Dillon Burchell, Michael Doucet, Nathan Livingston, Zack Politte, Logan Cooke, Logan Cable, Jack Summerel, Victoria MacIntyre, Andrew Smith and Ian MacQueen. Back row L-R: Dwight Brown (Assistant Coach), Dwayne Doucet (Head Coach) and Gary O’Brien (Assistant Coach).

Congratulations to Ryland Hanrahan a young forward who plays in our Glace Bay TOTS One Division, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Ryland's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

In the above game photo Northside Vikings defenseman Mathew LeBlanc is seen protecting the puck against Miner’s fore-checker Dylan Burchell, during the third period of play Monday night at the BAYplex.   

Our Bantam AA Miners hardly got their hockey gear dried out after returning home from Pictou on the weekend where the team captured the Pictou Memorial Bantam AA Hockey Tournament on Sunday. In a regular scheduled Cape Breton Island Bantam AA game Monday night on home ice at the BAYplex, the Miners showed little fatigue against the Northside Vikings by gaining a 2-1 lead after the opening period. Both teams went scoreless during the middle frame as the goaltenders at each end kicked aside all scoring attempts. In the final stanza the Miners took a 3-1 lead on a power-play as Logan Cable converted on a play with Andrew Smith to score what would prove to be the eventual game winner. Later in the period the Miners would strike again with Jordan MacInnis scoring the insurance marker. The Vikings pressed hard in the final minutes of the game to try and rally a comeback with Jacob Keagan scoring an unassisted tally in the final minute to close out the game's scoring.

Boxscore:

1^st Period: 14:34 Glace Bay - Jordan MacInnis (Mathew O’Brien), 9:07 Northside – Kyle Dunville (Mathew Fraser, Paul Ryan Ross) 5:55 Glace Bay – Ian MacQueen (Dylan Burchell).

2^nd Period – No Scoring

3^rd Period: 12:42 Glace Bay - Logan Cable (Andrew Smith), Glace Bay - Jordan MacInnis (Tristan White), Northside - 0:38 Jacob Keagan (unassisted)

Glace Bay goaltender Dylan Burchell picks up the win.  

Congratulations to Kendall Stubbard a young forward who plays in our Glace Bay TOTS One Division, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Kendall's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

Our Glace Bay Miner's Female Pee Wee team defeated the Colchester Cyclones 3-1 in Sunday morning's Championship Game to capture the Pictou Selects Invitational Hockey Tournament. For the Miners it was an extra sweet victory as they defeated the Cyclones who had earlier handed our Miners their only loss, a 4-0 set-back in the round-robin schedule.

The weekend victory will certainly be a big boost for the Miners as they face-off against the Cape Breton County Islanders next weekend. The Miners host the Female Islanders on Saturday @ 12:00pm (BAYplex) and then head to CBU Rink Sunday for a 2:30pm re-match. 

MINER's Players include: Gabby Gillis, Leah Byrne, Nicole McNeil, Jodi Dauphinee, Jade Murphy, Sarah-Jean Lohnes, Mary Wadden, Alisha MacDonald, Jaden MacLeod, Robyn MacIssac, Kali Hynes, Nicole McNeil, Kaitlynn Hayes, Emma Yates, Karlie MacNeil, Madison Grace and Hannah McIntyre.

Tournament Summary:

Game 1 Glace Bay lost 4-0 against Colchester Cyclones MVP Alisha MacDonald

Game 2 GB won 5-1 against Pictou Subway Selects. Goals scored by Mary Wadden with two, while Leah Byrne, Alisha MacDonald and Jodi Dauphinee added singles. Byrne added 3 assists. Miner’s Goaltender Gabby Gillis – Game MVP

Game 3 GB won 3-2 against Western Valley AA. Miner’s player Leah Byrne scored 3 goals to record a
“hat-trick” and earned Game MVP.

Game 4 GB won 5-4 against Riverview Royals. Miner’s goal scorers were Alisha MacDonald with two and Leah Byrne, Jodi Dauphinee and Mary Wadden notched singles. Kaitlynn Hayes, Sarah-Jean Lohnes, Byrne and Wadden earned assists. Game MVP Jodi Dauphinee

Championship Game against Colchester, Glace Bay won 3-1. Miner’s scorers were Leah Byrne with two and Mary Wadden added a single. Jodi Dauphinee chipped in a pair of assists while Byrne added one. GAME MVP Kaitlynn Hayes

Congratulations To Our Pee Wee MINERS on your 2nd CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY so far this hockey season !

The Sydney Steelers have been on a roll in recent weeks. Last week their team captured the Northside Vikings Bantam A Tourney and then to-day they travelled to Glace Bay for match-up against our Miners. In today’s game at the BAYplex, the Miners jumped into a 1-0 lead in the first period as Jared MacIsaac stretched the Steeler twine on a play with team-mates Connor Harroun and Mitchell McMullin. In the middle frame Harroun notched the Miner’s second goal with 5:13 remaining after receiving set-up help from MacIsaac and McMullin. At this point of the period the Miners were sitting in good shape but then ran into a lapse before the time on the clock would expire. Sydney’s Aiden Orourke tallied their first marker on an unassisted play with 3:49 remaining. Then less than a minute later Dustin Power would score the game equalizer on a play with Kris Power.

In the final stanza both teams exchanged some solid chances to win the game. In the above game action photo Glace Bay’s goaltender Logan Morgan is shown turning aside a shot from the point, while a Steeler forward Chase Long takes out Miner’s defenseman to make sure the shot gets to the Miner’s net.

Female High Performance Information and Forms

The Hockey Nova Scotia High Performance Program is a national program administered by Hockey Canada in partnership with Hockey Nova Scotia. The High Performance Program is intended to assist aspiring players in preparing for regional, national and international competition. Hockey Canada’s High Performance Program includes the Male Under 17 Regional program, the Female Under 18 Regional program, the Male Under 18 National program, the Male Under 20 (junior) program, the Female Under 22 program, the National teams who compete at the World Championships annually, as well the Olympic Hockey teams which compete every four years.

We have included additional information in this correspondence relating to the High Performance Program to assist you in understanding the program as well as how it can benefit you.

The dates for the Female Under 15 Spring Camp are:

§ April 27-29, 2012 St. Margaret’s Centre, Tantallon, Nova Scotia

§ Female Under 15 Program is for players born in 1998 and 1999 (players born in 2000 if room exists in program)

§ Female Under 17 Program is for players born in 1996 and 1997

High Performance Program Spring Camps

The Hockey Nova Scotia Spring Camp is an event designed to provide you with the experience of playing with and against players who are of an elite level. As well, the HNS Spring Camp is used as an evaluation tool for all players for the next stage of the HPP.

Players are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off the ice at all times. Players are also expected to act in a manner worthy of a participant in the HNS High Performance Program. Should a player require discipline for off-ice activities, their involvement in the HNS High Performance Program may be terminated.

Players are expected to be at the arena one hour prior to the scheduled start of all assigned games and practices. Punctuality at all off-ice activities is also mandatory.

