A Tribute to My Father In Loving Memory of Raymond Laurence Tucker November 9, 1931 – February 23, 2013

“My Father was someone who gave me the tools I needed to build my life, the knowledge I needed to use them successfully, the encouragement to overcome life’s obstacles, and the confidence to take pride in a job well done.”

My Father lived his life with intelligence, honesty, and integrity and with a very straight forward approach. Growing up on Little Bay Islands, Newfoundland, my Father was no stranger to hard work and spent most of his life on the Atlantic Ocean, both fishing and carrying freight on a schooner along the north – east coast of Newfoundland. At the early age of 49, he was forced to retire due to illness but had already worked nearly 36 years of his life!

Growing up I developed a passion for the game of hockey but it certainly didn’t resonate from my Father. He had very little interest if any in the sport. He paid very little attention to my youth hockey playing or later my career aspirations to be involved in the game of hockey. Conversely, I had very little affection or interest in the fishery and making a living from being on the ocean. I have often joked over the years with friends…that the water I like...it’s the frozen stuff…what you can put in your drink or skate on!

Nevertheless, I feel truly blessed because my Father motivated me and enriched my life in so many ways with his steady actions, and strong words of wisdom. Even though we have made our living from completely different spectrums of the working worlds, I have incorporated many of his philosophies and principles on life into my Tucker Hockey business world and my own day to day living.

Always say thank you and show appreciation.

Be independent - your own man – paddle your own canoe.

Think with your own head.

Stand firm on your beliefs - don’t sell yourself out for anything or anyone.

Live by the Golden Rule – do on to others as you would have them do on to you.

Keep your word – it’s everything.

Appreciate and value a good day’s work – never leave a job unfinished.

Always do your best work.

Listen to and take care of your body.

Always save for a rainy day.

Don’t let the highs get too high and the lows get too low.

Take life one day at a time – make the best of the cards you are dealt.

Know what it is you want in life and go after it.

Over the years I have valued my Father’s many lessons on the facts of life. He has instilled into me the will to succeed and for this I am forever grateful. I cherish the wonderful memories we had together. Heartfelt thanks to my friend, my mentor, my Father. Rest in Peace.

Calgary Flames now Calgary Flickers?

In the Spring / Summer 2012 Hockey Zones edition I wrote the following:

…The time has come for the Flames organization to do a major re-building, not a “reload” or “tweaking”. The current team is not close to being a serious playoff team and potential Stanley Cup contender. The team must acquire some top end offensive skilled players, otherwise the losing pain will continue year after year. Players such as Bouwmeester and Iginla should be traded for draft picks…The Flames must also inject more youth into the team. Kids like Baertschi, Backlund, Brodie…should be given more ice time and a more important role next season…

On Friday April 19^th I attended the Flames game against the Anaheim Ducks. It was Miikka Kiprusoff’s final game of the season on home ice...maybe his last game as a Calgary Flame? The fans were aware and showed their support and appreciation with a standing ovation during the last 2 minutes of the game. For this writer, it was the top hi-light – a very special moment - in a very disappointing Flames season. Kipper stopped 32 shots and received the 1^st star of the game from a Flames 3 to 1 victory. Will Kipper be back next season? It’s one of many questions facing the Flames organization and fans who turn their focus towards next September.

Reflecting back on this shortened lockout season, new Coach Bob Hartley did bring a refreshing puck pressure, higher tempo, and more entertaining game for Flames fans. At the start of the season like every new coach of a team, Coach Hartley was getting to know his players. After 20 games into the season Hartley realized he did not have the talent or size to excel. Really folks?... did the Flames have a No: 1 line this past season? When we look at the other 29 teams in the league the Flames probably had the worst No: 1 line!  As well, there were too many 3^rd liners on the team.

Coach Hartley is a very demanding and savvy coach; it will be a much different Flames team on the ice next October. You heard it here! The team needs to be younger, faster, have more size, play more physical and show more grit. Coach Hartley is now cognizant of the character and talent in the Flames dressing room. He will have a greater influence on the make up of the team going forward. Changes will be blowing in the wind this Summer!!

