News and Announcements

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The Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Team has named its roster for the upcoming four-game test series against the Irish Women’s National Team, which will be held in Toronto, Ontario from May 23rd-27th, 2015.

Included in that mix are Victoria natives Maddie Secco (Oak Bay High School) and Rosie Beale (Claremont High School), while former University of Victoria Vikes Danielle Hennig and Thea Culley are the team’s Vice Captains and former Canada West Goalkeeper of the Year and former Vike Kaitlyn Williams anchors the squad in the back field.

Twenty athletes will be travelling to the new Pan-Am/Para Pan-Am Fields at the University of Toronto, the site of field hockey for this summer’s Pan American Games.

Among those named to the team are a handful of athletes from Ontario including team captain Kate Gillis (Kingston, ON), sisters Brienne and Tegan Stairs (Kitchener, ON), and midfielder Amanda Woodcroft (Waterloo, ON).

Additionally, three athletes – Alex Thicke (Vancouver, BC), Woodcroft, and Kaelan Watson (Richmond, BC) – represented the University of Toronto Varsity Blues during their Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) careers.

In addition to being an opportunity to test out the Pan American Games venue, the team will be using the Ireland series as preparation to compete in the World League Semifinals – a 2016 Olympic qualifier – in Valencia, Spain from June 10th-21st.

Eighteen athletes will be named to the touring roster that will represent Canada in Spain. The top three of that tournament earn a spot to the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

The Toronto Series with Ireland consists of four matches to be played May 23rd and 24th (3:00pm), and May 26th and 27th (6:00pm). A team of Canadian officials consisting Denise Pelletier, Megan Robertson, Ozias D’Souza, Trevor Martin, and Wendy Stewart will be overseeing the tournament.

Schedules, news, and results can be found here.

Women’s National Team Touring Roster – May 2015 Ireland Series
Name Position Hometown Senior Caps

Abigail Raye Defender Kelowna, BC 124
Alex Thicke Midfielder Vancouver, BC 8
Amanda Woodcroft Midfielder Waterloo, ON 20
Beckett Frisch Goalkeeper Calgary, AB 3
Brienne Stairs Forward Kitchener, ON 69
Danielle Hennig(VC) Defender Kelowna, BC 88
Hannah Haughn Forward North Vancouver, BC 83
Kaelan Watson Forward Richmond, BC 31
Kaitlyn Williams Goalkeeper White Rock, BC 56
Karli Johansen Defender North Vancouver, BC 37
Kate Gillis© Midfielder Kingston, ON 124
Maddie Secco Midfielder Victoria, BC 51
Natalie Sourisseau Midfielder Kelowna, BC 67
Priya Randhawa Forward Surrey, BC 3
Rosie Beale Defender Victoria, BC 7
Sara McManus Defender Tsawwassen, BC 77
Shanlee Johnston Defender Vancouver, BC 20
Stephanie Norlander Forward North Vancouver, BC 17
Tegan Stairs Forward Kitchener, ON 16
Thea Culley (VC) Forward Rossland, BC 127

Vice-Captain
*
Captain

Women’s National Team Touring Staff – May 2015 Ireland Series
Head Coach – Ian Rutledge
Assistant Coach – Stephanie Andrews
Team Manager – Diane Gillis
Video Analyst – Stefanie Sloboda
Athletic Therapist – Michelle Meckling
High Performance Manager – Lisa Northrup

Officials – May 2015 Ireland Series
Technical Director(s) – Ozias D’Souza, Trevor Martin
Umpire(s) – Denise Pelletier, Megan Robertson
Umpire(s) Manager – Wendy Stewart

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At the 49th Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards Victoria’s Gail Williams was the President’s Award winner for Field Hockey.

The winners of the 49th annual Athletes of the Year Award were recognized in a ceremony held March 12, 2015 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, organized by and hosted by Sport BC on behalf of BC’s sports community.

