CARHA Hockey

CARHA Hockey is pleased to welcome Melissa Boufounos MB Performance Nutrition who is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and will be helping get the message out to our audience on the importance proper nutrition plays for you. Our first post focuses on Nutrition Tips for Adult Female Recreational Hockey Players.

Read More: https://carhahockey.ca/nutrition-tips-for-adult-female-recreational-hockey-players/

Last night was Night 1 for CARHA Hockey's Lead of Hockey Program Development Kristan Leach as she joined the TomCats Women's Hockey on the ice for the Learn to Play Program in St. John's NL.

Kristan will be back on the ice tonight for the final session!

Tonight is the night when CARHA Hockey's own Lead of Hockey Program Development Kristan Leach will be on the ice with the Learn to Play Program in St. Johns, NL.

More to come...

TomCats Women's Hockey CARHA Women's Hockey

The 2025 CARHA Hockey Pacific Cup will be held Friday January 17, 2025 - Sunday January 19, 2025. Registration is now open, and the registration forms can be foundat the link below.

https://carhahockey.ca/2025-carha-hockey-pacific-cup-registration-now-open/

About the CARHA Hockey Pacific Cup
Annual tournament hosted by CARHA Hockey in Victoria, BC every January. Started in 1977, it is the longest running CARHA Hockey hosted event and features over 100 teams and games are played at 9 different facilities in the greater Victoria area.

Tournament Page
https://leagues.carhahockey.ca/pacificcup/newsArticle?n=1460&v=9fcea769379198d93e9e910c6afb80c3&_gl=1*1t3y3xk*_gcl_au*MTIzMzE2NTc4Ny4xNzIzNTU4MjU2

Our August issue of is now available!

🏒 Winter Registration
🏒 Rinkside Spotlight
🏒 Molson Coors Promo
🏒 Keener Jerseys Promo

🔗https://us6.campaign-archive.com/?u=60612c1aef3839a921f3a233c&id=b7b1631475

Latvia, Denmark, and Slovakia Qualify for 2026 Winter Olympics

Over this past weekend, three countries would punch their tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy after winning their qualifier matchups. Latvia, Denmark, and Slovakia will join Canada, United States, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The current question mark is who the 12th and final entry will be as the IIHF decides on whether Russia will be eligible to participate. If they are not eligible, then France will be next in line.

LATVIA

Latvia would be the first country to qualify Sunday, after blowing out France by a 5-2 score. France got out to an early lead courtesy of Charles Bertan just 21 seconds into the game. Latvia however, would take charge moments later, scoring two goals in an 8-minute span to go into the intermission up 2-1.

In the second frame, it was all Latvia as they took complete control of the game, receiving goals from Rodrigo Abols, Martin Dzierkals and Kristians Rubins.

France would add a goal late in the final period, but it was already Latvia’s win, and their ticket booked to Milano Cortina.

DENMARK

A battle between two Scandinavian countries saw world ranked #11 Denmark and world ranked #12 Norway go head-to-head.

Just 26 seconds in, Minnesota Wild forward Mats Zuccarello would put Norway ahead and for much of the game they were in control while Denmark looked nervous.

It was not until late in the second period that Denmark would get the equalizer, as Niklas Jensen found the back of the net. Then, less than two minutes later it was Jensen again scoring to the joy of the Danish fans, whose faces went from agony to ecstasy in a matter of minutes.

In the final period, Patrick Russell would score for Denmark off a rebound to give them a 3-1 lead and some breathing room. Norway would pull their goalie late and apply pressure, but it would be Russell again finding the net to book Denmark’s trip to the Games in less than 18 months.

SLOVAKIA

The Bronze medal winners from 2022 Slovakia were the strongest team heading into the qualifiers and had a point to prove. Missing some of their notable stars who are preparing for NHL training camps, Slovakia still showed their depth to defeat Kazakhstan by a 3-1 score.

Robert Lantosi would score on the powerplay to put the Slovaks up in the first period before Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavol Regenda doubled their lead shortly after. Slovakia controlled much of the game and went up 3-0 off a goal from Adam Liska. Kazakhstan would get on the board in the third period, but the Slovaks were too strong and powered to victory, qualifying for their eighth consecutive Winter Olympics.

