Hello out there, it’s another edition of Hockey Ministries in BC!
It is such an incredible privilege to minister in the hockey world, especially during 2020. I am keenly aware of the favour that the Lord has given me… to be able to safely and carefully minister to young junior players, as well as coaches and other staff. I have already had a number of really good chapels, which I sincerely believe is largely to do with the pressures of Covid. It honestly seems like the players are listening and engaging more intently. There are certainly additional challenges these days, such as access to arenas, Covid friendly ways to bring food into the chapels, no fans at games, etc, but… with God, nothing is impossible. As I told my guys at chapel very recently, “If it’s important, we’ll find a way. If it’s not, we’ll find an excuse.”
I have a miracle to tell you about! Each year, I hold an annual Christmas Hamper Night with the West Kelowna Warriors. For the past 9 years, through the chapel program we have supplied 50 to 60 Christmas hampers to needy families in our city. This year was looking like a big problem, because my fundraising for this always occurred at a Warriors home game but this year Covid restrictions dictate that there are no fans allowed in the arena. I prayed and asked the Lord to intervene. I was directed to our local Tim Horton’s and when I sat and explained the situation to the owner, before my coffee was cold I had a cheque for the entire amount in my hand! Thank you Lord, how’s that for an up-to-date miracle? God is Faithful!
HMIBC
Warriors wedding
Now to explain some of the pictures: In early September I ran into Max and Monique French. Max was the Captain of the Warriors a few years ago in 2012 & 13, and a great supporter of the chapel program. He has gone on to a good long pro career in Europe. The wonderful part of this story is that just last year I was honoured to officiate at Max and Monique’s wedding. I feel that this is another example of God’s using chaplaincy to bring guidance to young hockey players. Also in September, I had the opportunity to officiate my first heli-wedding! We all masked up for the chopper flight and held the ceremony on a mountain top. I was also thrilled to officiate another September wedding (socially distanced of course) of some long time, hard core fans of the Warriors…. so much so that the ring bearer was the Warriors mascot, the General! Finally, I spend a great September morning with the Warriors Coaches having breakfast by the lake. These times are very important, because it takes things like this to build trust and relationship which are the currency of chaplaincy.
Warriors Coaches breakfast
I am pleased to let you know that we are very close to re-starting chapel programs in Surrey with the Jr A Eagles and also in Langley with the Jr A Rivermen. I would ask you to please remember these chapel programs in your prayers. Also, if you could remember all the chapel programs in the province, as each chaplain negotiates Covid challenges. And when you are praying, could you remember young Brayden, a Junior age hockey player who is battling leukemia, and Gavin, a 10 year old player who is also battling cancer. I believe in the power of God and in the power of prayer.
Even in these difficult days, God is doing and will do great things!
Here we are, at the end of our 2020 summer! While this year has been so very different, I am viewing it as a time to stretch in faith and to trust God in what He has in the future. God will make a way!
HMIBC
This summer I am grateful for the ministry contacts that I have been able to continue with. I have tried to connect with as many hockey people as possible. One of these was a beach coffee with last year’s Kelowna Chiefs captain, Myles Mattila. Myles is an awesome young man, and I am glad to be able to be able to spend time chatting with him and always ending our times with prayer. Another summer coffee was with former coaches Brandon West and Rylan Ferster. It is amazing to stand together downtown by the Delta Grand Hotel and lead these guys in prayer. I am convinced more than ever that the Lord is working even when we can’t see anything on the outside. I am so grateful that through this COVID year, I can meet (and physically distance) with hockey people, listening and pointing them to Jesus. In the same vein, it was wonderful to connect with Warriors broadcaster Chase Johnston and also with Kelowna Rockets former staff member Andrew Deans is this way.
HMIBC
Former Coaches Rylan Ferster and Brandon West
I am very thankful for the 2 HMI summer hockey camps that ran in BC this year. It was a miracle that they happened at all! We were very careful to modify the camps to follow our BC Health Authority guidelines. Some of our modifications were: no overnight campers in dorms, no served meals (campers brought their own lunches and snacks), campers arriving at 8:30a and leaving at 3:30p, physical distancing during lunchtime chapels, limits of people allowed on the ice, distancing during practice drills, etc. All in all, we had 2 wonderful camps, with young players enjoying learning on the ice and also hearing the gospel every day.
