Kent Valley Hockey Association

December 22^nd/23^rd Game Summaries

It Was an Exciting Weekend #15 for Kent Valley Hockey Association

KVHA Weekend #14 Game Summaries

Kent, WA December 10, 2007 – The sun was shinning in Kent, Washington over this past weekend, a welcome relief from wind, rain and snow the weekend before.  Teams from Nanaimo, B.C., Tri Cities and Spokane visited Kent Valley teams over the weekend, as well as the usual local league teams.  We also had a number of KVHA teams on the road.  The Squirt Selects played in the Spokane Winterfest Tournament and the Midget “B” Spartans played Saturday and Sunday games with a Midget team in Spokane.  Games amongst our own are always interesting and this past weekend included another “Battle of the Valley” as the KVHA Mite Hurricanes faced the KVHA Mite Lightning.  Write-ups on this and other KVHA activities can be reviewed by clicking upon the pdf icon on the right.  Enjoy!

Ice Angels “Extra Edge Power Skating” Coming to Kent Valley Ice Centre

Winter Storm Impacts Two KVHA Games

Kent, WA December 3, 2007 – The extreme Puget Sound weather resulted in only two game cancellations over the weekend.  The Midget “B” Spartans had two road games cancelled by teams they were traveling to play in Bremerton and Bellingham.  All other KVHA games went off as scheduled.  The U-16s, still solidifying their roster and getting to know each other, had an excellent outing on the road in Portland with three wins, two of them shut-outs.  KVHA’s win/loss record for the weekend was 9 wins, no ties, 2 losses and 2 cancellations.  The weekend’s game reports can be viewed by clicking upon the pdf icon on the right.  Enjoy!

West Coast Midgets Capture “A” Tournament Championship in Littleton, Colorado

Littleton, Colorado , November 26, 2007 – The West Coast (WC) Midgets flew into Denver for two reasons this past Thanksgiving weekend: they were looking for a little revenge for a loss two years ago to Littleton and to bring home the 1st championship of the season.  MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

Click upon the pdf icon on the right for the full story.

Kent Valley Squirts Ranked 4th Overall in B.C. According to “Hockey Now” Magazine

Vancouver, B.C. Canada, November 24, 2007 – The B.C. Edition of Hockey Now magazine posted the B.C. Minor Hockey Rankings in its November 24^th publication.  Among the rankings is one of our own KVHA teams.  The Kent Valley Rainier’s A1 team (aka KVHA Squirt Selects and formerly as the Starz) are ranked as 4^th in the Atom (Squirt) Division.  Lexi Doner, KVHA President, said; “The Kent Valley Rainier's are the only US team ranked in any division.  This is quite an accomplishment.”  The Rainier’s Team Manager, Glenn Kempf commented “It's nice to get the recognition.”

If KVHA members would like to see this team in action, the Squirt Rainier’s will practice at Kent Valley Ice Centre Saturday December 1^st at 4:00pm to 5:30pm, Sunday December 2^nd at 7:00am to 8:30am, and 12:00noon to 1:20pm.  The team is scheduled to play in the North Delta Minor Hockey Holiday Tournament December 27^th through 30^th and the Abbotsford Minor Hockey Holiday Tournament January 3^rd though 6^th.

The on-line edition of “Hockey Now” magazine can be viewed at the following link:

http://www.bchockey.com/fla/33_BCHNVol9No15Issue155112407.swf

Please be patient, the on-line magazine takes about a minute to download.  Congratulations to Coach Adam Kurtenbach and his team.  The rankings are noted below.

Kirkland, WA November 25, 2007 – The Thanksgiving holiday weekend got off to a bad start for the KVHA Squirt Lightning Friday afternoon when they played in game #1 of the SnoKing Squirt Rec Tournament at Kingsgate Ice Arena.  The Lightning were mauled by the Everett Jr. Silvertips 11 to 1.  Elliot Plourde scored the lone goal for the Lightning late in the third period of the tournament’s opening game.  The Jr. Tips received 2 penalties in the game.  The Lightning were penalty free.

Life on the ice got better for the Lightning on Saturday morning in tournament game #6 when they faced the SnoKing Jr. T-Birds Green team.  SnoKing won that game 2 to 0.  SnoKing’s 2 goals were both scored within a minute of each other midway through the 2^nd period.  SnoKing out shot the Lightning 11 to 9.  The officials assessed SnoKing 1 penalty and the Lightning none. 