Latvia, Denmark, and Slovakia Qualify for 2026 Winter Olympics - CARHA Hockey Over this past weekend, three countries would punch their tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy after winning their qualifier matchups. Latvia, Denmark, and Slovakia will join Canada, United States, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. The current questio...

If you could add any player to your favourite NHL team, who would you choose?

This is wonderful to see. Hockey is a Global Game!

I Went to an ICE Hockey Game in Africa! Today I travelled to my fifth continent to watch an ice hockey game in Africa! The Friendship League brings people from around the world together to play spo...

Well folks it is now September which means more ice is available and it's time to get your hockey bags out of storage and get ready for a big season of hockey!

Cartoon courtesy of Keith Milne

Opinion: Canadian Teams’ Goaltending Heading into NHL Training Camps

As NHL training camps approach, let’s assess the goaltending depth of the seven Canadian teams heading into the 2024-25 season. We’ve ranked the teams based on the current strength of their goaltending position, highlighting the starter, backup, and top prospect for each organization.

1. Winnipeg Jets

Starter: Connor Hellebuyck

The Jets are solid in goal with superstar netminder Connor Hellebuyck leading the way. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has consistently performed at an elite level since entering the league, showing no signs of decline. Winnipeg can confidently rely on Hellebuyck to keep them in games night after night.

Backup: Eric Comrie & Kaapo Kahkonen

The Jets bolstered their backup position by signing Eric Comrie and Kaapo Kahkonen this summer, creating healthy competition for the role behind Hellebuyck. With Hellebuyck expected to start at least 60 games, Comrie and Kahkonen will compete for the remaining starts.

Top Prospect: Thomas Milic

Milic made the jump to the AHL last season after an impressive WHL career, where he was named Top Goaltender and Playoff MVP. He also shined on the international stage, helping Canada win gold at the 2023 World Junior Championships. Milic just needs more reps in the AHL before he’s ready to make the leap to the NHL.

2. Vancouver Canucks

Starter: Thatcher Demko

As the season nears, Demko’s status remains uncertain as he rehabs a knee injury. Despite this, Demko is a top tier netminder who has been a Vezina Trophy finalist and a two-time All-Star. He continues to improve and is a key player for the Canucks.

Backup: Arturs Silovs

At just 23 years old, Silovs has shown significant promise, especially when stepping in during Demko’s absence last season. His steady improvement and clutch performances provide Vancouver with confidence in their depth.

Top Prospect: Nikita Tolopilo

Tolopilo, a towering presence at 6’6″ and 230 lbs, exemplifies the modern NHL goalie prototype. After excelling in Sweden, he performed well in his first AHL stint with Abbotsford. He is likely to start the season backing up Silovs while Demko recovers.

3. Edmonton Oilers

Starter: Stuart Skinner

Often overshadowed by Edmonton’s offensive stars, Skinner is a high-caliber goaltender who was instrumental in the Oilers’ run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024. He is a big, athletic netminder who sees a lot of action most nights.

Backup: Calvin Pickard

A seasoned journeyman, Pickard proved reliable in his backup role last season. His steady performance earned him a two-year contract with the Oilers this summer.

Top Prospect: Eemil Vinni

Selected in the recent draft, Vinni is a promising 18-year-old prospect. Known for his controlled play and elite edgework, Vinni is seen as a long-term project but has significant potential.

4. Ottawa Senators

Starter: Linus Ullmark

The Senators made a splash this offseason by acquiring Ullmark, the 2022-23 Vezina and Jennings Trophy winner. While there are questions about his ability to handle a full-time starter workload, his impressive stats speak for themselves.

Backup: Anton Forsberg

Forsberg had a challenging 2023-24 season, raising doubts about his long-term role. He remains capable of making key saves but will need to elevate his game and stay healthy to secure his spot.