HMIBC
Summer J & J with Chase Johnston
As September rolls in, hockey training camps are starting. The challenges for coaches, owners and staff here are very significant, and the stress is evident. There are distancing issues, there is the fact that teams can’t have fans in the arenas, there are young talented players that may not have an opportunity to move on to American colleges, or American players that can’t come to play in Canada. (Believe me, the list goes on and on…..) In all of this, I pray that our chaplains can be a support in the middle of stressful times for coaches, players and parents. In the middle of all this, we plan on conducting physically distanced chapels according to COVID guidelines.
HMIBC
Summer J&J with Andrew Deans
Thank you so very much for being supportive, prayerful and understanding during this time. We are all asking the Lord to show us the way as we walk by faith. These are days of faith and trust!
HMIBC
Psalm 91:2 “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
To the HMI BC family,
It’s been a long time (over 3 1/2 months) since we’ve watched or seen live hockey…. for me, that’s too long! Even as some Covid 19 restrictions are slowly being lifted, we are still not sure if we’ll see NHL playoffs begin this summer. (A completely weird concept to me….) Through it all, I am determined to be grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had to spend time with hockey people; to minister to and encourage them.
J&J with my good pal Dickson Muriithi
During the last number of months of isolation and physical distancing, it’s been very good to connect with Hockey Ministries staff all over North America via regular Zoom video calls. We have been able to share stories and pray together which has been wonderful. Also, while Covid has certainly made it more challenging, I’ve been able to connect with a number of people in the hockey world. One of my favourite ways to connect is J&J times (Jesus and Java) in the park. These have been a real blessing and again, I am thankful to the Lord for them. Just recently I was able to connect this way with the West Kelowna Warriors club President Chris Laurie. It’s great ending with a prayer after coffee and a good chat. (I always want to include the Jesus part as well as the Java part….!) A few days after my visit with Chris, I was able to also J&J with my Christian brother Dickson Muriithi. Dickson is a great friend, a wonderful prayer warrior and is also a great encouragement as part of the HMI BC team.
With former Vernon Viper Mike Ullrich
A few weeks ago I happened to run into Mike Ullrich, a junior player that billeted with Lorraine and I way back in 2005 in Vernon. Mike played for the Vipers Jr A club when I was their chaplain way back then. It was so wonderful to see him again; it was unreal when he saw me and called out my name..! All I heard was “Hey Don? It’s Mike Ullrich!!” How awesome is that? Mike got married a year ago and lives in Calgary. He loves the Lord and continues to walk with Him.
With Warriors Captain Jake Harrison
A mere week or so ago I had the honour of having J&J with the 2019 Warriors Captain, Jake Harrison. Jake has been a great chapel supporter over his 4 years with the Warriors. He is headed this fall to the University of Nebraska-Omaha where he will attend school and play for the UNO Mavericks hockey club.
Planning for summer hockey camps has been especially difficult this year. Considering the physical nature of the sport and the social distancing that is our new reality at present, we have had to drastically modify our summer camps. As I write this, I am confident that there will be a scaled-back day camp in Williams Lake in mid-July, but I’m not as certain about the Shawnigan Lake camp in August. We will be honouring the mandate of our BC Health Authority as we are determined to conduct our Hockey Ministries camps properly. Please be praying as we still desire to have the best experience possible for the campers, both on the ice and at chapel times.
Spending time with my girl
Finally: with hockey ending on March 12, my schedule and my life in general has certainly changed. One of the beautiful benefits of this is that I have been able to spend a bit more time with Lorraine. She has been a constant source of encouragement and joy to me. I am so glad that she loves the Lord and has a solid faith in Jesus. Time spent with Lorraine is always a wonderful gift.
Thanks to all of you for sticking with me, through thick and thin. I look forward to future times when I’ll be able to head back to the rink without having to physically avoid everybody…. But until then, I will keep looking up to the Lord, for that is where my strength comes from.