Please note that players are required to attend all camp activities!

Hockey Canada rules and regulations will be in effect during the Spring Camp competition. Please note that game misconducts, match penalties, etc. will be dealt with in the same manner as in League play.

The registration fee for the HNS Spring Camp includes the following:

· Practices

· 4 games

· Goaltenders will also attend a separate session

· Off-ice classroom sessions/briefings

• Souvenir HNS High Performance Program Gift
• HNS High Performance Program Camp sweater

Note: Accommodations, travel and meals are the responsibility of the individual players and are not included in the registration fee. Players are also responsible for the care and custody of all personal belongings and hockey equipment for the duration of the camp and should not leave them unattended

It should be noted that female players born in 1997, 1998 & 1999 will be eligible to compete for Team Nova Scotia at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George , British Columbia.

Players must be involved in the Hockey Nova Scotia High Performance in order to be selected for this team. Players will advance thru the High Performance Program over the next few years before the team is selected in late 2014.
High Performance Newsletter
U15 Player Invitation
U17 Player Invitation
High Performance Player Registration Form
High Performance Player Medical Form

PLAYERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN THE HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MINOR HOCKEY OFFICE OR VISIT THE HOCKEY NOVA SCOTIA WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS, APPLICATIONS AND CAMP DATES. 

http://www.hockeynovascotia.ca

Congratulations to Dylin White a young defenseman who plays in our Glace Bay TOTS One Division, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Dylin's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

Winter activity on lakes, ponds and rivers can be risky. Ice strength is directly related to how it is formed and not to its thickness, as ice is not uniformly thick.

Generally, clear blue ice is the best. White opaque ice is weaker due to its formation with wet snow. Grey ice is the most unsafe due to the presence of water in the ice.

Factors influencing ice strength

·         Air temperature changes with the sun.

·         ·         Snow-covered ice creates a thermal layer that prevents freezing and hides hazards.

·         Currents do not allow the water to freeze. River ice is 15 per cent weaker than standing ice due to the river current.

·         Chemicals in the water.

·         Size of the body of water.

·         Depth of the water and water fluctuation.

·         Vegetation growth.

·         Obstructions in the water such as birds, rocks, logs, weeds, garbage, etc.

Protect yourself around ice

·         Inform others of your destination and time of return.

·         Check weather conditions. Warm Chinook winds can quickly change ice strength.

·         ·         Check with your community association to see if neighbourhood lake ice has been tested for safety.

·         Dress in layers to protect against hypothermia (deceased body temperature).

·         Keep a cellphone, vehicle keys, and First Aid equipment on shore in a safe location known by all party members.

·         Never go onto ice alone.

·         Never go onto ice at night, as ice conditions are constantly changing.

·         When walking with others, keep a good distance apart on ice.

·         Keep pets on a leash. If you see an animal on the ice, that doesn't mean the ice is safe to walk on.

Congratulations to Keagan McPhee a young defenseman who plays for our the Glace Bay Novice Black Hawk's hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Keagan's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

In the above photo taken @ Centre 200 on Sunday afternoon, CB Screaming Eagle's goaltender Philippe Trudeau keeps a watchful eye out for a couple of potential Screaming Eagle future prospects, from Glace Bay (Burgundy Jerseys) and County (Blue Jerseys).  

Our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association’s TOT’s were busy this weekend participating in the Sydney TIMBIT Jamboree at Centre 200. This year we sent 10 teams of players to enjoy two days of hockey and fun.

On Saturday evening our tot’s were game guests of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles for their match-up against the Bathurst Titan. Today all teams were on the hop all day-long playing several hockey games, meeting the Screaming Eagle players, having team pictures taken and having plenty of refreshments. Above all the youngsters enjoyed a fun-filled weekend which was a great experience for their first of many road trips in hockey.

Miner’s forward Corrine Heffernan completes a spectacular rush to score the Miner’s game winner. Megan O’Neill also seen with the white Miner’s jersey earned an assist on the marker.

In North Conference Female Midget Hockey League action today our Glace Bay Miner’s skated to an exciting 2-1 victory over the visiting Parrsboro Predators. This victory was a key one for our Glace Bay squad as the two points will edge them a little closer to the league’s top seeded position.

In today’s match-up fans in attendance were treated to a high caliber level of female hockey as both teams displayed plenty of end-to-end excitement. Miner’s forward Bobbi McCormick was the first to score in the game as she lit the lamp at the 9:34 mark of the first on a nice unassisted effort. In the middle stanza Predator’s Shelby Leopold would tie the game with help from team-mate Ava Winters. Heading into the final period locked 1-1, it was evident that both teams were prepared to notch up their play and while patiently waiting for a chance to take advantage of their scoring chances. Midway through the period, Miner’s forward Corrine Heffernan took a feed from team-mate Megan O’Neill, drove down the left boards and then broke hard to the net while making a slick backhand deke to slide the puck into the open corner. With the Miner’s taking the lead their defense came up strong turning back several Predator attacks. Finally in the last minute of the game the visitors sat their goaltender in favor of an extra skater which generated a couple excellent chances, only to be foiled by Miner’s netkeeper Emily MacKinnon who picked up the win.

Other players for the Miners include: Kelsey Gilmet, Kendra Fraser, Miranda MacIssac, Mikayla Courtney, Rachel McKinnon, Candea Wadden, Kaitlyn Eagles, Katherine Shaw, Jessica MacDonald, Jill Doucette, Taylor McMillin, Danielle MacEachern, Maggie Gouthro, Anna Campbell and Kelsey MacLean.

Fans can catch the Miner’s in action most Sunday mornings at the BAYplex with the puck drop set for 10:30am. In addition to the Miners and Predators two other teams compete in the Midget A Female circuit, namely the Cape Breton County Islanders and the Cumberland Ramblers.

The last time we checked in on Mitchell McMullin a former resident of Gardiner Mines and graduate of our local minor hockey association, he was teamed-up with his hockey buddy Mitchell O’Neill, playing with Appleby College in Ontario.

We tracked Mitch down who had been recently playing in Ottawa, Ontario playing with the CJHL Glouchester Rangers where he played 10 games in the league. This year he was able to arrange for a trade where he could return to the Maritimes and landed a spot with the Miramichi Timberwolves of the Martime Junior A Hockey League, who owned his playing rights.

Mitch seems to be settling in with his new team nicely as Timberwolves head coach Rob MacDonald has been pleased with his performance to-date. MacDonald states that “Mitch has been a solid addition to our team since his return from Ontario. He is currently playing in our top 9 forwards and has 6 goals, 10 assists for 16 points in 32 games, while in his rookie season. Mitch brings a great deal of energy and skill to our lineup and is being counted on as an important member of our rebuilding team”.

For those who have been following some of our GBMHA graduates in recent years, you may be interested to know that Mitch is now teamed up with another former 2006-07 Glace Bay Miner Bantam AAA team-mate being his team’s goaltender Jordan Kennedy formerly from Reserve Mines. In addition Mitch and Jordan also compete against another close friend and former team-mate from that award winning Bantam team, by the name of Mitch O’Neill who is enjoying his season with his Amherst Ramblers.

