Glace Bay hockey fans have not had a hometown hockey player drafted by an NHL hockey team since 1979 when Doug Sulliman was selected by the New York Rangers in round 1, #13 overall in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Finally, after over 30 plus years of watching our local hockey hopefuls make their mark within our local hockey community Glace Bay now has a local prospect that has been made it to the next step. This afternoon in Minnesota Logan listened to the public address announcer call his name as he was drafted by the Florida Panthers. His parents Gerard and Sandra Shaw who were also in attendance with their son, were elated with the news, as this was a goal of Logan's boyhood hockey dreams since he first started out playing the game on his family's backyard rink.

VIDEO: http://video.panthers.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=724&id=119655

Hockey fans who know Logan, know that he is a solid young man, dedicated to his lifelong goals. So it is no strange coincidence that he has experienced head turning success in his only two hockey drafts, one in 2008 and now 2011. In 2008 Logan was ranked by the QMJHL in the first three rounds. That year the youngster was scooped up in the 1^st round of the league’s draft by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. Once again this year Logan sat at the 42^nd spot for North American skaters and somewhere around 109^th with the combined International ranking. Once again Shaw made an impression on the scouting staff of the Florida Panthers by leaping well ahead of his projected ranking, to be secured in the 3^rd round, number 76^th overall.

Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association as well as our local hockey fans wish to congratulate Logan Shaw for his hockey accomplishment today. Not only has Logan been an ambassador for our minor hockey program but moreover his success in hockey has elevated him as becoming a true role-model for the area's youth. We extend Best Wishes to Logan for a bright hockey future that we all hope will eventually lead him to play in the NHL someday, sporting a Florida Panther jersey.

BACKGROUND LEADING INTO DRAFT-DAY   

Glace Bay’s Logan Shaw who plays for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has steadily elevated his North American NHL rankings during the past hockey season to an impressive 42^nd ranking in North American Scouting.  As a result of his recent elevation in scouting rankings, Logan was invited to attend both the Toronto and Montreal Hockey Combine Assessment Camps. The 102 best draft-eligible players from North America and Europe went to Toronto  May 30 to June 4 and underwent a vigorous round of physical, medical and psychological tests that could determine where they are chosen. The Glace Bay youngster along with his family will make the trip to Minneopolis.

***SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. –the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25. The first round of the NHL Entry Draft will be held on June 24 starting at 7 p.m. ET live on VERSUS and on TSN and RDS in Canada. Rounds 2-7 will be held on June 25 starting at 11 a.m. ET on the NHL Network in the United States and Canada.

LEADING UP TO THIS WEEK, WE HAVE BEEN MONITORING LOGAN”S PROGRESS RECENTLY AND ARE PROVIDING OUR VIEWERS WITH A FEW MEDIA CLIPS OF WHAT THE HOCKEY MEDIA ARE SAYING…     

PROFILE: http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=9485

• Shaw led the Screaming Eagles in goals (26) and points (46) in 2010-11, a tough task on a team that only had 18 wins this season.

• He got his start in hockey at the age of three when his mother and grandfather took him to the rink – “my grandfather was my goalie until my shot got too hard.”

• A product of Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association, he credits his father for having the most influence on his career – “he pushes me, motivates me and gave me the chance to better myself. He also coached me eight years in minor hockey”.

• His most memorable hockey moment was being drafted into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League by Cape Breton in the first round with the draft held in Cape Breton.

FAVORITES

NHL team: Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL player: Sidney Crosby
Goal celebration: “Classic two arms straight up, maybe a little fist pump”
Video game: Golden Eye 007 for Nintendo 64
Movie: The Hangover
TV show: Family Guy
Actor: Zach Galifianakis
Cartoon: Scooby-Doo
Restaurant: Mike’s Lunch
Sport (other than hockey): Golf
Breakfast food: Pancakes
Superhero: Spiderman

 Draft tracker: 5 questions with Logan Shaw, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

By Neate Sager - http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/blog/buzzing_the_net/post/Draft-tracker-5-questions-with-Logan-Shaw-Cape?urn=juniorhockey-wp23

Right wing Logan Shaw promises to bring a little flinty East Coast toughness to the NHL organization he'll join in two weeks.

Shaw, a native Cape Bretoner, came of age somewhat during his draft season even amid a losing season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. A big scoring forward at 6-foot-3 and 197 pounds, Shaw turned in a 26-goal, 46-point season while playing top-line minutes on one of the most offensively challenged teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. An indicator of whether Shaw, NHL Central Scouting's 42nd-ranked North American skater, is more boom or bust will be how productive he is next season.

"I'll be up to any role they ask me to play," says Shaw, a late-1992 birth date who hails from Glace Bay, N.S. "One thing I need to focus on is my consistency and my grittiness. I need to be more of an in-your-face player."

There is little questioning that Shaw went the extra mile(s) to become a prospect. Well before he joined the Screaming Eagles, the eastern-most team in the CHL, as their first-round choice in 2008, he spent a lot of time traversing Atlantic Canada to play. That speaks well for the Caper's character.

"There wasn't a whole lot of competition around there," he says. "We had to travel six or seven hours [to Halifax] to get in some good games. My parents and family put a lot of work into helping me get this far."

1. What is about the Maritimes that has led to it producing more prospects in the past 5-10 years?

"There is just a lot of development going on. Hockey Canada really acknowledged what was happening in the Maritimes. They put a lot of focus on us. It's really showing and we really appreciate it."

2. How would you say your past season progressed, from start to finish?

"We only had 18 wins and seven were against one team [the Halifax Mooseheads]. It was kind of rough in that sense. Personally, I feel like before Christmas, I was playing with some good linemates and things were working. After the [QMJHL] trade period we moved some of our older guys, so it was kind of hard to get going."

3. What is the biggest asset you bring to a team?

"I'm an all-around person and an all-around player. I'm not just a goal scorer. I'm a two-way player. I'm not just a serious guy. I'm a funny guy. I'm a nice person, I guess ... I feel like I bring a lot of heart and determination to a team."

4. What does the term Caper mean to you?

"It means we work hard. We don't quit. We're the kind of people who play to win. We don't give up."

5. What is your expectation for next season in Cape Breton, with Ron Choules taking over as coach? (Choules was let go early last season by Acadie-Bathurst.)

"He [Choules] is a big man, so a lot of people are intimidated by him. I think that's kind of what we need, to get the young guys rolling on the team. We'll get some more experience next year and we'll be more competitive."

 http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/search.htm?q=shaw

***No Quit In Cape Breton Native

Monday, 13.06.2011 / 10:24 AM / Draft Central 2011

By Mike Ulmer - Mapleleafs.commentator

Name: Logan Shaw
Team: Cape Breton Eagles
Hometown: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
Position: Centre
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 197 lbs
2010-2011: 68 games, 26 goals, 20 assists, 37 PIMss
Final Central Scouting Ranking for N.A. Skaters: 42nd

Logan Shaw’s stock is on the rise.

The lanky centreman saw his position improve by 10 points between Central Scouting’s mid-term and final rankings.

Like many, he points to the versatility of his game as evidence of his potential.

“I’m not just a goal scorer, I’m a two-way player. I’m not just a hockey player. I am an all around good person."

Shaw said you can’t take the Cape Breton out of the boy. Then again, who would want to.

“I’m a nice person I guess. I’m from Cape Breton and there are a lot of good people there. I can bring a lot of heart and determination to a team.

“Where I grew up in the Maritimes you had to travel five hours to Halifax to get some good competition. “Where I am from you don’t give up. We work hard. We don’t quit."

http://bruins2011draftwatch.blogspot.com/search/label/Logan%20Shaw

Monday, April 11, 2011

***Central North American Skaters rankings: The rank and file…

Cape Breton forward Logan Shaw is a legitimate sleeper and underrated right winger who played on a poor team, but showed off some progress. He's still quite lanky at 6-3 and only about 180 pounds, but will put on considerable weight and strength. He's an above average skater, but has good hands and anticipation, putting together a solid offensive season for the moribund Screaming Eagles with 26 goals and 46 points. He's a classic project pick, but one who could pay off for a team gutsy enough to pick him sooner rather than later because scouts weren't exactly flocking to Cape Breton this season.

 ***THE HOCKEY NEWS-Special Feature 2011-06-13 11:35:00

VIDEO: One-on-one with Cape Breton Screaming Eagles right winger, NHL prospect Logan Shaw

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/40781-VIDEO-Oneonone-with-Cape-Breton-Screaming-Eagles-right-winger-NHL-prospect-Logan-Shaw.html

At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds it’s clear Nova Scotia native Logan Shaw has the frame to succeed in the NHL and his rookie season in the Quebec League certainly solidified his position as a quality prospect available in this summer’s NHL draft in Minnesota.

Shaw had 26 goals and 46 points in 68 games with Cape Breton this season and saw his stock rise as the year progressed.

THN’s Ryan Kennedy caught up with the Screaming Eagles winger as he prepared for the biggest day of his life.

PORT HOOD - Cape Breton West Major Midgets of the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League announced last Monday, via press release, the signing of former St FX X-Men, Sean Donovan. “They contacted me just yesterday [Sunday] to let me know the final decision was made,” Donovan told the Port Hawkesbury Reporter Newspaper. “I’m very excited to get the position. For me, finishing up my playing career and having an opportunity to have my own bench in a league that’s so competitive -- that’s a great opportunity for sure.”
Donovan, a Glace Bay native, played his minor hockey there before moving up to the Nova Scotia Major Midget Hockey League (NSMMHL) where he wore a Cape Breton Tradesman jersey. He was drafted by both the Antigonish Bulldogs of the Maritime Junior A League (MJAHL) and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
From 2002 to 2006, he played with the Bulldogs where he served as assistant captain for two years before moving up to wear the ‘C’ in his final season. He spent the next five seasons (2006 to 2011) playing for the St FX X-Men where he was co-captain in his final two years. He also participated in two CIS National Championships and two AUS Championships.
With all that, he was involved with various hockey schools and player development programs since 2000, including Alan Andrews Hockey Growth Program and the StFX X-Men Hockey School.
Craig MacInnis, former head coach and current director of Cape Breton West Islander hockey operations, said the team is very excited to see Donovan come on board. “Just knowing Sean on and off the ice, I think he’ll make a tremendous coach. He’s been involved with the Junior X-Men program under Brad Peddle, which is going to go a long way. Sean’s just a great person. The guys will really like playing for him; he’ll demand excellence, I know that. “Pretty much every team he’s played on he’s worn the ‘C’ and that speaks volumes of his character and commitment,” MacInnis continued. “One thing I like about him signing on is that he’s just done playing. He’s up-to-date on all the new systems, power plays, penalty kills -- all of that."

Congratulations Sean on your new coaching appointment and All the Best in your new coaching endeavor !

(Special acknowledgement from the Port Hawkesbury newspaper “The Reporter” for the details in this report)  

Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association recently held an Awards Night to close out our 2010-11 hockey season. This year we are pleased to announce that Greg O’Neill (head coach of this year’s edition of our ATOM AAA MINERS) was our choice for the association’s “COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD”. During the past year, our Atom AAA Miner’s team had a strong regular season in the local Cape Breton Island Hockey League. Association President James Edwards’s states ”We couldn't be happier that Greg chose to coach at the Atom level. The fundamental hockey skill he teaches the kids not only benefits this year's Atom team but future GBMH teams as well. This past season for example, not only did Greg’s Atom team advance to the NS Provincials but also both our Pee Wee AAA and A teams did as well, most of who were graduates from Greg's hockey instruction program”.

Anyone who knows Coach O’Neill’s coaching style, recognizes that he accepts the challenge for his team to always compete hard for each shift, period and game. However, what he also equally emphasizes is for all his players to develop and build game character. Greg stresses the importance for his young hockey students to learn new hockey skills, develop companionships and above all, demonstrate respect your team-mates, opponents and officials involved in the game.

Greg O’Neill is not new to coaching as he has been actively involved in coaching from Tots to Bantam AAA for approximately the past 15 years. In addition to his bench skills, off-ice he also dedicates many volunteer hours by taking a leadership roles in the administration of the GBMH organization. Greg is proud to be following the same footprints that his dedicated parents (Margie & Bernie) established during the previous era when he and his brothers (Philip & Brian) participated in for our minor hockey program. Greg has now held the Vice President position for our past five hockey seasons.   

When Greg played graduated from our minor hockey program he played for St. Michael’s High School Hockey Program where he excelled as a gifted skater and skilled player. Following his high school graduation he then attended St FX University where he cracked the elite hockey line-up for their St FX University Men’s Hockey Team of the AUAA Maritime Hockey League.  While in Antigonish he developed and demonstrated by example the same leadership skills that he displays today. This type of character earned him to be chosen St FX’s hockey team’s captain in his fourth and final year of his AUAA eligibility. Greg continues to promote hockey development in his limited spare time as he also administers a popular “power-skating program” in evenings and mornings for many players.

Greg is a true leader and hockey enthusiast who continues to make a tremendous contribution to our organization. GBMH president Edwards comments “when we restructured the Minor Hockey board a few years back to have someone oversee all GBMH hockey operations, Greg was the automatic and obvious choice. He has the respect of everyone in the rink from kids to adults and we can't thank him enough for what he gives to the youth of the community”.

Our association truly appreciates Greg’s volunteer effort and we value his endless hours of administrative contribution, and above all, his coaching & mentoring support that he provides to our hockey youth.

Pictured above front row (L-R): Sheldon Stubbard (Most Improved-Pee Wee), Landon Clarke (Most  Improved-Tots), David Beaton (Novice –Sportsman), Parker Hanrahan (Most Improved – Novice),  John Michael Burns (sportsman – Atom),  Liam Messervey (Most Improved – Atom).

 Back Row (L-R): James Edwards (GBMHA-President), Jack Summerell (Sportsman Pee Wee), Brett Littler (Sportsman – Midget), Hannah Kaiser (Ricky Wrathall Award for the person who exemplifies sportsmanship and dedication), Brooklyn Hennessey (Brent Boutilier Memorial Goaltending Award), Steven Gouthro (Sportsman – Bantam),   Aiden Phalen (Most Improved – Bantam) and Mr. Fred Courtney – Invited Guest Presenter

Missing from the above Awards photo were: Kendra Fraser who earned Most Improved Midget Division and Steven Gouthro Overall Sportsman – Bantam Division.

