On Tuesday, April 9 the Vancouver Island Ladies Field Hockey Association honoured and celebrated our 2023-24 annual award winners, hosted at the Juan de Fuca Recreation centre. The awards celebration was held in conjunction with the Spring General Meeting.

The VILFHA executive and team representatives are pleased to announce this year’s award winners highlighted by Hibbert Trophy Most Outstanding Player winner and Division 3 Most Valuable Player Lisa Adamschek, of the Oak Bay Demons. The Christine Trophy that best combines service, ability and sportsmanship was shared by Alanna Martin, of the Cowichan Stellers, and Jen Swaile, of the Rebels Rogues. The Foley Shield for most improved umpire went to Sarah Solaczek, of the Rebels Renegades, while the Trelawney Shield for the Top Junior Player was awarded to Lynx 1’s Ava Winter. Division MVP’s included goalkeeper Robin Fleming (Div 1) from the Flickers, defender Brecken Sales (Div 2) of the Sailors, as well as Div 3’s Adamschek.

League Winners
Penn Trophy (Div 1): Lynx 1
Kelman Trophy (Div 2): Sailors
Jenny John Trophy (Div 3): Stellers

Playoff Winners
Boudreau Trophy (Div 1): not awarded this year
Al Chedd Memorial Trophy (Div 2): not awarded this year
Anne Bridge Memorial Trophy (Div 3): not awarded this year

Most Sportsmanlike Winners
Division 1: Cowichan Flickers
Division 2: Lynx 2
Division 3: Lynx 3 and Oak Bay Devils

Head to the VILFHA Facebook Page to see individual posts on each winner and offer your congratulations: https://www.facebook.com/vancouverislandladiesfieldhockey/photos
View past winners: https://www.teampages.com/leagues/1279/pages/82197

Hibbert Trophy – Most Outstanding Player
Lisa Adamschek, Oak Bay Demons

Lisa has been a standout player for the Oak Bay Demons who was acknowledged by both her team and opponents for the most number of Player of the Game nods in the league at 18 across a season of 18 games played. In addition, Lisa was a pillar for the Demons’ success as the team had a record of 9-4-5 this season with 33 goals for, seven of which game from Lisa. Lisa was a Division all-star last year and was in the conversations for league and division MVP last year as well but this year Lisa was honoured for not only her skill and contributions on the field but her sportsmanship and team-first approach around the field.

Christine Trophy – Service, Ability, Sportsmanship

Alanna Martin, Cowichan Stellers (co-winner)

Alanna is no stranger to the behind-the-scenes work of what makes field hockey tick on Vancouver Island over the years. A member of the Bridgman Cup committee, a committed umpire always challenging herself to learn and grow, a reliable teammate and contributor to her club in Cowichan, there is nothing that Alanna doesn’t have her hands on. This year, in particular, in the passing of her good friend and our league’s great loss, Pat Hall, Alanna stepped up to co-chair the annual Master tournament that Pat run. In addition, Alanna led the charge to having the tournament re-named in honour of Pat. Alanna is a Field Hockey Canada masters player, a committed VILFHA member, a dedicated umpire and a passionate volunteer. The league is grateful and better off for her passion, time and dedication.

Jen Swaile, Rebels Rogues (co-winner)

After a hiatus away from the game, Jen Swaile returned to hockey with a bang. Her impact on the field could be felt immediately as she was able to straddle multiple divisions in a professional and contributing way. Her laugh and joy of the game was immediately felt by her teammates and her opponents and her skills not only helped the team keep possession but her ability to make people around her better was constantly noticed. Jen stepped up big the past two years to coach in the Victoria Junior League and, most notably, join Field Hockey Canada’s master programs abroad to lead as coach. As part of this she has been pitch side involved in player assessments and team organization, all as a volunteer. Her efforts to support the Masters players are so appreciated for such a new program and she is committed to them and the sport in her consistent pursuit of coach education. Jen is also a valuable member of the Rebels Club, participating in all club events possible and organizing and helping out anytime they need her.