Congratulations to Dylan O'Neill a young forward player who plays for our the Glace Bay Novice Panther's hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Dylan's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

Our Glace Bay Minor Hockey program continues to see on-going evidence that player development is progressing nicely.  This season we have a significant representation with the Cape Breton Tradesmen of the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League, having five local players earning team roster spots.

Above are our former graduates who are with the 2011-12 Tradesmen’s team (L-R): Kenzie McIntyre – (Last season – CB Cougars, Major Bantam), Patrick Byrne – Defense (Last season – CB Major Midget Tradesmen), Chad Cullen – Forward (Last season – CB Major Midget Tradesmen), Ryan Groom – Forward (Last season – GB High School Panthers), Kelly Yates – Forward (Last season – CB Cougars, Major Bantam), Rob Sinclair – (6th year returning Tradesmen Assistant Coach).                                    

Local hockey fans can catch our Glace Bay players in action this up-coming weekend as the Cape Breton Tradesmen host the Canadian Tire Mustangs from Bridgewater in two home games. Games are scheduled for Centre 200 Saturday @ 7:30pm and Sunday @ 11:30am.  

You can follow the Cape Breton Tradesmen by clicking on their website below: http://nsmmhl.com/team_roster.php?team_id=2334&league_id=264

Congratulations to Madison Capstick a young defense player who plays for our the Glace Bay Atom Female Hurricanes hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Madision's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

In the above game photo Glace Bay Miner’s goaltender Brooklyn Hennessey makes a spectacular right pad save off CB County Islander forward Andrea Pyke during the third period. Her effort was one of many that she made during the game to help preserve her shutout bid. Other players in the photo are Glace Bay player Jessica Hardy #9 and Islander captain Sarah Arseneau in the background.     

Our Glace Bay Miners hosted the Cape Breton County Islanders in a regular schedule game at the BAYplex Sunday and skated away with a convincing 6-0 win. The Miners led 1-0 after the opening period but then took control of the game by tallying three additional goals in the middle frame. In the third period the Islanders increased their offense effort but were turned aside by the Miner’s solid defense, two additional goals and the shutout goaltending by their netkeeper Brooklyn Hennessey.

Leading the Miner’s offense was Shelby MacNeil and Emilee Routledge who each notched a brace of markers while Morgan MacNeil and affiliate player Jessica Hardy added singles.

Other players on the team include: Kailin Gillis, Amanda Gove, Jessica Gracie, Abbey Penney, Rebecca Petrie, Jillian Brown, Taylor Burke, Kristan MacIntyre and Baille Sheppard.

The Miners are enjoying a successful season to-date as they are competing in the Northern Conference of the Female Bantam Hockey League along with teams from Strait-Richmond, Pictou County, Colchester and Antigonish.  

Fans can catch our Female Bantam Miners most Sunday’s at the BAYplex with game time scheduled for 12:00pm.

In the above game photo Miners defenseman James Hayes reaches out with a stick check against the Sharks team captain Brendon Jones as he makes a rush deep inside the Miner’s end zone late in the third period.

Thursday evening at the BAYplex fans were treated to an exciting Cape Breton Pee Wee A League match-up between the hometown Glace Bay Miners and the visiting New Waterford Sharks. In the first period both teams exchanged a pair of goals apiece. In the middle frame the Sharks struck for their third goal, finishing the period with a 3-2 lead.

In the final period, the stage was set for some fan favorite roller-coaster action depending on what team you were supporting. In the period, the Miners came out flying by controlling the play in the offensive zone which resulted in them scoring the game equalizer at the 1:18 mark. Feeding on the momentum, the Miners maintained their pressure and then hit the back of the Shark cage again with 7:27 remaining. On the play Jeff Parsons re-directed a point shot off the stick of Michael Hoffman to score what the Bay thought could be the game winner. However, their one goal lead appeared to backfire somewhat as the Miners were apparently taking some comfort of having a third period lead. In response, the Sharks team dug down and rallied with an amazing comeback effort, by scoring three unanswered goals within the final six minutes of the game to win the contest 6-4.

Scoring for the Miners was Matt Parsons with a brace of tallies while Luke MacDonald and Colin MacLeod chipped in singles. Adding assists for the Miners was Mitchell Hoffman with a pair of helpers while Robbie Harroun and Parsons added one each.

Scoring for the Sharks was Brendon Jones who was the game’s top play-maker notching two goals and adding a pair of assists, while other goals came from Cale Guyaux, Jackson Deveaux and Mathew MacKinnon. In the assist department, Keith Harvey, Coady MacIntyre, Brady Campbell and MacKinnon added one apiece.

Other players on the Miner’s team include: Devon Gouthro, James Hayes, Brett Strong, Christan Jackson, Jack O’Brien, Kallie MacKinnon, Tyler O’Leary, Trenton Gove, Sheldon Stubbard and Nick Bigley.

Our Glace Bay Miner’s hockey team had another successful tournament during the highly touted 18^th edition of the Sydney Legion Bantam AA Challenge Cup held in Sydney this past weekend. Miner’s coach Dwayne Doucet was very pleased with their team’s performance, saying “our team competed strong the whole weekend, going undefeated (3-0-1) in the round-robin and then dropped a 6-5 heartbreaker in the Sunday morning crossover game to Sackville”. A break either way would have advanced the Miners to the Sunday afternoon title game. This year's tournament included 12 Nova Scotia and one Newfoundland team.

As a result of their team’s solid effort the tournament organizing committee for the Challenge Cup recognized three Glace Bay players by awarding them All Star Team Honors. Receiving awards were Logan Cooke (Goaltender - 1^st All Star Team) left insert photo above, Kyle Rideout (Forward – 2^nd All Star Team) right insert photo and Matt O’Brien (Defense – 1^st All Star Team) no photo.      

Congratulations to David Beaton a young forward who plays for our the Glace Bay Atom Metro Grizzlies hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view David's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

Pictured above Glace Bay Atom AAA Miner’s forward Aimee O’Neill cuts in behind the Steeler cage as she takes a quick glance out front to help set-up a scoring chance.  

Glace Bay Miner’s team captain Dylan McDonald displayed some nice offense skills Friday evening as he led his hometown Miners to a 5-2 win against the Sydney Steelers. The skilled centreman scored a brace of tallies and then set-up three other goals to get the nod as the game’s top play-maker. Team-mate Adam Wilson also had a strong game as he notched a pair of tallies in the game. Glace Bay’s other marker came off the stick of Aimee O”Neill. Other players helping out in the assist department were Xavier Johnson, Nicholas Pastuck and Liam Burke. Miner’s goalkeeper Seth Crowe picked up the win .

Goal scorers for the Sydney Steelers were Kinnon Williams and Brandon Armstrong while Allan MacDonald and Justin Thistle earned one assist apiece.

