Sydney Bears Ice Hockey

WHAT A TEAM !

Here are Scott, Stuart and Nic doing their Officials duties at a recent Atoms game. Just proving that The Bears can show great teamwork just as well in Stripes as they do in Bears Red. It’s with the dedication of young players like these guys, who willingly give up their free time, that the games are able to go ahead. Keep up the good work boys.

Nic is the longest playing member of the trio and has been playing Ice Hockey for 11 years. He comes from a family that are dedicated to Ice Hockey. Nick gained his Linesman Certificate in 2006 and has begun to officiate at games this season. He is just about to turn 17 and puts himself in goal for our Midget Team, along with Stuart.

Scott is the youngest at 13 and earned his stripes in February this year. He plays for our Bantam Team and is currently trying out for the Kurt De Fris State Team. He was picked as the reserve for Ginsberg last year. Since starting Ice Hockey in 2005, he has put in a great deal of hard work and become a valuable asset to the Bears Bantams.

Stuart, also nearly 17, has been playing since 2005 and has really thrown himself into Ice Hockey. He gained his Linesman last year and Lined as many games as he played. This year, he has passed Level 1 Referee and also Level 1 Coach. He aims to be a Goalie Coach and is currently working with our Atoms Goalie. As well as being Goalie for our Midgets, along with Nick, he is also playing in East Coast Super League as the Reserve Goalie.

Johanna, Hugh, Debbie and David are the proud parents of this wonderful Trio in Stripes. Just like all other Ice Hockey parents, they have long since forgotten the meaning of the words ‘a sleep-in’ or ‘a weekend off’ but would never deny their kids the chance to fulfil their dreams.

All Parents, Players, Coach’s, Officials and Volunteers are to be applauded for their efforts in proudly supporting their kids and The Sydney Bears, a club well worthy of praise for it’s long standing contribution to Ice Hockey in Australia.

As for me, the author of this piece, well you better watch this space. I also gained my Beginner Linesman early this year and with the unfailing belief and hard work of John Harvey, my dedicated and sometimes frustrated coach, I’ll be out on the ice soon in Stripes with my whistle at the ready.

By Debbie Clemie 7th May 2008

BEARS REPRESENTED IN AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL YOUTH TEAM

Joel McFadden has been selected into the Australian National Youth team. The team will be representing Australia at the IIHF under 18’s Division II World Championships, which will be held in Meribel and Courchevel, France from 29 March until 5 April 2008.

Prior to the World Championships, the team will be training in Toronto, Canada for nine days. They will be also playing some games in Canada at the CANLAN Etobicoke Ice Arena.

Joel is a committed member of the Sydney Bears Ice Hockey Club. He plays in the Bears Midgets team and has been invited to play for the Bears AIHL Team during the Wilson Cup. He is Assistant Coach of the Bears Pee Wees team. Joel’s contribution to ice hockey is on many levels and the Sydney Bears is certainly a stronger Club due to his input. We wish Joel all the best in the World Championships and for a safe return to Australia.

Date: March 2008