Field Hockey BC is proud to recognize the on-going voluntary commitment of Gail Williams. Over the last 6 years, Gail has been a technical advisor, judge, officer and director for a multitude of local, regional, provincial, and national events across BC. Gail is one of a team of individuals committed to giving their time to create a first-class environment for athletes and their coaches to play and compete. It is fitting that Gail follows other technical officials that have been honoured to receive this award.

Gail is a long-time volunteer of Field Hockey Victoria, also helping serve locally as a technical official for the University of Victoria Canada West games, multiple Field Hockey Canada National Championships and she previously served as the Field Hockey Victoria Turf Coordinator. Gail continues to give back and the Vancouver Island Ladies Field Hockey Association would like to acknowledge and congratulate her as this is most deserving.

For a full list of President’s Award Winners and the Athlete of the Year winners please visit: http://sportbc.com/programs-and-events/presidents-award/

Following the April 13, 2015 VILFHA Annual General Meeting, the executive was confirmed for the upcoming 2015-16 season. Below are the executive members elected:

VILFHA EXECUTIVE CONTACTS

President: Denise McGeachy
Vice President: Sandy Grimwood
Treasurer: Heather Wheatley
Director of Operations: Ronnie Lee
Director of Membership: Theresa Kennedy
Secretary: Caitlin Hansen
Director of Social Events: Kate Knappett
Director of Communications: Ali Lee

The VILFHA Exective would like to extend a special thanks to Cheryl McCreary, former Director of Social Events, and Arlene Baker, former Director of Membership, for their contributions last year and in previous years.

General VILFHA enquiries can always be sent to: VILFHA@gmail.com

Please visit VILFHA.ca for e-mail contacts for the above Executive members.

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VICTORIA – On April 13 the Vancouver Island Ladies Field Hockey Association honoured several of its members for annual awards and all-star nods. Mount Douglas Secondary graduate Alexis De Armond, of Lynx 1, and Cowichan High graduate Sara Lowes, of the Flickers, were named the league’s most outstanding Under 18 players. Mariners midfielder Ali Lee was awarded the Hibbert Trophy for the second-straight season as the league’s Most Valuable Player, while the former Vike also picked up the Division 1 MVP nod.

Long-time Rebels Field Hockey Club president Sharon White was awarded the prestigious Christine Trophy for ability, sportsmanship and service to the league, coinciding with her recent announcement of retirement from club duties. Sunny Jun was awarded the Foley Shield for most improved umpire after her success officiating in both the women’s and men’s league this season.

Sailors defender Sara Brant was named the Division 2 MVP, while Theresa Kennedy, of Oak Bay, garnered Division 3 honours for the second-straight year.

Long-time VILFHA executive member Liz Munn was awarded VILFHA Honorary Member status for her commitment, service and dedication over the years. Olympic team mates Nancy Mollenhauer and Shelley Andrews, both still current VILFHA members, were also acknowledged for their upcoming Hall of Fame Inductions. Andrews will be inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in May 2015, while Mollenhauer is part of Field Hockey Canada’s inaugural induction class, with the induction celebration set for July 2015 concurrently with the Pan American Games.

The league also congratulates the league and playoff team winners including the Mariners, Sailors and Ravens for league titles and Lynx 1, Sailors and Kestrels for the playoff titles.

2014-15 VILFHA Award Winners:

The Hibbert Trophy – Most Outstanding Player
Awarded to the most outstanding player in the association. Players in any division are eligible for this award. The Hibbert family, of Victoria, donated this trophy. Nita Hibbert played in the association and was the league’s social director.

2014-15 Winner: Ali Lee, Mariners

The Foley Shield – Most Improved Umpire
Awarded to the most improved umpire in the association.

2014-15 Winner: Sunny Jun

The Christine Trophy – Ability, Sportsmanship and Service
Awarded to a member of the association who best combines sportsmanship, ability and service to VILFHA. Joy Speight donated the trophy, which was named for after her daughter.

2014-15 Winner: Sharon White

The Trelawney Shield – Most Outstanding Under 18 Player
Presented to a young player (18 and under) who best combines ability, leadership and sportsmanship. Ruth Trelawney, who was a member of VILFHA and the Canadian national team that competed in Jamaica in 1968, donated this shield.