Waiting for the quiet arena to get noisy again,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region
Distance J&J with 2016 National Champion Coach Rylan Ferster
Dear HMI Pacific team,
Can you believe it, our lives have changed pretty drastically in the past few months! I pray that you are healthy not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally. We chat often these days about social and physical distancing, and I am following all the rules but have found that it actually takes a real toll on my emotional well being. We need the strength that is found in Christ as we face these unprecedented days. He certainly is our Firm Foundation and our Anchor.
March 12 -Last pre COVID road trip
It is so strange to see arenas all over the country…. empty!! No coaches, players, fans, no noise, no skates, no sticks and pucks, no burgers and fries, and… no chapels. For me, this Covid pandemic really hit me personally on March 12. That day I was on the Kelowna Chiefs bus heading for a road trip to Princeton. I have included a picture here of myself with Alex Draper, who is the Chiefs marketing director. We were anticipating a good trip and were not social distancing at that time… and didn’t have a clue about what was about to happen in the next 30 minutes. The bus stopped at a roadside pullout and after a few phone calls, the bus turned around. The road trip was cancelled, the entire season and playoffs were cancelled. It was very difficult for all of us, especially for the few 20 year old players who were enjoying their last year of junior hockey. What a disappointing way to end your junior hockey career! In addition to this, I had no choice but to cancel my ministry trips to the BC Junior B championship in 100 Mile House and the Canadian Junior A Championship tournament in Portage, Manitoba.
‘Distance’ J & J with Chase Johnston
With the season so abruptly ending, I’ve had to reach out to players, fans and coaches in different ways. Just a few days ago I dropped by the empty arena in West Kelowna to ‘distance chat’ with the coaches. They are renovating the dressing room, so I was able to see them for a bit. I have also been able to do some social distancing ‘meet you in the park’ sessions. It’s pretty good bringing my own lawn chair and coffee and sitting in a park to chat and pray. I’ve had 5 of those in the past few weeks. I have included pictures of my ‘park’ sessions with Chase Johnston, (Warriors play by play broadcaster) and with Rylan Ferster, (2016 Warriors Canadian Championship coach). I have also included a picture of one of the last games this year in West Kelowna when I was with Head Coach Simon Ferguson and Assistant Coach Ayrton Nikkel.
Every two to three weeks I have been involved in a continent-wide Zoom call with Hockey Ministries International staff members. We are literally from all over the USA and Canada, and it’s a real privilege to be a part of this ministry team.
With Warriors Coaches
I’d ask you to pray for a few things with me. First, that junior hockey clubs in BC would be able to financially survive through this pandemic. The financial losses have been enormous, and with many clubs barely able to pay their bills as it is, this situation is a real threat. Of course, we can only have chaplains if teams continue to operate, so I am asking the Lord to keep the doors open across BC. Also, our HMI summer hockey camps (Williams Lake and Shawnigan Lake) are in uncertain territory. Every camp has it’s own arrangements with arenas, campers, cooks, counsellors, accommodations, etc. We are not at all sure if we will be able to have these camps this year. Please pray…. Also, I am believing God for ministry finances to continue as I am looking to the summer and the next season.
I’m looking to the Lord for His leading through this strange time. He is not surprised by any of this, so I will trust Him to guide through this. Things will slowly start to move again and I want to be ready to roll when that happens.
It’s a great time to be a hockey follower, because… it’s just about playoff time! However, it’s also always a great time to be a Jesus follower, because of His life-changing message of love to people everywhere. I want to thank you for being a part of hockey ministries here in BC, whether you are an avid hockey fan or not; or simply because you are committed to the message of the gospel.
With Kimberley chaplain Jeremy Friesen
This past few months have seen many adventures, such as my January trip to Trail. The weather and the snowy roads made travelling difficult, and I am thankful to the Lord for guiding me safely along hundreds of kilometers of winter highways. I am also thankful for the many chaplains and chapel programs that are operating in BC, and I ask you to remember these wonderful chaplains in your prayers. However, there are many teams who do not have chapel programs operating, and I’m trusting the Lord to open the doors for these clubs as well.
