News and Announcements

image

You are invited to an information session next Wednesday July 8 regarding the new rules of field hockey that were implemented at the beginning of last year. We are having this information session to ensure all members, players, coaches, officials or managers understand the new rules and how they will be officiated when we next get the opportunity to return to the field and play the game we love. This information session will be led by Tyler Klenk and Lelia Sacre, both are currently FIH rated umpires that have been involved with Field Hockey BC for a number of years. Please see below for the link to join the webinar.

When: Jul 8, 2020 07:00 PM Vancouver
Topic: Umpires Information Session for players, coaches, officials … everyone!

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86728558776?pwd=Q21MT2orY1NqWVgzMS8wRTNhaUNwQT09

Password: 019481

Questions: e-mail Ben Harvey at sportdevelopment@fieldhockeybc.com

image

Although the 2019-20 VILFHA season was cut short, there were still a number of achievements that deserve to be celebrated. The season was forced to abruptly wrap up in early March, with the last week of games ending on March 14.

The VILFHA executive and team representatives are pleased to announce this year’s award winners highlighted by Cowichan Flickers forward Chloe Langkammer being named the league’s Most Outstanding Player and Hibbert Trophy winner. Division MVPs included Lynx 1’s Kyla Kirby (Division 1), Lynx 2’s Maeve Connorton (Division 2) and the Pirates’ Catherine Jones (Division 3). The Trelawney Shield for the Top Junior Player is awarded to the Mariners’ Nora Struchtrup, while the Foley Shield for Most Improved Umpire is awarded to Shyana Ringma.

In addition, the prestigious Christine Trophy for service, ability and sportsmanship is awarded to the Demons’ Shelley Andrews.

The team standings for league winners included Division 1 champions, the Flickers, Division 2 champions, Lynx 2, and Division 3 champions, the Stellers. Sportsmanship nods went to the Patriots (Div 1), Blue Jays (Div 2) and Demons (Div 3).

Head to the VILFHA Facebook Page to see individual posts on each winner and offer your congratulations: https://www.facebook.com/vancouverislandladiesfieldhockey/

View past winners: https://www.teampages.com/leagues/1279/pages/82197

Hibbert Trophy – Most Outstanding Player
Chloe Langkammer, Flickers

Chloe scored 26 goals this season to help the Flickers win the Division 1 league title. The next highest goal scoring total was seven. Chloe and her reunited, UVic graduated and older sister Stefanie, combined for the majority of the Flickers’ goals this year. Chloe was an offensive force to be reckoned with. Her elimination skills saw her, on multiple occasions, take the ball over 40 yards to either score or set up a goal. Her ability and vision to set up her team mates or pull the trigger herself make her an unpredictable and effective striker. In addition, she provides a first line of defence, pressuring some of the Division 1’s top defenders to force an error, while she is also key on defensive and offensive penalty corners. On top of her outstanding league play Chloe was a part of the Wildcats team that captured both the UVic and Senior BC Indoor tournament, while she was the leading scorer for her Cowichan High team that were Island AAA Champions and placed fifth at AAA Provincials.

Christine Trophy – Service, Ability, Sportsmanship
Shelley Andrews, Demons

Shelley has a long, storied history of success in the sport of field hockey. While her Olympic days and several Hall of Fame inductions have been at the forefront of her attention to date, what has been long overdue for recognition is her service to the league. Anyone who has played with or against Shelley on the Demons or elsewhere knows that her ability is, to this day, of superior quality. Her skill and vision on the pitch admired by many, while her sportsmanship and sense of humour on and off the pitch are characteristic to her name. Shelley has always been a supporter and contributor to VILFHA but this year she stepped up to take on a role on the VILFHA Executive Board as the Vice-President. In addition to her duties as a team rep, Shelley has played an active role this year in supporting Field Hockey Victoria’s participation in the FHBC Annual General Meeting issues and brainstorming. Several e-mails, long teleconference phone calls and several late-night meetings all saw Shelley present and an active participant with thoughtful contributions. The Christine Trophy has honoured some of the league and island’s finest servants to grow the game and Shelley is more than deserving to join that list of loyal contributors.

Trelawney Shield – Top Junior (U18) Player
Nora Struchtrup, Mariners

The Mariners finished second in the league this season and a large part of their attacking prowess was thanks to the speed, skill and finishing abilities of Nora. Nora was injured through parts of the Fall but was a dedicated team mate and came out to every game to help the team as a bench boss. Her perseverance to be back on the pitch paid off as she was outstanding in her first game in February scoring three goals in the game. It was after that game and her return that the Mariners went on to win five-straight games with a cumulative goal scoring for and against of 14-5. Nora is a team player and dedicated to her training. Her fitness, strength and abilities have been important to the success the Mariners have had this year and her volunteer commitments to the Sailors club have also been greatly appreciated. Nora played like a veteran in Division 1 this year and her talents will certainly be missed as she pursues her post-secondary career next season.

