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 October!

The Rookie (2> years) winner for October is Jamie Van Dyke of Barrie Minor Hockey! Here's his story as told by his nomination:

Jamie is our team manager. He has spent countless hours going above and beyond to organize our team. He’s there at 6:30am practices. He’s working behind the scenes to get our team set up, register for tournaments, staying up late wrapping water bottles. Our team couldn’t run without you!

What do you enjoy most about being the team manager?
Being around hockey in general, watch the kids learn new skills and seeing their development progress every week. Being in a great team environment. Learning the other side of minor hockey most people don’t get to see.  

Just wanted to note, I can’t say thanks enough to the coaching staff of Barrie Colts U8MD rep team, they have made this journey that more enjoyable, to the parents and kids on this team. It's a pleasure to be around this group. And as well to Barrie Minor Hockey for all their guidance and help through this new role as a team manager.

What are some of your responsibilities in that role?
I was asked if I would be the team manager, and to be honest at that time I thought, sure should be a fairly easy role to look after and a new fun challenge, not knowing what goes into a team manager. That said, this year has definitely been be a large learning curve to say the least.

As team manager working closely with the head coach some of the items I look after. Season started out with league meeting with all coaches and managers and during this process was to be honest overwhelmed with what this role is about.

Some of the items I look after to-date: Team fundraising, team sponsorships, budget spread sheets, exhibition and tournament scheduling, game sheet submittals to OMHA, time keepers, working hand in hand with Barrie Minor Hockey with all their policies and procedures to name a few. Lots of hours go into the team day to day task. 

What is your favourite part about minor hockey?
Growing up spending a lot of time at the rink, now I get to experience this journey with my son the way I did with my dad as a kid. Early morning practices, traveling to games, the interaction with other parents and kids. The people you meet and new friendships you build.

The Veteran (2+ years) winner for October is Amanda Henhoeffer of Kincardine Minor Hockey! Here's her story as told by her nomination:

Amanda gives everything she has to hockey. She is a mother of 4, an engineer but still finds time to be out associations head trainer and director of risk management AND manages multiple teams every year. It is silent hero’s like Amanda that make small town hockey possible. Giving so much and asking for nothing in return.

How do you balance all of your roles on the Executive and as a Team Manager?
I have been fortunate to be a part of our association's Executive since and a Team Manager for two teams since 2022.  A key part of balancing my roles has been staying organized (with spreadsheets, calendar reminders and standard email layouts).  This allows me to make the most of the time I have to spend on Executive and Team Manager duties with four boys at home, three of which are in hockey at the moment.  Certain times of the year can be very busy, like the month leading into the season for my role on the Executive and the first month or two as a Team Manager. Through experience I have developed a routine which lets me focus on the most important part of my roles and ensures I don't miss any important events or deadlines. The support I receive from my fellow Executives when I need information helps me be effective in my own role and I couldn’t do this without them.  The Head Coaches I have worked with on the various teams have been great to work with. We typically agree that the Head Coach will deal with the on-ice and locker room aspects of the team, and I will take care of all the administrative requirements of running a team. This clear definition of roles means that I can work effectively with my time. 
 
What are some of your responsibilities in those roles?
My role on the Executive is the Head Trainer/Director of Risk Management. I maintain contact with our Association’s Trainers to support them with their duties, provide guidance where needed if injuries occur and liaise between bench staff and our Executive if any issues related to safety arise with our facilities or players. 

My role as Team Manager includes setting up and maintaining team communication to keep the team up to date on weekly events, tournaments and any news that may impact our team.  I help arrange for extra ice time for our teams, register for tournaments, book hotels, handle team funds and support the Head Coaches/Trainers with any other off-ice duties. 
 
What is your favourite part about minor hockey?
My favourite part about minor hockey is the connections and friendships that are made within our communities and in other communities that we interact with through hockey. Being in the WOAA, our children's teams often play the same centres year after year which leads to seeing familiar faces on the ice, bench and in the crowd as our children get older. Our children make friends at local camps and clinics every summer and look forward to meeting them during their minor hockey games throughout the season. Having our family form long-term friendships within and outside of our association makes all the time commitment worth it for us.

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