The Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Nothers have teamed up for the Volunteer of the Month program – a ‘Rookie’ and a ‘Veteran’ volunteer will be recognized each month through a profile highlighting their involvement in the game of hockey.

We were thrilled to see so many deserving nominations and have highlighted two winners below for February! Click here for the nomination form or go to the bottom of the page.

*some responses have been edited for clarity

The Rookie (2> years) winner for January is River Eamonts of Owen Sound Minor Hockey!

River is a 17 year old volunteer who, working with the support of her dad (a head coach), assists our ‘Learn to Play’ program where kids with special needs or who have never played before have the opportunity to learn the basic skills before registering for a full season of hockey.

River's minor hockey career ended post-pandemic when the demands from high school and part time work became a priority. Around the same time, the Learn to Play program launched, where her brother was a welcomed participant and she became an active volunteer.

River assists in developing and executing practice plans for the 12 participants in this year’s program. She's adaptable on ice and has cultivated an environment of acceptance and learning. Owen Sound Minor Hockey Group is very proud to have her as part of this program.

What inspired you to assist with the Learn to Play program and what has that experience been like for you?
The Learn to Play/Modified Skating Program was my mom's idea. My younger brother has special needs and loves skating and hockey! We worked with Owen Sound Minor Hockey to create the program because although he loves the sport, he cannot understand the rules. I have been helping with the program since it began as an on-ice helper for my brother and as a leader. I love this program because it gives kids with special needs a space to grow in a sports environment, and gives kids who started hockey later than most an opportunity to learn about the sport.

What goes into helping to create the practice plans?
This year I have been making the practice plans with the coaches. It is pretty difficult, because there are only around 12 kids, and we never know how many are coming. We always have to be ready to adjust our plans last minute to accommodate the number of players there. We always begin with the same warm ups, adding new skills here and there, to work on skating. Afterwards we will do either more skating or learning how to work with pucks. Recently, we have been starting to add in some game play.

Why is it important to you to share the joy of hockey?
I want every child to be able to feel the joy of being a part of something. That feeling is incredible, and I am so glad that I got to have experiences in sport growing up. I want to be able to share that.

The Veteran (2+ years) winner for January is Steve Pronger of Riverside Minor Hockey!

Steve Pronger helps introduce hockey to 20+ players aged 7-14 years each year through various programs in Riverside. His goal is to teach the basics of hockey and then try to integrate the players into regular programming for the remainder of the RMHA season or for the following season, which sees approximately five 'graduates' every year. These families are often nervous and apprehensive about hockey but Steve and his on-ice helpers ensure that the players involved are having fun while learning! 

What development programs do you help run and what do they consist of?
In addition to the Take A Shot Hockey Program, I am pleased to be assisting in the coaching and development aspect of the Riverside Rangers Special Needs Program. My time spent on-ice with this group of deserving young people is very fulfilling and teaching skills and game play development is rewarding as we witness skill improvement and confidence increasing each and every week. It is very satisfying to see Special Needs players grow to the point where they are able to play games against opponents and even enter and participate in weekend tournaments.

How do you use the programs like these to welcome in new families to hockey?
I am grateful that Riverside Minor Hockey offers and manages such a program in the community and that it is such a welcoming program. Welcoming children of all abilities and ages into an introductory program that eliminates barriers to participation is essential if the game is to grow into nontraditional populations. But programs like this have to exist in the first place in order to be useful and welcoming learning spaces. Children and youth of all abilities and ages can learn and grow if there is an accessible place for them to learn and grow, and thoughtful instructors willing to teach with patience.

Why is it important for you to share a love of hockey?
It is important for me to share a love of hockey through all the learn to play programs I am involved with because it is here, in this space, that we aid children and youth on their pathway of growing up. Outside of school, hockey participation creates “layers” of friendships and expansion of circles of influence. Players now have relationships with “school friends” and “team friends” that are both meaningful and lasting. And in many cases hockey participation allows youth to experience the challenges of overcoming uncomfortable situations and the success of learning how to delay gratification in a healthy and structured environment.

Please use the form below to nominate a Volunteer. Submissions will be kept on file and you do not need to resubmit each month.