With Cowichan chaplain Kevin VanderVeen
I will be travelling somewhat during the upcoming playoff season, and I would appreciate your continued prayers for the people I’ll meet and the conversations I’ll have. I pray for open hearts and minds, that the Spirit will go ahead of me to prepare people for meaningful chats. Road trip wise, it looks like I will be in 100 Mile House for the British Columbia Jr B Championships (April) and also in Portage, Manitoba for the last half of the Centennial Cup Canadian Jr A Championships in May.
With Cowichan Capital Austin Chorney
Along my recent travels, I’ve met with the Salmon Arm chaplain Kyle Reddemann, Kimberley chaplain Jeremy Friesen and Cowichan Valley (Duncan, BC) chaplain Kevin VanderVeen. When the Cowichan Valley Capitals came through Kelowna, it was so good to see former Warrior and chapel attender Austin Chorney. These kinds of meetings are special, because of all the wonderful chapel times and friendships that we have shared in the past. Also, when the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League came to Kelowna to play the Rockets, I was watching the warm up at ice level before the game when the Victoria goaltender banged on the glass and startled me… (he laughed!) It was Shane Farkas! Shane was in my chapels in West Kelowna and it was so good to see him and chat with him that day.
With Victoria goaltender Shane Farkas
In early February, we held our 11th Annual West Kelowna Warriors Faith Night. What a fantastic event! We had a huge crowd come out for the game, and the entire night turned out to be absolutely wonderful. Local pastors were involved constantly during the entire game, and I am grateful that the Christian community here is so supportive. What a wonderful celebration of the chapel program and the Christian faith community.
11th Annual Faith Night
I was so honoured in the past few weeks to distribute bibles to the Warriors and Chiefs players here in Kelowna. These bibles are laser imprinted with the team logo and each players name and number. (They are really sharp…) I would ask you to pray as the players read my personal note inside each bible and also that the Lord would speak to these young hearts. Also, I recently had a chance to have a wonderful J&J time (coffee and prayer) with a couple of 20 year old players as they decided to ‘hang up their skates’ for the last time. Lucas Cullen and Spencer Hora are wonderful young men, and I was privileged to have them in my chapels for a number of years. I will continue to keep in touch with these young men, as they have their entire lives ahead of them.
J&J time with Lucas Cullen and Spencer Hora
Finally, Lorraine and I had the opportunity just a week ago to travel up to Vernon on a Sunday, where I spoke at Alexis Park Church. This is the church where I pastored from 2000 until 2006. I admit, it was slightly strange standing behind the podium of that church after so many years. I am thankful for the opportunity to share with the church there.
Thanks for spending your valuable time reading my latest news, and may the Lord bless you. I should be going now, as I have somebody waiting at the arena for me….
All for Jesus,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region
Speaking at Alexis Park Church
Prayer Points:
-for 40+ BC chapel programs
-for teams without chapels
-for playoff chapels
-for my playoff travels
-for bible recipients
-for open hearts and minds
-for new donors
I trust that you have all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season! and… I am careful to realize that for some, Christmas is painful as well as it is joyful. For all of us, let us look to Jesus who is our only and our ultimate Hope.
I thought I would include a picture of Lorraine and me taking a walk in the Gellatly area of West Kelowna just before Christmas. The lights made everything feel quite magical; we had a wonderful Christmas stroll that evening…
HMIBC
Vernon chaplain David Hockley and his wife Edith
My update this time will be brief, so let’s go. In early November, I hopped on the Warriors bus for a road trip to Powell River and Cowichan Valley. It was a good trip and I was able to have a chapel with the team in the hotel in Powell River. Trips like this are wonderful on that they are all about great relationships and opportunities to share with players and coaches alike. We had to cancel our game in Port Alberni on the trip because of an ammonia leak at their arena, which of course is extremely dangerous. The arena was closed for a number of weeks in order to repair the problem. I am thankful that the lead was discovered and we didn’t go there. We will visit Port Alberni to make up that lost game on our second island road trip in late January.
HMIBC
With Creston chaplain Harry Haberstock
When we finished the road trip, Lorraine and I went to Oliver to take part in a mission Sunday at Valley church. Valley is a Christian Congregational Church that has embraced us beautifully. We are so very thankful Pastor Ken Clarke and the good people at Valley. Also in November we traveled up north to Quesnel to speak at Bethel Church. Pastor Monte Harrop hosted us well; we enjoyed a wonderful day with the people there.