Foley Shield – Most Improved Umpire
Shyana Ringma, Lynx 2

Shyana has been committed to growing herself as a young umpire. Stepping up to help both indoor and outdoor hockey, Shyana has proven that she not only has a taste for officiating but talent, too. Shyana achieved her Community level in February 2019 and is on track to achieve her Provincial level, having completed the course in November 2019. Constantly pursuing feedback and coaching, Shyana’s confidence, whistle tone, body language and decision making have all improved. She is a regular contributor on the umpiring schedule and was even successful in making the jump to umpire in Division 1. Shyana’s dedication to improving paid off as she is recognized for her success in development through the 2019-20 season.

Division 1 MVP & All-Stars
MVP: Kyla Kirby, Lynx 1

Kyla Kirby had an outstanding season this past year for Lynx 1. When the Lynx team had two key players go down with season-ending injuries, Kyla stepped up her game. With her experience and calm demeanour, she provided the much needed support for the younger players in the backfield.

Division 1 All-Stars:
Maddie Middlesteadt, Lynx 1
Brooke Taylor, Lynx 1
Kyla Kirby, Lynx 1
Jenna Goodman, Flickers
Chloe Langkammer, Flickers
Caitlin Erickson, Flickers
Brianne Zinkiew, Patriots
Jaimie Sharpe, Patriots
Meggan Oliver, Patriots
Kira Starr, Mariners
Ali Baggott, Mariners
Nora Struchtrup, Mariners

Division 2 MVP & All-Stars
MVP: Maeve Connorton, Lynx 2

Maeve Connorton was instrumental in the success of Lynx 2 this past season. Don’t let her quiet and calm demeanour fool you, she is a fierce competitor. When she is not making key tackles through the midfield, she is starting a quick counter-attack with a brilliant pass to a teammate. Maeve’s strong play in the middle of the pitch helped Lynx 2 capture the Division 2 league title.

Division 2 All-Stars:
Ines Tang Ciccateri, Lynx 2
Julia Boraston, Lynx 2
Maeve Connorton, Lynx 2
Arden Ross, Blue Jays
May Basbaum, Blue Jays
Emily Thomas, Blue Jays
Isabella Green, Cardinals
Natalie McKay, Cardinals
Madison Ketch, Cardinals
Melissa Puckett, Sailors
Shannon Petrovic, Sailors
Joyene Nazatul, Sailors

Division 3 MVP & All-Stars
MVP: Catherine Jones, Pirates

The Pirates finished second in the league this year with a 14-5 record, just four points back of the first-placed Stellers. With a large roster, one thing that was consistent for the Pirates was their central midfielder Catherine Jones. Catherine’s tall stature made her a force to contend with in the middle of the field. As a central midfielder, Catherine’s play-making, two-way play and leadership was integral to yet another successful season for the Pirates. Catherine’s play was energetically bolstered by the fact that her daughter is also in her second year playing on the team.

Division 3 All-Stars:
Maia Lawrence, Lynx 3
Emma Zarzour, Lynx 3
Jill Dayton, Stellers
Haley Picard, Stellers
Helen Curry, Demons
Theresa Kennedy, Demons
Cheryl McCreary, Devils
Jacklyn Frank, Devils
Emma Campbell, Renegades
Tanvi Sharma, Renegades
Lauren Fracy, Pirates
Catherine Jones, Pirates


2019-20 VILFHA AWARD SUMMARY

Div 1 League Winner: Flickers
Div 2 League Winner: Lynx 2
Div 3 League Winner: Stellers

Div 1 Playoff Winner: Not awarded
Div 2 Playoff Winner: Not awarded
Div 3 Playoff Winner: Not awarded

Div 1 Most Sportsmanlike Team: Patriots
Div 2 Most Sportsmanlike Team: Blue Jays
Div 3 Most Sportsmanlike Team: Demons

Hibbert Trophy (Most Outstanding Player): Chloe Langkammer, Flickers
Trelawney Shield (Top Junior Player): Nora Struchtrup, Mariners
Christine Trophy (Service, Ability and Sportsmanship): Shelley Andrews, Demons
Foley Shield (Most improved umpire): Shyana Ringma, Lynx 2