At the completion of each hockey season our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association makes a special effort to recognize some of our players from all hockey divisions for their hard work,  dedication, development and sportsmanship over the past year. Once again this year Association president James Edwards was on hand along with several other dedicated executive members to pass along congratulatory messages to all players who participated in our hockey programs  during this past 2010-11 season. A Special message of Thanks was extended to the many volunteers who once again supported our children’s activities.  

This year our executive invited a long time and well known Glace Bay hockey enthusiast and former star for our Glace Bay Miner’s during the 1950-60’s Mr. Fred Courtney, to attend our Awards Ceremony and make some trophy presentations to our youngsters in attendance.

In the above on-ice photo, our very proud Glace Bay Female Pee Wee A players took a moment  to circle their Nova Scotia Championship Banner in a unique team pose on their home ice. Our MINERS all gathered at the BAYplex Wednesday evening to atuograph their well earned Nova Scotia Championship Banner. Just prior to raising their covenant Provincial Trophy the girls took time to show their appreciation to the BAYplex rink by posing with the banner on their home-ice. The 2010-11 cherished PROVINCIAL BANNER TROPHY is now mounted on the BAYplex CHAMPIONSHIP WALL amongst the other GBMH associtaion hockey achievements.

Members of the team include and not in order of the photo include: Leah Byrne, Bailee Sheppard, Kailin Gillis, Brooklyn Hennessey, Amanda Gove, Morgan McNeil, Kaitlynn Hayes, Jillan Brown, Mary Wadden, Jessica Gracie, Hannah McIntyre, Alisha MacDonald, Nicole MacNeil and Jodi Dauphinee.

Our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association is very proud of the accomplishments in recent years of our ever-growing female hockey program. Our Pee Wee A Female team has had the unique opportunity to  capture the Provincial Pee Wee Female Crown the past two consecutive year. Some of our 2010-11 team players from this season got to repeat their glory of capturing the same title last year during the 2009-10 season.

To demonstrate just how much our GBMH association Female Hockey Program has developed here is a recent listing of their Hockey NS titles:

FEMALE - Pee Wee Provincial Champions 2006-07

FEMALE - Bantam Provincial Champions 2007-08

FEMALE – Bantam Provincial Champions 2009-10

FEMALE – Pee Wee Provincial Champions 2009-10

FEMALE – Pee Wee Provincial Champions 2010-11  

GLACE BAY MINOR HOCKEY IS VERY PROUD OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GROWTH OF OUR FEMALE HOCKEY PROGRAM.

CONGRATS ONCE AGAIN TO OUR FEMALE PW MINERS ON A GREAT HOCKEY SEASON in 2010-11 !

With all of Cape Breton hockey leagues closing out their 2010-11 seasons many are hosting their respective recognition and award events. Last Saturday the Cape Breton Banatm AA Hockey League conducted their closing awards and as such four members of our Glace Bay Miner's hockey team tokk home some desrving hardware. 

Shown in the insert photo is Ryan Wilson (All-star Rookie Team), Brett MacDonald (League MVP and 1st Team All-star), Jordan McInnis (2nd Team All-star, and Coaches Award for the Miners) and Matt O'Brien (All-star Rookie Team)

Congratulations To These Players For Their Hockey Accomplishment During the Past Season ! 

Pictured above are Glace Bay Pee Wee Miners who earned some extra recognition for their play and skills displayed during the recent Provincial Female A Championships held in Bridgetown. Amanda Gove (Top Defense & All-Star Defense), Leah Bryne (Skills Competition - Stickhanding & All-Star Forward), Mary Wadden (Skills Competition -Back Skating) and Brooklyn Hennessey (Skills Competition -Goals Against & All-Star Goaltender).

Stay tuned as we hope to providing some coverage as the girls raise their Provincial Championship Banner at the BAYplex later in April.  

On March 18^th the Glace Bay Atom “A” Miners traveled to Windsor, NS, “the birth-place of hockey” to compete in their final hockey tournament for the 2010-11 hockey season. Up until this point our Miners played in a couple of local tournaments but did not win any championships.  

Glace Bay opened the tournament against West Hants and won their first game 8-4 with the game difference being their penalty killing and strong goaltending by Justin Routledge who earned Player of the Game for the Miners. Scorers for Glace Bay Kassie Mackinnon and Tyler OLeary who scored two goals each, while single markers came off the sticks of Josh Eagles, Colin Rosta, Spencer Billard and Allister MacNeil.

In the second game Glace Bay defeated Thorburn 5-1. Once again the Bay found themselves in penalty trouble but the players battled hard. Justin Routledge had even a better game in goal and with only 3 seconds remaining he lost his shut-out bid on a late Thorburn power play goal. Scorers for Glace Bay were Josh Eagles, Alexandra Barrett, Allister MacNeil, Tyler OLeary and Kassie Mackinnon who was awarded her team’s Player of the Game selection.  

With the win Glace Bay advanced into the championship game against their Cape Breton rivals, the Sydney Steelers. The Miners responded to their challenge by displaying a strong defensive game as they did throughout the entire tournament and added some timely goal scoring winning the game 6-0. Justin Routledge earned the shutout to record the win while Jordan MacNeil and Josh Eagles scored a pair of tallies each and Tyler Oleary and Tyler Mortimer lit the lamp one time each. Miner’s Josh Eagles was selected as Player of the Game.

Gold Medals went to: Justin Routledge, Ty Tracey, Spencer Billard, Alexandra Barrett, Colin Rosta, Nathan Byrne, Tyler Mortimer, Kali Hynes, Brett Roper, Josh Eagles, Jordan MacNeil, Hannah Livingston, Kassie Mackinnon, Tyler Oleary, Allister MacNeil, Ricky Mackenzie, coaches Paul Routledge, Trevor Mackinnon, Paul Tracey and team manager Joey Barrett.

(Report submitted by coach Paul Routledge)

Pictured above: Front Row L-R: Art Gillis (coach), Leah Byrne, Bailee Sheppard, Kailin Gillis, Brooklyn Hennessey, Amanda Gove, Morgan McNeil, Kaitlynn Hayes, Derrick Hayes (assistant coach). Back Row L-R: R.J. McNeil (trainer), Maureen Wadden (team manager), Jillan Brown, Mary Wadden, Jessica Gracie, Hannah McIntyre, Alisha MacDonald, Jodi Dauphinee, Laurie Gove (assistant manager) Gary Gracie (assistant coach).

Game 5 Championship Game - GB 3 vs Western Valley 1

The girls had a tall order in front of them as they were trying to get out of their minds the 4-2 loss in the round robin to Western Valley. GB had a strategy and the girls performed and delivered. The game was a back and forth battle with no scoring in the first period. Top goaltending from Brooklyn Hennessey and strong defensive play by GB kept the game in under control. The second period started the same way however GB started to bring the play to Western Valley and started to show their offensive strength. Again the score remained at 0-0 after 2 periods of play. The teams went off the ice for intermission and prepared for the grand finalle in the 3rd period. Fans from both sides were cheering loudly for their girls to push them through. GB scored the first goal (Amanda Gove) early into the third period putting the pressure on Western Valley. Western tried to pull out all the stops to tie the game but a great play by Mary Wadden, stealing the puck from a Western player went down and scored to make it 2-0. The pressure was again put on GB as they were asset back to back double minors. The play continued with 5 on 3 for Western Valley and finally they scored making the game 2-1. GB called a 30 sec time out which seemed to work as the girls regained their composer and killed the remaining time in the penalties. The teams were back to 5 on 5 and with about 50sec remaining and Western's goalie on the bench for the extra attacker Morgan McNeil went down and scored in the empty net to salt the victory. Miner's Player of the Game - Allisha MacDonald. By far this was the most exciting game of the tournament.

The girls had a great time and will never forget the experience of playing and winning the Provincial crown. For some girls this was their second consecutive Peewee A title.

Game 4 - GB 1 vs Colchetser 0

This was a much anticipated game by both teams. GB and Colchester coming out of the North Conference were well known to each other. A win for either team would propel them to the final. The game was nothing less than a barn-burner, it was back and forth for the entire game with excellent goal tending by both goalies. After the first period the score was 0-0, this remained the same after 2 periods and the second period intermission the girls went to the dressing room for a much deserved break. The third period was a continuation of the previous however GB was able to put one past the Colchester goal with only few minutes remaining Miner's player Nicole McNeil dawned the scoring fete of scoring the lone goal in the game. Colchester pulled their goalie but was not able to tie the game. The girls played a fantastic game and came out on top 1-0. Miner's Player of the Game - Nicole McNeil 

Game 3 GB 6 vs Eastern Shore 0

With GB's chances of advancing in the tournament on the line a win was required. GB came out firing on all cylinders and jumped out to an early lead. Eastern Shore played a very competitive game and had a no quit attitude but GB proved to be too strong for the opposition and skated to a 6-0 win. Miner's goal scorers were: Jillan Brown, Jodi Dauphinee, Amanda Gove, Bailee Sheppard, Morgan McNeil and Mary Wadden. Miner's Player of the Game - Kailin Gillis

 Game 2 - GB 2 vs Western Valley 4

GB jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Bailee Sheppard & Morgan McNeil and was bringing the play to Western Valley. In the second period Western Valley brought the game to within a goal making it 2-1 and then scored with seconds remaining to tie the score 2-2 going into the third period. The third period started with Western scoring quickly making it 3-2. They scored again mid way through to take a 2 goal lead and what proved to be the final outcome. GB battled hard pulling the goalie for an extra attacker but came up short losing 4-2. Miner's Player of the Game - Leah Byrne

Game 1 - GB 1 vs Acadia/West Hants 1

This was a very exciting game that went back and forth for the entire game. GB scored first on a nice tally by Leah Byrne and timely goaltending from Brooklyn Hennessey enabled GB to play to a 1-1 OT tie. In OT GB out played Acadia and with only seconds remaining GB hit the post.  MVP Amanda Gove

 (Summary of tournament games provided by Miners coach Art Gillis)

Female Peewee A PROVINCIALS

Game	Home	Score	Away	Score	Date/time	Venue (surface)
1	Acadia/West Hants	3	Western Valley	2	Fri Mar 25, 2011 4:00 PM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
2	Colchester	3	Eastern Shore	0	Fri Mar 25, 2011 6:00 PM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
3	Glace Bay	1	Acadia/West Hants	1	Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:00 PM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
4	Western Valley	3	Colchester	1	Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:30 AM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
5	Acadia/West Hants	2	Eastern Shore	1	Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:30 AM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
6	Western Valley	4	Glace Bay	2	Sat Mar 26, 2011 12:30 PM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
7	Colchester	3	Acadia/West Hants	0	Sat Mar 26, 2011 4:00 PM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
8	Eastern Shore	0	Glace Bay	6	Sat Mar 26, 2011 6:00 PM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
9	Glace Bay	1	Colchester	0	Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:30 AM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
10	Eastern Shore	2	Western Valley	4	Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:30 AM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena
11	WESTERN VALLEY	1	GLACE BAY	3	Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:00 PM	Bridgetown & District Memorial Arena

MINERS  -You Make Glace Bay PROUD  !

Congratulations to Joe Kennedy from Sydney, Cape Breton, N.S., who is our winner of $45,922.00 in our last weekly 50/50 draw for March 27th.

- For Names of Our Extra Bonus Draw Winners Visit or 50/50 LINK

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 throughout this past 2010-11 hockey Season. 

GLACE BAY MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

 SAYS "THANK YOU" !

Sunday Results:  

Glace Bay vs Shelburne: Next the miners played Shelburne Ryan Mackenize scored on a penalty shot to give the miners a 1-0 lead , then Brady Buchanan recieved a pass and split the defense and scored. Shelburne fought back and tied the game 2-2.With the medal on the line and in overtime the miners struck every miner on the ice touching the puck first d to d pass  the up to forward Brett Macdonald ,he chipped the puck to Brady Buchanan who went in with the puck drew the goalie over to the right then passed it to Mason Macleod who scored down on one knee top shelf to win the Game MVP Mason Macleod also the 3rd game up there Ryan Mackenzie won MVP every miner played there hearts out to get the big win. This is what happened it was a exicting weekend and everyone had fun. (Game report submitted by Eddie Buchanan)

Our Miners win an exciting sudden-death 3-2 overtime victory Sunday morning against Shelburne earning them Bronze Medals in the NS Provincials.

 Saturday Results:

Glace Bay vs Acadia (Information Unavailable)

Miners vs Truro: We played truro and we were down 3-0 going into the 3rd period with 2min left Brady Buchanan took the puck down and passed to Cameron Yates, Yates scored a amazing goal over the goalies shoulder. Miners called a timeout with 43 seconds left they crashed the net, Brady Buchanan poked in a goal and the miners were within one. They pulled there goalie and with seconds left almost tied it up. Brady Buchanan won Player of the Game. (Game report submitted by Eddie Buchanan)

Friday Results: Miners outshot  their opposition the Chebucto Atlantics 29-12 but experienced some finishing trouble dropping their 1st game 5-2. Glace Bay's Bret Macdonald scored both Bay goals earning him Player of the Game while team-mate Brady Buchanan earned one assist in the game. The Miners hit the ice again Sat  @ 12:30 against Acadia and again @ 6Pm against Truro. (Information rec'd by text)

Peewee A - PROVINCIALS

Game	Home	Score	Away	Score	Date/time	Venue (surface)
1	Chebucto	7	Acadia	3	Fri Mar 25, 2011 4:00 PM	Kentville Arena
2	Shelburne	2	Truro	4	Fri Mar 25, 2011 6:00 PM	Kentville Arena
3	Glace Bay	2	Chebucto	5	Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:00 PM	Kentville Arena
4	Acadia	2	Shelburne	3	Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:30 AM	Kentville Arena
5	Chebucto	6	Truro	6	Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:30 AM	Kentville Arena
6	Acadia	0	Glace Bay	3	Sat Mar 26, 2011 12:30 PM	Kentville Arena
7	Shelburne	2	Chebucto	3	Sat Mar 26, 2011 4:00 PM	Kentville Arena
8	Truro	3	Glace Bay	2	Sat Mar 26, 2011 6:00 PM	Kentville Arena
9	Glace Bay	3	Shelburne	2	Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:30 AM	Kentville Arena
10	Truro	1	Acadia	3	Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:30 AM	Kentville Arena
11	Chebucto	9	Truro	1	Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:00 PM	Kentville Arena

Pictured above are members of our Glace Bay Miners who will be heading to Dartmouth NS to compete for the Nova Scotia ATOM AAA Provincial title. The tournament runs from March 24-27^th. Other teams competing  for the provincial crown include: Dartmouth, Truro, Sackville, Acadia, Tasa and CB County.    

