Category Archives: HMIBC News 2018

HMIBC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 NEWSLETTER

To the Hockey Ministries BC gang scattered all over western Canada,

A few Haloween visitors
A few Haloween visitors

I trust that you have all had a wonderful Christmas season! What a great time to get together with friends and family! Lorraine and I ended up in Medicine Hat, AB for Christmas and then in northwestern BC (Telkwa) for New Years. We had such a great time, sledding, building snow forts, and generally celebrating together. Having said that, I want to be sensitive to those that find the Christmas/New Year season very difficult, as they deal with heartache, disappointment and loneliness. While we must and should celebrate the birth of our Saviour, we also need to show the grace of that same Saviour to others.

With Chaplain Chris Clarke of the Cowichan Valley Capitals
With Chaplain Chris Clarke of the Cowichan Valley Capitals

Let me take a few minutes and fill you in on some of the details of Hockey Ministries life here in BC during the last two months of 2018.
At the end of October, we were visited by a few Warriors hockey players accompanying some young fans, as they popped by our house while they were trick or treating on Halloween. It was nice of them to think of us as they came by on their candy collecting journey! We are glad when things like this happen, because it means that our relationships are growing.

Chaplain Travis Barbour and his family
Chaplain Travis Barbour and his family

During the month of November I was able to meet up with Chris Clarke, the HMI chaplain in Duncan. Chris has been leading chapels with the local club, the Cowichan Valley Capitals, for I believe three years now. Chris is doing a great job with the team and I am proud of him. I also ran into Travis and Whitney Barbour and their young family during the month. Travis leads chapels with the Vancouver Island University Mariners hockey club in Nanaimo. Travis has been a chaplain for a number of years and has an effective ministry in the hockey world in Nanaimo. Also in November, I was able to help out with the internet radio broadcast on a number of games for the Warriors, which meant that I was up in the press box, commenting beside the play by play broadcaster. I really do enjoy this, as I get to feed off of what has just been said. I try to say some intelligent things throughout the game, but I will leave that to the listeners to judge that one!

Game Colour Commentary
Game Colour Commentary

In mid November, it was a joy to travel to Victoria to speak at North Douglas Church and also visit with my Dad. After the Sunday service, we all met the North Douglas missions committee for lunch, which my Uncle Jim and Aunt Bernice hosted. I want to say a huge thank you to the North Douglas missions committee, my aunt and uncle and also to Pastor Rod Fehr for inviting me. When I returned home from Victoria, I met with my personal advisory/encouragement team for lunch. These young men have been such a blessing to me and I am thankful to the Lord for them. Kolby, Brent and Jayson have stood with me and prayed with me consistently. I am glad to call them my friends and confidantes.

My HMI advisors, Brent, Jayson and Kolby
My HMI advisors, Brent, Jayson and Kolby

Later in November I was pleased to hop on the bus with the Warriors hockey club for a three game road trip to Vancouver Island. This is my annual chaplains road trip, which includes a chapel time in our hotel. I am always careful to recognize the privilege that it is to be included on trips like this, and for that I am very grateful. I also believe that the Lord is speaking to young hearts and lives during these times.

8th Annual Warriors Christmas Hamper Drive
8th Annual Warriors Christmas Hamper Drive

December found me preparing for many Christmas events, including the 8th Annual Warriors Christmas Hamper Night. It is through this game night event that the Warriors chapel program can provide 50 Christmas hampers to the most needy families in West Kelowna. I am grateful to the club for allowing this to happen; I believe that it is a great success. I also believe that it brings credibility and visibility to the Warriors chapel program. I am able to purchase the groceries, have the players assemble the hamper boxes, pack them in trucks and deliver them. (We work through West Kelowna elementary school principals to get the hampers to the most needy families.) This whole exercise is a blessing on so many levels…

Warriors Christmas Hamper Crew
Warriors Christmas Hamper Crew

Finally, in mid December Lorraine and I hosted a houseful of community people (some from the hockey world and some not) for our annual community Christmas party. It is here that I propose a Christmas toast, letting our guests know about the reason that we celebrate the season…. our faith in Christ Jesus. What a fabulous time we had! It really is one of the best annual events on our calendar!