The GB Wolverines went undefeated in winning this years Pee Wee Christmas Tournament defeating GB Maniacs in the championship game .Team members are: Justin Routledge, Chad Pond, Allister MacNeil, Brayden Chaput, Will Campbell, Nathan Doucet, Micheal Aucion, Christian Murphy, Brandon Boutilier, Jordan MacNeil, Riley Smith, Keeghan Comer, Josh Bordon, and Brandon White.

Congratulations Wolverines !

The executive of the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association would like to extend their Warmest Wishes to our players, coaches, officials, parents and the general public for a HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

May your families Enjoy Peace & Happiness during the Christmas Season and we hope that you have a Very Healthy & Happy New Year in 2012.

Front row (L-R): Gary Gracie (Equipment Manager), Nancy Politte (Secretary), James Edwards – (President – GBMH), Tracey Hanrahan (Office Manager) and Ken Tracey (Development Professional). Back row (L-R): Andre LeBlanc (Special Projects Coordinator), Aubrey Cameron (Fundraising Coordinator), Bobby O\'Handley (Referee-in-Chief), Phillip O\'Neill (Ice Allocator), Darren MacEachern (Female Coordinator), Sonny MacDougall (V.P. Finance & Administration). Missing from the photo : Greg O\'Neill (V.P. Hockey Operations), Derrick Hayes (Coaches Coordinator) and Mike Binder (Chair-Risk Management).

In the above photo a deterimed County Charger forechecker Koleton MacDonald, takes a leaping dive towards side of the Glace Bay net in an attempt to pass a loose puck out front to two of his teamates, however Glace Bay’s defenseman #3 Tanner Pickup took control and steered the puck out of danger.

The visiting Cape Breton County Chargers scored three unanswered goals during the first two periods of the final game which helped them capture the Glace Bay Christmas Bantam Metro Hockey tournament in a game played at the BAYplex. In the opening period Charger Spencer McPhee notched the game’s first goal on a play with Adam Nearing and Jared Boudreau. In the middle stanza Shawn Richards teamed up with McPhee to take a 2-0 lead and then later in the frame Richards would repeat his scoring touch once again with help from McPhee and L Denny.

Trailing 3-0, the Miners came out skating hard in the third period turning up their offense. After several close scoring chances the home team finally got a well deserved break as Jason MacQueen stretched the twine in the back of the Charger net on a nice play with Connor MacIntosh. In the dying minutes of the contest Glace Bay sat their goalie in favor for the extra man advantage but couldn’t close the scoring gap before the final buzzer sounded.  

In the above photo Glace Bay Miner's forward Travis Christie (red jersey) breaks up through centre ice with two Glace Bay Fury players (L-R white jerseys) Noel MacIntyre and Garrett Syms in close pursuit. On the play Christie eventually finished his break-a-way rush by wristing a high shot to the back of the Fury cage.

The tournament has a total of four Glace Bay teams and three County teams competing for championship honors. All games are being played at the BAYplex today and Friday with the Championship Final set for Friday evening @ 6:30pm.

Good Luck to All Teams !

Play continues Friday in our local Midget A Christmas Hockey Tournament. Games are scheduled from 9am until the final crossover game @ 3pm in Dominion, while the Tourney Championship Game is slated for 7:30pm in Glace Bay @ the BAYplex. 

Pictured above in this afternoon's game, Miner's forward Dana Cathcart is seen driving inside the Sydney Steeler's end zone as he tee's up a hard slap shot on goal. 

The Glace Bay Miners scored five unanswered goals through the second and third periods to overcome an early 2-0 deficit to capture the 2011 Midget Metro Christmas Hockey Tournament Wednesday in Dominion. Leading the way for the Miners was Adam Roach who scored a brace of tallies and chipped in with one assist. Darren MacGillivary had a strong game notching a pair of markers while Jordan Gibson added a single goal and Jordan MacNeil added one assist.

Scoring for the Ducks was Brett Gillis and Mitch O’Brien while Nathan MacDonald and O’Brien added one helper apiece.

Other players on the championship Miner’s team include: Anthony MacGillivary, Conner Bert, Chris MacIntyre, Blake Syms, Ryan Blois, Justin Bert, Anthony Byrne, Cody Oliver, Brendon O’Brien, Kenzie Wadden, Brandon Boland and James Matheson.

Fans attending this year’s edition of the ATOM METRO CHRISTMAS Hockey Tournament were treated to some exciting hockey action Wednesday afternoon as two local Glace Bay teams tangled in a sea-saw Championship game. Each team had turns scoring as both teams matched each other’s goal throughout the entire contest. The Grizzlies and Vikings were locked 1-1 following the first period, followed by a 2-2 deadlock after two periods of play setting the final period up as if it was an overtime match-up, as both teams then traded off a goal each in the third. Finally with time expired and the two teams so evenly matched both teams showed a great display of “sportsmanship” by mutually agreeing to share the Championship Title. 

Scoring for the Atom Vikings was Keegan Shea, Ryan Francis and Connor Baxter-MacNeil. Other team players include: Daniel Tanchek, Darcy MacLeod, Dakota Wood, Robbie Gottwald, Grayson MacIntosh, Nathan Harris, Curtis Roper, Joshua Smith, Stephen Huber, Kenny MacIntyre and Kyle Saccary. (Left Photo Above) 

Scoring for the Atom Grizzlies was Mitchell Hiscock, David Beaton and Andrew Batiste. Other team players include: Brandon MacDonald, Riley Mackie, Breton Nightengale, Aiden Donovan, Lucas MacKay, Noah McPhee, Owen Chauder, Daniel Bennett, Brady MacDonald and Wyatt Stubbard. (Right Photo Above) 

Congratulations to both teams !

Pictured above Glace Bay Miner's forward Adam Roach blasts a snap shot towards Glace Bay Duck's goaltender Brent Kelloway who makes a key game save during in the 2nd period. The two Glace Bay teams are competing in the two day Midget "C" Christmas Tournament @ the Dominion Rink along with other teams from the Northside and Cape Breton County. 

This game attracted a large fan turnout and with additional games for tomorrow it expected that fan turnout will remain strong through to the Championship Final scheduled for 2:00pm at the Dominion Rink.

Play is well underway at the BAYplex, in this year's Atom Christmas Hockey Tournament.

In the above game photo Glace Bay Hurricane's forward Abby MacNeil #19 pounces on a rebound to score a goal, before the Glace Bay Firecracker goaltender Daniel McNeil, could recover from his initial sprawling save. Despite giving up the goal, McNeil came through for his Firecracker squad to earn a key win in the tournament round-robin game.

Play continues today and Wednesday with the Atom Championship Tournament final slated for Weddnesday afternoon at 2:00pm.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

9am – GB 1 vs GB 3

11am – GB 4 vs GB 2

1 pm – 4th Place vs 3rd Place

2pm – 2nd Place vs 1st Place CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

With the popular Christmas Hockey Tournaments now underway this week, a number of our Glace Bay Atom, Pee Wee Bantam and Midget Metro teams are looking forward to the popular holiday event of Christmas Hockey Tournaments. Tournaments during Christmas always makes for good way for our families to come together watching their children having plenty of fun at the rink.