HMIBC
PG Spruce King broadcaster Kyle Anderson
One of our highlights every December is the annual West Kelowna Warriors Christmas Hamper Night. I’m honoured to coordinate this tradition through the chaplaincy program. When all was said and done, the players, coaches and myself were able to assemble 55 wonderful Christmas hampers for needy families in West Kelowna. I must thank the fabulous Warriors fans for donating the way they do, so that we can help out our community every Christmas.
With veteran coach Troy Mick
Over the past while, I have been pleased to connect with various chaplains and hockey people along my travels. One of these is the chaplain of the Vernon Vipers, David Hockley. When I look outside at our weather, I thought that this winter picture of David and his wife Edith was perfect…! Another one of our great chaplains is the Creston Thundercats’ Harry Haberstock. Harry is such a wonderful influence in the Creston area and a wonderful chaplain to their local hockey club. I was able to connect also with the Prince George Spruce Kings broadcaster Kyle Anderson and veteran BCHL coach Troy Mick. (It was Troy who was instrumental in my initially getting into Hockey Ministries chaplaincy.)
HMIBC
I ask you to pray as I am just getting to know our brand new Warriors head coach, Simon Ferguson. A new coach develops his own culture in a team, and I pray that the chapel program will be able to continue as we have been doing for 14 years. Also, I have many trips all over BC in the next short while, and I would ask for your prayers as I drive the winter roads meeting chaplains and coaches.
HMIBC
Thank you for reading about some of the happenings in the Hockey Ministries world in BC. May the Lord bless you as we serve him together. Oh, and may you all have a fabulous faith-filled 2020!
It’s getting chilly outside; it’s jacket time and yes, there is a thin plate of ice on the puddles today. And that means that hockey season is well under way and Hockey Ministries chapels are in full swing. Let me get you caught up…
hmibc
At the opening of the season in early September, it was a real privilege to be at the Kelowna Chiefs home opener. It was a tribute night for the late owner Grant Sheridan. The arena was absolutely packed, with far more people that the arena could hold. (The fire marshall must have been away that day….!) After a fabulous tribute in front of Grant’s wife and son, I was asked to say a few words from centre ice and lead in a prayer. We will never know how much those experiences mean to people or what the Lord is doing at those times. What an honour it was to represent the Lord like that!
hmibc
Fernie Chaplain David John
In September I received a call from the coach of the Kelowna Bantam Rockets Tier 1 team, asking if I would be interested in leading a chapel for his team. Of course I was interested! So in early October I got to lead a group of 13-14 year old hockey players in their very first chapel. I am thankful to say that I’ll have many more chapel times with these young teens.
hmibc
North Okanagan Knights chaplain Mike Fox
It was early October when the news broke about an 18th hockey club being added to the BC Hockey League for next season. The Cranbrook Bucks Jr A club will play in their inaugural BCHL season in the fall of 2020, and I am pleased to let you know that we will have a chapel program in Cranbrook right from day 1! Also, I was in Kimberley just over a month ago, and not only will we have a chaplain in Cranbrook but we’ll also have a new chaplain in Kimberley with the Dynamiters Jr. B club! I am very thankful to the Lord for these wonderful opportunities to share the love of God in Christ.
hmibc
Salmon Arm Chaplain, Kyle Reddemann
One of the things that I love to do is to go on road trips with the clubs that I serve. That was the case not long ago when I hopped on the West Kelowna Warriors team bus and headed south to Wenatchee, Wa., where the Warriors took on the Wild. It was great to be with the team! Both the Warriors and the Kelowna Chiefs have invited me on a few more road trips during the season, so I’ll be spending a number of days travelling with those clubs. The wonderful thing is that I will get to have a chapel on the road during those trips.
hmibc
Victoria Grizzlies chaplain Eric Guthrie
Just recently I returned from Castlegar where I spoke to a gathering of close to 100 men at a men’s breakfast. After sharing some hockey stories and also sharing about the ministry, a man approached me with an interest in chaplaincy. It looks like there is a good opportunity for a new chaplain to emerge in Beaver Valley with the Jr B Nitehawks. Please be praying about this in the days ahead.
hmibc
With Chilliwack Chiefs chaplain Graham McMahon
I would like to introduce you to a few of the chaplains with some of the teams that you might not know about. David John serves at the chaplain in Fernie with the Ghostriders. Michael Fox does the same in Armstrong with the North Okanagan Knights as does Kyle Reddeman in Salmon Arm with the Silverbacks.