Trelawney Shield – Top Junior (U18) Player
Ava Winter, Lynx 1

It has been a year of constant highs for midfielder Ava Winter who entered this season as a U18 National Champion after a stellar performance with the BC Blue team in Brampton, Ontario. A member of Field Hockey Canada’s NextGEN program, Ava was selected to tour with the U18 NextGEN team for a two-week tour in Scotland and Wales. The team went undefeated with four wins and a draw. Ava also compted in the University of Calgary Dinos senior indoor tournament and was named Player of the Tournament. In VILFHA, Ava has been a key part of the midfield line for Lynx 1. Her presence on the field may go unnoticed at first glance, but her tireless work ethic, change of speed, silky distribution skills and ability to anticipate make her such a lethal part of the team that went 9-0-1 in Division 1. On top of being a stand out player, Ava is a fabulous teammate, a joy to coach, a volunteer in the community and an all-round person.

Foley Shield – Most Improved Umpire
Sarah Solaczek, Rebels Rogues

Sarah is a newcomer to the umpiring world but she has quickly embraced the journey ahead. Sarah is at the top of the list for most games umpired this season and across multiple leagues. On top of her commitments as VILFHA president and goalkeeper for the Renegades and sometimes the Rogues, Sarah is giving of her time to umpire all division in the men’s and women’s league. When she was first starting out last spring, she dedicated time over three days of a long weekend to umpire shadow at the Field Hockey BC Stage 2 tournament trials. Never one to back down from an opportunity to get feedback or pursue the next stage of her umpiring journey, Sarah has been a keen and eager new umpire in the league and the sport is better off for it.

Division 1 MVP & All-Stars
Most Valuable Player: Robin Fleming, Flickers

After a long hiatus, the return of a first division team from the Cowichan Club finally made its resurgence. A young team, still struggling to find a consistent core still performed admirably and provided the long-awaited diversity that Division 1 has awaited. A home for young players and returning veterans, the Flickers would not have been ‘in’ as many games without the back-stopping efforts and talents of Robin Fleming, Formerly a member of the Vikes program, Robin brough her U SPORTS national championship-winning confidence to Division 1 and provided great competition for the offensively skilled Lynx 1 and Patriots teams. While the Flickers won only two games this season, score lines were held to a minimum thanks to Robin.

Division 1 All-Stars:
Kyla Kirby, Lynx 1
Mackenna Brown, Lynx 1
Ava Winter, Lynx 1
Lindsay Cole, Patriots
Heather Wheatley, Patriots
Clodagh Moloney, Patriots
Robin Fleming, Flickers
Ashton Aumen, Flickers
Anna Hoffman, Flickers

Division 2 MVP & All-Stars
Most Valuable Player: Brecken Sales, Sailors

With multiple player of the game nods this season, Sailors midfield-defender Brecken Sales was a big part of the team’s return to the top of the standings. This year the team went 11-0-3 to top Division 2 and Brecken’s presence in the middle of the pitch was a big part of that. Capable and willing to play in any position, Brecken’s strong distribution skills, superior tackling and positive energy on the field was felt by her teammates and those up against her. Brecken is a long-time member of the club and always brings her best to the pitch. She works hard, she communicates to her team and she is key at both ends of the pitch on penalty corners. Brecken had an outstanding season and the team’s division title speaks to that.

Division 2 All-Stars:
Caitlyn Mullen, Lynx 2
Monet Thurbide, Lynx 2
Antonia Willers, Lynx 2
Brecken Sales, Sailors
Brandy Craveiro, Sailors
Jeanette Leach, Sailors
Kendra Burley, Cardinals
Kennedy Wipplinger, Cardinals
Rosario Egana, Cardinals
Jen Swaile, Rogues
Elise McKinnon, Rogues
Tennille Cole, Rogues

Division 3 MVP & All-Stars
Most Valuable Player: Lisa Adamschek, Oak Bay Demons

Lisa has been a standout player for the Oak Bay Demons who was acknowledged by both her team and opponents for the greatest number of Player of the Game nods in the league at 18 across a season of 18 games played. In addition, Lisa was a pillar for the Demons’ success as the team had a record of 9-4-5 this season with 33 goals for, seven of which game from Lisa. Lisa was a Division all-star last year and was in the conversations for league and division MVP last year as well but this year Lisa was honoured for not only her skill and contributions on the field but her sportsmanship and team-first approach around the field.