Div 1 MVP: Kyla Kirby, Lynx 1
Div 2 MVP: Maeve Connorton, Lynx 2
Div 3 MVP: Catherine Jones, Pirates

Div 1 All-Stars:
Maddie Middlesteadt, Lynx 1
Brooke Taylor, Lynx 1
Kyla Kirby, Lynx 1
Jenna Goodman, Flickers
Chloe Langkammer, Flickers
Caitlin Erickson, Flickers
Brianne Zinkiew, Patriots
Jaimie Sharpe, Patriots
Meggan Oliver, Patriots
Kira Starr, Mariners
Ali Baggott, Mariners
Nora Struchtrup, Mariners

Div 2 All-Stars:
Ines Tang Ciccateri, Lynx 2
Julia Boraston, Lynx 2
Maeve Connorton, Lynx 2
Arden Ross, Blue Jays
May Basbaum, Blue Jays
Emily Thomas, Blue Jays
Isabella Green, Cardinals
Natalie McKay, Cardinals
Madison Ketch, Cardinals
Melissa Puckett, Sailors
Shannon Petrovic, Sailors
Joyene Nazatul, Sailors

Div 3 All-Stars:
Maia Lawrence, Lynx 3
Emma Zarzour, Lynx 3
Jill Dayton, Stellers
Haley Picard, Stellers
Helen Curry, Demons
Theresa Kennedy, Demons
Cheryl McCreary, Devils
Jacklyn Frank, Devils
Emma Campbell, Renegades
Tanvi Sharma, Renegades
Lauren Fracy, Pirates
Catherine Fracy, Pirates


Article written by Ali Baggott, for VILFHA

To all VILFHA Members,

Thank you for your patience and support while we navigate our way through the current COVID-19 situation.

Please know VILFHA Exec have had many discussions about the best way forward. We have been taking guidance from governing sports bodies, facilities management, membership but primarily we have been looking for direction from public health authorities such as the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Island Health.

Our plan was to make our next decision 24 hrs prior to the next VILFHA event (so Tuesday, Mar 17 before the Wednesday Mar 18 evening game).

We were waiting -not simply to delay, but to ensure we had the most up-to-date advice/information/direction possible.

However, we believe that waiting to make a decision now feels like we are simply delaying the inevitable -and this delay has the potential to be increase anxiety.

So, after much thought, we have decided to suspend the season and postpone the Spring Council Meeting and Awards night.

Thanks everyone for your support this season.

Kirsten Duncan, President

Shelley Andrews, Vice President

Erica Kjekstad, Treasurer

Theresa Kennedy, Director of Membership

Lisa Grambart, Events Coordinator

Tessa Humphries, Communications.

VILFHA’s Executive are monitoring information and direction from the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). While health professionals say the risk associated with the spread of the illness remains low in BC, we are asking as a precaution that teams do not shake hands at the end of each game. We suggest using your chicken wings (elbow bumps) as an alternative.

We are committed to keeping players safe and will continue to keep you updated as the situation progresses. For now, we ask you please share with your teams to have friendly and gentle elbow bumps at the end of games! Thank you for your cooperation. For more information on COVID-19, see http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel).

Also a friendly reminder that on Saturday, March 7, VILFHA is sponsoring the* “Skip the Skirt” fundraiser* in honour of Jen (van Dyk) Budding. Funds raised will go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada. Players are encouraged to play wearing something other than their skirt (please make sure teams still wear matching shirts and socks!). Players will be ‘fined’ $5 (or donation) for not having their skirt. See link below for more details:

https://jdrfca.donordrive.com/campaign/1st-Annual-Jen--van-Dyk--Budding--Skip-the-Skirt--VILFHA-Fun

Thank you for your support!

VILFHA Executive

On Saturday, March 7, VILFHA is sponsoring the “Skip the Skirt” fundraiser in honour of Jen (van Dyk) Budding.

Funds raised will go to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada. Players are encouraged to play wearing something other than their skirt (please make sure teams still wear matching shirts and socks!). Players will be ‘fined’ $5 (or donation) for not having their skirt.

Of course-all players, managers, coaches, friends, fans are encouraged to donate.

Donations can be made on-line, by cheque (to JDRF) or in cash. If you are paying by cheque or cash and wanting a tax receipt please ensure you fill out a pledge form (attached or available at the field). More details here:

https://jdrfca.donordrive.com/campaign/1st-Annual-Jen--van-Dyk--Budding--Skip-the-Skirt--VILFHA-Fun

Thank you for your support!