Eric Guthrie is the chaplain in Victoria with the Grizzles and Graham McMahon serves in Chilliwack with the Chiefs.
hmibc
Back home, I have been so blessed with the chapel program that I am doing with the Kelowna Chiefs. For 9 years, the chapel program has had modest attendance, with perhaps 6 – 8 players attending. This season, the attendance over 3 chapels so far has been between 17-20! I thought I would take a pic and show you the Chiefs chapel in progress. Amen!
hmibc
Warriors broadcast with Chase Johnston
Finally, I was relieved to hear that after much uncertainty the West Kelowna Warriors and the BCHL have a plan for the team to be bought by a new owner. This means that the team will stay in West Kelowna, which I am extremely happy for. I am in my 14th year as the chaplain of the team and the prospect of the club leaving was frankly, devastating. But as it stands now, the team will stay and I will be able to continue to serve as the Warriors chaplain. It’s also a thrill to be asked to do colour commentary on the Warriors broadcasts as well. (Now that is a lot of fun!)
hmibc
Thanks for your prayerful and your financial support. It makes a huge difference in reaching into the world of hockey. God bless you all today.
I trust that you have had a wonderful summer, mixing in some time to relax along the way. For me, it’s been a good summer of family, friends and…. hockey camps! Let me tell you all the details….
At Shawnigan Lake camp
In July I was involved again with our annual Westside Daze parade, representing the West Kelowna Warriors. I feel that it is very important to be visible in my community, letting people know that I am involved in the club. It’s a good way to gain trust in a secular world where trust is at a premium; a world that simply needs the message of Jesus. As I walked the parade route, I met and chatted with hundreds of folks These kinds of things are part of the ministry of chaplaincy.
Ryan Walter instructing at camp
On the hockey camp front, it was good to go to Williams Lake in July for our 8th Hockey Ministries camp. Corwin Smid does such a great job of directing this camp, and his commitment level to making it happen is second to none. The registration in Williams Lake was in the mid 40s, which made for an excellent week on and off the ice. In August I was excited to attend my second camp of the summer which was at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. We were at Shawnigan Lake School, which is a premier facility. We are so blessed to be able to use a fabulous venue like this. I am thankful for the incredibly low rate that they charge us as a Christian based hockey camp. Their regular rate is much much higher. It was good to have former Vancouver Canuck and Stanley Cup Champion Ryan Walter at Shawnigan Lake as our lead instructor. Ryan came to camp with most of the his family, who served as counsellors and on-ice instructors. The Walter family’s help was invaluable, for which I am very thankful. At these two camps, a good number of young players received Jesus into their lives for the very first time. How awesome is that?
With Riley Fiddler- Schultz of the Calgary Hitmen
This summer I had a chance to spend a bit of time with Riley Fiddler Schultz, who plays hockey for the Calgary Hitmen in the Western Hockey League. I was privileged to baptize Riley and his family last year, and it was great to meet with him again this summer. Riley is doing very well in Calgary, and is a leader on and off the ice with his team.
With Summerland chaplain Rick Gay
Over the last short while, I became aware of a young man from the east Kootenays named Brayden. He is a 19 year old junior hockey player who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Brayden is now in Vancouver undergoing chemo treatments. This is heartbreaking for anyone at any age, but I guess I was surprised to find a young strong athlete battling this disease. Please be praying for Brayden and his family.
Cowichan Valley chaplain Kevin VanderVeen
In the last while I have been able to spend a bit of time with a few chaplains. I have included a picture of my time with Rick Gay, who serves with the Summerland Steam Junior club. Summerland is just down the road from me, so it’s not that difficult to connect with Rick. Rick is doing a standout job with the Steam, and they hold him in very high regard not only at the arena but also in town. I was also able to connect with Kevin VanderVeen, the brand new chaplain in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Kevin serves the Cowichan Valley Capitals Junior club.
