Page 13 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 63

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #63 February 2018 13

Continued from page 12 afraid to go to school so I asked man did not run or cower and It wasn’t always easy but
‘what is the worst thing that can take it. He fought back best as he running and hiding in shame
a competitive boxer, lets just say
he had certain conditions; but a happen?’ He replied “I will get could and made a decision to go and fear were not the answer. I
great kid and he was bullied in beat up and it hurts”. So I asked down fighting. Well to his great am proud I contributed a little
him what is worse? Living with surprise he did not go down this
school and the target of jokes, to that. The young man did the
put downs and hazing. When he the fear and shame? What hurts time and held his own and never rest. Sometimes in life we have
would defend himself verbally more? Looking at yourself in gave up. It was enough to repel to fight and face our fears. Be it
there were a couple individuals the mirror everyday knowing the attack and he was suspended bullies, fear, what others think;
who got physical with him. The you ran and hid and caved in but very proud. In coming days on the job, in school, or cancer.
to your fear or being physically the ridicule diminished and the
young man was afraid and fed up You fight, you never give up on
at the same time and consumed hurt? You decide when you’ve constant hazing ceased. That yourself and who you can be —
with fear and ashamed of himself had enough. young man started walking a and never let others decide what
and being afraid. After several He went to school one day, little taller, even looking people you can or cannot be or do.
different confrontations, and was ridiculed by one of the same in the eye. He went to school
and kept exercising. The young Yours in Combat Arts
conversations subsequently, I boys, he retaliated verbally and
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finally told him he could not the other boy took offense and man went on to college and is Jorge Luis
run and hide forever. He was attacked. This time the young prepping for a great career.

Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper

Sports Energy presents Sports Panel

Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper
CBC News in Edmonton recently ran a story about a 10-year-old player who
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has been “Suspended Indefinitely” by Hockey Alberta for playing on two teams

in two different leagues. It appears one team is sanctioned by Hockey Canada
Greater Cornwall & Areas Community Sports Newspaper
and one team is not. What are your thoughts panel? Should a 10-year-old

child be allowed to play hockey outside of a Hockey Canada sanctioned team

without being penalized by Hockey Canada?

Gilles Gaudet - Sports Enthusiast -Was it really necessary for Hockey Canada to suspend a 10-year-old without giving him an opportunity
to decide between the two clubs? They were probably a little heavy-handed. That being said, when his parents decided to enlist him in
another league, they knew that they were breaking the rules, so they are the real culprits here. Too many times parents put undue pressure
on their children, with unrealistic expectations, in the name of their own self-gratification. Hockey Canada has rules in place: without those
rules, it would be a free for all, with players playing on multiple teams, probably cutting ice time for other kids who want to play. So to the
parents, who think that their child is the next Bobby Orr or Hayley Wickenheiser, relax a little. Ask your child who they’d like to play for,
and set the example by following the rules set out by organizations. Now Hockey Canada should ask the 10-year-old where he’d like to play
and then re-instate him, if he decides on Hockey Canada.

Jake Lapierre - Conditioning Coach -In reading the CBC’s news article regarding this story my initial knee jerk reaction was “shame on
Hockey Alberta for punishing the little 10-year-old hockey player for just wanting to play hockey” but then thought CBC is only reporting
half the facts and 10-year-old kids don’t get suspended for trivial reasons. Hockey Canada prides itself in developing guidelines to ensure all
players have a meaningful, enjoyable experience, to assist boys and girls to achieve their highest levels possible and to assist in a proper way
that provides a better chance for individuals to reach those levels. These guidelines are also structured for the safety, protection, and wellbeing
of every player member registered.
Hockey Alberta, who is governed by Hockey Canada, falls under that umbrella and is sanctioned under the same guiding principles and
yes, there are strict rules in place that might seem unfair but are in place to protect players, coaches, volunteers, and the organization. Team
Revolution Hockey has the opportunity to register with Hockey Alberta but chooses to not too because there are too many rules and operates
as a rogue league independent of Hockey Canada; its branches, and access to national insurance programs that protects the players. Hockey
Alberta’s rules are clear on unregistered leagues and failing to follow the guidelines does forfeit registration with Hockey Alberta. Is Hockey
Alberta being heavy handed; I don’t believe so — but a group of parents are choosing not to follow the rules and guidelines.

Jim Riddell - Seaway Karate Club - A ten year old boy from Calahoo AB has been suspended by Hockey Alberta for playing in two
different leagues at the same time. The second team involved is not registered or sanctioned by Hockey Alberta and is referred to as a “super
team”. This “elite” team plays some games against eight other similar Alberta teams, and competes in weekend tournaments both in and out of
province. On the surface it looks like Hockey Alberta is running a dictatorship and this ten-year-old boy is a victim of their rules. What about
his Calahoo teammates and coaching staff? Is it fair to them that when they are playing weekend games, entering their own tournaments, or
making a run for the playoffs that their best player may be off playing for his other team? This rule could possibly use a bit of revision but it
is there for a reason and it is one that this child’s parents should have been aware of at the time of registration.