First Row L-R: Tyler Lynk (Trainer), James Hayes, Parker Spencer, Seth Crowe, Greg O'Neill (Head Coach), Sandy Burke, Robbie Harroun, Cale Guyaux , Roger Guyaux (Assistant Coach)
L-R: Derrick Hayes (Manager),Dylan MacDonald, Nicholas Truckair, Logan Burke, Colin MacLeod, Jack O'Brien, Trenton Gove, Carson Guyaux, Devon Gouthro, Aimee O'Neill, Dylan Rosnok, Brett Baxter, Phillip O'Neill (Assistant Coach)

Keep checking this website for post-game results next weekend as we track our Miner's progress.

Best of Luck MINERS !

Midget C PROVINCIALS

Game	Home	Score	Away	Score	Date/time	Venue (surface)
1	Pictou County (NG)	5	Bedford	2	Fri Mar 25, 2011 4:00 PM	Trenton Arena
2	Acadia	2	Pictou County (Trenton)	8	Fri Mar 25, 2011 6:00 PM	Trenton Arena
3	Glace Bay	2	Pictou County (NG)	15	Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:00 PM	Trenton Arena
4	Bedford	8	Acadia	5	Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:30 AM	Trenton Arena
5	Pictou County (NG)	4	Pictou County (Trenton)	4	Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:30 AM	Trenton Arena
6	Bedford	10	Glace Bay	1	Sat Mar 26, 2011 12:30 PM	Trenton Arena
7	Acadia	4	Pictou County (NG)	6	Sat Mar 26, 2011 4:00 PM	Trenton Arena
8	Pictou County (Trenton)	13	Glace Bay	0	Sat Mar 26, 2011 6:00 PM	Trenton Arena
9	Glace Bay	2	Acadia	5	Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:30 AM	Trenton Arena
10	Pictou County (Trenton)	8	Bedford	3	Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:30 AM	Trenton Arena
11	TRENTON	4	PICTOU (NG)	3	Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:00 PM	Trenton Arena

Pictured above in front row L-R: Mitch Vatcher, Brett Gillis, Rob MacQueen, Craig Tracey, Skylar Peterson, Trevor MacLean, Jordan Brushett and Eddie Roach. Back row L-R: Art Gillis (Assistant Coach), Nathan MacDonald, Kyle MacLean, Coady Baxter, Brad MacDonald, Blake Syms, Allan Currie, Brett Littler, Chris MacLeod, Donald MacQueen (Head Coach), Lloyd MacLeod (Assistant Coach).Missing from picture: Assistant Coach Malcolm Roach and Team Manager Shelly Syms.

In the recent Midget “C” regional Cape Breton elimination series play-down our Glace Bay were able to overcome a first game defeat from the Sydney Steelers and then rebounded the following two playoff games with a timely combination of good offense, strong defense and two consecutive games of shutout goaltending. 

In the final deciding game, the Sydney Steelers and Glace Bay Miners played through an opening scoreless opening period despite Miner’s puck-stopper stopping two Steeler break-a-way chances. In the middle frame our Miners rebounded Roach’s strong goaltending effort by turning up their offensive intensity as all three lines picked up their play.

Leading the way for Glace Bay was Allan Currie who notched two goals in the game while team-mates Brett Littler, Trevor MacLean, Rob MacQueen, Brad MacDonald, Kyle MacLean and team captain Skylar Pederson recorded one tally apiece. Leading the way in the assist department Chris MacLeod was the Miner’s top play-maker in the game setting up three goals while Blake Syms, MacQueen, Littler, MacLean each chipped in with two helpers. Miner’s defensive stalwart Craig Tracey added one assist in the winning effort.

In a nice post-game gesture, Sydney Steeler coach Brian Yhard demonstrated a nice gesture of good sportsmanship as he visited our Miner’s dressing room following the game to congratulate the boys and to wish them the Best of Luck in our Provincial Tournament run. After winning game one in the series Yhard made a special effort to congratulate Miner’s goaltender Eddie Roach who shutout the Steelers the following two games.  

The team is coached by Duck MacQueen, Art Gillis and Lloyd MacLeod and they should be commended for inspiring the team to play disciplined hockey following the initial loss and working hard to earn the exciting playoff victory.   

Team manager has been busy lining up some extra practice schedules in their preparation for the Nova Scotia Provincial Tournament slated for March 24-27 in Pictou, NS.

Best of Luck at Next Weekend's Provincials - MINERS !

(Story submitted by team manager -Shelly Syms)

Congratulations to the Cole Habour Red Wings for winning the NS Midget Provincial Title and to the CB County Islanders for being the runner-up team, taking home Silver Medals. Kudos to our own Glace Bay Miners for a nice effort of being very competitive as this year's team entries have been strong. The tournament displayed a standout level of goaltending with 6 of the 11 games ending in shutout victories.  

SUNDAY - The Glace Bay Miners finished their final game of the tournment this morning loosing a close nail-bitter 1-0. The Cape Breton County Islanders scored the game's only goal with less than 3 minutes remaining in regulation. Miner's player Kristine Billard earned the Offensive Player of the Game while Miranda MacIsaac was awarded her team's Defensive Player of the Game award.

SATURDAY -  6:00PM Game : Our Glace Bay Miners knew they needed a win to stay in contention heading into their third game this evening and recorded a 3-0 win supported by a great team effort. Candea Wadden lead the charge for the Miner’s as she scored a brace of tallies in the game while team-mate Katherine Shaw added a single marker in the game. Adding assists on the Bay’s goals were Emma Brown, Danielle MacEachern, Bobbi MacCormick and Corrine Heffernan. Glace Bay’s goaltender Emily MacKinnon was a standout in nets as she not only recored the victory but also was named the game’s Defensive Player of the Game. Team-mate Katherine Shaw was recognized as the Miner’s Offensive Player of the Game. 

 12:30 Game : Our Miners experienced another strong opponent today against the host Cumberland team who edged Glace Bay 3-1 in a close contest. Scoring for the Miners was Danielle MacEachern while Candea Wadden drew an assist on the goal. Glace Bay's Offensive Player of the Game was Candea Wadden while the Miner's Defensive Player of the Game was Bobbi MacCormick.

Sunday morning Glace Bay will be tested against their cross-island rivals, the Cape Breton County Islanders in a game schedule for 8:30am.

 FRIDAY - Glace Bay dropped a 2-0 decision tonight in Amherst in their opening game against the Cole Habour Red Wings. Glace Bay's Offensive Player of the Game was Candia Wadden while their Defensive Player of the Game went to Emma Brown

Note: All three tournament games played Friday resulted in "shutout wins". Sounds like there is some good goaltending in the tournament this weekend.
  

Stay tuned to our site for "real time" score results all weekend long.

(Thanks to Brent MacKinnon for providing us with score up-dates)

Pictured above are members of the Glace Bay Rockets hockey team: In front: goalie James McNeil. Second row L-R: Cameron Bigley, Tyler Strong, Mitchell Hoffman, Brett Gilbert, Rein Ryan, Tristan Talbot, Austin McInnis and back row L-R: Anthony Bradbury, Joey Stubbard and Daniel McIntyre. Coaches, Glenn Mac Donald, Jim Bradbury, Wade Gilbert. Missing from photo: Noah McIntosh and Dylan MacKinnon.

Glace Bay PeeWee Rockets treated their fans to a memorable weekend past at the County Arena by taking home the Gold medal at the 2nd Annual Barry Lush Memorial Tournament. A total of 12 teams Pee Wee Metro teams from the area competed for the title during the past weekend.
 
Glace Bay's first game opened the Tournament and was played on Thursday March 10th against the County Islanders. Glace Bay’s net-minder James McNeil played a stellar game in front of a Islander posting 4-0 shutout to record the win for the Rockets.  Goals were scored by: Austin McInnis, Mitchell Hoffman, Daniel McIntyre and Tyler Strong.

On Friday our Rockets experienced a minor set-back loosing a close match to the Sydney Snipers by a score of 7-6. Glace Bay played a very good game keeping fans on the edge of their seats with excitement.  Goals for Glace Bay included, Austin McInnis netting a hat trick, with Brett Gilbert, Tyler Strong and Daniel McIntyre with one apiece.
 
On Saturday Glace Bay were determined to avenge the previous day’s loss rallied back with planet of offense by scoring an impressive 10-2 victory over the North Sydney Panthers. Scoring for the Glace Bay Team was Mitchell Hoffman who scored an impressive 4 goals, Daniel McIntyre with a Hat Trick, Brett Gilbert netting a pair, and Austin McInnis with a single.   This game would end up being a key factor for the Rockets, several teams were tied with a 2-1 record.  GB had a better plus/minus at +11, which advanced them to the semi-final round.
 
Glace Bay's early Sunday morning semi-final game was against the top overall team in the tournament, the North Sydney Blues, not only did the clocks jump ahead but Glace Bay stayed ahead as well. The Rockets kept the lead of 3-0 until the last 2:10 of the third period when the Blues potted a goal on Glace Bay's net-minder James McNeil who was playing a stellar game for Glace Bay.  With the Blues trailing 3-1 they drew their goalie in favor of an extra skater and were able to gain a two extra man advantage as Glace Bay was assessed a penalty in the final 2 minutes. James was able to keep the puck outside of the pipes and leading his team to yet another win and the gold medal game.  Glace Bay's Goals Mitchell Hoffman, Brett Gilbert, Cameron Bigley. 
 
Glace Bays final game was played against yet again the Sydney Snipers, the team who won previously to Glace Bay in the tournament, this game was like the last one, end to end excitement from both teams. However Glace Bay ended the game with a 6-4 win over the Snipers and taking home the gold medal.  Goals from Glace Bay were Daniel McIntyre who netted a pair, Mitchell Hoffman, Brett Gilbert, Cameron Bigley and Tyler Strong with one apiece. 

NOTE: As a point of interest last year's tournament was won by the Glace Bay Devils, so Glace Bay repeats as back-to-back winners of this annual Pee Wee Metro Hockey Tournament.   

Congratulations to Our Glace Bay Rockets on Their Tournament Win !  

(Photo & Story Submitted by Rocket's manager Tricia Milley)
 

Pictured above young Glace Bay Black Hawk defenseman Breton Nightingale is seen getting set to release a wrist shot towards the County Red’s goal. During the past few days hundreds of youngsters spent part of their March break participating in our Hockey Jamboree at the BAYplex and Dominion rink.  

This year's event attracted 329 Novice aged players. For most of these players this week's Jamboree wraps up another hockey season for them as many of our minor hockey associations begin to wind down their programs.

Thank You once again to the jamboree organizers who did great job !

The 2010-11 Glace Bay Minor Hockey has been officially opened during a well attended ceremony held at the BAYplex this evening. Seen taking place in the official opening face-off: left-to-right - Novice player Sarah Lynn Jewells, James Edwards – President of GBMHA, Seaside Communications Mascot and Novice player Madison MacDonald. During the ceremony President James Edwards welcomed all participants to Glace Bay’s 11^th Annual Jamboree event. He stated that “although you will enjoy playing hockey, it's more important that everyone has lots of fun over the next few days”.

Master of ceremony for the official opening Roland Hardy introduced the players in attendance and passed along words of thanks to both the volunteers who made up the organizing committee and to the many community-minded sponsors who supported this year’s event. Jessica Hardy, a female player in Glace Bay sang O’CANADA in front of a very appreciative audience.   

This year's Jamboree has attracted 22 teams from all over Cape Breton. Novice teams are representing teams from Glace Bay, Sydney, New Waterford, Cape Breton County, Northside and Cheticamp. There are 329 Novice aged players registered on teams which will play a couple of games each at both the BAYplex and Dominion Arenas. One interesting observation is that with the recent surge of interest in female hockey in recent years there are 35 girls playing in the event this year.

Sunday:  

Friday: In this today's action our Miner's dropped a close 5-3 set-back to their Cape Breton rival Sydney Steelers. Scoring for the Bay was Hunter Bettens, Nathan Livingston and Sean Smith. Player of the Game Nathan Livingston.

In their 2nd game against Halifax our Miners experienced a 5-1 set-back. Glace Bay's lone goal came off the stick of Sean Smith while their goaltender Steven MacGillivary earned Player of the Game.

Thrusday: Our Pee Wee Miners made a long road trip down to the opposite end of our province to compete in the Nova Scotia Pee Wee AAA Provincial Hockey Tournament being in held in Yarmouth this weekend. Glace Bay opened their weekend play by doubling their Acadia openents by a 6-3 count. Leading the way for our MINERS was Hunter Bettens and Nathan Livingston each tallied a brace of markers in the contest to lead the way while Brandon Dauphine and Sean Smith notched singles. MINER's forward Brandon Dauphinee earned Player of the Game for the Glace Bay. 

(Thanks to Mark Bettens for providing us with score up-dates)

Congratulations to the Pictou team for winning gold medals and claiming the 2010-11 Nova Scotia Midget "A" Provincial Hockey Championship here in Glace Bay !  

The Glace Bay Host Organizing Committee for this weekend’s Nova Scotia Provincial Midget “A” Tournament would like to extend Congratulations to the 2010-11 Pictou Provincial Midget "A" Champions. To all visiting players, coaches and parents we Thank You for helping make our weekend a success We appreciate the work that the many volunteers who gave their time and to the sponsors who graciously supported our provincial hockey event. 
Signed- Host Committee: Darren MacEachern, Derrick Hayes, Michael Binder, Gary Gracie, Andre LeBlanc and John Cameron.

PROVINCIAL AWARD LIST

Fair-Play Banner: East Hants Penguins (least penalized team)
 
Allstar Team
 
Goalie: Darcy Ballard---Tasa
Defense: Ryan MacKinnon ----Sydney
Defense: Gage MacNeil-----Pictou
Forward: Brandon Rankin----Pictou
Forward: Trayvon MacLeod---East Hants
Forward: Shane Gillis----East Hants
 
Special Awards:
 
Most Sportsman: Breton MacEachern--- Glace Bay
Top Goalie: Tie between Pictou's two Goalies - Brandon Watt & James Smith
Top Defense: Nicholas Graham----Tasa Ducks
Top Scorer: Brandon Rankin--- Pictou
Tournament MVP: Barett Marshall---Pictou 

Pictou Team - Gold Medals as 2010-11 NS Midget "A" Provincial Champions ! 

