The Silent Ice Center is a beacon in the night, where hockey isn’t just played; it’s lived. Recently, it was home to a shining example of how the sport can be inspirational, educational, and profoundly charitable.
The Junior Prospects Hockey League 15U AAA Draft Series. This unique year-end tournament brought together five newly formed teams coached by staff from HC Edmonton, Titans Hockey Union, Calgary Rockies, Langley Hockey Academy, and Coquitlam HC- The twist? Coaches weren’t allowed to select players from their clubs. Everyone had to adapt- new voices for the players, new players for the coaches and new numbers for the broadcasters.
“I think it’s a great experience and it’s a good idea,” stated Manny Aboagye, who usually plays for HC Edmonton. “You get to meet new people, make new connections.”
Each team also played for more than a trophy. They represented causes that matter:
Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS)
Little Warriors
Hope Mission
Children’s Cottage Society
Fostering Hope Animal Rescue
“Every dollar counts, every single donation matters,” explained Marc Majeau of Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS). “Whether it’s food, whether it’s money, whether it’s a pair of clean underwear, so clothing drives, food drives, monetary donations, all that stuff matters.”
This looks to be a fun, end-of-the-year tournament on the ‘ice surface’, but it’s much deeper than that.
It was a lesson in gratitude and giving back. Players learned that hockey is a privilege, and their platform can help make a difference. Every team fundraised for their chosen organization. Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment sweetened the pot by donating $1,000 to the winning team’s charity, Children’s Cottage Society, led by Langley coaches Matt Keith and Mike Mandzuk.
“Teenagers are faced with far more challenges than ever before, and I think they need to hear that same message, that they don’t have to struggle alone, that it’s a strength to ask for help,” expressed Children’s Cottage C.E.O. Danielle Ladouceur. “It’s a very valued support for us to know that youth care about families and care about supporting families and children’s futures.”
The Draft Series challenged everyone- players, coaches, and broadcasters- to step out of their comfort zones. In doing so, they formed new bonds, friendships, and unforgettable memories.
“Probably Zeno Seipert,” replied Hudson Deren when 4Vengeance Media play-by-play voice Tyler Wowk asked about getting to know an opponent. Deren with HC Edmonton and Seipert of Langley HC were Fostering Hope Animal Rescue teammates during the Draft Series. “Me and him were going back and forth all year and now he’s on my team we’re having fun we’re on the same line and we get to have more fun like that.”
“I’m not going to lie, we hated each other,” chuckled Seiprt, who hails from Budapest, Hungary. “Now we’re just loving it.”
The intensity picked up with every shift. Former teammates became rivals. The competitive spirit took over. But through it all, the event’s spirit remained: unity, fun, and purpose.
“It’s funny you get some people out of the comfort zone and you’re seeing different components of their game that you might not have noticed all year,” explained Silent Ice Sports and Entertainment Vice-President of Sport and Programming Tyrel Spitzer, who provided colour analysis on championship Sunday. “It’s really cool to see, and I’ve seen that from a number of players this weekend.”
Among the standouts: three HC Edmonton players-Manny Aboagye, Boston Matter, and Leland Brokop-joined the JPHL’s elite Triple Crown club, having won the Draft Series, Bauer Winter Championship, and JPHL Prospects Cup all in the same season.
And goaltender Nevan Coburn? He won three times in one weekend-surpassing his regular season total-and was a wall in net, just like he was all year for Coquitlam HC.
The cherry on the ‘charity-filled Sunday’ was Nevan Coburn’s defeat of his Coquitlam coaching staff in the championship game, earning him bragging rights all off-season.
“It’s always great to beat your coach,” said Coburn post-championship. “I know a bunch of my teammates are very excited about it.”
A weekend win for everyone on and off the ice, which is what hockey should always be, regardless of the score.