Top Prospect: Mads Sogaard

Standing at 6’7″, Sogaard is an imposing figure who showed promise in the AHL last season. He has the potential to challenge Forsberg for the backup role behind Ullmark.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

Starter: Joseph Woll

Woll, at 6’4″, has shown potential when healthy, and with Ilya Samsonov gone, he is expected to take on a larger role this season. Despite Toronto’s challenging market for goaltenders, Woll has the upside to bring stability to the position.

Backup: Anthony Stolarz

Stolarz, coming off a Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers, will push Woll for playing time. At 6’6″ and 240 lbs, he’s one of the NHL’s biggest goaltenders and could share duties with Woll.

Top Prospect: Dennis Hildeby

The 6’7″ Hildeby impressed in his AHL rookie season, earning an All-Star Game appearance. He has the potential to earn an NHL call-up with a strong training camp.

6. Montreal Canadiens

Starter: Samuel Montembeault

Montembeault has had mixed results as Carey Price’s successor but has performed above expectations on a rebuilding team. Despite occasional inconsistencies, he has shown poise under pressure.

Backup: Cayden Primeau

Primeau has been up and down in his pro career but showed progress last season with a respectable .910 save percentage in the NHL. He combines sound technique with athleticism, capable of making spectacular saves.

Top Prospect: Jacob Fowler

Fowler had a standout freshman year at Boston College and helped Team USA win gold at the World Junior Championships. His explosive lateral movement and efficient play make him a promising future starter.

7. Calgary Flames

Starter: Dustin Wolf

Despite a tough season for the Flames, Wolf remains a highly talented goalie with the confidence and calm demeanor needed for the position. His smaller size (6’0″, 174 lbs) raises questions about his durability as a workhorse goalie.

Backup: Dan Vladar

Vladar enters the season as a question mark following inconsistent performances and off-season hip surgery. His size (6’5″) and athleticism give him potential, but he will need to regain form and stay healthy.

Top Prospect: Waltteri Ignatjew

A free agent signing this summer, Ignatjew is relatively unknown but has shown promise in Europe. At 6’4″, he brings size and presence, and his workhorse mentality makes him an intriguing prospect heading into camp.

https://carhahockey.ca/opinion-canadian-teams-goaltending-heading-into-nhl-training-camps/

The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by the terrible losses of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, and we express our sincerest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family.

Statement from NHLPA Executive Director, Marty Walsh: https://ply.rs/efwu0efhff2

Devastating news for the hockey community. Thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family in this difficult time. 🏒 ❤️

Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau have passed away. Johnny was 31, and Matthew was 29.

Quebec City has the 7th largest metropolitan area in Canada and their QMJHL club, the Quebec Remparts averaged close to 10,000 fans per game during the 2023-24 season according to HockeyDB, which led the entire Canadian Hockey League. The Remparts did this despite finishing with the second worst record in the QMJHL in a rebuilding year after their Memorial Cup championship the previous season.

Canadian Hockey League Average Attendance 2023-24
Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) - 9840
London Knights (OHL) - 8995
Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) - 8368
Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) - 7401
Kitchener Rangers (OHL) - 6261

Looking back at the Remparts Memorial Cup run in 2022-23, they drew a maximum capacity crowd of 18,259 in all three of their Home Games Vs Halifax in the league final. This is more than 20 NHL teams averaged this past season with only 12 NHL teams averaging a higher attendance.

When Quebec last had an NHL team, the Nordiques struggled at times to fill their arena, but absence has made the collective heart grow fonder. This is why Quebec City will continue to make its voice heard as a location that deeply desires another NHL team.

Of all the cities in the running for an NHL expansion team, Quebec City arguably has the most NHL-ready infrastructure right now and history of loving the game, even if there remain other questions about corporate support, the Canadian dollar and more. Plus, who wouldn't want to see a rekindled rivalry between Quebec City and Montreal?

It is time for the NHL to seriously consider bringing an expansion franchise back to Quebec City.

https://carhahockey.ca/opinion-quebec-city-the-nhl/

Throwback Thursday: Orleans Old Pumpers Hockey Club

Original Hockey Journal Publication,
September 1984
By Gerald Poulin

My involvement with the Orleans Old Pumpers began with a meeting at my home back in April 1981 with Marcel St-Germain. Marcel was a member of a team called the Orleans Florist. This team had been playing together for several years in Cumberland “just for fun” inviting other teams from the Ottawa area to play on Sunday nights.