Midget A PROVINCIALS BAYplex March 11-13

Game	Home	Score	Away	Score	Date/time	Venue (surface)
1	Sydney	1	Glace Bay	2 O/T	Fri Mar 11, 2011 4:00 PM	BAYplex Arena
2	East Hants	2	Pictou	4	Fri Mar 11, 2011 6:00 PM	BAYplex Arena
3	TASA	5	Sydney	2	Fri Mar 11, 2011 8:00 PM	BAYplex Arena
4	Glace Bay	5	East Hants	7	Sat Mar 12, 2011 8:30 AM	BAYplex Arena
5	Sydney	1	Pictou	4	Sat Mar 12, 2011 10:30 AM	BAYplex Arena
6	Glace Bay	1	TASA	5	Sat Mar 12, 2011 12:30 PM	BAYplex Arena
7	East Hants	2	Sydney	1	Sat Mar 12, 2011 4:00 PM	BAYplex Arena
8	Pictou	2	TASA	1	Sat Mar 12, 2011 6:00 PM	BAYplex Arena
9	TASA	3	East Hants	2	Sun Mar 13, 2011 8:30 AM	BAYplex Arena
10	Pictou	6	Glace Bay	1	Sun Mar 13, 2011 10:30 AM	BAYplex Arena
11	Pictou	4	Tasa	0	Sun Mar 13, 2011 2:00 PM	BAYplex Arena

Pictured above Miners team captain Liam MacPhee tries a wrap-a-round scoring attempt while Pictou goaltender James Smith slides over to his side post in time to make a key save.

Our Glace Bay Miners gave a good effort this morning against a stronger Pictou team that will now be advancing against Tasa for the NS Provincial Midget “A” Championship title in a game scheduled for 2:00pm @ the BAYplex. Scoring for our Miners was Jeff Parsons while Mark McLanders assisted on the marker.

In Saturday’s games the Miners were defeated by East Hants Penguins 7-5. Scoring for the Bay was Ryan Orr who notched a brace of tallies for his team while team-mates Kenneth MacIntyre, Steve Edwards and Brett MacDonald all scored singles.

Pictured above are some of this year’s player participants in the Hockey Skills Competition as being part of the NS Midget “A” Provincial Tournament Event being held at the BAYplex this weekend. The event allows players to take a well-deserved break from the high game intensity and to mingle with each other and enjoy the friendly competition in front of a large and appreciative crowd.

From L-R front row: Jack O’Brien and James Hayes competition assistants and players from GBMHA. Back row L-R: Brett MacDonald (Glace Bay), Jevan Buchi (East Hants), Seaside Communications Mascot, Justin Fitzgerald (Sydney), Kevin Melee (Tasa) and Jethro Gunn (Pictou).

Our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association would like to recognize the significant contribution that Seaside Communication has made as well as all other sponsors in helping make this weekend event a success.

In this third period game action photo, Miner’s Ryan Orr #4 drills a shot that seems to escape the open side of the net as game referee Kyle Moore gets a close-up look at the play. 

Our Glace Bay Miners tangled with their local rival Sydney Steelers in an exciting Nova Scotia Midget A Provincial contest at the BAYplex this afternoon by winning 2-1 in the game’s five minute overtime period. Both teams exchanged goals in the second period after both goaltenders played shutout hockey in the opening frame. Glace Bay opened the scoring as Ernie Jewells lit the lamp for the Miners on a nice play with Breton MacEachern. Later in the period Sydney’s Tyler Worthington scored the game equalizer at the 10:29 mark. For the remainder of the second period and throughout the third stanza goaltenders Mitch Gibbons of the Steelers and Murray Wadden of the Miners  stole the show shutting down all scoring attempts to force the game into a five minute sudden death overtime period. Once again both teams exchanged end to end scoring chances until Glace Bay’s Jeff Parsons jumped on a neutral zone turnover, skated in on goal and wristed a hard shot to the back of the Sydney cage to give the Miners a win in their first game.

Above left to right Sydney Steeler team captain Ryan MacKinnon, Sonny MacDougall, Jordan Evasuk-MacDonald and Glace Bay Miner’s team captain Liam MacPhee. The picture was taken during the 2010-11 Official Opening Face-Off Ceremony as part of the NS Provincial Midget “A” Tournament being kicked-off @ the BAYplex in Glace Bay Friday evening.

Tournament Co-Chairs Darren MacEachern and Derrick Hayes arranged to have CBRM Mayor-John Morgan, Glace Bay MLA – Geoff MacLellan, MP – Rodger Cuzner and GBMHA President James Edwards all say a few words of “Welcome and Well Wishes” to all participants to have a fun-filled, safe but competitive weekend of hockey.

Our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association recognized and honored Sonny MacDougall and Jordan Evasuk-MacDonald not just as being long-time volunteers in our GBMH association in a number of capacities but moreover for re-establishing Junior Hockey in Glace Bay during the past season. Both MacDougall and Evasuk-MacDonald saw an opportunity to bring Junior hockey back to the strong roots in Glace Bay and persevered to make it happen. Through their vision and passion they are determined to put the Glace Bay MINERS identity back on the Nova Scotia region’s hockey map.    

This up-coming weekend the Nova Scotia Hockey Provincial Finals get underway at a number of arenas across out province. Here in Glace Bay the BAYplex will be one of these sites as our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association have been selected to host and deliver the province’s Midget “A” Finals. Teams competing for Nova Scotia Gold this weekend include our own Glace Bay Miners, Sydney, Pictou, East Hants and Tasa. As an extra fan attraction there are plans to have a “Skills Competition” Saturday @ 2:30pm as representatives from each participating team skate and shoot for individual hockey skill awards.   

Members of our Glace Bay Miners include: Michael Delorey, Liam McPhee, Conner Binder, Brett MacDonald, Tyler Southwell, Mark McLanders, Cameron Gilmet, Maurice Bourgeois, Breton MacEachern, Ernie Jewels, Kenneth McIntyre, Steven Edwards, Cory McVicar, Steven Dominie
Murray Wadden, Jeff Parsons, Ryan Orr and Jeremy Hennessey. Coaches, Blair McVicar, Sheldon Burke and Charles Dupuis while Angus McVicar is their team manager.

The Glace Bay host organizing committee for the Provincial Tournament event includes: Derrick Hayes, Darren MacEachern, Michael Binder, Gary Gracie, Andre LeBlanc and John Cameron.

BEST OF LUCK MINERS !

Dear Minor Hockey Associations and Members of Nova Scotia. 

 As you may have already heard Antigonish has made it to the final 10 for Kraft Hockeyville 2011.  On behalf of Antigonish Minor Hockey and the entire community at large I am asking you to circulate this communication to your association memberships at large and have them pass the message to everyone and anyone they know across Nova Scotia or beyond to vote for Antigonish for Kraft Hockeyville 2011.   

As you know Nova Scotian’s have a proud tradition of sticking together and celebrating success of individual communities as a province.  To make it to the final 5 we have to come out of the Atlantic Region and we are up against the community of Conception Bay South, a minor hockey association roughly twice the size of Antigonish Minor, and a community located close to St. John’s.  In order to for Antigonish to be successful on this bid for the final 5 we need the support of all Nova Scotians.  

At this time we are asking you all to vote, your family and friends, once (or as many times as you wish), at the web address below, for the Antigonish Arena to be winner of the Atlantic Region for Kraft Hockeyville 2011. 

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hockeyville/home/en/index.shtml or call the toll free number, 1-866-533-8066 and follow the automated voice prompts. I thank you in advance for your support for the Antigonish Arena and its bid for Kraft Hockeyville 2011.

Yours in Hockey,  

Mike Stewart - President Antigonish Minor Hockey Association

In the above game photo Glace Bay Miner's team captain Brett MacDonald battles for puck possession in his own end zone as he defends against a determined Strait Pirate forechecker.

Our Glace Bay Miners skated to a 4-3 victory over their cross-island rival Strait Pirates as they closed out their regular season home ice schedule at the BAYplex. Next weekend the Miners will compete in the Cape Breton Island Bantam AA Hockey Cup in their league closing tournament scheduled for the New Waterford Rink.

Scoring for the Miners today were Tristan White, Aaron Brewer, Jarrett McNeil and Ryan Wilson. Brewer and Brandon Baker each inked the game’s scoring sheet by recording two assists apiece while Jordan McInnis and Logan Cable notched one helper each.

Scoring for the Pirates were Rankin MacEachern, Taylor Pierce and Tyrel MacInnis.

For fans who want to follow their schedule next weekend’s tournament they will start Friday at 9:00am with a re-match against the Pirates and face Sydney @ 2:15pm. On Saturday the Miners play again @ 9:00am against the Northside and then finish the round-robin schedule as they meet the County Islanders at 12:30pm. The tournament crossovers go Sunday morning at 9am and 11am with the winners of these games not only advancing to the Championship Game but also will qualify to represent the Cape Breton Zone in the NS Provincials in Chester NS March 24-27th.   

Pictured in the game photo Miner’s forward Travis MacDonald is in full flight as leans into a slapshot blast at the Cape Breton County Islander goal. MacDonald’s effort earned him an assist as his Miners would eventually score on the play.

Our Glace Bay Miner’s were upset on home-ice this evening as the visiting Cape Breton County islanders defeated the home squad 5-2 in game one of the best of three Bantam “A” final. With only two teams from game Cape Breton classified as Bantam “A” teams the winner of this series advances to the Nova Scotia Provincials representing our island.

Scoring for the Miners was Travis Lynk and Brandon Carabin while Tyler Hopkins, Shawn MacDonald, Brandon Binder and Travis MacDonald earned assists on the two goals.

Scoring for the Islanders was Keon Paul, Michael Cremo, Edwin Battiste, Riley O’rouke and Tyler MacKinnon.

Game two goes Saturday in Eskasoni.

Pictured in the above team photo are members of the Glace Bay Pee Wee Metro ROCKETS who play in the local CAPE BRETON METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE.

Our team photo for 2010-11 includes front row L-R : Anthony Bradbury, Joey Stubbard, James McNeil, Tyler Strong, Austin McInnis. Second Row L-R: Wade Gilbert (Assistant Coach), Jim Bradbury(Assistant Coach), Dylan MacKinnon, Mitchell Hoffman, Brett Gilbert, Cameron Bigley, Tristan Talbot, Daniel MacIntyre, Tricia Milley (Manager) and Glenn MacDonald (Head Coach).

Pictured above starting from the “right side-to-left”:  Assistant Coach (son) Michael Ford, Assistant Coach (son) Glenn Ford, Head Coach - Rocky Ford ( Sr), grandson Michael MacLean, grandson Evan Routledge and Trainer (son-in-law) Kenny Routledge.

Head Coach Rocky Ford (Sr) for our Glace Bay Midget AAA Miners hockey team has been involved in coaching hockey teams in Glace Bay for approximately the past 40 years, stretching back when he first explored coaching as a practice coach in Common School Hockey. During this era in the late 1960’s Rocky starred on defense for our Miner’s teams earning him a reputation as a crafty thinking defenseman who knew the game and gained much respect for dishing out his fair share of patented hip-checks. Behind the scenes during these prime playing years, Rocky and his wife Thelma spent all their spare time being quite busy raising their young and growing family. Over a few short years the Ford’s family unit would eventually expand to include ten wonderful children with an even balance, of five boys and girls. Eventually Rocky would start trading off his own playing time for coaching and following his five sons, as they progressed through the minor hockey levels. All five boys Rocky (Jr), Jackie, Glenn, Hank and Michael excelled in hockey as all appeared to fit into their dad’s hockey blueprint of learning the game on defense, wearing #4 and graduating their hockey skills through to the junior hockey levels.

During those earlier years female hockey did not exist which was good and bad as Rocky says “life was busy enough trying to get half of the family (boys) to the rink, imagine today with trying to get all them there”.  Rocky readily admits that the real “family manager and quarterback” in our family was my wife Thelma, "she is absolutely the key influence in our children’s values and happiness, as she was and still is the driving force of our family unit”. Rocky is quick to say that “if there is a definition of a Ideal Hockey Mom, Thelma would be her...imagine trying to raise five hockey players, five daughters and handle me all at the same time”. 

 During this season, Rocky still coaches the game and now has a couple of his son’s following his same passion for the game by giving their time back to the minor hockey program as assistant coaches. The senior Ford states that “perhaps the main reason that I continue to coach at the Midget AAA level is because I now have two sons Glenn and Michael who want to coach”. He feels that with him approaching the sunset of his coaching era, it is a great chance for me to mentor my boys to pass down some of my bench knowledge to the next generation. Along with his two sons, his sons-in-law Kenny Routledge (Sr) helps out as the team trainer and a close personal friend of the family, Travis Turner another young accomplished player, is also assisting with the coaching.

In order to complete our three generation aspect of this story, Rocky has two grandsons, Evan Routledge and Michael MacLean who play on this year’s edition of the Miner’s Midget AAA team. From Rocky’s perspective as head coach he doesn’t believe in giving any special treatment to anyone. Ford says “right from the beginning I have always maintained the same coaching principle throughout, if you mess-up and make a costly mistake …son, grandson or another player” they all get to hear from me” he says with a grin.

Now with three generations of hockey well underway with the Ford family, three of Rocky and Thelma’s daughters have decided to take up the sport with the recent evolution of women’s recreational hockey in the area. Once again Rocky has stepped up to the plate to help train and coach his daughters along with their friends on the all female “Hockey Moms" hockey team.  With so many family and fun hockey memories attached to the Ford’s family, Rocky says his family now enjoys the annual Jason Simmons Memorial Family Hockey Tournament as their pivotal family Easter gathering. Rocky openly admits that the sport of hockey has bonded their family as a close unit over many years and now with each Easter he and Thelma look forward to all their family re-uniting. Rocky says “the tournament’s family division helps our family to reunite every year to play a little hockey and have plenty of fun”.  In recent years this weekend usually closes out the hockey season for the Fords as they all join together as if it was a second Christmas with some members travelling as far away as Alberta to be part of their annual family gathering.

Pictured above Miner’s goaltender Justin Routledge and his defense partner Ty Tracey dig in to stand their ground at the side of the goal crease as Viking sniper Logan Targett attempts to score his 3rd goal in the game. Routledge was successful in steering the loose puck out of danger. 

The hometown Miner’s team showed plenty of hustle tonight in an Atom “A” league game against the visiting Northside Vikings winning the contest by an 8-2 count. Glace Bay opened the first period in fine style as the youngsters displayed some steady offense, timely defense and shutout goaltending as they took a 2-0 lead. During the next two stanzas Glace Bay continued their same game plan by out-scoring the Northside by a 3-1 score in both periods.