Best fo Luck To All Our Teams This Week !

Congratulations to Coleton Boutilier a young goaltender who plays for our the Glace Bay Atom "A" Miner's hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Coleton's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

Congratulations to Michael Gaetan from Glace Bay, Cape Breton, who just won $39,891.50 in our latest weekly 50/50 draw of the 2011-12 hockey season.

This weekly draw is our major fundraiser which supports a host of hockey activities for our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association. We would like to thank everyone who supports this fundraiser by purchasing tickets during this 2011-12 hockey season. For a complete list of our weekly winners visit our 50/50 Results Link located on the upper left margin of this main page.

GLACE BAY MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION SAYS "THANK YOU" !

For a List of Our Christmas Bonus Cash Draws "click" on our 50/50 Link located on the left margin side of our front page. 

NEXT 50/50 DRAW WILL BE HELD FRIDAY DECEMBER 30th (The draw set for Jan 1 will be held on Friday Dec 30th from 5-8pm)

Pictured above are members from our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association presenting a $75,469.00 cheque to Mr. Gordie Butts. In the photo is (L-R) Tracey Hanrahan (GBMHA Office Administrator) Sonny MacDougall (GBMHA  Vice President Finance & Administration), Sunday’s weekly 50/50 winner Gordie Butts and James Edwards (GBMHA – President).

During the cheque presentation Gordie willingly shared his secret for his recent  success. Butts says “I have two grandsons Josh & Joey Stubbard who play hockey here, in Glace Bay, so each week I always support them by buying 10 tickets from them”. This past Sunday, Butts was sitting home when he answered the phone and rather than being excited at first, he said “I honestly thought that someone was playing a prank on me”. He went on to say "that after I spoke to a couple of the organizers on the other end of the phone, I began to realize that I really did win the big draw”. Butts says that he has no immediate big spending plans other than he is sure to have a “Very Merry Christmas”.

Association president James Edwards stated following the presentation that this past week’s 50/50 was their largest to-date, not only setting one week payout record for our association but says that "this is probably the largest single fundraiser win in any association throughout the Hockey Nova Scotia’s network". This past week’s 50/50 jackpot of $75,469 surpassed last year’s Christmas jackpot prize of $68,976.

The popular weekly draw continues each week through until the end of the season. Our next draw is slated for this Friday December 23 instead of the regular Sunday, which happens to be Christmas Day.   

With the popular Christmas Hockey tournament scheduled to start Tuesday one of the Pee Wee players looking forward to the event is Dhane Morrison. Dhane who captains the Glace Bay Pee Wee #3 team,  (insert picture red  jersey), has held a “hot-stick” for his team recently by scoring 5 goals and adding 4 assists in just two weekend games.

Dhane and his team-mates got out to a slow start at the beginning of the season, but lately the team has recorded a number of recent wins and are hoping to contend for championship honors in next week’s Pee Wee Christmas Metro Tournament being held at the BAYplex.

Congratulations to Daniel McNeil a young goaltender who plays for our the Fire Crackers hockey team in our Atom Division, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Daniel's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

Congratulations to our Glace Bay Miner’s AA Bantam team for capturing top honors at the Pownal Markan Hardwood Plus Memorial Hockey Tournament held in Prince Edward Island this past weekend. The Miners defeated the Truro Bearcats 2-0 in the tourney final to capture the boy’s Bantam AA championship title. The Miner’s final game capped off a perfect 5-0 weekend for the travelling Glace Bay team.  

In the championship game Glace Bay’s Tristan White scored on a play with Andrew Smith in what proved the game winner at the 4:05 mark of the opening period. Leading 1-0 heading into the middle frame the Miners wasted little time to notch their second goal in the contest as Jordan MacInnis tallied the Miner’s eventual insurance marker just 1:42 into the period.

Miner’s goaltender Logan Cooke earned the 2-0 shutout victory to help his team capture the title and also earned game MVP honors in the game.

The Miners displayed a solid combination of offense, defense and timely goaltending during the weekend as they scored an impressive as 33 goals for and only 3 goals against. Miner's goaltender Dillon Buchanan also had a stellar weekend between the pipes as he recorded a pair of shutouts while picking up two wins.  

Top Miner’s scorers during the tourney were Jordan MacInnis who led the way with 4 goals and 9 assists for a combined 13 points, while Tristan White recorded 11 points (7 goals & 4 assists) and Kyle Rideout notched a total of 9 points (3 goals & 6 assists).

Other players on the team include: Zach Politte, Jack Summerell, Travis Lynk, Ian MacQueen, Matt O’Brien, Victoria MacIntyre, Dylan Burchell, Brady Buchanan, Michael Doucet, Logan Cable, Nathan Livingston.

Congrats To Our MINERS For WINNING GOLD on the ROAD

Congratulations to Noah MacAulay a young goaltender who plays for our the Green Hornets in our Novice Division, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Noah's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

In the above photo Novice forward Josh Covington with the Green Hornets is seen breaking out of his end zone against Black Hawk player #3 Ethan Murrant in an fun exhibition novice match-up @ the Dominion Rink.

This year our Novice Division has six teams of players ages 7-8 participating. All players practice twice per week and play a fun game in Dominion each Saturday. Players of this age level also have an option to attend an early morning practice if interested as well. The main emphasis for this age group is practice as they work to improve on their individual basic hockey skills.  

On Saturdays they are introduced to the game of hockey where they grasp the rules of the game, learn positional play and also where learn hockey, as a team sport. For most of the youngsters playing in a game situation tends to be the fun aspect of the sport. Saturday games are non-competitive, as game scores are not recorded with the intention to keep the game situations as “fun”.

During the season the youngsters sometimes get an opportunity to participate in Novice Jamborees where they play against other novice teams from outside minor hockey organizations. Our Glace Bay association will be hosting a fun Novice Jamboree Weekend which will be held at the end of the hockey season sometime in March.

Congratulations to Seth Crowe, a young goaltender who plays for our Glace Bay Atom AAA hockey team, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Seth's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

In the above game photo, Glace Bay Hurricane's forward Kate MacNeil (white jersey) is in full-stride as she outraces two Northside players while carrying the puck just inside the Northside end zone. 

Glace Bay’s youngest version of an all-female hockey team is now actively competing at the Atom level. This evening in Dominion the Glace Bay Hurricanes hosted the Northside’s atom female hockey team in an exciting hockey match-up and came through with a 5-1 victory. The Hurricanes stormed through the game’s opening period scoring three unanswered goals off the sticks of Braelee Hiscock, Elizabeth Campbell and Kaitlyn MacLean.

In the middle stanza MacLean notched her second on the night pushing the home team’s lead up 4-0. In the final period Glace Bay’s Eva MacDougall converted a goal mouth pass from Emma Penny to give the Hurricanes their fifth goal at the 8:47 mark. Other Hurricane players earning assists in the game were Leeann MacMullin who added two helpers while Abby MacNeil and Brooke Kelly chipped in with one assist apiece.