Warriors Christmas Hamper Groceries
Warriors Christmas Hamper Groceries

Well, I could go on and on… but I won’t. What I will do is pray all God’s best for you in 2019; that you might know His hand on your hearts and lives.

All for Jesus,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

 

Prayer Points:

  • for safety in winter travels around BC
  • for upcoming Faith Night in West Kelowna
  • for ongoing chapel programs throughout BC
  • for meaningful conversations with players and staff
  • for some of the newer chaplains
  • for adequate finances to carry out this ministry

HMIBC SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 NEWSLETTER

Coffee time at the BCHL Showcase
Coffee time at the BCHL Showcase

To the wonderful supporters of this HMI BC ministry,

It’s good to connect with you again! My goodness, time goes by so quickly… it’s hard to believe that 2 months has gone by since my last update. I trust that you will enjoy this edition and that you will be reminded to pray…
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Another Anthem
Another Anthem

Well, September began with a very strange bang here in West Kelowna. The Junior A Warriors, (where I have served as chaplain for 13 years now) started in considerable chaos with 8 employees being either fired or resigning. This included all coaches, the play by play broadcaster, the arena PA announcer, the front office administrator, the game day and sales director, and the team athletic therapist/trainer. Phew! I seriously wondered if the team would survive!  Well, the club is still here thanks to the Lord…. and this ministry in West Kelowna still has an open door!

With Penticton Chaplain Dave Funk
With Penticton Chaplain Dave Funk

With the beginning of the hockey season, there are numerous opportunities for me to be involved in a variety of ministries. One of the things that I absolutely love to do is sing national anthems. I have learned to sing our anthem in french in order to be involved in Hockey Canada events where it is required. It’s a privilege to sing the anthem, whether for the Jr. A  West Kelowna Warriors, the WHL  Kelowna Rockets, the Jr. B Kelowna Chiefs, or other teams.

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With Nanaimo Chaplain Dave De Jong
With Nanaimo Chaplain Dave De Jong

In mid September, I rode the Warriors bus down to Chilliwack for the annual BCHL Showcase, where NCAA college and NHL scouts gather to watch 3 days of BCHL games. This is a huge opportunity for players to be seen by influential and knowledgeable people in the hockey world. It’s always a good thing for me to make connections at events like this. It was here that I met up with the Penticton Vees chaplain Dave Funk. Dave and I are good friends and colleagues, and it was wonderful to see him at the Showcase. Shortly after, I was able to have dinner with our newest BCHL chaplain, Dave DeJong from Nanaimo. Dave has taken over the Clippers chaplaincy from Travis Barbour, who has moved on to the Vancouver Island University hockey chaplaincy.

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With Warriors Chase Dubois
With Warriors Chase Dubois

Back in Warriorland, I had a good visit with veteran West K forward Chase Dubois. Chase is from Williams Lake and I actually connected with him at our summer hockey camp when I was there. I feel it is important to have one on one coffees with players and coaches. I call this J&J time, (Java and Jesus) where we can chat and pray about what is going on in their lives. At a Warriors home game night, the show can be quite spectacular, and I thought I would include a picture of the night when the 3 beautifully painted Warriors trucks drove on the ice at the start of the game. Pretty cool hey? (It’s quite impressive for the kids, even the big kids…!) Also, on most home game nights, I am in the press box for the action, doing colour commentary for the broadcast alongside the play by play broadcaster. It was especially fun the night that we did a Shaw cable TV broadcast of a Warriors game.

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Captain Troy Russell's funeral
Captain Troy Russell’s funeral

(This next paragraph is not hockey related, but is chaplaincy related… so I will tell you about it anyway…) In October, I was faced with officiating a very difficult and unique funeral. As some of you many already know, I serve as the chaplain of the West Kelowna Fire Department. This is a great opportunity to shine for Christ Jesus in my city.  One of the members of fire department (Captain Troy Russell) passed away after a year long struggle with cancer. I had visited Troy very often in the past year, and we had formed a good close friendship. Troy’s type of cancer is common with firefighters and therefore Captain Russell’s passing was considered a line of duty death. As the chaplain, I was charged with officiating his formal and fully regimented funeral, with fire departments attending from all over BC. What a blessing it was to pray, quote scripture and honour Troy and his family at the funeral. To be able to lift up the name of Christ Jesus in this culture is a wonderful call; a marvellous joy that is beyond description.

