Page 39 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 85

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #85 December 2019 39

In The 2020 World Junior A Challenge

Coming to Cornwall
ZONE By Molly Kett

he City of Cornwall is set to host the
TInternational Junior A showcase from
December 13 to 19 as part of the 15th edition

With Justin Roethlingshoefer all my years as a player working of the World Junior A Challenge, an event
through the Jr and college ranks, and that Hockey Canada announced would be
headed back to Ontario in 2020. This will
t’s so unfortunate that the all then as a coach all the way to the mark the second time that Ontario will host to participate in the 2020 World Junior
Ithe ‘peeking behind the curtain’ NHL, there was only ever one coach this event. A Challenge Cornwall 2020 are USA,
is happening around the holiday (who is still a head coach in the The 2020 World Junior A Challenge Russia and Czech Republic, though final
season, but then again, maybe it’s the NHL), that I saw the empathy and represents a partnership between Hockey confirmation of the teams will be made after
Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League
best time for it to be. The allegations kindness values from, while being (CJHL), Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO) and the 2019 World Junior A Challenge to be
held in Dawson Creek late November.
made in Toronto and Calgary for truly authentic to who he really was. the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), The high level of hockey talent coming
their former head coaches are just Guess what…his players knew it, his as well as the local host committee and NHL to Cornwall for the 2020 World Junior
the tip of the iceberg in a culture that staff knew it, the management knew Central Scouting. A talent will include many future NHL
“Fans from across the country will have
needs to change. We are in a time it, and NOTHING else would be a chance to cheer on the best players from stars. Since the event’s inception in 2006,
more than 300 NHL draft picks have played
where ‘the way it used to be’ just tolerated. The culture was different. two Canadian teams, Team Canada East and in the tournament. These players include 42
doesn’t cut it anymore (‘cue Don The locker room was a safe place. Team Canada West, as they compete for a first-round selections, like David Pastrnak,
Cherry). The environment was energized. gold medal at 4,800-seat Ed Lumley Arena Andrei Vasilevski, Andrei Svechnikov,
The freedom was encouraging. at the Cornwall Civic Complex, home of Brock Boeser, Kyle Connor, Nikolaj
Don’t blame the millennials. the CCHL’s Cornwall Colts,” shares Lorne Ehlers, Tyson Jost, Dmitri Kulikov, Evgeny
Don’t blame people being ‘soft’. So I challenge you. Be who you Taillon, a representative from the city of Kuznetsov, Elias Lindholm, Hampus
Don’t blame the ‘locker room are. Be authentic. Be true. Be Cornwall. Lindholm, Vladislav Namestnikov, Riley
The World Junior A Challenge provides
culture’. Blame the fact that what courageous. Know who you are hockey fans the opportunity to experience Nash, Valeri Nichushkin, Ilya Samsonov,
Jaden Schwartz, Brendan Smith, Vladimir
has always been and what has been and hold the line. Bring others along the best Junior A hockey talent in the world, Tarasenko, Kyle Turris and Jakub Vrana.
created is something that is truly with you. Build quality people and and to watch future NHL draft picks compete If you’re wondering why Cornwall, it’s
for gold. actually a no-brainer.
unacceptable, and with social media leaders. Let’s celebrate that.
“The City of Cornwall looks forward to “The City of Cornwall, along with the
and technology this is all getting Justin Roethlingshoefer hosting players, fans and teams from around
exposed. The culture is one of pretend the world,” says Taillon. “The tournament Colts hockey club and the CCHL, have been
tremendously supportive of CJHL events in
to love you today so hopefully you Until next month. will be a great opportunity to showcase the recent years, including the National Junior A
are there for me tomorrow. There Stay happy and healthy. wonderful restaurants, hotels, shopping and Championship and CJHL Prospects Game,”
is no authenticity or accountability. Justin Roethlingshoefer attractions the City has to offer.” said CJHL president Brent Ladds. “We

According to Taillon, the World Junior have no doubt that the 2020 World Junior
There is no kindness or empathy for Email questions to: A Challenge has historically had an A Challenge will be a success in Cornwall,
another person. There is simply a justinr@ economic impact of over $3 million to host given the large Junior A fan base that is
foul smell of power, entitlement and thehockeysummit.com communities. present in that part of the country.”
“The opportunity to work with and host
side games. Follow and reach out via a world class Hockey Canada event is an Looking for sponsorship, ticketing and
Do not mistake kindness or Instagram: honour,” says Taillon. volunteer information and opportunities?
Check back in early 2020. For more
empathy as weakness; rather don’t @innerstrength1988 The tournament will consist of two teams information on the World Junior A Challenge
be blind and see it as a strength. In @thehockeysummit from Canada, as mentioned, and three please feel free to contact Lorne Taillon at
international teams. The countries expected
613-938-9898 x 2 or ltaillon@cornwall.ca.
Q&A Hi JR, I coach a bantam rep team. The kids are great, we are competitive when the score is 0 – 0 or we are

up. As soon as we fall behind, a few of the core kids become negative and it spreads across the bench. I
can’t seem to convince them to stay positive and work to get back in the game. Any suggestions to help me?
ANSWER:

The biggest thing is it usually stems from the top. Instead of looking at the player, try looking at the people at the top setting the tone. That is the coach-
ing staff and the leadership group. What small changes could be made in reactions from that group ultimately creates the culture of your team. What
values do you and your leaders possess that ultimately align or misalign with your actions? Once you begin to change the culture and belief system while
developing values that the team stands for, and upholding them, that’s when the change will begin.