After not making the playoffs for the 4th season in row, the Calgary Flames organization have some important questions to answer to rebuild this franchise and bring back a winning team to the city. Here are a few thoughts that come to mind. I am sure you have many others!

What is the main goal of the Flames organization?

In the past, ownership and management had over-valued some of the talent on the team and now is the time to make some more progressive and major changes post Iginla era. The organization plans to retool the team with the expectations to make the playoffs next season.  A lofty goal indeed to maintain fan interest and enthusiasm but how realistic is this? The Montreal Canadiens finished near the bottom of the NHL standings in 2012 and turned it around this season to win the North - East Division! So it can be done… but the Flames will have to make some bold and progressive moves!  They will need to win the lottery in the free agent market and their young guns must truly start to excel next season. The team possesses assets it did not have last year including three  - 1^st round picks in the NHL entry draft as well GM Jay Feaster finally has some salary cap room to play with (approximately $20M+). He can finally start to mould the team to his and Coach Hartley’s likings. Next season’s salary cap is estimated at $64.3 Million and the Flames owners are prepared to max the cap!

Who will be the new Captain of the Flames?

Maybe one of last season’s alternates - Mark Giordano, Mike Cammalleri, Curtis Glencross? Or maybe someone else like Dennis Wideman or a proven winner from the free agent market to provide the necessary team leadership? Personally, I would like to see Mark Giordano wear the C. He plays with heart every shift!

Do they make a bold move or two? Trade Cammalleri (1 year at $6 million) and / or Tanguay (3 years at $3.5 million) or buy them out?

Under the new CBA each team has two freebie buyouts, this off season or next, each team can let loose 2 players at a cost of 2/3 salary with a zero salary cap residue. Yes, the timing maybe right to buyout one or maybe both of the veterans or package them in a trade or multiple trades. However, it may be difficult to trade Cammalleri because his production is not in line with his contract. The Flames may have to pay a portion of his salary to make any trade work.

How do they fill the void and acquire a No: 1 Center on the team?

Can this be done with a major trade or via free agency? Probably a trade package will work best. Players like

Cammalleri, Tanguay, Sarich, Babchuk, Jackman or even Horak could be potential trade bait.

What to do with the goaltending situation?

Kipper it seems will not return and finish the last year of his contract for $1.5 million. The team must start planning for the near future - when the No: 1 goalie will not be Kipper. Joey Macdonald who they re-signed is a very capable back-up but can he be a seasoned starter?  The Flames have some very good prospects in Karri Ramo, KHL and Reto Berran, a Swiss goalie; Edmonton Oil Kings star Laurent Brossoit and Joni Ortio, a prospect from Europe as well. Will any of them rise up to be the No: 1 guy or will the Flames have to trade for a No: 1 goalie?  They certainly need to improve their overall team defence (2nd worst goals against in the league) and stabilizing the goalie position is of paramount importance.

What Free Agents do the Flames re-sign?

The most significant Flames restricted free agents are Aliu, Backlund, Bouma, Butler, Brodie, Bryon, Cervenka, and Cundari. The top priorities are Backlund and Brodie. They should also resign Aliu, Butler, Cervenka and Cundari. Cervenka needs a second chance – the challenges of a shortened season and adapting to the North American way of life limited his success and overall effectiveness. However, only do it with an incentive laden deal! The most significant unrestricted free agents are Begin, McGratton, Babchuk, Carson, Irving, and Taylor. They should resign only Begin. Let the others test the free agency market.

Who do they pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft?

Over the past 25 years the Flames have never picked in the top 5 of the NHL Entry draft. This year they will pick 6^th overall and have 3 picks in the 1^st 30 choices. They must deliver on some very good selections. They need to draft someone who can make the roster now. For their first pick at the No: 6 position, several top prospects should still be available such as Sean Monahan, Center, Ottawa 67’s who is 6’2” and 186 pounds. He is described as a big pivot who will take some time to make a big impact with his offensive game still developing. Elias Lindholm, Center, Bryon, Swedish Elite League, who is 6’0” and 185 pounds. He is a well rounded centre and uses great hockey sense to read the play and his vision is elite. Frederick Gautheir, Center, Rimouski, 6’5” and 210 pounds is a 2 way centre who has both the size and skating ability. The amateur scouting staff must do their due diligence prior to the draft date.