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Captain Troy Russell
Captain Troy Russell

In late October, I was invited to attend a Sports Ministry Coalition Conference in Vancouver. These two days were a wonderful challenge to work together in this specialized field of ministry, all for the Glory of God. It is so very important to know that we are not alone in ministry, but that we are a part of a wonderful collection of Christian chaplains and ministers.

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My first TV game broadcast
My first TV game broadcast

Thank you for so much for faithfully standing with me as part of the Hockey Ministries team. I absolutely know that I am not alone in this… that the Lord is with me every step of the way and that you are all involved by praying, encouraging and giving.

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Keep your heads up and your sticks on the ice,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region
Prayer Points
-for the 40+ HMI chaplains all over BC
-for Nanaimo new chaplain Dave DeJong
-for the UBC Thunderbirds new chaplain
-for the Canadian Sports Coalition ministry
-for peace for Captain Russell’s wife Teena and his family
-for continued financial support of this ministry

HMIBC MAY/JUNE 2018 NEWSLETTER

Happy summertime to the HMI BC faithful!

Jr Player Richard Vanderhoek and his bride Lena
Jr Player Richard Vanderhoek and his bride Lena

I trust that you are all doing well as we get into the heat of the summer. With school now ended, the holiday season is in full swing…. in Kelowna that means packed roads, full beaches and busy tourists. I love this season, even though it is so busy here. Without tourism, the economy of the Okanagan would be devastated… so bring on the summer craziness!

With Vancouver Giants chaplain Danny Stebeck
With Vancouver Giants chaplain Danny Stebeck

I want to let you know some of the goings on here at HMI BC….
On the ceremony officiating front, I have been fairly busy with a hockey related funeral and also a number of hockey related weddings. It is a wonderful honour to officiate at these defining moments in people’s lives, especially when there is a good long history of relationship and trust. One of these was the wedding of Richard Vanderhoek who played for the West Kelowna Warriors in 2011.

Coquitlam chaplain Colin Chornohus
Coquitlam chaplain Colin Chornohus

I early May, I was excited to participate in my 9th Annual Royal Bank Cup (RBC) Jr. A Canadian Championship, held at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. It is typically at times like this that I get to meet with different team chaplains, like Vancouver Giants chaplain Danny Stebeck, and Coquitlam Express chaplain Colin Chornohus. These tournaments also give me an opportunity to meet up with many in the hockey community, even former players. I had the pleasure of connecting with ex Warriors and RBC champions Kylar Hope and Brett Mennear at this year’s Royal Bank Cup.

With ex-Warrior Kylar Hope
With ex-Warrior Kylar Hope

During the tournament I was able to connect with Don Myers, the chaplain of the Wenatchee Wild (Wenatchee, Wa, USA) and also with their Coach Bliss Littler. Chaplain Myers is a fabulous Christian man, and Coach Littler is very supportive of the chapel program.

With Warriors RBC alumni Brett Mennear
With Warriors RBC alumni Brett Mennear

One of the differences for me in this year’s RBC was that I volunteered to serve down in the dressing rooms and with food services, and one evening I even dressed up in the RBC mascot suit for the game! I also served working the security desk at the players entrance, and had a picture taken with my most serious face!! That was waaay too much fun!

With Wenatchee coach Bliss Littler
With Wenatchee coach Bliss Littler

This summer I am working on developing new chapel programs with a few hockey clubs. Many of these opportunities have come because of the ripple effect of the horrific Humboldt Broncos bus crash. There have been a number of teams in BC that have expressed interest, and I am now working on these open doors. In late May, I was invited to come and have dinner in Maple Ridge, BC where I met with some of the leadership of the Port Moody Panthers, the Maple Ridge Flames and Aldergrove Kodiaks. I am pleased to let you know that it looks like we will be starting a new chapel program in Aldergrove and Port Moody. I am also pleased to have found a new chaplain in Port Alberni, (Dave Knudsen) and also to have Rick Gay back as chaplain in Summerland. I would ask you to pray about new chapel programs in Nanaimo with the Vancouver Island University Mariners, Grand Forks with the Bruins and Dawson Creek with the Jr. Canucks. None of these last three is finalized as of yet, so please be praying.