Leading the scoring offense for our Miners were Tyler O’Leary and Colin Rosta who each notched a pair of goals while Jordan MacNeil, Allister MacNeil, Tyler Mortimer and Alexandra Barrett each stretched the twine once apiece. Miner’s defenseman Nathan Bryne was the top playmaker in the game as he recorded an impressive four assists on the Miner’s tallies while O’Leary also added one helper. Justin Routledge played a solid game in nets for the Miners to pick up the win.

Other Miner’s players are: Spencer Billard, Kali Hynes, Hannah Livingston, Ricky MacKenzie, Kassi MacKinnon, Ty Tracey and Brett Roper.

 Northside Viking player Logan Targett scored both goals for the visitors.

With the hockey season soon coming to a close the Atom A Miners are looking forward to a fun road trip as they will be competing in an Atom A Hockey Tournament in Halifax later in March.  

The Glace Bay Junior B Miners are scheduled to play the Port Hawkesbury Strait Pirates Tuesday evening at the BAYplex in game four of the best-of-seven series to advance to the next round in the Nova Scotia Junior B Hockey League. Our Glace Bay team has a number of our former GBMHA graduates playing on their team this season. Pictured above are three of those team members: Charles Murphy, Kenny Routledge and R.J. Barrett.

The Miners find themselves down 2-0 in the best of seven series but in these two games they were only edged by one goal in each tilt loosing 3-2 and 4-3. Game three in the series goes Monday evening in Port Hawkesbury. A win tonight will put the team back into the series and set the stage for an exciting contest at home on Tuesday evening.  

Our Glace Bay Miners have had plenty of positive news this season being under new ownership and management and as such the team has responded well by constantly building it’s level of competitiveness throughout the second half of the season.

With the Miner’s representing the Hockey Metro Hockey Area of Cape Breton based on their roster, we hope that they will receive plenty of fan support for this game and for the balance of their playoff run on home-ice this season.

In the above picture Glace Bay's Connor Campbell breaks through a stick check by a County Islander while trying to create a scoring opportunity. Campbell's driving effort did eventually pay off as he later tallied one of his team's goals in the game.   

On Saturday our Glace Bay Miners found themselves in a must win situation against the CB West Eagles and then skated to a convincing 5-0 victory to advance to a Cape Breton Regional qualifying sudden death game against their rival Sunday morning. The Miners who in their previous two games showed plenty of scoring power once against answered the bell by defeating the Islanders by a 5-0 score. With today’s victory Glace Bay now advance to the Nova Scotia Pee Wee AAA Provincials scheduled for March 10-13 in Yarmouth, NS.

Scoring for the Miners in today’s game was Sean Smith who tallied a pair of goals and he also earned Player of the Game for his fine performance. Scoring singles for the Bay was Nathan Livingston, Hunter Bettens and Connor Campbell who each lit the lamp once apiece. Miner’s forward Brandon Dauphinee was the game’s top play-maker as he help set up three goals while Livingston added two assists. Victoria MacIntyre, Zack MacDonald, Connor Harroun, Logan Struthers and Michael Doucet all added one helper each. 

Miner’s netkeeper Kaine Drake stood tall between the pipes once again as he not only earned credit for the win, but also recorded his second consecutive shutout victory for his home team. Other players for the Provincial bound Miners are: Stephen MacGillvary, Chase Fraser, Andrew Smith, Chad O’neil, Gary MacDonald and Zack Politte.

Other second team from our Cape Breton Zone to advance to the Provincials as a result of the weekend playdown was the Sydney Steelers who defeated CB West Eagles 5-1 to qualify.

Congratulations To Our Miners for Qualifying for The NS Provincial Playdowns !

 Pictured above Miner’s defense player Victoria MacIntyre (right) helps her goaltender Kaine Drake cover up a loose puck in the crease area. Drake’s performance between the pipes today earned him a shutout victory for the home-town team.

Today’s victory for the Miners was huge as this means that based on their weekend record in the qualifying tournament, they will now face their rival Cape Breton County Islanders in a match-up Sunday morning at 11:00am. Winner of this game advances to the NS Pee Wee AAA Provincial Tournament in Yarmouth later in March.

Scoring for the Miners this afternoon was Nathan Livingston who tallied a brace of markers while Brandon Dauphinee, Michael Doucet and Connor Harroun recorded singles.

Glace Bay's "Player of the Game" - Victoria MacIntyre.

CB West "Player of the Game" - Dawson MacLean.

Good Luck Sunday Miners !

Pictured above Miner’s team captain Brandon Dauphinee splits through a pair of CB County Islander defenders but is unable to get a clear shot on goal.  

Our Glace Bay Miners found the winner’s column tonight after experiencing a 6-4 setback last night to Sydney and then scrambled this afternoon to earn one point in a 7-7 tie against the Northside Vikings.

In this evening’s game against the County Islanders both teams chiseled out a 1-1 tie after the opening period of play and then in the middle frame both teams squared off by exchanging another goal apiece. At the drop of the puck in the third our Miners turned up their fore-checking effort which paid off at the 8:53 mark when captain Brandon Dauphinee drove to the net and finished off his effort by scoring what would eventually prove to be the team’s winning goal. On the very next shift just 27 seconds later, the Miners repeated their dump and chase which resulted in Nathan Livingston scooping up a goal-mouth puck to notch his team’s fourth tally and insurance marker.

As the period started to wind down the home team were assessed a major penalty which would mean that they would need to play short-handed for the balance of the game. As the Islanders pressed hard to score especially in the final two minutes the Islanders opted to go with an extra attacker giving them a two-man advantage. However, the Miner’s defense skill prevailed as the combination of solid defense and goaltending by Kaine Drake turned back all Islander scoring threats so that they would record a victory.

Scoring for the Miners was Micheal Doucette who scored a pair of goals in the game, while Brandon Dauphinee notched a single and added an assist. Nathan Livingston scored a single while Chad O’Neil was the Miner’s play-maker in the game adding a pair of set-up markers while Sean Smith and Connor Campbell chipped in with an assist each.

Scoring the Islander goals was Nick MacGillvary and Connor Campbell.

Glace Bay’s next and final round-robin game in the weekend qualifying tourney goes Saturday afternoon at 4:30 as they face the Cape Breton West Eagles.

In the above photo Miner’s defenseman Chase Fraser (#2 red jersey) is seen showing some offensive hustle as he forechecks deep in the Steeler end-zone while trying to close the scoring gap late in the third period as the Steeler defense clear the puck away from their crease.

Despite finishing first in the regular season schedule during the Cape Breton Pee Wee AAA Hockey League our home town Miners knew that they would be tested by the schedule runner-up, Sydney Steelers in the opening game of the CB Zone qualifying tourney. Our Miners trailed 2-1 after the opening period of the weekend tourney game, and then matched the Steelers offense in the middle stanza as both squads traded off a two goals apiece. With the Steelers leading 4-3 heading into the final stanza they once again out-scored the Miners 2-1 although the Miners out-chanced them in the last 10 minutes of the game.   

Scoring for our Miners in Thursday evening’s game was Brandon Dauphinee who scored a brace of tallies in the contest while Hunter Bettens and Chase Fraser each chipped in single markers on the night. Adding play-making assists for the Miners were Micheal Doucet and Andrew Smith who each recorded one helper apiece.

Scoring for the Steelers were: Mitchell Balmas with two while team-mates Dustin Sudds, Mitchell Johnson, Derek Gentile and Colton Marchand each scored one goal each.

Our Glace Bay Miners now face the Northside Vikings Friday @ 2:30pm and the CB County Islanders @ 5:30.  Saturday they play their final round-robin game @ 4:30 against CB West.

Pictured above Miner’s left winger Danielle MacEachern cuts in front of the Sydney net with her team trailing 3-0 and gets set to unleash a well-placed back-hand shot that found top-shelf. Her goal appeared to be the game turning-point for the Miners as she tallied her marker with :40 seconds remaining in the second period.

Monday evening at the BAYplex the home town female Midget Miners faced-off against their rival Sydney Steelers in the opening game of the Cape Breton Midget Finals. Both teams exchanged end-to-end play in the opening period as both goaltenders stood tall between the pipes namely Emily Anne MacKinnon for the Miners and Venessa Parris for the Steelers.

In the middle stanza the Steelers took charge setting the Miners back on their heels as they scored three unanswered goals in under 10 minutes. After playing an even first period the Miners knew they should be better than what the scoreboard displayed as in the dying minutes they appeared to rally on a couple of solid fore-checking efforts. Then with less than a minute remaining in the middle frame Miner’s player Rachel McKinnon fed an up-the-wall pass to her left winger Danielle MacEachern who broke in on net and back-handed a top-shelf shot to send her team to the dressing room.

In the third the Miners appeared to be energized by MacEachern’s tally as they wasted little time showing that they were back in the game. Speedster Candea Wadden broke down the right half wall and drilled a well-placed wrister inside the far inside post to close the score 3-2 on a nice unassisted effort @ the :39 second mark. The home team continued their pressure as forward Megan O’Neill skillfully worked the puck down low in the opposing end zone and then directed the puck to team-mate Rachel MacKinnon poised in front of the net who converted the pass to the back of the Steeler cage tying the score. The Miners continued their offense until Bobbi McCormack made a nice play at the blue line and drilled a waist high shot at the Steeler goal only to be re-directed by Rachel MacKiinon who was parked in front to tally their go-ahead-goal. With plenty of time remaining the Miner’s defense and goaltending corps took charge in turning back all the late Steeler scoring threats.

Other players with the Miners are: Corrine Heffernan, Kendra Fraser, Miranda McIsaac, Christine Billard, Kaitlyn Eagles, Katherine Shaw, Jessica McDonald, Emma Brown and Taylor McMillan.

Scoring for the Steelers were: Anna Richardson, Lauren Bray and Lauren Coleman with single goals while Lauren Bray and Marissa O’Neil added one assist each.  

The Miners are engaged in a first-to-earn 4 points playoff series against their rival Sydney Steelers with the next game to be held in Sydney. A win for our Miners would clinch a trip to the NS Female Midget Provincials schedule to be held in Amherst in March.

Best Of Luck in Your Remaining Games MINERS !

Pictured above visiting Crusher’s goaltender Jude March dives across his crease in an effort to make a save as Miners’ forwards Tyler Strong (left) Mitchell Hoffman (centre) and Brett Gilbert (right) wait for a point blast to arrive towards the net.  

The Glace Bay Rockets came out flying in the opening period outscoring their rival County Crushers 5-1 which later proved to be enough offense to eventually win the game. Trailing by four markers at the start of the middle stanza the Crushers showed lots of grit as they rallied back to outscore the hometown Rockets 3-2 in the frame, trailing 7-4 after two. In the final period the short staffed Crushers appeared to empty their tank with their second period effort as the Rockets counted two more unanswered markers to close out the game’s scoring.  With Sunday’s win in Dominion, the Rockets now hold an impressive undefeated 4-0 record so far in their round-robin series with two games remaining before the division finals.

Leading the Rockets offense in the game was Cameron Bigley who recorded a “hat-trick”, while Brett Gilbert notched a brace of tallies. Adding single markers were Tyler Strong, Mitchell Hoffman, Joey Stubbard and Tristan Talbot. In the assist department Bigley, Strong and Talbot each added one helper apiece.

Other players on the Rockets include: James MacNeil, Noah MacIntosh, Anthony Bradbury, Daniel MacIntyre, Austin McInnis and Dylan MacKinnon.

Scoring for the Crushers in the game Joel King with two goals, while Tanner MacNeil and Skylar Googoo chipped in one each.

Glace Bay's goalie James MacNeil picked up the win in the contest with some nice timely key saves. At the other end, Jude March for the Crushers played a strong game also making some spectacular saves in the game. Note: Crusher’s goaltender Jude March who normally plays defense for his team, decided to pinch-hit for his regular goalie, who was unable to make the game. This was the very first time that he donned the pads and fans in attendance were impressed with the defenseman’s natural goaltending skills – Nice Effort Jude !.

Good Luck Miners in your remaining games!

Pictured above are four former graduates of our Glace Bay Minor Hockey program who are suited up this season with the Glace Bay Junior “B” Miners. From left to right are: Ryan MacDougall, Mitch Carabin, Jonathan McKinnon and Jeff MacKinnon.

On Saturday evening the Miners outscored their league rival Pictou Scotians by a score of 5-2 to clinch the fourth and final playoff spot in the Sid Rowe Division. Our Glace Bay players in the picture all played key roles in this important victory. Team captain Mitch Carabin lead the Miner's offense with two points notching a goal and adding one assist on the night. Forward Ryan MacDougall and defenseman Jeff MacKinnon each chipped in with one assist. Miner's goaltender, Jonathan McKinnon picked up the victory for the Bay by kicking aside 38 Scotian scoring attempts. 

- Pictured above Miner’s forward Jillian Brown releases a low shot towards the open corner of the net, only to have Colchester’s Adi Small stretch across the crease to make a terrific late game save.

If today’s opening game in the Eastern Zone Female Pee Wee “A” round-robin play-downs is going to be any indication of how exciting the series will be, then players, parents and hockey fans will be in for a treat. Earlier today at the BAYplex our Glace Bay Miners hosted the visiting Colchester Cyclones in the opening game of 3 team round-robin play-down. The other team involved in the home-in-home play-down series is the Cape Breton County Islanders.

In today’s game both the Miners and Cyclones exchanged an excellent brand of end to end hockey as each traded off some exciting scoring chances, timely defensive plays and above all shutout goaltending through the first two periods. Finally late in the third period with only 2:46 remaining in the game Miner’s Jessica Gracie redirected a goalmouth puck to Morgan MacNeil who wasted little time in knocking a loose puck over the goal-line for the eventual game winner.

In the final couple of minutes in the game the Cyclones went with an extra attacker to help generate some late game drama but the Miners were able to ward off their late attack to pick up the 1-0 victory. Both goaltenders in the contest were spectacular and although Miner’s puck-stopper Brooklyn Hennessey picked up the shutout victory, her counterpart at the opposite end of the ice, Adi Small was equally impressive for Colchester.

Best of Luck MINERS For the Balance of Your Playoffs !

In the above photo Glace Bay Miner’s players Ryan MacKenzie (left-red helmet) and his team-mate Mathew Parsons (right-black helmet) skate towards their bench area while showing plenty of excitement to celebrate one of Parson's four goals in the game.   

Our Glace Bay Miners enjoyed a convincing victory as they captured game one in the best-of-three Cape Breton Zone Pee Wee “A” final. The Miners advanced to the final recently after eliminating the Northside Vikings 2-0 to win the quarter final series. Glace Bay now travels to Sydney for game two of the series later in the week. The winner of this Cape Breton final series advances as Cape Breton’s representative to compete in the Nova Scotia Provincial play-downs in March.