Will they aggressively pursue the free agent market?

Do they go after two or three of the following players? Centres like Patrik Elias, Mike Ribeiro, Derek Roy, or Stephen Weiss. Right Wingers like Pierre Marc Bouchard, Nathan Horton, Michael Ryder, or Pascal Dupuis. Left Wingers like Brendan Morrow, Ryane Clowe, Clarke MacArthur, Dustin Penner, Mason Raymond, or Viktor Stalberg. Defensemen like Ron Hainey, Ryan Whitney, or Douglas Murray.  Goalies like Antero Niittymaki, Cristobal Huet and Alex Auld? The free agent list is slim this off season especially the goalie list! However, the problem may be – do any of these free agents want to play for a rebuilding team like Calgary or rather a guaranteed playoff team or potential Stanley Cup contender?

In Conclusion:

It seems like everything is on the table during the off season for progressive changes and advancement! The time has come for the Flames organization to do some major re-building work. The denial days are finally over!  The Flames must inject more youth, speed, physicality and grit into the team. Kids like Baertschi, Backlund, Brodie, Reinhart et al should be given more important roles next season. After that, roster improvements will have to definitely come through free agent signings or a few trades. The Flames have to take a few calculated risks! Yes indeed, Jay Feaster is still the man who can rebuild the current Flames roster and to get this team more competitive and later into the playoffs. However, we live in a very results orientated NHL world and the Flames fan base want positive changes and a competitive team soon not 5 years down the road. Say tuned. It will be a very interesting off season has management and the coaching staff tackles the rebuilding process. Time and patience will be two key words over the next couple of years.

Basic Tips To Help Players of All Ages Improve Hockey IQ / Smarts On The Ice

• Make sure your skates fit properly - usually 1:5 size smaller than your shoe size.
• Be aware of your weight on your skates – it should be on the middle of your blades.
• Maintain a deep knee bend when you are skating – the Sidney Crosby hockey stance is ideal.
• Proper stick length – below the chin when the tip of the stick is on the ice.
• Keep your stick on or very near to the ice.
• Keep 2 hands on the stick especially when handling the puck in traffic.
• When handling the puck, keep your shoulders and arms loose, and arms away from your body for improved puck handling skills.
• There are 3 ways to start up in hockey i.e. t – start, v- start and crossover start. The most effective and most popular is the v – start.
• Always face the play / puck, try to avoid turning your back to the puck.
• Keep your head on a swivel – be alert on the ice.
• Head up at all times - beware of the danger zone – 3 to 4 feet off the boards. Avoid getting hit from behind – Safety first!
• Communicate with your teammates – make eye contact and talk on the ice.
• Know when to stride (keep your feet moving) and know when to glide (save ice) and read / anticipate the play.
• Know the short game (stops and starts) vs. the long game (crossover / glide turns) to maximize flow on the ice.
• Want the puck – track the puck’s movement on the ice with relentless effort and speed. Be an active participant (around the puck) and not a spectator (watching and wondering what just happened!).
• When receiving the puck accelerate with speed.
• Drive over the blue line with speed – go hard to the net.
• Take more shots on net – Gretzky said “You will always miss with the shots you don’t take”.
• Don’t go behind the net after a shot on net - always stop in front of the net and look for the rebound or a loose puck.
• Play a 200 foot game – skate hard and smart in all 3 zones.

Check Out Our Current Programs 

Concussion Awareness - Minor Hockey Week

Esso Minor Hockey week will run from January 11th to January 19th, 2013. It is recognized as the largest ice hockey tournament in the world. The tournament has brought Calgary teams together for over 40 years and this year will be Esso’s 34th year as title sponsor. The tournament is prestigious in the minds of so many Canadian kids. It’s a chance for players from novice to junior levels to get together for fun and competition.

