U23

League News

   

Let's rally around our Flyers family member, Judah Daley

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Dear members,


One of our own flyers families, the Daley's, are dealing with a very unexpected and unimaginable life changing event within their family. As an association we 100% will be here to support them as they navigate through this time in their lives. 


One of our initiatives to show our support is a helmet decal campaign, where we stand in solidarity as an association for one of our own.


Judah's older brother Abel is in our U9 Advancing program and his sister Arizona in our U7 program. Brad has also been a coach within our association for many years as well. 


Two-year-old Judah’s world changed overnight when he suddenly began having trouble walking. Concerned, his mother and father Danika and Brad took him to the IWK, where doctors ran blood tests. The diagnosis was one any parent ever wants to hear—Philadelphia Positive chromosomal B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+B-ALL). Judah began chemotherapy right away. He will remain in the hospital for the next few weeks as his care team closely monitors his response to treatment. The road ahead will be long, with doctors estimating that his treatment plan will span the next two years. However, the prognosis is hopeful, and Judah is facing this challenge with remarkable strength. While Judah is in the hospital, his mom, Danika, is staying by his side and unable to work for the time being. His dad, Brad, is doing everything he can to continue working and support the family. Judah also has two siblings at home who need care, but thankfully, their grandmother is stepping in to help during this challenging time. This journey will be difficult, but Judah has the unwavering love and support of his family, along with an incredible medical team fighting alongside him. He is a warrior, and with time, care, and treatment, he will triumph. 


We are currently planning a day at the Arena in which we will be holding fundraising events to help support the family during this time. Please stay tuned for more on that! In the meantime, if you would like to donate to help support the family, please visit the Go Fund Me page.  


We will be sending the Team staff a separate email with instructions for pick up times and decal helmet placement. 


Let's all get behind Judah like Flyers always do!

 

Robert Nurnber

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Mar 3, 2025

Kraft Hockeyville BINGO winners!!

First we would like to thank everyone who took the time over the past few months that came out to support our Kraft Hockeyville bid. Whether you attended a rally, shared your stories, posted on social media, or simply showed your support, every action made a difference.
Sackville rallied, we rallied hard, and now the decision is in the hands of the judges.
We also want to share a big thank you to our Kraft Hockeyville committee, the driving force behind the success of our Sackville bid!
No matter where we land — whether in the Top 4 arenas or not — we are filled with pride in how our community came together. Thank you for making this journey so special!
 
Congratulations to our Freeman's Pizza Party Team packages:
Top Contributor: Sackville Flyers U11 Leafs!
Second Top Contributor: U13 AAA!
 
Congratulations to our Grand Prize Winners!!!
1st place prize: Jill Hurshman
2nd place prize: Eric Doucet
3rd place prize: Chris Erwood
 
Thank you to every single person that submitted a BINGO card!!
 
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Mar 3, 2025

Kraft Hockeyville Standings - 3 days until the nomination deadline!!

We have 3 days left to make a difference!!
 
Based on publicly available information and the amazing work of @Beverley Chan, who has manually gone through the most competitive Arenas to provide us with data, we are FIRST in Nova Scotia, THIRD in Canada and THIRD in the Eastern Division.
 
The top 4 Arenas are chosen by division - 2 from Eastern and 2 from Western.
 
Our overall standing recorded below is based on Rally Points. That means total stories, photos, notes and reactions. Total points will bring awareness of the Sackville Arena to the judges, but our overall score will be mostly earned on stories.
 
What is most important to understand is that the Judging Panel is subjective and based largely on our stories submitted. Arenas could have more or less total Rally points than us, but with great compelling stories, could still place in the top 4 Arenas regardless of Rally points standings.
 
Overall Score calculation:
80% of our overall score is based on Story submissions and is extremely subject to judging
20% of our overall score is rally points as outlined below in our rally points score
 
We need to drive Sackville to the top of the list as much as we can with stories and rally points!!
 
Together, we’ve already accomplished so much — now let’s push even harder in these final 3 days. Let’s show the judges why Sackville Arena deserves to be at the top!

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted to the Sackville Arena's bid for Kraft Hockeyville, we truly appreciate you!!

For those that can still take 5 minutes to help out, please visit our Sackville Arena Kraft Hockeyville Page to earn points!!
 
 
Feb 27, 2025

Important Parent and Member Message from the President

Good afternoon,

As we are currently investigating numerous complaints, I want to remind our membership, parents and team staff of expected behaviors while attending any SMHA sanctioned games, practices, and team functions. This includes all out of area games and events as well. If you have acted inappropriately there is a good chance you are currently under investigation.

Unfortunately I along with the executive are dealing with numerous issues and complaints that are being directed to myself with regards to parent and team staff conduct and behaviour. This is completely unacceptable. You are supposed to be setting a good example for the children and represent our association and community with respect and class. Most all of these are recorded and will result in suspensions. When you act like this the person you hurt the most is your own child. Be the better person and address as an adult via the proper channels. I realize this represents a very small % of our membership, however it has become a significant issue as I am now dealing with several other associations on complaints and our governing bodies. Most of these have been directed towards other teams players, officials, and facility/hotel staff. There is no place for this and it will not be tolerated. It is a privilege not a right to be in attendance, and if you cannot act appropriately you will no longer be able to attend.
 