The Lightning took the early lead in tournament game #9, their 3^rd game of the tournament as they met the SnoKing Jr. T-Birds Grey.  Elliot Plourde scored at 57 seconds into the first period and the Lightning had their first lead of the tournament.  Tom Speer shot the Lightning lead up to two goals at 4:06 of the first period with an assist from Nicklas Van Halder.  The two goal Lightning lead lasted less than two minutes as SnoKing Grey scored two goals to close out the 1^st period in a 2 to 2 tie.  SnoKing went on to score 3 more goals in the second period and 2 goals in the third to win the game 7 to 2.  The Lightning received their first penalty of the tournament during this game while SnoKing took two penalties.

After playing three games, the Lightning were ranked in 7^th place and scheduled to meet the SnoKing Jr. T-Birds Blue team, the 8^th place team, in tournament game #16.  SnoKing led off the scoring in that game.  The Lightning tied it up at 6:16 with a goal from Elliot Plourde.  SnoKing scored two goals in the second period ending the period with a 3 to 1 lead.  The Lightning mounted a comeback in the third period catching the Jr. T-Birds with unassisted goals from Nicklas Van Halder (3:04) and Tom Speer (10:32).  It was a tie game for almost 3 minutes until SnoKing spoiled the Lightning’s hopes with goals at 13:03 and 13:49.  Each team took 5 penalties during the game.  Shots on goal were even.

Although the Lightning lost all four tournament games, they came away with an award, the tournament’s “Sportsmanship” trophy.  In presenting the trophy, the tournament director noted that in addition to displaying excellent sportsmanship, the KVHA Lightning had been assessed fewer penalties than any other team in the tournament. 

Congratulations Lightning on your Sportsmanship award.  The “2007 SnoKing Squirt Invitational Tournament – Sportsmanship Trophy” is on display in the KVHA Office.

Thanksgiving Weekend at Kent Valley

Kent, WA November 25, 2007 – It was a quiet weekend at Kent Valley Ice Centre.  Practice was the norm for most KVHA teams.  It was an opportunity to reflect back on the past 12 weeks of the season and determine where we’re going for the balance of the season.  Much is planned.  Some teams are planning to participate in tournaments over the Christmas and New Years holidays.  There’s our KVHA 5^th Annual Auction on February 2^nd.  Many teams will be heading into league playoffs, regional and season-end tournaments.  We may even be hosting a tournament or two of our own here at Kent Valley Ice Centre.  Given all this activity, it was great to be able to pause and catch our breaths over this past weekend.

However, here’s something we might add to our list of activities.  I’ve just become aware of an event that we might consider celebrating.  It is USA Hockey’s Hockey Weekend Across America.

Hockey Weekend Across America will be celebrated in the United States Feb. 15-17, 2008.  While USA Hockey will lead the initiative, it will take the effort of all hockey entities across the country to put programs in place to truly make the effort a success.

In a nutshell, the objective of Hockey Weekend Across America is two-fold:

1. Celebrate our game and all involved in the sport throughout the nation using all means possible.
2. Provide opportunities for those who haven’t played hockey to try it, resulting ultimately in more people playing our game at all levels.

Following are a couple of links for additional information:

KVHA_HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica

HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com

Should KVHA participate?  Check it out and let us know what you think. 

The weekend’s game reports can be reviewed by clicking upon the pdf icon on the right.  Enjoy!

November 17^th & 18^th – A Mixed Bag of KVHA Weekend Wins, Losses and Ties.

Kent, WA November 17, 2007 – It was a busy weekend for Kent Valley Hockey Association (KVHA) at home and on the rode.  Games were played at Kent Valley Ice Centre, Tacoma, Spanaway, Everett, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Tri Cities.  Kent Valley Ice Centre hosted teams from Tacoma, Bremerton, Kirkland, Mountlake Terrace, Spokane and Surrey B.C.  The KVHA Squirt Starz Tournament Team hosted the team from Surrey, B.C. and entertained the visiting players and parents with a Saturday spaghetti feed catered by KVIC’s “On the Edge Café.”  A Surrey parent said; “We like coming to Kent, why wouldn’t we?  Where else do we get treated like this?”  I asked mothers of two Spokane Midget “B” players if they were enjoying their stay in Kent.  They too said they enjoyed coming to Kent Valley Ice Centre and spending the weekend in the Kent area.  So, win or lose, people like coming to Kent Valley Ice Centre and this past weekend was proof of that.  We’re making a name for ourselves and it appears to be a good one.  Congratulations, Kent Valley Hockey members for being such great hosts.  The weekend’s game reports can be viewed by clicking upon the pdf icon on the right.  Enjoy!

