MARCH/APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER

Record Faith Night crowd
Record Faith Night crowd

Hello to the HMI Pacific team!

As we close out April and head into May, the weather gets warmer and so does the temperature of playoff hockey. I am so blessed to be able to be a part of the junior hockey scene, as young men put everything that they have into having success on the ice. My work is to support them and to help them have equal success in life when they are away from the arena. A huge part of that is to build upon the foundation that is found in Christ.

On the ice at Faith Night
On the ice at Faith Night

Let me share a few things that have gone on in the last few months.

April began with a bang as we hosted the 14th Annual West Kelowna Warriors Faith Night at one of their home games. A record Faith Night crowd was on hand to enjoy a great evening of celebrating the Warriors chapel program, the Christian faith community and local churches. One of the staples of Faith Night is Pastor’s boot hockey which is a big hit with the crowd. (Of course, throwing chocolate bars into the stands at the intermission doesn’t hurt either…!) I have included a few shots of this year’s Faith Night.

At Spring camp chatting with the Chiefs owner
At Spring camp chatting with the Chiefs owner

In March, I was asked to attend the Kelowna Chiefs spring camp in Rutland. It was good to say a few words to prospective players and their parents about the Chiefs chapel program and what they can expect. It is a tremendous honour to be a part of a secular culture that will give time to something like a HMI chapel program.

2024 Chapel Program Award winner
2024 Chapel Program Award winner

Towards the end of March, I was involved in the season ending Warriors awards ceremony. It was great to present the Chapel Program Award at centre ice after the final game of the regular season. A few days later I held an ‘in-between’ chapel… in between the regular season and the first playoff round. I have included a chapel picture, but obviously my hand moved because it is a bit blurry!! (I still wanted you to see my chapel boys…. these chapel times are the very best.)

Blurry chapel picture
Blurry chapel picture

I have met a number of great people over the past little while. I was at a game one evening, I received a text from old friend and HMI camp veteran Corwin Smid that he was at the game too! So we connected during an intermission and shared a wonderful moment. Corwin is the greatest guy and it was good to see him. I have also had the privilege of connecting at times with some former NHL players.

Corwin Smid
Corwin Smid

Two of them here are Cory Cross (Tampa Bay, Toronto, Edmonton) and Dean McAmmond (Edmonton, Chicago, Ottawa).
Thank you for your faithful support, your prayers and encouragement. I am so very grateful for you all.

Still flyin’ down the ice,
Don Richmond
Hockey Ministries International
Pacific Region

With ex-NHL player Dean McAmmond
With ex-NHL player Dean McAmmond
With ex-NHL player Cory Cross
With ex-NHL player Cory Cross

Spending of funds is confined to board approved programs and projects. Each restricted contribution designated towards a board approved program or project will be used as designated, with the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met, or cannot be completed for an reason determined by the board, the remaining restricted contributions designated for such program or project will be used where needed most.