2014-15 Winner: Lexi De Armond (Lynx 1) & Sara Lowes (Flickers)

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS
These awards are given out annually to the most sportsmanship team in each division (1, 2 and 3). Each team votes for a team in their division they felt was the most sportsmanlike.

2014-15 Division 1 Winner: Lynx 1
2014-15 Division 2 Winner: Blue Jays
2014-15 Division 3 Winner: Renegades

DIVISION MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS
These awards are given out annually to the player that is voted most outstanding within the division they are registered in. This player will impact the league through leadership, ability or service to their team.

2014-15 Division 1 MVP: Ali Lee (Mariners)
2014-15 Division 2 MVP: Sara Brant (Sailors)
2014-15 Division 3 MVP: Theresa Kennedy (Devils)

LEAGUE WINNERS
Division 1: Mariners
Division 2: Sailors
Division 3: Ravens

PLAY-OFF WINNERS
Division 1: Lynx 1
Division 2: Sailors
Division 3: Kestrels

DIVISION ALL-STAR TEAMS
These awards are given out annually to the players that are voted most outstanding within the division they are registered in.

Division 1
Lexi De Armond, Lynx 1
Karen Ward, Lynx 1
Ali Lee, Mariners
Kira Graham, Mariners
Emily FIsher, Mariners
Sam Purcell, Mariners,
Madison Koniuk, Patriots
Heather Wheatley, Patriots
Sara Goodman, Flickers
Sara Lowes, Flickers
Robin Fleming, Flickers

Division 2
Anna Mollenhauer, Lynx 2
Jocey Charlton, Lynx 2
Nicole Gaul, Lynx 2
Ashton Aumen, Cardinals
Alyssa Davidson, Cardinals
Jill Roberts, Cardinals
Teresa Wong, Blue Jays
Jaime Sharpe, Blue Jays
Jenna Lucas, Sailors
Sara Brant, Sailors,
Kelsey Havens, Sailors

Division 3
Dana Dickinson, Ravens
Nicole Little, Ravens
Stella Wallner, Stellers
Jill Dayton, STellers
Morgan Battie, Kestrels
Teresa Gregus, Kestrels
Erica Kjekstad, Pirates
Catherine Fracy, Pirates
Jaime Boyle, Lynx 3
Hilary Wickware, Lynx 3
Theresa Kennedy, Demons
Cathy Boraston, Demons
Zena McCreary, Devils
Anita Lam, Devils
Sharon White, Renegades

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More players are needed for the below tournament. One team is already going combining of Ravens/Demons/Devils and we are hoping to fill one more team of Rebels and Sailors Club teams. Pleas e-mail Kate Knappett if you are interested in joining a team.

Comox Valley is pleased to announce the return of the Westerly Torunament for Sept. 12-13, 2015. Originating back in the 1980’s this fun, recreational tournament has been a fixture for the up-island hockey community. This year the two-day tournament will take place on Vanier Turf Field and will include a dinner and fun activities. Third division players and teams are encouraged to register and show their support for the Comox Valley field hockey league.

WHO: Third Division level Ladies aged 19 and up

WHEN: September 12-13, 2015

WHERE: G.P. Vanier Turf Field (Comox Valley, B.C.)

COST: Approx. $300-350 (dinner charge not included)

_Teams are to provide their own umpires.

Register a team today and help celebrate Courtenay’s Centennial (from 1915-2015).

The Westerly Field Hockey Tournament, which began in 1981 in the Comox Valley by Joan Longtin, was hosted in the Comox Valley community for several years. Over time, the tournament was hosted by different Island communities. With the revival of women’s field hockey in the Valley and the formation of the Comox Valley Ladies Field Hockey Association in 2010, the club has steadily promoted the sport.

For those individuals interested in registering with a Victoria-organized team or for more information, please contact Kate Knappett at kate-k@shaw.ca

For more on the Comox Valley Ladies FIeld Hockey Association visit www.comoxvalleyfieldhockey.ca or contact cvlfha@gmail.com