With Wenatchee Chaplain Don Myers
With Wenatchee Chaplain Don Myers

As well, I was invited to address the BCHL Coaches meetings in Richmond in early June. I was given 20 minutes to explain Hockey Ministries chapels and to meet all 17 coaches. I treasure these times, just showing up in a secular world and representing Christ Jesus. I firmly believe that it is in these kinds of meetings where relationships are formed and effectiveness can increase.

Dressed up as mascot Puckster
Dressed up as mascot Puckster

I am looking forward to two HMI camps in July, one in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island and the other in Williams Lake up in the Cariboo. Shawnigan Lake is in it’s first year, and Williams Lake in it’s ninth. Please remember us as we look to sharpen young lives, on and off of the ice.

Thanks so very much for reading this update; I trust that you are encouraged by what is going on with Hockey Ministries in our province.

 

All for Jesus,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

Prayer Points:

  • New chaplain in Port Alberni
  • New chapel program in Port Moody
  • New chapel program in Aldergrove
  • Possible chapel program in Dawson Creek
  • Possible chapel program in Grand Forks
  • Possible chapel program with Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo
  • Hockey camps in Shawnigan Lake and Williams Lake
  • For the Humboldt Bronco families

HMIBC MARCH/APRIL 2018 NEWSLETTER

Dear HMI BC family,

I am sitting in my office, looking out at a beautiful warm sunshine-drenched afternoon. (It is quite amazing what a sunny day can do to lift up one’s spirits!!) A Vitamin D day like today can totally invigorate and energize me! So, while I am trying to be thankful to the Lord for whatever He brings, it’s much easier to be thankful when outside is a blue sky; warm and bright! (I think that you get that…)

Broncos memorial in Kelowna
Broncos memorial in Kelowna

Earlier this month, you heard from me in a special email regarding the horrific April 6th Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy, where 16 people died. One of the dead was Broncos Coach Darcy Haugen, who was a wonderful Christian man. Darcy had been involved with Hockey Ministries, teaching in our summer hockey camps. I won’t rehash the incident again, but I do want to tell you about some of the ministry ripple effects that have taken place since then. In the aftermath of the crash, the vigil held in Humboldt was both moving and powerful. I cannot recall any other time in my memory when an event that consistently lifted up the name of Jesus was broadcast coast to coast on Canadian television. (With the Prime Minister and other dignitaries attending.) The Humboldt Broncos chaplain Sean Brandow did a great job of presenting Christ in the midst of gut-wrenching pain and sorrow.

Teams uniting in Humboldt memorial
Teams uniting in Humboldt memorial

During the following week, I was asked to lead at 4 memorial ceremonies: the first was at Prospera Place arena in Kelowna, where I read some scripture and gave words of hope, comfort and peace to a large crowd gathered. We finished with a moment of silence followed by reading the names of the 16 who had died. After a closing prayer, we all gathered for a crowd picture which was sent to Humboldt. It is so poignant to be able to pray publicly in decidedly secular setting, and close the prayer by saying “we ask all these things in the powerful name of our Saviour Jesus, Amen.” That first memorial ceremony was followed by a similar one at Royal LePage Place in West Kelowna, right at centre ice. The arena was quite full that evening, and again we followed a similar script. I was very moved at this memorial and had trouble getting through it.

Sharing the tragedy with Evangel Church
Sharing the tragedy with Evangel Church

On Sunday the 8th, I gave a short memorial report at Evangel Church in Kelowna. On that day the sense of loss hit all of us and it showed. There were more than a few tears as we all looked to the Lord for strength. In all of these ceremonies, I remembered not only the grieving families, but also the truck driver and his family, whose lives will never again be the same.