Leading the Miner’s offense in the game was sniper Mathew Parsons who tallied four goals on the night while Cameron Yates notched a “hat-trick” and added one assist. Forward Dylan Burke recorded one goal but proved to be his team's top play-maker by adding three helpers. Other scorers were Brandon MacLean and Mason MacLeod with one apiece. Ryan MacKenzie added a pair of assists while team-mates MacLean and MacLeod chipped in with single helpers.

Goal scorers for the Sydney Steelers were: Cameron Langlois and Jeff MacKinnon.

Miner’s goaltender Bryson Pilling played a solid game in nets for the Bay to pick up the win.

Other players on the Glace Bay team include: Jack Summerall, Nolan Jewells, Brady Buchanan, Bret MacDonald, Dylan Turnbull, Mac MacDougall, Jeff MacLean, Brandon Talbot, Tyler Murphy and Cody Smith.   

We Wish Our Miners All The Best in Their Next Game in The Series !

In the game photo above Miner’s forward Chris MacLeod releases a snap-shot to the open side of the net while in-tight on his opposing goaltender Mitch Vatcher who was able to kick aside the scoring attempt. For MacLeod, who started his minor hockey for a number of years as a goaltender, he can appreciate Vatcher’s nice effort on the play. Chris opted to convert his stopper skills to that as a forward to finish off his minor hockey at the midget level and according to his coach (Donald MacQueen), he is adjusting very nicely.   

This evening’s game saw two Glace Bay Midget Metro teams face-off in an entertaining contest as the Miners defeated their rival Glace Bay #2 squad by a convincing 8-3 score. Although the score may have appeared one-sided, the fans in attendance found it a fun game to watch as both teams exchanged end-to-end plays throughout the entire match. To reinforce the game goodwill atmosphere the Miners placed two of their players on temporary pre-game waivers  (Rob MacQueen & Kyle MacLean) who were scooped-up by the visiting short-staffed Glace Bay #2 team.

Scoring for the Miners in their winning effort in the game was: Trevor MacLean who scored a “hat-trick” while Brad MacDonald notched a brace of tallies and Brett Gills, Skyler Peterson and Allan Currie chipped in single markers. In the assist department Coady Baxter was their team play-maker on the night as he recorded an impressive four helpers, while Chris MacLeod and Gillis each set up three goals, Blake Syms added a pair and Jordan Brushett, Peterson, MacLean and Currie added singles.

Scoring for our #2 team were Rob MacQueen who scored a pair of goals in the game while his team-mate who was also acquired in a pre-game trade Kyle MacLean added a single tally. In the assist department Kevin MacNeil chipped in with two helpers while Zach Kelly, Anthony MacGillvray  and Mitch O’Brien added two assists. Team-mates Reilly Kelly and Jake Cathcart also played a key role for their team’s competitive effort.

The big reason the game action went end-to-end was due to the game’s goaltenders. Eddie Roach who picked up the win for the Miners along with Mitch Vatcher of the #2 team both played stellar between the pipes to help make the game competitive.  Veteran referee Ian MacKinnon, took early control and was able to call very cleanly played match-up, "without needing to call a single minor penalty" during the contest.

(Post Game Note: Immediately following the game, the Miners re-claimed MacQueen & MacLean off waivers because of their fine performance and returned them to their team, where they will finish out the balance of the season). 

Kudos to Both Teams For a Skillful Hockey Game & Fun To Watch !

(Pictured above are five players of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Midget AAA Hockey team: Mikayla Courtney, MerandaTutty Alex Ferguson, Anna Campbell and Nellie Edwards)

Pictured above are five former Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association female hockey players who are members of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles which competes in the Nova Scotia Midget Hockey League. The Eagles will be facing some tough competition this coming weekend in Halifax as they open the best three-of-five league playoff series against the first place Halifax Metro Boston Pizza. The Eagles are scheduled to play two games in Halifax this weekend and then return to their home ice next weekend for game 3 and 4 if needed.

Glace Bay Minor Hockey among other local hockey associations has experienced a very favorable growth in female registrations in recent years. Initially when we first started encouraging our local girls to play hockey, they were placed on boys teams because there were not sufficient numbers to complete a full female roster.

Eventually girl’s hockey started catching on as females started coming out in encouraging numbers. For a couple of seasons Glace Bay was almost ready to establish an all female roster and then in 2006 it happened. Players like Tutty-Campbell-Edwards played on Glace Bay’s first all female team. The following year history was made in for the Glace Bay Association in 2007 when this year’s head of the Screaming Eagles, Barrie Campbell and this year Eagle’s rookie player Mikayla Courtney combined to capture our Association’s very first Nova Scotia Female Provincial Hockey Championship @ the Pee Wee level. The following season Tutty, Ferguson, Campbell and Edwards combined their hockey skills to win Glace Bay's second straight championship in as many years as they were crowned Nova Scotia Provincial Bantam Female Champions. Their team that year was selected as Nova Scotia’s Top Female Hockey team for 2007-08 season.

With Tutty, Campbell and Edwards playing out their last year of Hockey NS eligibility, we wish them All the Best!. On behalf of Glace Bay Minor Hockey we would like to Thank You for promoting female hockey as a "new team sport" and for leading by example so that "Female hockey is here to stay in the Bay!".

Ref: Glace Bay's 1st Provincial Female Hockey title story: http://www.gbminorhockey.com/past_reports.php?y=2006

Our Glace Bay Miners re-bounded Sunday night to defeat the New Waterford Sharks 4-2 in an exciting playoff match-up. The Miners were delivered an opening game one-goal set-back in North Sydney, Saturday but appeared to be a more determined team as they faced-off against the Sharks in Dominion earlier on their home ice Sunday evening.

The visiting Sharks opened the game’s scoring just  :46 seconds into the game as Brandon Bresowar  scored on a play with Riley MacLeod. The Miners didn’t waste any time to even up the score as Steven Gouthro lit the lamp for the Miners shortly afterwards on a nice individual scoring effort. Before the period ended Miner’s skater Jared Mac Isaac notched his team’s go-ahead goal with 2:59 showing on the clock and to close the period’s scoring.

In the middle frame, Miner’s forward Brandon Tutty tallied a nice marker which later proved his team’s winning goal. At this point in the game the Miners seemed to be in control of the game as they out-chanced New Waterford during most of the period.

In the final stanza with the Sharks trailing 3-1, the visiting squad turned up their offensive attack which set the Miners back on their heels for the first half of the period. With 4:33 showing in the 3^rd, New Waterford’s scoring tandem of Bresowar and MacLeod teamed up again to close the gap to 3-2. At the drop of the puck the Sharks continued their offensive push only to have several of their scoring chances turned aside by Miner’s puck-stopper Brent Kelloway who stood tall between the pipes and pleasing his home town fans. During one of Miner’s late period clearing attempts speedy forward Adam Currie chased down a deep zone loose puck in behind the Shark’s cage and made a slick move to stuff the puck in the short side with 2:11 left in regulation. Currie (#14 white jersey) can be seen in the above photo making his move and scoring the Miner’s 4^th goal and game insurance marker.

Good Luck Miners with the balance of your Cape Breton round-robin playoff series.   

Pictured in the above photo are current members of the Cape Breton Tradesmen and who all have one thing in common in that they all graduated from the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association ranks. From left to right: forward Chad Cullen, assistant coach Robbie Sinclair, defenseman Patrick Byrne and forward Brett McLanders. This past year saw Cullen and Byrne make the jump from our Bantam AAA Miners into Major Midget with the Tradesmen as 15 year olds. McLanders on the other hand, is playing as a 17 year old who cracked the lineup after serving as captain of our Midget Miners team in 2009-10 and competed in the Cape Breton Midget AAA loop. Playing at the Major Midget hockey level this season, these players know "the key for their development was to make a commitment to their team's plan for conditioning, practice and following our specific game plans" says head coach Aaron Rice. Assistant coach Sinclair states that “all three boys from the Bay each bring their own set of skills to our team, and all three needed some adjustment time to fine tune their timing and our coaching style at this level”. Sinclair adds that "our coaching staff all agree that the three players are now set to make an important contribution as we now set our sights on the league playoffs”.

Many Glace Bay and Cape Breton area hockey fans fondly remember Robbie Sinclair's impressive tenure in the Nova Scotia Major Midget hockey league when the gifted right-winger starred with the Cape Breton Colonels. During both the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons, Robbie was crowned as the Nova Scotia Major Midget League’s top scorer and in 1994 impressed us further by being awarded the League's Most Valuable Player. Not only did Sinclair star in at the NS Major Midget level but the following year opted take advantage of a major academic scholarship to play for the the Princeton University Tigers at the NCAA level. While attending university he played 4 seasons with for the Tigers from 94-98 finished his NCAA career as their respected team captain capturing the championship in his final year.  Between 1998-02 Sinclair played professional hockey in the ECHL and also suited up with the St. John Maple Leaf’s of the American Hockey League.

Since returning to Glace Bay Robbie has believed in “giving back” to his roots, not only here in Glace Bay by helping out some of our GB minor hockey teams, but moreover to return to he Major Midget level. Robbie is a “proven role-model” and leads by example for our Cape Breton Major Midget players, as well as younger players who aspire to play at higher levels.

Glace Bay and area fans can catch the Cape Breton Tradesmen in action this weekend as they open their playoff series when they host Cole Harbour Saturday @ 8:00pm (Centennial Arena) and again Sunday Jan/30^th @ 11:00am (Centre 200).

Best of Luck to Our Former Miners and the CB Tradesmen Hockey team for the balance of their hockey season!.

Our Glace Bay Miners Bantam “B” hockey team is looking forward to kicking off their Nova Scotia Provincial play-downs this weekend as they open their series against the Northside Vikings. Fans who would like to come out to support our Miners can attend the game slated for Dominion Rink this up-coming Sunday with the puck-drop set for 6:20pm.

Best of Luck Miners !

Front Row:Goaltenders  Dylan Buchanan  & Brent Kelloway
Second Row: Curtis Binder, Assistant Captain Adam Currie, Assistant Captain Austin Bigley, Brandon Tutty, Jared MacIsaac.
Back Row:  Trainer Doug Snow, Goalie Coach Greg Wilneff, Michael Pilling, Kyle Moss, Jordan McNeil, Logan MacLeod, Stephen Gouthro, Captain Jesse MacEachern, Mitchell MacMullin, Patrick Oleary, Assistant Coach Kevin Moss, Head Coach Keith MacIsaac
Missing from photo: Connor MacIntosh & Michael Gouthro

(Photo Taken by Breagh Moss)

In the above game photo a couple of Miners raise their arms in jubilation, to celebrate Evan Routledge’s game tying goal with :02.9 seconds remaining in regulation time. In a regular Cape Breton Midget AAA league match-up, our Glace Bay Miners hosted the first place team Cape Breton West Eagles in an exciting hockey contest Saturday afternoon @ the BAYplex.

The home-town Miners held a 2-1 lead following a hard-played first period of hockey action on goals by Kale Turner and Garrett Perry, while Brandan Leforte scored the Eagle’s tally. In the middle stanza the Eagles pounced back to score the equalizer as Liam Spears lit the lamp for his team in the final minute. In the third, the visitors climbed into their first lead during the game, as Dylan MacKinnon scored the Eagle's marker at 10:11.

Once the Miners gave up the lead, they seemed to become a bit more energized and determined to show the many fans in attendance that they their effort was better than what the scoreboard showed.  After creating several good scoring the chances the Miners made a decision to draw their goaltender Nathan MacNeil (who up until this point was stellar between the pipes),  in favor of an extra skater. In the dying seconds of the contest the Miners defense made a key play inside the Eagle’s end zone and then with :02.9 seconds showing on the clock Miner’s player Evan Routledge scored the exciting crowd-pleasing game’s tying goal. Miner’s team-mates Allan MacKinlay and Bradey Clarke recorded helpers on the big goal, while Clarke also assisted on an earlier goal as did his team-mates, Fraser Bennett and Andrew O’Brien.  

Front row L-R: Taylor Slade, Darryl Lynk  (Manager), Kenzie Wadden, Randy Wadden, Travis McDonald, Tyler Hopkins, Ken McKinnon (Head Coach) and Connor MacDonald. Back Row L-R: Travis Lynk, Nick Holloway, Brandin Binder, Sean MacDonald, Cody Janes, Robert Moore, Craig MacKinnon, Brandon Carabin, Brandon Bolland, Liam Roach and missing from photo coach Keith Anderson.

Up until recently our Miners were playing in a five team Bantam A League with other teams from CB County, Sydney, Northside and Cheticamp. After a provincial re-classification decision the three later teams dropped to the Bantam B. This leaves Glace Bay and Cape Breton County Islanders remaining at the A level who face-off in a best 2-of-3 playoff to determine a Cape Breton representative and advance to NS Provincials in Kingston, NS. Both teams have been battling hard all year that should make a great playoff which will start in early March so stay tuned for our coverage. As a tune-up for their play-off against the Islanders our Miners will heading to the Eastern Shore to compete in a Bantam A Tournament later in February.  

Best of Luck Miners !

2010 / 2011 Provincial Hosts

Midget AAA Halifax (Forum) Mar 10-13

Midget AA Pictou County Mar 10-13

Midget A Glace Bay Mar 10-13 

Midget B Canso Mar 10-13

Midget C Pictou County Mar 24-27

Bantam AA South Shore (Chester) Mar 24-27

Bantam A Western Valley (Kingston) Mar 24-27

Bantam B Cole Harbour (Bowles) Mar 24-27

Bantam C Bedford Mar 24-27

PeeWee AAA Yarmouth Mar 10-13

PeeWee AA Pictou County Mar 24-27

PeeWee A Acadia (Canning) Mar 24-27

PeeWee B CB West (Inverness) Mar 24-27

Atom AAA Dartmouth Mar 24-27

Atom AA TASA Mar 24-27

Atom A Strait-Richmond (Louisdale) Mar 24-27

Atom Pictou County Mar 24-27

FEMALE

Forward Logan Timmons of the Cheticamp Trail Riders shows his agility and balance as reaches back to make a nifty pass attempt to his trailing team-mate only to have Glace Bay Miner Spencer Billard get back in his end zone in time to make a timely interception which nullified the Rider's scoring chance.

During the Atom A match-up Sunday afternoon the Miners scored three goals in the contest with Tyler O'Leary notching a brace of tallies, his team-mate Tyler Mortimer lit the lamp once with a single marker. 