KVHA November 3^rd-4^th Game Summaries
Kent, WA November 6, 2007 – It was a unique and interesting weekend for KVHA as several of our teams were idle, several were on the road, and one of our U-16 players traveled to Chicago to participate in the Nike Bauer 2007 International Invite, the world’s largest AAA hockey tournament.  It was also the weekend where we all asked; “Where are the new jerseys?”  The jersey news is frustrating to say the least.  News about these and other KVHA activities are available for review by clicking upon the PDF icon on the right.  Enjoy!

Photo Days Cancelled – Will be Rescheduled

Kent, WA November 5, 2007 – Our November 10^th and 11^th “Photo Days” have been cancelled and will be rescheduled once we have a better idea on delivery of those new jerseys.  Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this unexpected cancellation may have caused.  We’ll keep you posted.  Trust us, the jerseys are coming…

Weekend Eight for Kent Valley Hockey

Kent, WA October 22, 2007 - With seven weeks behind us and some twenty weeks remaining in the Kent Valley Hockey Association’s (KVHA) 2007/2008 Hockey Season it is already looking like a great year for Kent Valley Hockey, and for that matter, for Hockey throughout the Pacific Northwest. KVHA enrollment is up and the Learn to Play Hockey Program is bulging at the seams; an indicator of building a strong foundation for the future.  Our hockey teams are competing well with their opposition at all levels rec through rep and players, coaches and parents alike are demonstrating excellent sportsmanship. The teaching of hockey skills is much improved and there is new emphasis on the physical fitness aspect of our sport. These are all important attributes for building the premier hockey program we all desire.

We enjoy documenting our performances, as well as those of our competition, and sharing them with everyone. There is no better place to do this than on the front page of our KVHA web site at www.KentValleyHockey.com. This week we highlight two recreation league performances. The first is in regards to the courageous play of KVHA Squirt Rec Hurricane Defenseman Jonathan Gonzales who answered the call to stand in goal for his team this Saturday in the absence of their regular goalie. Our second highlight, from the same game, focuses on the unselfish performance of Kitsap County’s Squirt Outlaws’ Captain Scotty Perkins. Both are documented in the lead article in the pdf at top right. Enjoy.

Kent Physical Therapy & Sports Performance Center Open for Business and Ready to Serve KVHA Members

Kent, WA September 5, 2007 - Kent Physical Therapy & Sports Performance Center (KPT&SPC) is open for business and ready to serve KVHA members, players, parents, affiliated family members, neighbors and friends.  KPT&SPC is providing discounted Off-Ice Training Packages specifically for KVHA members and their families.

KPT&SPC Off-Ice Training Packages Include:

Team Training:  Talk to your team’s manager about training as a team with KPT&SPC. 

Individual Training:  If you are enrolled with KVHA, you qualify for a discount with KPT&SPC.  Players can train more often than just with their team, or this is a great individual alternative if the player’s team does not train with KPT&SPC.  A 12 session package is available for $180.00.

Family Discounts:  Any player in KVHA can bring their siblings and PARENTS in to train at the discounted rate.

Parents Cardio:  Watch your player’s practices/games through the glass.  Use KPT&SPC’s cardio equipment for $3.00/use.  KPT&SPC has 16 spin bikes, treadmill, elliptical x-trainer, and a recumbent bike.

Standard Rates (non KVHA member):  Kent Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center offers 12 session packages for $220.00.

Please Note:  Adult/Parent/Guardian signature required prior to first session.  Please add 8.9% tax to all prices.

Kent Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center is a state-of-the-art sports rehabilitation and performance training center.  The facility features all the equipment and personnel to achieve their goal of “providing world-class, state-of-the-art care to the community.”  That community includes, of course, members of the Kent Valley Hockey Association (KVHA) and Kent Valley Figure Skating Club, who will now have access to physical therapy, injury prevention and off-ice training options unparalleled in the Northwest.  KPT&SPC plans to work with the Seattle Thunderbirds upon their arrival in Kent next year.

Bob Hamre (ATC, CSCS), photo left, is co-owner with Lance Miller (PT, CSCS) and Mike McLaury (PTA, ATC, CSCS) and is the face KVHA members will see most often in the center.  In addition to managing KPT&SPC, Hamre will serve as Strength & Conditioning Coach for KVHA’s U-16 team.  He is not without experience in this area having served four seasons as Trainer & Strength Coach for the Everett Silvertips.