No event of this size could run smoothly without a dedicated group of volunteers, parents, officials and players. So hats off to the countless number of volunteers each year who provide the kids in Calgary and across Canada with the opportunity to play. Over the week, more than 600 teams and 12,000 players ranging in age from 7 to 21 will take to the ice for this annual tournament. In addition 2,500 coaches and 4,000 volunteers will be involved to make sure the event runs smoothly.

Esso Minor Hockey week is just one example of how hockey is such a prominent part of the Canadian identity. As mentioned in a previous article published in the winter 2012 issue of Hockey Zones Newsletter the state of Canadian minor hockey as we know it today may look quite different in the next decade or so. Hockey Canada’s membership peaked in 2008-09 when it hit 585,000 registered players. However, enrolment is dropping by a little more than 1% a year, or 8,000 players, on the average, per year. The myth is that most Canadian boys play hockey, however, the reality is that the numbers are falling. Only 15.7%, or 1 in 6.4 boys, actually play the game in Canada. If the trend of young males deciding not to play hockey continues, the numbers are expected to continue to lower in the years ahead.

The Concussion Situation:

One of the major reasons behind the predicted reduction in minor hockey registrations is the perception of hockey as an increasingly violent sport in the public’s eye. Hockey is often portrayed as a violent sport based primarily on the contact aspect, otherwise known as checking. With an increase of player concussions and enhanced media coverage this only magnifies the violent perception and issue within our game. This violence is enhanced and glorified in video games.

Vision is not seeing things as they are but as they will be. Therefore, Hockey Canada became proactive and took a strong initiative this hockey season. It started a progressive awareness / education campaign to help keep players safe in our great game, as well as to sustain and to help grow player participation across our country. The theme is “Be Respectful of Everyone on the Ice”. Team Canada Alumnus Sydney Crosby, who has seen his own career derailed by concussion problems, endorses and supports the New Concussion Awareness Campaign.

Sidney Crosby states “I feel very fortunate that hockey has been part of my life since I was very young and admire Hockey Canada’s commitment to educating families and players about all aspects of the game. It is important to always give your best effort and yet always be respectful of everyone on the ice. Be smart, stay safe and have fun.”

Source: Hockey Canada Website

HOCKEY CANADA HAS LAUNCHED FREE CONCUSSION AWARENESS
APPS FOR SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS

The Hockey Canada Concussion Awareness apps are available in both English and French, with versions for adults and kids. The apps include a variety of resources and information on concussions, focusing on prevention, respect, rules, symptoms and return to play protocol. All these apps are available for Blackberry, iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded free on several websites and platforms including www.HockeyCanada.ca, Blackberry’s App World, iTunes and Google Play Store.
“This app has a variety of very useful information on concussions for parents, players, officials and volunteers,” said Hockey Canada President and CEO Bob Nicholson. “Download this app to your phone or tablet today, and you will have concussion information on prevention, rules, symptoms and ‘return to play’ protocol at your fingertips.”
One version of the Hockey Canada concussion awareness app was developed for kids, and is a great tool to teach children how to prevent concussions through respect and playing by the rules. The app also puts important concussion information into easy to follow information for young players. It also contains an interactive game that features Hockey Canada's mascot, Puckster.
This Hockey Canada initiative is part of a national project bringing together Hockey Canada, ThinkFirst Pensez d’Abord Canada (TFC), a program of Parachute, leaders in injury prevention, the Canadian Centre for Ethics and Sport (CCES) and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The project is aimed at reducing brain injuries in team sports in Canada and is funded in part by the federal government through its Active and Safe Initiative.
The project partners envision a country where all Canadian children and youth have access to safe team sport activities. It is expected that in collaboration with Canadian governments and their community partners, they can accomplish much over the next few years by focusing its collective efforts. For more information on Hockey Canada, its programs and concussion awareness or download the new concussion awareness app, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca/apps


In the true spirit of Esso Minor Hockey week let’s play hard, let’s play to win, let’s play to have fun but most importantly let’s play safe!! Safety First! Let’s make every effort to minimize concussions in the game!

Check out our current programs at: http://www.tuckerhockey.com/upcomingprograms.asp!