Northside’s forwards pressed hard in the final period creating some exciting scoring chances for their fans. As time wound down the visiting team was finally rewarded for their hard work in the game as Breanna Fifoot found the back of the Glace Bay cage with only 10 seconds remaining in the contest.

Other Glace Bay Hurricane players include: Claudia Lohnes, Madison Capstick, Christina Wong, Madison MacDonald, Sara Lynn Jewells, Kaitlyn O’Neill, Kate MacNeil, Loren Hill, Kelsie MacDonald, Eilidh Arsenault and Zoe MacKinnon.

This year our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association decided to ice for the first time, an all female atom team in the Metro division. In previous years, female hockey players younger than the pee wee division would play on mixed boys and  girls teams. The head coach for the all girl atom team is Colin Campbell who is  very pleased that the association made the decision to support this new hockey  venture. Campbell states that “I have 19 young girls who are all eager to learn  and who are having plenty of fun playing as a girls' team, enjoying the sport of hockey”. Campbell sees this as a great opportunity to become introduced into female hockey competition as “currently we have three all-female teams including the Northside and Cape Breton County who we compete against and for other games we also compete in the local Atom Metro hockey league”.

Local fans can catch our Atom Hurricanes in action most Monday evenings as they play their home games starting at 6:00pm at the Dominion Rink.

Good Luck to our Glace Bay Atom Hurricanes during the 2011-12 hockey season !.
 

In the above game photo Glace Bay’s speedy defenseman Rickey MacKenzie is shown breaking down the left boards avoiding the back-check effort of Sydney forward Roham Harker.   

In local Pee Wee Metro hockey action this evening our Glace Bay #1 Miners came out flying scoring five unanswered first period goals on way to a convincing 7-2 win over the visiting Sydney team. Following the home team’s scoring spree display in the first period the Sydney squad settled the game down with strong defense and solid goaltending which set the stage for two remaining periods of entertaining two-way hockey.  In the middle frame each team scored one goal apiece and then repeated the same pattern in the final period.

Glace Bay’s scoring sniper Joshua Eagles lead the Miner’s offense recording a “hat-trick” in the game by notching a goal in each of the three periods. Other scoring marksmen for the Bay included Nicholas Kelly, Stephen Ferguson, Stephen Oliver and Riley Murrant. Glace Bay’s goaltending duo of Zachary Jenkins and Gabriel Hynes split the game to share their team’s win.  

Other players for Glace Bay #1 are:  Dawson Jessome, Derek Roach, Devon MacLean, Rickey MacKenzie, Brett Roper, Nicholas Kelly and Noah McAuly.

Scoring for Sydney was Thomas Pustovalov and Dylan Williams.

Local fans can catch our Glace Bay #1 Pee Wee Metro team in action most Wednesday evenings at the BAYplex with the puck drop set for 7:00PM.

Congratulations to Michael O'Neil, a young goaltender playing in our Novice Division, for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Michael's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

In the above game photo Port Hood Bee’s goaltender, Brenton Sutherland stretches out to make a nice save off the stick of Miner’s right winger Brett MacDonald #10 who was driving towards the visitor's net during the second period.

This afternoon at the BAYplex rink our Glace Bay Miners hosted the visiting Port Hood Bees in a matinee Cape Breton Bantam A League match-up. The road team scored first and then rebounded from the Miner’s equalizer before scoring the go-ahead marker by the end of the opening ended. With the Miners trailing 2-1 heading into the middle frame, the Bay rallied to take charge of the contest by outscoring the Port Hood squad by a 3-1 count taking a 4-3 lead. In the final stanza the short-staffed Miners bench built on their momentum by once again outscoring the visitors 3-1 and to end the game with a convincing 7-4 victory.

Leading the way for our Glace Bay Miners was Brandon Carabin and Jared MacIsaac who notched a pair of tallies each while team-mates Liam Smith, Connor Harroun and Kyle Moss lit the lamp with single markers. In the assist department Brett MacDonald was the Miner’s top set-up player chipping in with two helpers while Sean MacPhee, Smith, Carabin, and MacIsaac added singles.

Other players on the Miner’s team include: Nolan Jewells, Breton Talbot, Brett Pimental, Jeffery MacLean, Aidan Graham, Brandon Tutty and Logan Morgan.

Scoring for the Port Hood Bees was Joseph MacDonnell with two while team-mates Jack MacEachern and Morgan MacDonald recorded one goal apiece.  

The Glace Bay Minor Hockey Goaltender's Clinic is back in operation including a couple of changes that have occurred since last season. The main change is that Liam Morrison has taken over the reins from long-time goaltender co-coordinator Ryan Boutilier who successfully ran our clinic since 2007. The second change is that this year’s clinic now operates from the Dominion Rink. Morrison states that “our clinic runs every Tuesday from 4-5 pm in Dominion and is open to all goalies ranging from Novice through to Midget ages within our minor hockey program”.   “We encourage all goalies to attend” says Morrison, “our goal is to provide age specific knowledge and training within a positive environment that is both fun and results in improvement as the season progresses”. Morrison feels that this an excellent development opportunity…”it is our hope that by attending this weekly clinic, our young goalies will be able to develop their skill level in order to improve their game and take the steps towards reaching their maximum potential”.

Our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association is pleased to have Liam step-in with his strong goaltending competencies, offering our young net-minders an excellent opportunity to improve their skills. Currently Liam is an assistant coach with the Glace Bay Junior Miners and in recent years has been very active on other benches. Last season Liam was with the Major Bantam Cougars, while previous to this he spent three seasons he was with our Bantam AAA Miners. Liam has also worked as instructor at various goalie schools and clinics and has run clinics for Glace Bay, Sydney and County Minor Hockey associations.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you, to former goaltending coach Ryan Boutilier, who dedicated his time and expertise by operating a very successful goaltending clinic from 2007 until last season. For Boutilier, he is now seeing results of his goaltending tutelage come to fruition, as some of his former student goalies, are now playing for his Glace Bay High School Panthers hockey team.   

Our Glace Bay Miners travelled to the opposite side of our island this past weekend to compete in the Cape Breton West Invitational Female Pee Wee Hockey Tournament and struck gold by the time the tournament concluded on Sunday.  Competing in the Invitational Tourney were Cape Breton West Eagles, Cape Breton County Islanders, Antigonish Bulldogs, Pictou Selects and our Glace Bay Miners.  During the tournament our Miners went undefeated, recorded three shutouts by rookie Gabby Gillis. A spokesperson for the team stated “to a player, our entire team worked very hard to earn the well deserved tournament victory”.

In the first game our Miners won 5-0 over the Antigonish Bulldogs 5-0 with rookie atom age goaltender Gabby Gillis earning the shutout victory and MVP for the game. Leah Byrne notched a brace of tallies while team-mates Nicole McNeil, Jodi Dauphinee, and Jade Murphy scored one goal apiece.  Sarah-Jean Lohnes,  Mary Wadden and Dauphinee earned one assist apiece.