Kent Physical Therapy & Sports-Performance Center physical therapists are certified strength and conditioning specialists.  They have experience in the design and implementation of safe and effective sport-specific training programs.  No matter what your age, sport or level of conditioning, KPT&SPC has the staff that can develop a training program that works for everyone.  They offer customized individual and team training options for KVHA members and the Kent community that include:

• Speed and acceleration
• Multi-directional speed and agility
• Explosive power
• Plyometrics
• Core training
• Three-dimensional stretching
• Rehabilitation
• Sports massage

The 4,000 square foot center occupies space that formerly housed the game room at KVIC.  For additional information on their programs, please contact Bob Hamre by phone at 253.852.4587 or via e-mail at bob@kentpt.com or kate@kentpt.com.

Lew Sellers, Director of Communications
Kent Valley Hockey Association
6015 South 240^th Street
Kent, Washington 98032
Cellular – 206-914-9619

KVHA’s “Elite” U-16 Team Focuses on Skill Development and Tournament Play

Kent, WA September 4, 2007 - With the first round of U-16 tryouts complete, Coach Les Grauer reports that he is pleased with the turnout and the high level of talent of the players participating in the inaugural program.  Grauer said 4 new players were added over the past weekend.  Grauer plans to hold the roster open until mid-September allowing interested players the opportunity to learn about the team and program.  Only a couple of positions remain to be filled.

KVHA’s inaugural U-16 team provides an exciting opportunity for players 16 and under to develop their hockey skills and participate with KVHA in the development of a nationally recognized hockey-skill development program.  The U-16 program will emphasize skill development with 3 to 4 weekly on-ice practices and 3 to 4 dry-land sessions through Kent Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center.  The U-16 team will play an all-tournament schedule as well as selected exhibition games.  The team will also bring in credentialed guest instructors to supplement their coaching staff. 

For additional details on this exciting opportunity, interested players are encouraged to contact Coach Les Grauer via e-mail at: Les@KentValleyIceCentre.com.  A registration packet is available at www.KentValleyHockey.com.

Kent Valley Ice Centre Inks Deal with Northwest Pro Hockey

Lew Sellers, Director of Communications
Kent Valley Hockey Association
6015 South 240^th Street
Kent, Washington 98032
Cellular – 206-914-9619

KVHA Names U-16 "Coaching/Development Team"

Kent, WA August 15, 2007 – Kent Valley Hockey Association (KVHA) has named Les Grauer Interim Head Coach of its U-16 team.  Les will act as head coach pending a continued search for a top candidate with appropriate credentials.  KVHA Management indicated that several excellent coaching prospects had been contacted or had expressed interest in the position.

The U-16 Coaching/Development Team Staff consists of:

Les Grauer, Interim Head Coach
Les is a University of Wisconsin Hall of Famer and is a 2-time MVP and Division 1 National Champion (1977.)  He is Director of Operations for Kent Valley Ice Centre.

Bob Hamre, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Bob is an ATC, CSCS, Former Trainer & Strength Coach with the Everett Silvertips (4 years) and is co-owner of Kent Physical Therapy & Sports Performance. 

Dawn Rutherford, Team Treasurer
Dawn is Secretary/Treasurer of Kent Valley Hockey Association and will handle all financial matters for the team.

KVHA’s inaugural U-16 team will provide an exciting opportunity for players 16 and under to develop their hockey skills and participate with KVHA in the development of a nationally recognized hockey-skill development program.  The U-16 program will emphasize skill development with 3 to 4 weekly on-ice practices and 3 to 4 dry-land sessions through Kent Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center.  The U-16 team will play an all-tournament schedule.  The team will also bring in credentialed guest instructors to supplement their coaching staff.

Registration is still open for players 16 and under who would like to become part of KVHA’s inaugural effort to field an elite “U-16” tournament team.  A registration packet is available at www.KentValleyHockey.com.

While tryouts are open and free to any interested participants, the facility will not be open to anyone not directly involved in the tryouts.  Additional dates and tryout times will be forthcoming.  The final roster will not be determined until mid-September.

For additional information please contact Les Grauer (Ext. 12) at Kent Valley Ice Centre (253) 850-2400.