Kelowna Chiefs co- owner and GM Grant Sheridan
Finally, some very difficult news. I have been asking in my last few newsletters for prayer for the Kelowna Chiefs co-owner, Grant Sheridan who had contracted bacterial meningitis in late March. The hockey world was rocked with the news that Grant passed away on July 28 at 47 years of age. His memorial service was held on August 8th here in Kelowna. I was asked to say a few words and read some scripture at his service, which I was honoured to do. Close to 800 people jammed into First Lutheran Church that day, in a beautiful auditorium that generally seats about 600. Almost all of the people that attended were from the hockey community, and for me it was good to point the people to the only hope that we have; a hope that is found in Jesus. Please be praying for strength for Grant’s wife Cherie and his teenage son Tanner. There are trying and long difficult days ahead for Cherie, Tanner and for her and Grant’s families.
Speaking in Oliver, BC
These next months, I will be travelling around the province, encouraging chaplains and hockey people, waving the freedom flag of the gospel of our Saviour Jesus. Please remember all the chaplains and the programs that will be starting up again very soon. I would appreciate your prayers also as I am still looking for a few chaplains for some teams in the province.
Well, this newsletter is a tad late this time…. It must be the warm sunny Okanagan weather that has slowed me down… or.. (Actually, it was the fact that Lorraine and I took a 3 week vacation starting June 9) Of course, getting back into it after a wonderful time away has left me a bit behind.
HMIBC
With Coaches Rylan Ferster and Ryan Parent
Let me fill you in on some of what I’ve been up to recently. During spring playoff season, I was in Revelstoke for a few days with the Kelowna Chiefs hockey club. It was there that I had lunch with coach Taylor Harnett of the Waywayseecappo Wolverines of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. (This club is on a First Nations Reserve located near Russell MB) It was good to chat with him and share a prayer. I also was pleased to spend time with my good friend and Hockey Pathways Rep. Rylan Ferster as well as Revelstoke Grizzlies coach Ryan Parent. It was at this time that Chiefs owner Grant Sheridan was hit hard with meningitis, which I wrote about in my last newsletter. Please continue to pray for Grant, his wife Cherie and their son Tanner as Grant is still struggling with severe difficulty.
HMIBC
With Tim Wiebe, HMI rep in Alberta
In May, I drove to Brooks Alberta to attend my 10th Canadian Junior A championship Tournament. (It was so nice to be able to stay with Lorraine’s parents, who live an hour east in Medicine Hat.) Getting tickets to the tournament proved to be a bit difficult, and it was the Lord who helped me with this. I wrote to the executive director of the BC Hockey League about my desire to attend and before I knew it, he had contacted the BCHL champion Prince George Spruce Kings about having me receive credentials through them. In the span of two days, I had my Spruce Kings credentials! I was able to walk into the tournament! How’s that for awesome? Thank you Lord! During the tournament I met many great people, (it’s always about the people…) one of which was the Alberta Hockey Ministries representative Tim Wiebe. It’s great to see HMI colleagues along the way, as often I don’t get to see HMI staff sometimes for an entire year or so.
HMIBC
With Wellington Dukes player Mitch Martan
I also want to include a picture of Mitch Martan, who was in my chapels in West Kelowna with the Warriors. Mitch moved on from the Warriors and landed in Wellington Ontario playing for the Wellington Dukes. It was good to run into Mitch and renew acquaintances. It’s so great to know that most of the people I have mentioned have been involved in a Christian chapel and in a prayer time throughout their junior hockey career.
HMIBC
With ex Viper and Canuck Aaron Volpatti
In late May, I was invited to a Canadian Blood Services event in Kelowna and ran into a player who was in my chapels when I was the chaplain for the Vernon VIpers Jr A club way back in 2004 –06. Aaron Volpatti went on to play in the NHL for Vancouver and Washington. It was so good to reconnect, and we will continue to stay in touch.
HMIBC
One final thing: I would ask you to pray for me this summer as I head to 2 hockey camps; one in Williams Lake and the other in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island. These camps are such a great experience for young hockey players, both on and off the ice. On average, 15 campers make a decision for Christ in each camp. What a tremendous opportunity these camps present to share the gospel and inspire young athletes to be champions, both in their souls and also on the ice.