With Wenatchee Chaplain Don Myers
With Wenatchee Chaplain Don Myers

The Commissioner of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) contacted me about plans for a memorial ceremony at the start of the BCHL Final series. As the chapel program coordinator of the league, I was honoured to have him contact me and ask for help. After planning in all out, I went to Wenatchee, Washington on Friday, April 14 to conduct a short ceremony at centre ice before game 1 of the final, and again in Prince George on Monday, April 17 for another short ceremony before game 3 there. It was so good to honour the name of Christ in those settings and to team up with chaplain Don Myers in Wenatchee and chaplain Jim Brown Jr. in Prince George. In these games, both teams came to centre ice and stood in alternating fashion around the circle. It was quite a moving ceremony in both arenas and it was an honour to be a part of them. It was good to connect with the chaplains of these teams as well as with Elliott Harder, who serves as the chaplain of the Prince George Cougars. (WHL)

With Chaplains Jim Brown and Elliott Harder
With Chaplains Jim Brown and Elliott Harder

In the past 3 weeks, there have been a number of inquiries from hockey clubs regarding the possibility of starting a chapel program. I believe that this is directly related to the Humboldt tragedy. I am reminded that even in the pain of terrible tragedy, that the Lord stirs people’s hearts. Please pray with me as I begin the process of initiating these talks and prayerfully beginning these new chaplaincies.

Now that the summer is ahead of us, I am looking forward to being involved in 2 HMI summer camps in BC. The first one will be a brand new one in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island and the second one will be our 9th year in Williams Lake. It will be good to get back to Williams Lake after last summer’s forest fires closed the town and the camp was forced to be cancelled. I ask you to pray for these 2 camps please. (The camp last year in Chilliwack was fabulous, however we could not secure the proper facilities like we did last year. I hope that we will be able to again next summer.)

Finally, I will be assisting at the Royal Bank Cup National Jr. A tournament in Chilliwack next month. I am praying for some good connections as I spend time with hockey coaches and executives through the week.

May the Lord bless you; thank you for your encouragement, your prayers and your support.

Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

Prayer Points

-Humboldt Broncos grieving families
-Broncos Coach’s wife and family
-first responders to the accident
-Broncos chaplain Sean Brandow
-the truck driver and his family
-new summer hockey camp in Shawnigan Lake
-summer hockey camp in Williams Lake
-potential new chapel programs/chaplains
-upcoming ministry at the Royal Bank Cup

 

HMIBC JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 NEWSLETTER

Happy March days to my HMI Pacific teammates!

With Tony and Rebekah Janzen
With Tony and Rebekah Janzen

Blessings to you as you begin to see a bit more grass in the front yard and start enjoying a few moments of spring warmth! The promise of warmer weather coming is such a great feeling! We can’t forget to thank the Lord for each unique season, but c’mon, spring is pretty exciting! As is Hockey Ministries… so here is the latest scoop.

A visit with Merritt chaplain Dave McCauley

Right after New Years, I hopped on the Warriors bus for a 3 game road trip to Victoria, Nanaimo and Port Alberni. It was super trip, but even with 2 out of 3 wins, the highlights were not on the ice. When I was in Victoria, I had a chance to meet up with the Victoria Grizzlies chaplain Tony Janzen and his wife Rebekah. We’ve been friends for quite a long time, so it was wonderful to have a good visit. Tony has done a great job in Victoria, but has decided to step down from the Grizzlies chaplaincy. Tony will definitely be missed, but the good thing is that he has found a new chaplain, Eric Guthrie. I ask you to pray for Eric as he learns the ropes from Tony and assumes the chaplaincy in the fall. Also on the trip, I was pleased to hold a chapel on Saturday morning in Nanaimo. When we were finished, one of the hotel employees came to me with tears in her eyes and told me that she had never seen anything like it as she watched the boys coming out of that chapel room. It was a solemn and meaningful chapel, with many of the boys giving me a big hug on the way out. I am thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit on people’s lives, and I pray that this employee won’t forget what she saw that day.

With Kamloops Storm chaplain Colton Conrad
With Kamloops Storm chaplain Colton Conrad

On a very difficult note, in mid January it was with sadness that I heard of the passing of Vernon Vipers long time owner, Dr. Duncan Wray. It was in Vernon with the Vipers that I began hockey chaplaincy back in 2000. Duncan was very open to chaplaincy, and opened the door for me to meet the entire BC Hockey League Board of Governors. So, on Saturday afternoon January 20, I was able to attend Dr. Wray’s memorial service which was held right at centre ice at Kal Tire Place arena in Vernon.