Lew Sellers, Director of Communications
Kent Valley Hockey Association
6015 So. 240th Street
Kent, WA.  98032
(253) 854-3792 Home
(206) 914-9619 Cellular

PeeWee Tier-1 “AAA” Tryout Weekend August 4th & 5th in Kennewick

Posted from the WCHC web site by Lew Sellers
Kent Valley Hockey Association

Kent, WA. July 30, 2007 - Following is the Tryout schedule and information regarding the Tryout weekend.  Please E-MAIL player's registration and send in Tryout payment if you have not already done so.  This information is intended for those KVHA PeeWee age players desiring to tryout for the KVHA/WCHC Tier-1 “AAA” team.  Bantam and Midget age players are also invited to tryout for the WCHC Bantam and Midget teams.  Tryouts will be held at Rink B-Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington, on Saturday August 4th & 5th.

Please check-in 1 hour before first ice time.

Saturday Aug 4: Rink B

-  11:00 - 12:15 pm - KVHA Peewee Tournament Team (95-96) ice time
-  3:30 - 4:45 pm - Bantam ice time
-  5:00 - 6:15 pm - Midget ice time
-  6:30 - 7:45 pm - KVHA Peewee Tournament Team (95-96) ice time
-  8:00 - 9:15 pm - Bantam ice time
-  9:30 - 10:45 pm - Midget ice time

Sunday Aug 5: Rink B

-  6:30 - 7:45 am - KVHA Peewee Tournament Team (95-96) ice time
-  8:00 - 9:15 am - Bantam ice time
-  10:00 - 11:00 am - KVHA Peewee Tournament Team (95-96) players: Individual player meetings
-  11:00-12:00 pm - Bantam players: Individual player meetings
-  12:00 - 1:00 pm - KVHA Peewee Tournament Team (95-96) parents meeting.  This meeting is for the SELECTED Peewee player's parents. We will discuss the joint operating agreement that has been established with KVHA as it affects the upcoming season.
-  12:30 - 1:45 pm - Midget ice time
-  2:15 – 3:15 pm - Midget players: individual player meetings. 

Note:   Midget & Bantam team meeting: This meeting will be for the SELECTED Midget & Bantam player's parents and will be held during the first practice weekend of the Fall Season in September. Your team's season is not directly affected by the joint operating agreement with KVHA as you are fully WCHC. The season's upcoming schedule, fees (if not confirmed before try-outs), etc. will be disseminated before the first practice weekend as in previous years.

Additional information is available on the West Coast Hockey Club web site at:

www.WestCoastHockey.org 

Kent Valley Hockey Association Partners with Seattle Starz Hockey Club

By Lew Sellers
Kent Valley Hockey Association

Kent, WA. July 20, 2007 - Kent Valley Hockey Association (KVHA) is pleased to welcome the Seattle Starz Hockey Club to this partnership.  The partnership allows the Starz to build on the success they've already enjoyed as an independent Spring program and provides KVHA with a Squirt AAA team to join their Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget AAA teams.

The Seattle Starz, established in 2005, are an elite hockey team of 1997 birth year players that just completed a 15-1-2 record winning the Kelowna "Spring Heat" Championship and the Bronze Medal at the prestigious Challenge Cup, held in Vancouver B.C.  The third-place finish was the highest attained by any U.S.-based team and was earned against elite teams from throughout Alberta and British Columbia.  Recently, several Starz players competed at the Whistler International All-Star Hockey Tournament and helped to win the Gold Medal Championship in the '97 division.

The KVHA-Starz partnership will allow elite hockey players from throughout the Pacific Northwest to pursue the dream of playing for USA Hockey National Championships.  Starz Manager, Glenn Kempf, said: "The combined experience of the KVHA leadership team and the passion and commitment of the Starz players and coaches is an ideal match going forward.  Our "Players First" philosophy is shared by KVHA President, Lexi Doner, and Executive Director, Les Grauer, and has provided the framework for making this partnership a reality."

KVHA Management, commented: "Having the Starz call Kent Valley home is a vital piece in establishing KVHA as the premier hockey development organization in the Pacific Northwest.  We are looking forward to continuing the development of these passionate and committed athletes and to help them reach their full potential"

The team begins training camp on August 24th with the season opener scheduled for October 6th.  The Starz will play a series of tournaments and exhibitions against premier teams from Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.  The team will practice at Kent Valley Ice Center under the leadership of Head Coach, Adam Kurtenbach.

Please contact Les Grauer, (253) 850-2400 Ext. 12, if you have any questions or desire additional information about the Starz/KVHA partnership.

• KVHA now provides a top-level competitive team option for players,
  
• Increased resources, enrollment and revenues to the KVHA program,
  
• Provides a strong running start on use of the 2^nd sheet of ice at Kent Valley Ice Centre,
  
• Top players no longer need to leave KVHA to play on the best teams.