In addition to this we are currently investigating a number of player/team complaints as well. These are coming to me from other associations and via Hockey Nova Scotia as well, which remain ongoing.
 
Let's not get to the point where spectators will not be allowed in our venues.
 
? Respect for officials – Referees play a crucial role in the game, and while we may not always agree with every call, they are doing their best, just like our players. Disrespect, verbal abuse, or aggressive behavior towards officials from coaches, players, or parents will not be tolerated.
? Proper Conduct in the Stands and Around the Rink – Disrespectful behavior, arguing with officials, opposing teams, coaches, or other parents goes against the values of our association and violates the Parent Code of Conduct. This includes excessive yelling, profanity, or any form of harassment.
 
Please follow this link for our code of conduct policies:
 
 
Let me be very clear, there will be zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior in any SMHA sanctioned events. If there is a concern or an issue please follow the appropriate channels and processes in place to deal with grievances. 

Let's all work together and set the best example we can for our children and other associations to follow. We can do better, and need to be better!
 
Respectfully,
 

Robert Nurnber

President

Sackville Minor Hockey Association www.FlyersHockey.ca

President@FlyersHockey.ca

Feb 25, 2025

Year-End Awards Banquet: Event Details & Major Awards Submissions

Planning is underway for the SMHA Year-End Awards & Banquet for the U11, U13 and U15 Divisions, and also Team Awards for the U18 Division. 

This article contains the following points:

  • Year-End Awards Banquet Details
  • Major Awards Nominations: Deadline - 11:59pm, Sunday March 9, 2025
  • Team Awards Details: Deadline - 11:59pm, Sunday March 9, 2025

 

Year-End Awards Banquet Details

Details are also located on our Year-End Awards Banquet webpage.

  • Teams from U6, U7, U9, and U23 Divisions are encouraged to do their own team-level year-end celebrations. 
  • Teams from U18 will receive their awards from SMHA, and are also encouraged to do their own team-level year-end celebrations by mid-April. 

This year, the event will span two days at the Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre as follows:

  • U11: Tuesday April 1, 2025 [Exact Time TBA]
  • U13 & U15: Wednesday April 2, 2025 [Exact Time TBA]

Dress Code: Smart Casual (Parents/Guardians: Please don't feel you should go buy something new - just avoid sweatpants please!)

The Banquet is limited to the players, Team Manager, Head Coach(es) and Assistant Coaches only. Family members cannot attend the banquet as attendees.

 

Major Awards Nominations

SMHA presents four Major Awards annually:
  • The James Sheppard Flyer-of-the-Year Award
  • The Bernie Bishop Coach-of-the-Year Award
  • The Gord Dwyer Award for Officials
  • The Volunteer of the Year Award

We are actively seeking nominations here: SMHA Major Awards Nomination Form. The nomination form closes at 11:59pm on Sunday March 9, 2025. Thank you for your submissions! 

 

Team Awards Details

Coaches and Bench Staff for each team in the U11, U13, U15, and U18 Divisions will be provided with a link for submissions for Team Awards selections due by 11:59pm on Sunday March 9, 2025 as follows:

  • Peeks Performer
    The Andrew Picot Teammate of the Year - A player who brings an inspiring work ethic and a team focus to their play

  • Most Improved Player
    A player who dedicated themselves to working hard to become the best player they can be


  • Most Sportsmanlike Player 
    A player who consistently respected their peers, competitors, coaches and officials

  • Heart & Hustle 
    A player who demonstrated passion for the game of Hockey and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.

  • Most Valuable Player 
    A player who has significantly contributed to his or her team's success

 

Please contact Melissa at Banquet@FlyersHockey.ca and cc: Helen at Webmaster@FlyersHockey.ca with any comments or questions.

Go Flyers Go! #SackvilleIsHockeyville

Feb 23, 2025

Seeking Expression of Interest in Ombudsmen and Director of Tournaments

We have received interest in the Vice President Administration and the Vice President U9. Thank you to all that applied.

SMHA is still putting a call out for interest in the following positions:
Director of Tournaments
The Director of Tournaments will be responsible for organizing and the overall operation and supervision of all tournaments hosted by the Association. The Director of Tournaments will form a committee to help with the support of tournament operations both before and during tournaments.
 
Ombudsman
The Ombudsman shall be an independent and objective party whose primary role shall be to receive disciplinary complaints from members of the association pertaining to other members, coaches, players, volunteers or members of the Board of Directors. The Ombudsman will be responsible for chairing the Disciplinary Committee, coordinating discipline meetings, issue suspensions and liaising with the President of SMH on discipline matters.
 
Submission Deadline: 11:59pm, Friday, March 7, 2025.
Please email Natalie Lafleche at Secretary@FlyersHockey.ca to express your interest in any of the above positions. Please include a short message confirming that you meet the requirements, and why you think you would be suitable for the role.
Any member standing for an Executive position must have at least two (2) years of experience as a volunteer in good standing with SMHA;. Please see our updated bylaws (Article VII- 42 M-V ) for more information.
Each member of the Board of Directors shall be appointed by the Executive Officers for a term of one (1) year, must be a member in good standing of the Association and must have a minimum of one year hockey volunteer experience with SMHA or another minor hockey association.
Feb 21, 2025
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