By Sam Cooper
Nov 23 2006 A North Shore pilot program bringing hockey to at-risk youth is now full time and yielding impressive social benefits.
Two years ago, Hollyburn Family Services staffers Wayne Theobald, Steve Kirkby and Paul Butler started a co-ed program called Hollyburn Hockey Heroes for youth aged 14-18 who never had the chance to play hockey because of financial or social barriers. It's grown from a few kids playing weekly shinny games to a full-fledged program which helps supply participants with expensive hockey equipment.
"We put 134 youth through the program last year and five kids ended up graduating to the North Shore Minor hockey league this year," Butler said.
The hockey crew meets every Wednesday at Canlan Ice Sports in Deep Cove, with kids from across the region earning the privilege to take time off school as long as they keep their grades up and behave responsibly, said Butler.
And as a result of the fun and teamwork highlighted in the program, many participants are experiencing better relationships with their parents and doing better at school, Butler added.
John Peterson, teacher for a North Shore alternative school program for students with problems in mainstream school, said Hockey Heroes program participants "have been able to get through a lot of academic work and improve their attendance."
There are even health benefits.
Theobald said many of the players started last season as smokers, but half had quit by the end of year.
"They figured why mess up all the good work being done by their lungs?" Theobald said.
Hockey is an expensive game, with a set of gear costing up to $1,000, but benefactors such as local charity Athletics for Kids (A4K) have helped suit up Hollyburn Hockey Heroes.
A4K director Dave Babych, the former Vancouver Canuck who now resides in Deep Cove, was able to acquire 20 full sets of gear last year for the Hollyburn league through his National Hockey League Players' Association connections.
Babych said sports play a big part in developing a sense of purpose in life and he's pleased to see kids who might not get the chance benefit through the Hollyburn Hockey Heroes program.
"It's great for the kids to get to know the team game and getting along with people," Babych said. "But it's mostly just fun, getting away from the daily grind of life."
A4K will continue to help with funds and equipment for players this year, along with local business sponsors such as Canadian Tire.
Craig Knapton, also an A4K director, said the most satisfying outcome of the hockey program is seeing kids graduate to higher hockey leagues.
"To see them go into mainstream hockey where they need to spend even more time and commitment is great," he said. "Instead of joining a gang they are joining a team."
Anyone interested in donating equipment, especially skates, can call Hollyburn Family Services at 604-926-1185.