 In the second game the Miners relied on a shoot-out goalie by Game MVP Alisha MacDonald to break a 1-1 tie to record a 2-1 victory over the Pictou Selects. Scoring for the Miners was Leah Byrne on a play with Jodi Dauphinee. For Pictou,  Nicole Clements scored with help from Kassidy MacKinnon.

In Sunday’s Championship Final our Miners faced their toughest opposition of the weekend namely the Pictou Selects who they defeated a round-robin shoot-out. This time the determined Miners had the end goal in sight as they skated to a convincing 3-0 shutout victory to win the weekend tournament. Jodi Dauphinee Leah Byrne, and Jade Murphy scored one goal each while Mary Wadden earned two assists and Sarah-Jean Lohnes recored one helper

Other players for the Pee Wee Miners include: Jaden MacLeod, Robyn MacIssac, Kali Hynes, Nicole McNeil, Kaitlynn Hayes, Emma Yates, Karlie MacNeil, Madison Grace and  Hannah McIntyre.

(photo and tournament details supplied by Miner's team)

Congratulations - Female Pee Wee Team On Your Tournament Win !

Congratulations to Logan Cooke, goaltender for our Bantam AA Miner's hockey team for being selected as this week's Player of the Week. To view Logan's hockey profile click on our Player of the Week link located at the top of this page.

Special Thanks to our POW Sponsor, SCOTTIES PIZZA for generously donating the gift certificates presented to our weekly selections.

In the above game photo Glace Bay Miner's goalie Cory MacVicar squares up to Cheticamp Trail Blazer's top game scorer, Curtis LeBlanc #8, to make a key point-blank save helping to keep his team in the game, in the final period.   

The visiting Cheticamp Trailer Blazers visited Glace Bay on Sunday afternoon and scored well-earned road game victory over our Glace Bay Miners. Cheticamp opened the game’s scoring at the 2:15 mark of the first period as Bryndon LeLievre teamed up with Curtis LeBlanc and Dillon Merry.

In the middle stanza Cheticamp’s LeBlanc would score with help from Craig Bourgeois and Julien Aucoin to take a 2-0 lead. Then later that period Glace Bay’s team captain Tyler Southwell scored a power play marker on a nice passing play with Jarrot MacNeil and Brandon Binder to cut the lead in half 2-1.

During the final frame Cheticamp’s sniper Curtis LeBlanc would once again push his team into a two goal lead as he took a nice fed from Marcus Fraser putting the Trail Blazers up 3-1. In the final stages of the game the Miners pressed skated hard creating many solid scoring chances and then finally were able to draw a Cheticamp penalty to give themselves a man advantage situation. As a result of having the extra attacker, Miner’s forward Travis MacDonald stretched the twine after receiving a crisp goal-mouth pass from Brandon Binder which once again closed the gap to one goal, 3-2.  Despite the Miner’s late game efforts, Cheticamp’s LeLievre would then notch a key insurance marker goal with just 1:27 remaining on a play with Jaryd Dmytryshyn and Bourgeois.

Other players for the Glace Bay Miners are: BJ Wadden, Matt Budden, Mark MacLanders, Skylan Peterson, Jordan Butts, Breton MacEachern, Dana Cathcart, Randy Hopkins,  Cameron Gilmet, Cory MacVicar and Taylor Slade.   

The Glace Bay Miners compete in the Cape Breton Island Midget A Hockey League with other teams: Sydney Steelers, CB County Islanders, Northside Vikings and the Cheticamp Trail Blazers. Local fans can catch our Miners in action on home ice most Friday evenings @7:20 – Bayplex.

Pictured above are players of our Glace Bay Pee Wee AAA MINERS who captured the 2011 Bill Chisholm Memorial Pee Wee AAA Hockey Tournament held this past weekend in Antigonish, NS.

Members of our MINERS are: Dylan Pimentel, Connor Campbell, Chase Fraser, Dylan Turnbull, Logan Burke, Chad O’Neil, Drew Baxter, Hunter Bettens, Parker Spencer, Logan Bresowar, Dylan Burke, MacAulay MacDougall, Brandon MacLean, Cameron Yates, Logan Struthers, Kane Drake, Cody Smith.

(Photo submitted by team)

Congratulations to our GLACE BAY MINERS !

Pictured above are several youngsters who joined our minor hockey program as 4 year olds (left to right): Luke Sinclair, Charlie Pinhorn and Logan Heffernan. 

Hockey Nova Scotia recently changed the age eligibility rule for when children can start playing minor hockey. For the very first time this year, children could register to play hockey in Glace Bay providing they turned four years old by December 31^st. Previous to this change, a child had to turn “five” by December 31^st.  

This rule change is not mandatory for all associations in Nova Scotia, however our Glace Bay organization decided to be pro-active and implement the change immediately. All other minor hockey groups in our Nova Scotia region will need to implement this age change, no later than the 2012-13 hockey season.

As a result of age roll-back, Glace Bay has recorded approximately 12 extra youngsters registered in their Tots Initiation Program where they will be introduced to the very hockey basics while having plenty of fun with the coaching staff.

With the beginning of each new hockey season, Hockey Canada asks all affiliated minor hockey associations to set aside a weekend to be dedicated for “hockey development”. This weekend of development allows all teams to place a pause their busy game schedules and take time to get down to the basics of hockey skill and coach development.

This year our association is busy rolling out a very active development agenda including all players and coaches. In the above photo a large number of coaches are seen attending a coaching clinic. Standing in front of the group are: Kevin Higo (Assistant Coach – CB Screaming Eagles), Rodger Cuzner (Coaching Course Co-ordinator – Hockey Canada), Doug Sulliman – (Former NHL Player & Assistant Coach), James Edwards (President – GBMHA), Kenny Tracey (Development Co-ordinator – GBMHA) and Sonny MacDougall (Vice President Finance & Adminsitration  – GBMHA)

The special guest presenters offered the coach audience plenty of tips, ideas and real life experiences that they could pass on to their players. Kevin Higo offered some key advice on specialty teams, covering the various aspects of penalty killing and playing on a man advantage situation. Rodger Cuzner provided some points on defensive zone coverage and Doug Sulliman outlined the role of how coaches can transform their practice drills into a game scenario.

While this session was underway other coaches within our association were busy conducting on-ice drills with players at both our BAYplex and Dominion Rinks.

Our association would like to thank the guest speakers Mr. Higo, Mr. Cuzner and Mr. Sulliman for taking the time out of their busy schedules to help make our coaches clinic a very effective learning experience. We would like to also commend our coaching staff for attending this session as well as the other coaches who spent time with the players on the ice.

Assistant coach of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Kevin Higo, goes over some key points on "specialty teams" to a large turnout of coaches. Mr. Higo was an invited guest for our Hockey Development Weekend.

Rodger Cuzner (Coaching Course Co-ordinator – Hockey Canada) is shown providing some tips to an audience of coaches during our Hockey Devlopment Weekend. Mr. Cuzner was an invited guest for our Hockey Devlopment Weekend. 