HMIBC
Thank you for your prayers, your kindness and your finances. Please take a moment and not only pray but let me know that you are enjoying the read!
I pray that you are doing well, and that you are enjoying getting outside a bit more as warmer days settle upon us. That means that — hockey season is slowly winding down! (However, ministry never winds down, because this ministry (as any ministry) is about people, not primarily about ice, skates and pucks.)c
hmibc
Chase chaplain Tyler Harper
Let me give you an inside peek into what is happening with Hockey Ministries in BC. Over the last while, I have connected with a number of chaplains, many of them brand new. Let me ‘introduce’ you to a few of them.
Surrey chaplain Chris de Monye and his family
One of those is James McFaddin in Castlegar. He is the new chaplain of the Castlegar Rebels Jr B club. Another new chaplain in Tyler Harper in the small town of Chase. Tyler is the chaplain for the Chase Heat Jr B club. Another chaplain that I have connected with is Chris de Monye’. Chris is the chaplain for the Surrey Eagles Jr A club.c
hmibc
Vancouver Giants chaplain Danny Stebeck
When I was at a church conference in Vancouver recently, I was so pleased to spend a bit of time with Danny Stebeck, who is the chaplain for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League. At that same conference I met up with Lewis Chifan, who is chaplain with the UBC Thunderbirds club. Also, I was recently able to connect with the chaplain of the Powell River Kings, Terry Dyer. All these chaplains are fabulous servants of Jesus, and I’d ask you to keep them on your prayer list.c
hmibc
Presenting the Warriors Chaplaincy Award
As the Hockey season came to a close for the West Kelowna Warriors, I was able to present the Warriors Chaplaincy Award to Lucas Bahn, a wonderful young man from Tennessee. Moments like these are precious, as these awards are presented on the ice after the final home game. I believe that the Lord is pleased as people hear about the team chapels in settings like this. Right after the season was over, I was able to have a good coffee with Chase Dubois, another one of the Warriors players. Of course, coffee is always followed by a prayer. Chase is from Williams Lake, and has been a regular chapel attender.
hmibc
Chaplain Josiah Olson and the Champion Revelstoke Grizzlies
I also wanted to show you a picture of our chaplain in Revelstoke, Josiah Olson. Josiah has done a fantastic job holding team chapels with the Revelstoke Grizzlies Jr B club. His team won not only their league title, but also the Cyclone Taylor Cup which is the championship for British Columbia. Josiah is in this picture (blond hair holding his boy) with some of the players and coaches along with the championship trophies and banners.
hmibc
With UBC chaplain Lewis Chifan
I close my letter with a very sad heart for two reasons. On March 22, when I was in Revelstoke at a Kelowna Chiefs playoff game, (I serve as the chaplain for the Chiefs) Grant Sheridan, the part owner and GM of the Chiefs was there. He wasn’t feeling well, and I assumed he would feel better after a good night’s sleep. Well, i was wrong. He had contracted bacterial meningitis, and was rushed to the hospital. Grant is still in the Kelowna hospital. The doctors still do not know what the level of his recovery will be. I know that you will pray for Grant and his family.
hmibc
With Warriors Chase Dubois
On Tuesday, April 23rd in Saanichton BC, at 92 years of age my Dad passed away into the presence of Jesus. Lorraine and I rushed to the Island on the evening of the 22nd and were able to be with him at his bedside as he crossed into eternity with the Lord. The feelings that I have are such a paradox: sadness at missing my dad, yet triumph at knowing that he is in Glory right now. Thank you for your prayers at this time.
hmibc
God bless you, you are great teammates.
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region
hmibc
With Powell River chaplain Terry Dyer
Prayer Points:
-summer HMI camp in Shawnigan Lake
-summer HMI camp in Williams Lake
-trip to Jr A Championship in Brooks AB
-team chaplains as the summer approaches
-ministry travels this spring/summer
-our family with my Dad’s passing
-Grant Sheridan and family
-ongoing financial support
News from the crazy world of hockey ministry here in BC