In sports, we often hear about such terms as a “triple-play” in baseball or how about a “hat-trick” in hockey. Well, this season our Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association scored a registration hat-trick when Carmelita and Terry Mackenzie approached the hockey registration table in September to register their “triplets”. Shown above are left to right: Kinnon,Sunni and Joshua all age 6 and who are playing hockey this winter in our Tots Division.

The MacKenzie triplets were early arrivals, born at the IWK Halifax on July 3^rd 2004 just 29 weeks gestation. After spending several weeks in Halifax all three were transferred to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney until they were all healthy enough to come home.

When the children were four years old Carmelita and Terry decided to take their young family on their very first skating adventure. So they suited them up and headed to a frozen pond in the McKay’s Corner of Glace Bay where they donned children’s sleigh skates. Following this positive fun experience the children appeared to gain plenty of interest in ice hockey as they would get really excited to visit the BAYplex where they would attentively watch their cousin Luke Leveck playing Novice hockey. As time went on, they started watching hockey on TV with their dad Terry. Dad says “all three youngsters appear to have become Vancouver Canuck fans, although their real hockey hero is Sidney Crosby and by far is their favorite player”. The Mackenzie family also enjoy a weekend night out by taking in a Cape Breton Screaming Eagles hockey game @ Centre 200 as they usually can be heard chatting among their friends about the game for the next couple of days.  Their parents state that “Joshua and Sunni absolutely love playing hockey, while Kinnon has some periodic hesitation. Perhaps he will come around and start showing a little more interest as he gets a bit older. Once he does and gains a little more confidence playing the sport he won’t take long catching up to his brother, sister and his friends”.  

Insofar as assessing all three youngsters for hockey gear, their dad Terry emphasizes that “for now at least all three shoot right which is good for selecting sticks”.  Outfitting their small sizes in hockey gear at the beginning of the season was a bit of a challenge as their mom says “the gear is made so big it was hard to find something to fit them. They will probably be able to keep the same gear for another year or so which will be break on their expenses”. Now that they are mid-way through the season the other challenge for Terry & Carmelita is trying to get the youngsters out the door and ready for their ice-times as not only do they have “triplets” to manage but they also have a younger two year old son, Carter Joseph who needs equal attention. Carmelita says “the biggest test is getting the supper made, the four children fed and to the rink in time to get all three hockey players suited-up in time for the 5 o'clock practice. Once there, the children really enjoy the hour and as well I take their baby brother who really likes watching his older brothers and sister out on the ice”. Carmelita readily admits that living here in Glace Bay certainly helps as "having a young family we are very lucky in that department, to have lots of family members to help on those days”.

The Mackenzie triplets attend St Anne’s School in Glace Bay where they are in grade one. During the summer months all three children enjoy the sport of baseball, camping and playing outdoors with their friends.

In closing, we want to take this opportunity to extend our "warm welcome" to Mackenzie triplets, Kinnon, Sunni, and Joshua and perhaps within the next few years see their brother Carter, in our hockey program. We hope that their participation in our program will allow them to have a bright future of having plenty of fun and friends while enjoying hockey in Glace Bay. 

(Photo submitted by team) 

Pictured above are our Glace Bay Miners proudly displaying their Championship Banner and Gold Medals - Front Row : goaltenders Stephen MacGillivary & Kaine Drake. Second Row L-R: Sean Smith, Connor Harroun, Zack Politte, Zack MacDonald, Logan Struthers, Micheal Doucet, Chase Fraser, Chad O'Neill & Gary MacDonald . Back Row: Nathan Livingston, Hunter Bettens, Connor Campbell Brandon Dauphinee, Andrew Smith & Victoria MacIntyre

Congratulations to our Glace Bay Miners who were crowned Champions this past weekend by winning the Bill Chisholm Memorial Pee Wee AAA Hockey Tournament held in Antigonish, NS. The Miners defeated the Tasa Ducks 5-3 to claim the title after edging the host Antigonish Bulldogs 5-4 in an exciting cross-over match-up. During round-robin play the Miners defeated the Truro Bearcats 4-1, Acadia Axemen 8-3 and dropped their only contest to their rival Sydney Steelers by a single goal 3-2 in their only set-back on the entire weekend.

Way To Go MINERS !!!

(In the above game action photo Miner’s forward Jordan Butts (white jersey) cuts sharply across the New Waterford goal crease while attempting to complete a nice individual scoring effort late in the second period.)  

It’s hard to believe that we already have teams at the Rep Levels starting their Provincial play downs. Tonight at the BAYplex our Glace Bay Miners opened their best-of-three Midget “B” playoff series against their cross-town rival New Waterford Sharks by defeating the visitors 4-1.

Both teams showed some good hockey in the opening period as they skated to a scoreless tie. In the middle frame the Miners counted four unanswered goals to take a convincing 4-0 lead by the half-way of the period. Miner’s forward Adam Roach led the offensive charge scoring a brace of tallies while team-mates Jordan Burton and Jordan Butts added single markers in the game. In the assist department for the Miners BJ Wadden was the top-play-maker chipping in with a pair of helpers while Matt Budden and Doug Richards added one assist apiece.  

With less than two minutes remaining in the second the Sharks answered back with a tally of their own as Kyle Muise recorded his team’s eventual only tally in the contest as both teams locked in their defensive game to go scoreless once again in the final period.

Other players for the Miners team include: Justin Lynk, Dylan Binder, Kody King, Collin Jenkins and Kenzie Ferguson

Both teams continue the series with game two scheduled for Saturday in New Waterford. The winner of this series advances to clash with the winner of the Sydney CB County series later this month.

BEST of LUCK TO OUR MINERS ALONG THEIR PLAYOFF RUN !

REP FEES ARE NOW DUE!

Atom AAA, A -$110.00

Pee Wee AAA, A, B, Female-$120.00

Bantam AA, A, B, Female-$135.00

Midget AAA, A, B, Female-$135.00

Now that we got your attention with the "Ugly Sweater Picture" ....we have a reminder to pass along. 

GLACE BAY MINER HOCKEY JESERYS ARE  NOT TO BE WORN DURING PRACTICES .

PLEASE INSURE YOUR CHILD HAS A PRACTICE JESERY IN THEIR HOCKEY BAG AT ALL TIMES. IF THEY DONT HAVE A PRACTICE JESERY THEY WILL BE TOLD TO LEAVE THE ICE.    
 
Thank You !   

Gary Gracie Equipment Manager (G.B.M.H.)   

Shown in the above post-game team photo for the Bulldogs are: Front row (L-R): Goalies Josh Cunningham and Logan Morgan. Middle row (L-R): Connor Bert, Brett Pimental, Justin Bert, Ryan McDonald and Anthony Byrne. Back row (L-R):Coach - Boo Bert, Nick Walsh, Nick Burrows, Jason MacQueen, Aiden Phalen, Ryan Blois, Coach - Aubrey Cameron, Liam MacPherson, Aaron Cameron, Matt Rowe and Manager – Brian Morgan.   

Two local teams namely the Glace Bay Bulldogs and their association rivals, the Glace Bay Rockets faced-off against each other on Thursday to close out this year’s Metro Bantam Christmas Hockey Tournament played at the BAYplex. 

The Bulldogs opened the game’s scoring on a nice individual effort by Nick Walsh who broke in over the blue-line and as he approached a Rocket defender, he fired a quick low shot to put his team up 1-0.  In reply, the Rockets mounted several scoring chances and finally cashed-in when defenseman Dylan Burchell received a crisp cross-ice pass from Travis Christie and then ripped a shot that stretched the twine in the Bulldogs cage to equal the score 1-1.  The Bulldogs wasted little to re-capture the lead.  Rocket’s skater Aaron Cameron made a neat tape-to-tape pass hitting his line-mate Jason MacQueen which sent MacQueen in on goal flashing a nifty head deke and finished off the rush by sliding the puck to the back of the net notching his team’s eventual game-winning marker.

In the final period the Rockets pressed hard to get the game equalizer but once again they were greeted by a determined Bulldog counter attack. Justin Bert broke loose to lead the late charge for his team scoring a brace of tallies in the final 8 minutes of the game. His first was a one-timer after taking a goal mouth pass from Ryan MacDonald.  His second was on a nice effort with Nick Burrows who dished-off a short pass to Bert who broke down the half-wall and blasted a high snap-shot to the glove side that would seal his team’s 4-1 victory.

Other Rocket players are: Jessica Hardy, Chris MacPherson, Kyle Ellsworth, Johnathan Smith, Dylan Edwards, Josh Stubbard, Logan Clements, Jordan Neville, Nick Canova, Scott Clarke, Sean Murphy, Jake MacPherson, Brianna McLean and Ian MacQueen.

Game MVP Awards: BULLDOGS  – Justin Burt and ROCKETS  – Dylan Burchell

Glace Bay fans were treated to an exciting Female Bantam match-up @ the BAYplex Thursday afternoon as the hometown Miners hosted the visiting and rival Cape Breton County Islanders for consolation honors, as part of the Glace Bay Bantam Christmas Hockey Tournament. In this tilt the Miners lit the lamp first at the 6:54 mark of the opening frame, as Margaret MacPherson took a feed from her team-mates Shelby MacNeil and Kelsey Gilmet. In the second period the Islanders rebounded with a goal of their own from Erin McPhee to even the score up at 1-1. Then in the closing minute Miner’s Gilmet showed some nice scoring touch of her own, going end to end and finishing off her rush with a hard shot that rang off the inside of the Islander post with: 41 seconds remaining in the period.

In the final stanza the Miner’s forward Margaret MacPherson (shown above #16 red jersey) pounced on a goalmouth rebound to score her second goal in the game and to put the Bay ahead with a 3-1 lead. Rebecca Harris and Gilmet assisted on the marker. Trailing 3-1 lead with less than three minutes remaining the Islanders appeared to turn some magical offense as they pressured the Miners defense scoring two late goals, one from Erin Bursey and the third from Emily Target to tie the game up with: 32 seconds showing.

Both teams then headed into a game tie-breaker sudden death 5 minute overtime period but despite some great scoring chances at both ends neither team scored which then set the stage for a 3 player shoot-out. Once again the goaltenders Miners Jade Drake and Islander Shyla Huntington stole the limelight kicking aside all initial 5 shots. With one player remaining to shoot, Miners skater Emile Routledge drove in on goal and made a nice deke to deposit the puck into the County cage and earn the victory for her team.

Other Glace Bay Miner players are: Rebecca Petrie, Bailee Kennedy, Hanna Kaiser, Maggie Gouthro, Taylor Burke, Jenna MacKinnon, Jill Doucette, Abbie Penny and Kelsey MacLean. 

Players of The Game: MINERS - Margaret MacPherson and ISLANDERS - Raylene Cabot 

Both female teams should be congratulated on a well played contest in which they both showed some excellent hockey skills.  

Shown above are members of our Glace Bay Female Pee Wee A hockey team who captured Glace Bay’s Pee Wee Christmas Hockey Tournament Tuesday evening. Front row goaltender Brooklyn Hennessey
Middle Row: Kailin Gillis, Leah Byrne, Jodi Dauphinee, Mary Wadden, Kaitlynn Hayes, Jessica Gracie
Back Row: Art Gillis (head coach), Hannah McIntyre, Alisha MacDonald, Laurie Gove(Manager) Nicole McNeil, Maureen Wadden (manager), Bailee Sheppard,  RJ McNeil (trainer),  Morgan McNeil,  Derrick Hayes (coach), Amanda Gove, Gary Gracie (coach). Missing from photo: Jillan Brown

Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association hosted another successful and popular Christmas Tournament, this time for our Pee Wee aged children during the Christmas Break. During the past couple of days pee wee aged players and their families filed through the doors of the BAYplex to catch some exciting Christmas Hockey action.  In our Pee Wee Division three Glace Bay Pee Wee Metro hockey teams competed along with our Pee Wee Female A team to round out the tournament entries.

In the opening period of play in the championship tilt, the Glace Bay Grizzlies and their rival Female Pee Wee A team exchanged some excellent end-to-end rushes only to have the goaltenders at both ends of the rink make some brilliant saves shutting down all the attempted scoring chances.  In the middle frame the Female A Team took an early on a nice play as speedy forward Leah Byrne converted a one-two pass from Kailin Gillis and Mary Wadden at the 8:01 mark to jump into a 1-0 lead. With 2:16 showing on the clock Grizzlies’s forward Stephen Oliver picked up a loose puck inside the offensive zone, skated in on goal and released a high shot to the blocker side to notch his team’s equalizing goal. Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the Female A Team took advantage of a puck turnover less than a minute later, as Hannah MacIntyre scooped up a loose puck on her left wing and drilled a well placed shot to the inside post area to nudge her team up 2-1 with 1:08 remaining in the 2nd.

Up until this point in the game the difference was the goaltending which always makes a championship game more exciting for the many fans in attendance. Grizzlies’s netminder, Sheldon Stubbard and Brooklyn Hennessey played a stellar game between the iron for their teams.  

Finally in the 3^rd stanza both teams traded scoring chances once again and finally as the clock ticked down with 3:51 remaining Mary Wadden broke down her left wing and wristed a nice shot to score her team’s 3^rd goal and insurance marker to helping her team secure the tournament championship.

Other players for the Glace Bay Grizzislies are: DH Snow, Brett Strong, Dawson Jessome, Mitch MacDonald, Riley Murrant, Riley Smith, Michael Aucoin, Kyle Kelland and Brandon Boutilier.  

Congratulations to both teams for a well played and entertaining championship game.

Note: The Glace Bay Female Pee Wee A Miners are enjoying a fun season as they compete in Eastern Nova Scotia Pee Wee A Hockey League. In November the Glace Bay team came runners-up in an Antigonish Female Tournament as they took home Silver Medals...Keep up the good work !

Pictured above are members of the Red Devils: Nicholas Bigley, Middle Row: Kaitlyn O'Neill, Darcy O'Brien, Shayne Brandon, Sarah-Jean Lohnes, Ty MacMullin, Tyler Penny, Noah MacAuley (standing) Back Row: Ryan Lawrence (Coach), Josh Burke, Greg Farrow (Coach), Ike Batten Jr. (Coach), Austin Parsons, Aaron White (Coach) Jordan Parsons.

Youngsters in Glace Bay got to enjoy their Christmas and once the gifts were opened and family visiting was completed it was time for the families to head to the rink. Christmas hockey tournaments in our community has become a great family outing tradition for many years.  In the final Championship game played at the BAYplex Tuesday afternoon the Glace Bay Red Devils faced-off against the Glace Bay Warriors in front of a couple hundred excited fans who were treated to a great final contest.