Doug Sulliman (former NHL player and assistant coach) outlines the process on how coaches can transform what they teach their players in practice and relate it to real game situations. Mr. Sulliman was an invited quest speaker during our Hockey Development Weekend.

Pictured above CB West Eagle defenceman #4 Matt Hinkley attempts to clear a loose puck just inside his blue-line, as Miner’s speedy forwards Brett Baxter (left) and captain Dylan MacDonald team-up on a nice forecheck, while team-mate Adam Wilson (right) follows up on the play. 

In Cape Breton Island Atom AAA Hockey League action played at the BAYplex Friday evening, our Miners jumped into an early 2-0 lead following the opening period of play against the visiting Cape Breton West Eagles . In the middle frame the Eagles showed some good hustle outscoring the Bay 2-1 and then opened the final stanza with an early marker to close the gap 4-2. Later in the period both teams exchanged one goal apiece which was enough for the Miners salvage a final 5-3 victory.

Leading the way for the Miners was Adam Wilson and Brett Baxter who each notched a brace tallies  while team-mate Dylan Rosnok lit the lamp with a single marker. In the assist department Dylan MacDonald and Wilson each chipped in two helpers, while Nathan MacMillan, Liam Burke, Alec Campbell, Baxter and Rosnok recorded single assists.

Scoring for the visiting CB West Eagles were Colby MacLean, Ben Van Zutphen and Matt Raoke. Adding assists were Neil MacLean and Van Zutphen.

Other players for the Glace Bay Miners are: Zeth Crowe, Tye Clarke, Xavier Johnson, Gavin MacQueen, Aimee O’Neill, Tytan Donovan, Nicholas Pastuck, Ty Tracey and Colin Rosta.

Local fans can follow our Atom AAA Miners this season on home ice as the team plays most Friday evenings with game time set for 6:00pm. Other teams that compete in the Cape Breton League are the Sydney Steelers and the Cape Breton County Islanders.  

On Sunday our Glace Bay Miners opened up the 2011-12 Cape Breton Island Pee Wee AAA Hockey League schedule by defeating the Cape Breton West Eagles 4-0 at the Port Hood Arena. Tonight at the BAYplex the home-town Miners got off to another fast start in a match-up against the Sydney Steelers.

In the opening period Dylan Pimentel took a pass from Connor Campbell to score the game’s first marker and before the period ended, Pimentel returned the favor by setting up Campbell for their team’s second goal. In the middle frame at the 7:57 mark, Miner’s defenseman Chase Fraser scored on a nice play with team-mates Dylan Turnbull and Pimentel. Then exactly one minute later, Fraser once again stretched the twine on the Steeler’s cage, scoring his sceond on the night, after getting a set-up pass from Campbell to put the Miner’s up 4-0. Sydney continued to press with some good scoring chances and then with 3:18 remaining in the period, Steeler's forward Ashton Paul passed the puck to Dustin Sudds to close the score by a count of 4-1.

In the final period both teams exchanged some good two-way hockey with the difference being solid goaltending at each end of the rink. In the above action photo, Miner’s goaltender Kane Drake stretches out his right pad to ward off a good scoring chance by Sydney’s nifty forward Ashton Paul while Miner’s players Logan Burke and Chad O’Neil look on.

Other players on our Miner’s team this year include: Drew Baxter, Hunter Bettens, Parker Spencer, Logan Bresowar, Dylan Burke, MacAulay MacDougall, Brandon MacLean, Cameron Yates, Logan Struthers and goaltender Cody Smith.

Local fans can catch our Pee Wee Miners most Monday nights at the BAYplex as they play host to other teams in the league with game time set for 6:00pm.

Approximately five years ago our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association realized that there was a growing need for all minor hockey parents to start each season on a strong communication footing. As a result of this initative GBMH executive member, Mike Binder (left insert photo) states that “all parents now start each hockey season in Glace Bay, by receiving the same message, which is vital to our player’s safety and as well as the important role that their parents must play”. During the session there were messages delivered pertaining to player & parental behavior, concussions, suspensions, protocol as well as current up-dates on the on-going need for volunteers and the importance of rolling out another successful weekly 50/50 draw program. Binder foresees the day very soon when HNS will be mandating similar parent programs “I have seen great strides in seeing the benefits of our educational program over recent years and I especially like the concept of providing our hockey parents the information in-person.  This gives them the opportunity to start each season being up-to-date on any changes, ask questions and to address concerns, this process helps strengthen all messages being delivered”.

As an extra bonus during the 1^st Parent Session, our association’s president James Edwards was able to arrange for a special guest appearance visit, by Mr. Doug Sulliman to drop by and deliver a message to an appreciative audience. Sulliman, a former local minor hockey player, played 11 years in the NHL and then in recent years embarked on several professional coaching assignments. During Sulliman’s address (right insert photo) to the parents, he emphasized that “parents have a very strong role to play in their children’s lives not only at home but also all places in between their homes and the rink”.  Sulliman says "parents have plenty of time to talk to their youngsters which leaves an impression on their lives” he says “take your drives to the rink whether it is to practice or a game or a longer drive to a road game”. He continues “these are all impressionable and precious moments to re-inforce nothing but positive messages to help strengthen your child’s confidence”.

As a hockey professional he has experienced the importance of personal commitment to the game of hockey both as a player and as an NHL assistant coach. One such example that Sulliman sites is, NHL All-Star, Shane Doan who he coached and plays with the Phoenix Coyotes. He was very impressed by Doan's personal commitment to his skill devlopment through endless practice. He says that the reason why Doan is one of the game’s top players, is because he really works at it. He says "Shane regularly stays behind on the ice after practice, (1-1/2 hours) and continuously works on targeted aspects of his game. He even has his own skating coach that he regularily includes in his extra practice routine".

As Doug departed the BAYplex he closed off by saying, “one of the best sports tips that I ever heard in my travels, was one that AL Michaels (NFL Commentator) made during one of his broadcasts".  Michaels said that “amateurs practice to get it right, while Pros practice to never to get it wrong!, that sounds pretty solid”.

Halifax Mooseheads GM Cam Russell announced today that the Club has selected Brad Cuzner in today’s QMJHL Waiver Draft. Cuzner, a 19 year old native of Glace Bay, was put on waivers earlier this week by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. The 5’8” 157lbs forward recorded 13 goals, 24 assists and 131 penalty minutes in 110 games with Cape Breton.

Cape Breton Post article: http://www.capebretonpost.com/Sports/2011-08-24/article-2723739/Cuzner-selected-by-Mooseheads/1

Glace Bay hockey fans who enjoyed watching Brad Cuzner's hockey performance will now have to wait until the Halifax Moosheads visit Centre 200. Their first scheduled game here in Sydney is set for Friday September 30th which will create a great deal of interest seeing Brad playing @ Centre 200 wearing a rival Moosehead jersey.

Glace Bay Wishes To Extend Best Wishes To Brad with his new team and we can assure him that Glace Bay fans will following his performance this season with great interest.