With Salmon Arm Chaplain Kyle Reddemon
With Salmon Arm Chaplain Kyle Reddemon

The past while I have had the privilege of visiting with a few chaplains, some are veterans and a few are brand new. It was good to spend a bit of time with Dave McCauley, long-time chaplain of the Merritt Centennials. Dave and his church in Merritt have done a remarkable job of ministering to the Centennials hockey club. (This picture of Dave and I was taken when he visited in West Kelowna.) Also, I had the great honour to meet up with two new chaplains: Colton Conrad, who is starting up a chaplaincy program with the Kamloops Storm Jr. B hockey club and Kyle Reddemon, who took over in Salmon Arm with the Silverbacks when former chaplain Kenny Toews moved away.

Lorraine and Susan Taylor
Lorraine and Susan Taylor

In mid February, Lorraine and I travelled to Trail for a few days. The Smoke Eaters have had a dramatic turn around due to new ownership and renewed passion for that storied franchise. They attract from between 2000 to 3000 fans for their home games, up from small crowds of 500 just a few years ago. When we arrived in Trail on Saturday afternoon, we had a great dinner with our friends Mike and Sheila Davis and then headed to the game. At the game, I sang the National Anthem in front of over 2300 fans. How fun; the place was rocking!! The Smoke Eaters chaplain is Bruce Taylor, who is doing a fabulous job with the team. Of note: Bruce lead the players in the Lord’s Prayer before the game, which was wonderful to see. We had a great time as Bruce and his wife Susan hosted Lorraine and I at the game. It was also great to speak with Trail goaltender Tanner Marshall, who had previously been in my chapels with the Kelowna Chiefs. On the Sunday morning, I spoke at Gateway Christian Life Centre in Trail. At least 10 Smoke Eaters players came to the morning service, along with the team’s new owner and his wife. What a great weekend we had! I am so very thankful for the good people in Trail for doing their part to spread the gospel of Christ Jesus.

With Trail goaltender Tanner Marshall
With Trail goaltender Tanner Marshall

On the 17th of February, we held our 9th Annual West Kelowna Warriors Faith Night. This is a huge event on the Warriors home schedule; we had one of the two largest home crowds of the season. Even though it snowed heavily that day, it was great to see the stands full of church seniors, families, and children as well as pastors, being salt and light at the rink. From the Faith Night video interviews to a combined youth anthem choir to Pastor’s boot hockey at the intermission to having Pastor’s in the Warriors truck throwing out chocolate bars, we had an absolutely fabulous time! At the end of the game, the team held their Annual Awards ceremony at centre ice. I was honoured to present Captain Jared Marino with the Warriors Chapel Program Award.

Speaking in Trail, BC
Speaking in Trail, BC

Finally, with hockey playoffs starting, each team’s schedules are never quite set. No one knows how many games each series will last and if a team loses a series, their season is over. My hope is to connect with as many players as I can, to chat or perhaps have coffee and a prayer. Please be praying for our chaplains in BC as they minister to young athletes who are under considerable playoff pressure to perform. Also, could I also ask you to pray as the Royal Bank Cup (RBC) Canadian Jr. A Championship tournament is coming to Chilliwack in May. This 9 day tournament ends with the presentation of the National Championship trophy, the Royal Bank Cup. I will be attending my 10th RBC, and I have applied as a volunteer to be a counsellor and an anthem singer.

Warriors Chapel Award winner Jared Marino
Warriors Chapel Award winner Jared Marino

Prayer Points

-new Kamloops chaplain Colton Conrad
-new Salmon Arm chaplain Kyle Reddemon
-Trail chaplain Bruce Taylor
-new Victoria chaplain Eric Guthrie
-for opportunities during this playoff season
-for players who are under much pressure to perform
-the Royal Bank Cup (Chilliwack) preparations

Wow! I think that’s it for now!
May the Lord bless you as you continue to serve Him during these exciting days!
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region