Red Devil’s sniper Darcy O’Brien opened the games scoring at the 9:31 mark of the 1^st period as he jumped on a free puck inside the Warrior blue-line and drove in along his side wall and released a well-placed wrist shot to the back of the Warrior cage. Minutes later, team-mate Noah MacAuley intercepted a goal crease clearing attempt, and wasted little time notching a marker putting his team up 2-0. Before the period ended, the trailing Warriors turned up their pace as Devon MacLean drove a blast at the Red Devil goal only to have his rebound scooped up by team-mate Stephen Ferguson to close the gap 2-1 before the buzzer sounded.

In the middle frame and into the first half of the final stanza both teams treated the home town fans to an excellent brand of two way hockey while they exchanged scoring chances  at both ends of the rink. Warrior’s goaltender Gabbie Gillis and Red Devil’s net-keeper Nicholas Bigley stood tall between their pipes for their teams as both showed that they were determined to create an opportunity for their teams make their final drive for a victory. Finally at the mid-way mark Red Devil’s forward Darcy O’Brien took charge almost single-handily, as the skilled forward stretched the Warrior’s cage twine with an impressive ‘natural hat-trick” (and 4th of the game) to put the score 5-1 out of reach of a Warrior comeback. 

Other players with the Glace Bay Warriors include: Christina Wong, Noah MacPhee, Brooke Buchanan, Grayson MacIntosh, Brandon White,Nicholas Kelly, Ryan Gass and Daniel Nicholson.

Congratulations to both the Warriors and Red Devils for a great entertaining game for the many fans in attendance.   

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 MERRY CHRISTMAS and 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 2011.

 Members of the executive pictured in the above photo are: Front row (L-R) James Edwards (President); Tracey Hanrahan (Office Manager); Greg O’Neill (Vice President); Back Row L-R  Derrick Hayes (Coaching Co-ordinator); Darren MacEachern (Female Hockey Co-ordinator); Aubrey Cameron (Fundraising Co-ordinator); Gary Gracie (Equipment Co-ordinator); Phillip O’Neill (Ice Allocator) and Sonny MacDougall (Finance & Administration). In addition to our executive members shown in the photo: NancyPolitte (Secretary); Mike Binder (Risk Management Co-ordinator); Shelly Simms (Special Events Co-ordinator) and Ken Tracey (Development Co-ordinator).

Pictured above in the group photo are seven players who played here in Glace Bay for our minor hockey association and are actively playing hockey in a variety of competitive leagues ranging from Junior A – University. As mentioned in some of our previous reports, each and every one of these players are true community role models for our Glace Bay "hockey yourth".  

Logan Shaw: Forward – QMJHL, 3^rd year, right-winger with Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. To-date this season Logan has posted a season high 25 points in 38 games. (13 goals and 12 assists).

Brad Cuzner: Forward – QMJHL, second year left-winger with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. To-date this season Brad, despite some injuries, has posted 10 points in 28 games (4 goals and 6 assists)

Jarrad Struthers: Forward – QMJHL, fifth year in league, The left winger played for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and PEI Rocket and is finishing his final year with the Rimouski Oceanic this year. To-date this season, Jarrad has posted 24 points in 37 games. (14 goals and 10 assists)

Sean Donovan: Defence – AUS, fifth year and team co-captain with ST FX University also played in the MJAHL for Antigonish Bulldog’s for 3 seasons. To-date this year Sean has posted 2 assists in 14 games. When players opt to combine their hockey and education Sean by example, demonstrates that both can be achieved in sync with each other. In the past year Sean was awarded with an All-Canadian Academic Athletic Award and is scheduled to graduate this up-coming spring with a BA & BED Degree from ST FX UNIVERSITY.

Marc Bourgeois: Forward – MJAHL, right winger with Pictou Weeks Crushers. Marc started playing junior with Pictou in 2006 and then spent the next 3 seasons in QMJHL with Lewiston and Cape Breton. This year Marc is enjoying his final year in junior by leading his team in scoring and is tied for the League’s most goals. To-date this season Marc has posted 54 points in 33 games. (28 goals and 26 assists)

Wayne Bedecki: Forward – MJAHL, third season center-man with Metro Marauders formerly the Halifax Lions. To-date this season Wayne has posted 30 points in 34 games. (12 goals and 18 assists)

Mitchell O’Neill: Forward – MJAHL, second season center-man with Amherst Ramblers. To-date this season Mitchell has posted 8 points in 34 games. (2 goals and 8 assists).

References:

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League website: http://en.lhjmq.qc.ca

Atlantic University Sport: http://www.atlanticuniversitysport.com/mens/hockey

Maritime Junior Hockey League: http://www.themhl.ca

HALIFAX, NS, December 2, 2010 – Hockey Nova Scotia (HNS) has established a policy designed to address head injuries (namely concussions) and placed responsibility for a player's return on the shoulders of his coach and physician..

The policy will be fully implemented as of January 1, 2011, however all teams are encouraged to follow the guidelines immediately. Designed to protect the player, the policy addresses diagnostic, symptomatic and return-to-play subject matter and lays out specific procedures to be followed.

“This is a crucial step in ensuring a safe environment for minor hockey players in Nova Scotia. With the increased focus and attention on head injuries, HNS is proud to be implementing and mandating precautionary measures,” said Lauchie MacIsaac, past president and chair Risk Management of Hockey Nova Scotia.

FOR THE FULL DETAILS ON THIS CHANGE VISIT OUR "NOTICES LINK" Above or click on here: http://www.gbminorhockey.com/past_notices.php

Shown above Miner’s team captain Amanda Gove is seen escaping the reach of a Cyclone fore-checker as she cuts along the boards to advance the puck out of her end zone.

At the BAYplex this afternoon The Glace Bay Miners hosted the visiting Colchester Cyclones in an exciting Female Pee Wee hockey match-up. The two teams battled through a scoreless opening period with both teams having some great chances. In the middle frame our Glace Bay team jumped into the lead as Jillian Brown lit the lamp for the Bay on a nice effort with Morgan MacNeil at the 4:55 mark. Not to be out-done the visiting Cyclones roared back with a goal of their own to tie the game at 1-1 with 2:07 showing on the board. Cassidy Reid notched their marker with help from Kara-Lynn MacDonald.

In the final period both evenly matched teams settled into a nice two-way hockey exhibition of female hockey displaying their skills as they traded off some key offense only to be equaled by solid defense at both ends of the ice.

Other Glace Bay Players include: Brooklyn Hennessey, Kaitlynns Hayes, Bailee Sheppard, Leah Byrne, Jessica Gracie, Jodi Dauphannie, Kailin Gillis, Hannah MacIntyre, Mary Wadden, Alisha MacDonald and Nicole MacNeil.

Fans can catch our Female Pee Wee Miners in action most Saturdays @ the BAYplex at 12:00pm as they compete against the other teams in the league namely: County Islanders, Antigonish,and Parrsboro    

Pictured above Glace Bay Miner’s sniper Carson Guyaux drives home his third goal in the game as Northside Viking goaltender Gavin Rudderham makes an acrobatic lunge across his goal crease trying to get a piece of the puck.

 Glace Bay Miners used their strong offense and solid team play to skate to a convincing victory over their Atom AAA League rival Northside Vikings at a regular scheduled game played at the BAYplex this evening. With the win our Miners have accumulated a total of 18 points on the season and now sit just one point behind the League leading Cape Breton County Islanders.

The other two teams competing in the five team Cape Breton Atom AAA League, are the Sydney Steelers and Cape Breton West Eagles.

Playing for our Miners this season are: Parker Spencer, Carson Guyaux, Cale Guyaux, Colin MacLeod, Logan Burke, Robbie Harroun, James Hayes, Dylan McDonald, Aimie O’Neill, Devon Gouthro, Brett Baxter, Trenton Gove, Nicholas Truckair, Dylan Rosnock and their goaltender tandem of Sandy Burke and Seth Crowe.  

Fans can catch our Atom AAA Miners playing on their home-ice @ the BAYplex most Friday evenings with game times slated for 6:00pm.

(CTCampbell Photo)

As hockey parents, quite often your lives can seem overwhelming trying to get the kids outfitted with hockey gear and get them to their practices and games on time. What if your assignment was to get over 500 hockey players equipped and 20-30 coaches with their instructional tools. During this profile we will be looking behind the scenes of our “equipment room” so that the next time your child pulls MINER’s jersey over their head perhaps you may have some appreciation that there are plenty of volunteers working behind the scenes and whom you may never see in your team’s dressing room or on their hockey bench.

Our hockey profile in this feature will be on Gary Gracie, whose main job is GBMHA’s Equipment Manager. GBMHA is fortunate in recent years to have secured an area @ the BAYplex where they have a designated equipment room which is where Gary (as seen above) and his assistant, Andre LeBlanc donate endless hours of their spare time to go about their busy tasks of distributing hockey equipment. As designated manager of the operation Gary says “Andre and I distribute over 1100 Miner’s jerseys once teams are selected so there are times when it can get pretty hectic”. In addition to the sweaters Gary states “we also allocate about 15 sets of goalie equipment (Tots-Atom) and supply all coaches with a sufficient amount of instructional aides and supplies ranging to such items as boards, pylons and nearly 1200 pucks”.

Later in the season when the hockey teams start winding down their competitive play the equipment room gets crazy again as “we need to start collecting all our gear loaned out and especially the sweaters which takes most of the work. Once collected they need to be inspected for tears or damage and then placed in numerical order and secured in complete team sets”. Then it’s time to round up all the coach’s gear and place their instructional gear back in storage for the summer months.

The reason that we selected Gary for this volunteer profile is because this equipment manager also assumes many other multi-tasks. Gary serves on the Executive of GBMHA and is our Midget Division Co-coordinator (which means that he has to manage and co-ordinate all association issues ranging from Midget C to Midget AAA). Gary has also been involved in various bench roles (coaching & manager) for the past 15 years, especially while his son Ryan progressed through our minor hockey ranks. This year he is back on the bench as an assistant coach for his daughter Jessica’s, Pee Wee Female hockey team. Gracie says “my wife Donna and I joke that hockey is our social life…but it’s no joke as we truly love it as we have met so many great kids and parents over the years”. Gary says he cherishes his time getting to know all the players who he helped over the years and acknowledges that it can be difficult saying “good bye” especially at the midget level when they graduate from the minor hockey program. Gracie counters by saying “the good thing though is that after watching the young boys develop into fine young men, it’s nice to know that I got to play a small role in their development.  

The Maritime Junior A Hockey League has announced that the Reekbok CCM Player of the Week for the week ending December 7th is Pictou Weekes Crushers forward Marc Bourgeois. The 5'9" 175 lb twenty year old hails from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and played his minor hockey with the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association and also with the Cape Breton Tradesmen.

Marc had 7 goals and 1 assist in the two games played by the Crushers this past weekend. He had 4 goals and was named first star in Pictou's victory over the Campbellton Tigers. He followed that up with a 3 goals, 1 assist performance and first star again versus Dieppe. What a great weekend for Marc and the Crushers.

Glace Bay Congratulates Marc on a job well done this past week in the MJAHL.

In Bantam AA Hockey League action played at the BAYplex this evening the home town fans were treated to a nice effort from our Miners who played an entertaining game of hockey against their Bantam AA rival Northside Vikings. Both teams drew even after the opening period of play scoring one goal apiece. In the middle frame the Miners wasted little time to take an early lead as Jarrett McNeil stretched the twine just :21 seconds into the period . Both teams traded off some excellent scoring chances throughout the period until Miner’s forward Dana Cathcart, as seen above, converted a tape-to-tape pass from the corner with :58 seconds showing on the clock to drill home his team third and eventual game winner. Cathcart’s marker gave his team a 3-1 lead heading into the final period of play and helped lift his team’s spirit as the Miner’s responded in the 3^rd period scoring four unanswered tallies before the Vikings closed off the box-score with a late game goal.  

Leading the way for the Miner’s attack was Cathcart who scored a pair of goals and added one assist while team-mate Jarrett McNeil also notched a brace of tallies. Tyler Hopkins, Tristan White and Ryan Wilson rounded out the scoring for the Bay. In the assist department Travis MacDonald was the top-play-maker in the game recording two while Michael MacIntyre, Liam Smith, Brett MacDonald, Mathew O’Brien, Jordan MacInnis and Cathcart, White and Wilson chipped in with single helpers.

Glace Bay goaltender Logan Cooke played solid between the pipes for the Miners picking up the victory. Other Miners on the roster include: Brandon Baker, Logan Cable, Randy Wadden and Dillon Marshall.

The Northside Viking’s scoring was handled by Jonathan Florian and Vincent Andrea while Christian Jardin and Ryan Lawless drew assists on the goals.

The Glace Bay Miners AA team represents the same minor hockey popular ice-time as the previous Bantam AAA level before the Nova Scotia Bantam Major AAA League started. Fans of our Glace Bay minor hockey program can be assured that they will treated to a similar competitive brand of hockey by following our Bantam AA Miners most Monday evenings.

See you at the BAYplex Monday evenings @ 7:30pm!  

In the game photo above Miner’s player Jamie Petite is seen stretching to attempt to scoop a loose puck in the skates of Shark defender Michael Colbert, while eyeing a wide open net late in the third period as they press to tie the game.

In an exciting matinee hockey contest played at the Dominion Rink this afternoon, the New Waterford Sharks held on to their lead to edge the Glace Bay Miners 6-5 in Pee Wee B Hockey League action. Fans in attendance were treated to an exciting match as the visitors jumped into a 4-1 lead following the first period of play. In the middle frame the Miners showed some signs of life by cutting the lead in half making the score 4-2 after two periods of play. As both teams headed to their dressing room the Miners obviously responded to the coaching staff’s offense strategy by outscoring the Sharks 3-2 in the closing period. The come-from-behind Miners showed plenty of hustle in their bid to tie the game especially in the dying minutes of the game when the drew their goalie in favor of an extra attacker producing several late game scoring attempts.  

Scoring for the Miners in the game was Anthony Osbourne with a pair of tallies while Dhane Morrison, Cory Blois and Dylon Pimentel recorded singles. Jamie Petite notched two helpers on the Bay’s goals while Brett Gilbert and Pimentel chipped in with one assist each. Miner’s goaltender Colton Chiasson stood tall between the pipes making several excellent saves especially in the final stanza giving his team a chance to tie the contest.