Marcel, along with Gerry Ouellette and Yvan Maisonneuve had been dreamily planning to enter the team in the Florida Classic the following year. They wanted to establish the team on a strong organizational basis and with some fundraising possibly manage to play in Florida in April 1982.

Marcel and I sat down and wrote a set of rules which were sufficiently tight to ensure a sound administration of the team and yet loose enough not to tie it up in bureaucratic knots. Over the summer, the team had breakfast meetings at the Normandie Motel in Orleans and laid out plans for the following season. The team would continue to play Sunday nights in Cumberland with invited teams from the area and it would enter several local tournaments. All this was meant as preparation for the big trip and tournament in Florida.

An Executive Committee was chosen with Marcel St-Germin as Chairman, Gerry Ouellette as Treasurer, Yvan Maisonneuve as Director, and Gerald Poulin as Secretary and Team Representative. It was with some excitement that we became official members of COHA (now CARHA Hockey) and not too long afterwards all the players were sporting the symbol on their cars.

During the summer months, we held a very successful slow pitch ball tournament, and we discovered that a fundraising activity, carried out by all the team, did as much to make us “gel” as a team off the ice than many hours on ice.

Hockey activities started up in September and an objective evaluation of the team at that time would have graded it as “very average”. We played many exhibition games, lost more than we won, participated in several local tournaments, lost more than we won but we had fun. Old bones and muscles were slowly and painfully rediscovered and we made many friends in Oldtimers hockey.

Finally, in mid-April we flew to Florida and participated in the Classic. It was a memorable event. We played well and won the Silver Medal against the London Devils. This was the beginning of a friendship with the London team which continues on today.
We participated and won in the London tournament in 1982 again, but did not win in 1983. But getting back to Florida, many will no doubt remember the tournament party at the Bayshore where the French Canadians sang so many “chansons a repondre”, and for a while, our table was surrounded by many who wanted to and did join in the sing song. All in all, we came back from Florida with many good memories which have since been told and retold in hockey dressing rooms.

Upon our return, the Orleans Florist team was dismantled, and a nucleus of its players formed the Orleans Old Pumpers. The object of this new team was to prepare for the World Tournament in 1984.

A new executive was chosen, and new faces appeared on the team. Our sponsor was Mr. Gas himself and this explains the origin of our crest, which is a replica of an old gas hand pump. The team members thought the name Old Pumpers was most appropriate, and we do pump on the ice considerably although many try to deny it, hide it, or be proud of it, whatever.

The team chose its executive, G. Poulin as President, Elio Gualtiere as Treasurer, Bob Tuinlau as Secretary, eventually replaced by Jim Charlebois and several directors. Peter Schlitt was chosen as captain and for a period, we had Bob D’Aoust as coach, and Gerry Ouellette as assistant playing coach. The 1982-83 season in terms of hockey was excellent. We won many games, played in seven tournaments, won four gold medals, two silver medals, and participated in a Can-Am Tournament in Lake Placid, which we won quite easily.

At the beginning of the 1983-84 season, the team decided that it would defer its trip overseas by one year. This decision was painful for several player but, from a team perspective, it was necessary. It was felt that the team was not yet ready for this undertaking, and it was decided that we would participate in the Florida Classic the following year.

Thus far, we have played in a few tournaments including the Great Lakes Cup in London. We won the bronze medal in the Rideau Cup tournament in Ottawa, having lost in the semi-final to a bunch of older and wiser players called the Florida Eldergators. We hope to have a sweet revenge next year in Florida.

So, it goes with the Orleans Old Pumpers. This team had its ups and downs on and off the ice. In this sense, it is a typical Oldtimers team. When we lose, we rationalize the loss by saying we only play for recreation and when we win it is because we are so competitive, and we play this game in the most serious fashion. So lets admit it, this is part of the fun of Oldtimers hockey, we play to win and part of the fun when we lose is to place the blame on someone or something else; the more imaginative the more fun it is and I’m sure we’ll all agree that the ultimate is to blame the referees.

Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann participating in Paralympics after meteoric rise in Para rowing

Not even 2 years into new sport, he is already competing at the highest level

Whatever happens at his Para rowing event in the 2024 Paralympic Games, the 24-year-old is already feeling on top of the world.

"The fact that I've been able to get this far and be able to go out there is a pretty big accomplishment in my book already," he said after clambering out of his boat on an early morning rowing practice at Regina's Wascana Lake.

Wassermann headed to Rio de Janeiro in March for an international event that saw him upend expectations by getting a silver medal and qualifying for the Paralympics PR1 men's single event.

"It was a bit of a shock," he said.

The qualification meant he and his coaching staff had to hop into overdrive to train for this year's Paralympics.

"We're preparing five years earlier than what we were ready for."

Jacob Wassermann - Canadian Paralympic Committee Jacob Wassermann is a Canadian Para rower from Regina, Saskatchewan, set to make his Paralympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Born on January 9, 2000, Wassermann’s life changed dramatically when he survived the tragic […]

We are excited to showcase our incredible members throughout the hockey season, and we need your help to make it happen! Whether you're sharing recent highlights or reliving classic moments, we'd love to feature your updates, photos, and videos in our Rinkside Spotlight.

Send us your best content, and you could be highlighted in our upcoming features throughout the hockey season. We can't wait to celebrate your love for the game!

CARHA Hockey Teams Up with TomCats Women's Hockey for 2024 Learn-to-Play Program

🔗https://carhahockey.ca/carha-hockey-teams-up-with-tomcats-for-2024-learn-to-play-program/

Thank you NEXT SHIFT Hockey for all your great work in helping source out equipment for the upcoming season! 👏 🏒

Hockey Night in Brampton 2024 raises $14M for Brampton’s second hospital further solidifying Hockey Night in Brampton as not just a local favourite, but the largest charity hockey game in the history of Canada!

https://hockeynightbrampton.ca/hockey-night-in-brampton-2024-raises-14m-for-bramptons-second-hospital/

The City of Brampton hosted its annual Hockey Night in Brampton fundraiser on Wednesday night with the city announcing the event raised $14 million for the William Osler Health System Foundation.

The funds raised will go towards building a second full-service hospital and cancer centre in Brampton. The provincial government approved funding for the new Peel memorial Hospital in 2021 and under the province’s funding model the city and William Osler Health System must come up with a significant local share.

“Hockey Night in Brampton continues to be a highlight of the year for hockey fans of all ages and a fantastic way to rally the community around the exciting transformation of Peel Memorial,” said William Osler Foundation President and CEO Ken Mayhew in the city’s release.

https://www.bramptonguardian.com/news/star-studded-hockey-night-in-brampton-fundraiser-nets-14m-for-new-hospital/article_0cb1cf2d-d151-52d2-80d9-2718a28072d6.html

With the latest news of Keanu Reeves signing a 1-day contract with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, let's not forget his first feature film role was as Heaver, the Mustangs Goaltender in the 1986 beloved hockey film Younglood, featuring Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze.

Who is the best fictional hockey character of all-time? Let us know in the comments below.

Tournament Posting: 2024 Collingwood Aro Shipwreck Fall Classic

November 1-2, 2024, Collingwood, ON
Divisions: 45, 50, 55, WOMEN'S 35+
Host: COLLINGWOOD SHIPWRECKS HOCKEY

https://carhahockey.ca/tournaments/collingwood-aro-shipwreck-fall-classic/

Tournament Posting: 2024 Parksville Panters Fall Classic Tournament

September 10-12, 2024, Parksville, BC
THE 60+, 65+, 70+ AND 75+ DIVISIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
AN ADDITIONAL TEAM IS NEEDED IN THE 80+ DIVISION

https://carhahockey.ca/tournaments/parksville-world-classic-hockey-tournament/