Noel Klassen honoured during Osgoode Richmond Minor Hockey Romans virtual AGM
The Osgoode Richmond Minor Hockey Association wrapped up their 2019-20 season with a virtual AGM and awards presentation held on the Zoom webinar platform.
Noel Klassen of the Osgoode Rideau Major Midget Romans was the winner of the Andrew “Diesel” Winnicki Memorial Cup, presented annual to a Romans player who has conducted himself or herself in a respectful and exemplary manner throughout his or her minor hockey career. The player must have a true passion for the game, display good character on and off the ice, show dedication and respect to his or her teammates and coaching staff, and be a recognized leader on the team, not just in points.
Also recognized as the Osgoode Richmond Minor Hockey Association Volunteer of the Year Award winner Doug Wolfe.
On the ice, the year was a successful one for the Romans. Playing in the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association B League. Six of the seven teams finished with winning records and reached the “A Side” playoffs. The Major Atom Romans pulled off an upset in the first round as they finished in seventh place and proceeded to knock off second place Stittsville in the first round.
The playoffs ended early because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In tournament play, the Minor Atom Romans were finalists in the Bell Capital Cup and the Green Mountain Avalanche Hockey Tournament. The Major Atoms won tournament championships in Quebec City and Jay Peak, VT. The Minor Pee Romans were winners of the Blues Capital Classic and the Winter Classic hockey tournaments while being finalists in the Kings Rebellion Hockey Tournament. The Major Midget Romans were the Recharge with Milk Hockey Tournament champions.
The association’s survey was also reviewed. Findings were the 65 per cent of those who responded to the survey feel their player had a positive experience and saw their skills progress. Eighty-seven per cent felt their coaches had a positive impact on their players.
Import players from outside the district were also discussed. For the B League, the maximum number of imports is four players-goalies. The district import regulations have been changed for 2020-21 to two players plus one goalie per team. The Romans competitive teams will be restricting imports at the Atom and Pee Wee levels to develop local talent.
Looking ahead to the 2020-21 minor hockey season, registration for the Osgoode Richmond Minor Hockey Association has been delayed until further notice. The association is waiting on additional information from Hockey Canada and Hockey Eastern Ontario.
Head coaches who have been appointed for the 2020-21 season are Mike Saunders (Minor Atom/U10), Brad Bignucolo (Major Atom/U11), Mark Shewfelt (Minor Pee Wee/U12), Joe Baressi (Major Pee Wee/U13), Keith Warnock (Minor Bantam/U14) and Todd Downey (Major Midget/U18). There are vacancies for the Major Bantam/U15 and Minor Midget/U16 teams.
