Hockey New Brunswick

National Volunteer Week: Bob Keays

Hockey New Brunswick would like to highlight volunteer Bob Keays and his outstanding work with Officials in the province of New Brunswick. Bob was named the 2017 Hockey New Brunswick Volunteer of the year and was instrumental in bringing the Don Koharski Official Development Camp to the Saint John area. Bob also introduced an Officiating Committee in Region 4, which was very proactive in providing support and development for officials. “Bob joined us this year and has done an amazing job with our referees. He has worked tirelessly booking refs for games and tournaments; mentored the younger referees and provided clinics all while bring the Referee in Chief for the Saint John Youth Association. One association is a lot to handle, but Bob did this for two associations and has been a pleasure to have on our board”, said Lancaster Minor Hockey President Kelly DeLucry. “Bob also organized a “Hockey Blood Drive” in Southern NB through the Canadian Blood Services which was a huge success during the holiday season.” For all of your contributions to the game of hockey, refereeing and going above and beyond, Hockey New Brunswick celebrates Bob Keays during National Volunteer Week.

HNB National Volunteer Week: Mike Burrell

National Volunteer Week: Mike Burrell Hockey New Brunswick would like to highlight volunteer Mike Burrell (North Hampton, NB) for his contributions to Hockey New Brunswick’s High-Performance Program. Mike has served many roles with many different teams over the years with a lot of his experience in hockey coming with the MHL’s Woodstock Slammers as their Equipment Manager, the HNB High Performance Program for many years and has also worked with the High School and Junior C teams in his community. Mike has also served as a role model for up-and-coming equipment managers in the QMJHL, AUS and Hockey New Brunswick High Performance Program. “Anyone who knows Mike knows that ensuring that his players have all of their equipment needs looked after is just one small part of his contribution to our youth. Mike is a very proud man and his pride is contagious amongst our players. Our dressing room is always impeccable, and this attitude of respect is emulated by our players. Mike is always there to guide his players and help instill the rights ethics and values that will serve them well; long after their active playing career”, said Eric Bissonnette, former High-Performance Program Coach and colleague. Bissonnette also said “For one, I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Mike on many occasions including the Canada Games in 2015. The unselfishness and “team first” attitude the he displayed is commendable. The number of hours and attention to details that Mike puts in, in order to make a difference for the staff and players is remarkable. Anyone who was lucky enough to be on his team is blessed and better for it.” For all of your contributions to the game of hockey, going above and beyond, Hockey New Brunswick celebrates Mike Burrell during National Volunteer Week. Hockey New Brunswick National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week

Hockey New Brunswick Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Volunteering is often seen as a selfless act; a person gives their time, skills, experience and passion to help others, without expecting anything in return. And while volunteering is a form of service, many volunteers will tell you that “you get more than you give”. From opportunities to develop new skills, to finding deep and meaningful connections; the magic of volunteering is that it creates social and economic value for all.

“Province-wide, more than 3,000 people volunteer with Hockey New Brunswick, and their passion and dedication is invaluable to the sport,” says Todd Pye, Hockey New Brunswick president. “On and off the ice and behind the scenes, volunteers ensure our youth have positive experiences and opportunities for growth. We want to thank not only HNB volunteers, but express our gratitude for all volunteers who commit time and resources to improving our communities.”

This year, during National Volunteer Week. Hockey New Brunswick will be recognizing individuals for their outstanding volunteer work for our organization each day.

National Volunteer Week is April 19^th- 25^th. Join us in celebrating all out of hockey- crazed volunteers for going above and beyond each time we step foot into the area. Please share your posts thanking volunteers in your community online through Hockey New Brunswick’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages using the hashtags #MakeHockeyMore and #NVW2020.

HNB Award deadline!!

It’s time to nominate deserving volunteers! At a difficult time like this, I am sure our volunteers would love to be recognized! Please click on the link below and send nominations to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

Deadline to submit award nominations is: April 10th, 2020 .

https://hnb.ca/en/hnb/events/awards-and-scholarships

February Coach of the Month

Shannon Melanson (Moncton Minor Hockey Association) chosen as Hockey New Brunswick Coach of the Month for February.

Hockey New Brunswick is happy to announce that Shannon Melanson of the Moncton Minor Hockey Association’s Atom C Hawks has been selected as the Hockey New Brunswick Coach of the Month for February.

“Shannon is a passionate, devoted coach and caring individual who truly demonstrates his love for the team. He starts every season by bringing the parents and players together and believes the foundation to a good team is to become a big family” said one parent. “Shannon helps each player believe in themselves and how to play as a team. Coach drafts players based off their desire to play, learn and work hard and not just on their level of play. Win or lose, Shannon has taught his players to respect the game and their opponents.”

One coach said that the Moncton Hawks and the coaching staff of the Atom C Moncton Hawks were “Very modest and very respectful” during a tournament game where the score was starting to run away.

Shannon will receive a Bauer coaching bag, a Coach-Mate coaching board, HNB apparel and a year subscription to the Hockey Canada Network App. To nominate your coach for Coach of the Month, please Click Here.