Division 3 All-Stars:
Vanessa Bussiere, Lynx 3
Caitlin Hastings-McNab, Lynx 3
Sunny Jun, Renegades
Anne Webster, Renegades
Hayley Picard, Stellers
Natalie Ellingsen, Stellers
Brittany Pickard, Stellers
Tracye Varian, Pirates
Erica Kjekstad, Pirates
Kendall Sinclair, Pirates
Lisa Adamschek, Demons
Helen Currey, Demons
Natalie Work, Demons
Alice Lam, Devils
Mikaela Wagner-Kulak, Devils

All of the award winners were honoured in person at the Spring General Meeting on April 9 at the Juan de Fuca lower clubhouse. All-star winners were presented with VILFHA crested dry-fit shirts, while major award winners received perpetual trophies and VILFHA crested crewneck sweatshirts. Our thanks to Moreno Stefani and Team Sales for supporting with the t-shirt and sweatshirt awards.

Header photo: Alanna Martin (left) and Jen Swaile (right) receive the Christine Trophy for service, ability and sportsmanship in the league. Credit: Ali Baggott

A belated recognition to a number of Vancouver Island connected athletes who represented Canada over the past few months.

Field Hockey Canada’s U18 girls NextGEN touring team

Representing Canada on the U18 tour to Scotland and Wales, March 23-30, was Ava Winter (Lynx 1, Cowichan Secondary School) and Maia Lawrence (Lynx 1, Oak Bay High School) as well as St. Michael’s University School and Lynx 1 team players Wynn Brown and Mackenna Brown who originate from Vancouver.

The U18 team went undefeated with four wins and one draw.
Tour roster: https://fieldhockey.ca/u18-youth-tour-scotland-and-wales/
Tour reflections: https://fieldhockey.ca/tour-reflections-u17-and-u18-womens-european-tours/

Field Hockey Canada’s U17 girls NextGEN touring team

Over the March 29-31 spring break period, three Victoria players were selected for the U17 touring team that competed in the HDM Easter Tournament in the Netherlands. The team had three wins, one draw and three losses with lots of learnings in tow. Members of Lynx 2 Monet Thurbide (Oak Bay Secondary), Neeve Unger (GNS), and Caitlyn Mullen (SMUS) were named to that team.

Tour roster: https://fieldhockey.ca/u17-tour-netherlands/
Tour reflections: https://fieldhockey.ca/tour-reflections-u17-and-u18-womens-european-tours/

Canada finishes fourth at Indoor Pan American Cup

Victoria’s Kathleen Leahy co-captained the Canadian women’s indoor national team at the 2024 Indoor Pan American Cup, hosted in Calgary, Alberta from March 19-22. It was surprisingly Leahy’s first international appearance on Canadian soil throughout her 88 international outdoor and 26 indoor caps. For Leahy, this was her third Pan American Indoor Cup, while joining her this year for her first international tournament was UVic Vikes standout Anni Kleinschmidt. Kleinschmidt toured to Prague with an indoor squad earlier in 2024 and then was picked up for the IPAC event in Calgary. The young team finished fourth, losing the bronze medal game to Uruguay by a 3-1 score line.

Roster, scores and more: https://fieldhockey.ca/2024-indoor-pan-american-championship/

Masters seasons in full swing

Earlier in the Fall, several Canadian masters players headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina to compete in the World Masters Hockey Pan American Continental Cup from Dec. 6-17, 2023. Representing Canada’s Over 50 team was Cara jay, Heather Wheatley, Triena Bryan and Helen Truran, all from the Rebels Club. Rogues member Jen Swaile coached the Over 50 team, who finished with a bronze medal. Cowichan’s Alanna Martin competed on the Over 60’s team alongside Eiko Eby from Comox. Rebels member Trish Murphy competed on the Over 65’s team.

Pan Am Championship Results: https://masters.altiusrt.com/competitions?view=all

Also over Spring Break, March 28 to April 1, 2024, a group of island players switched gears to compete in the WMH 2024 Indoor World Cup in Nottingham, United Kingdom. The O45 roster included Rebels Cara Jay, Heather Wheatley and Helen Truran. Canada won their last game against Ghana, 4-0, to finish 7th overall. Jay and Truran each scored a goal in the team’s seven overall goals.

Indoor World Cup results: https://masters.altiusrt.com/competitions/295

Please see information below about the upcoming Spring General Meeting. We apologize for the delay but we had some issues securing a venue and therefore couldn’t confirm the date. Here are the details:

VILFHA Spring Annual General Meeting and Awards Night
Date: April 9, 2024Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
Location: Highland Room at the Juan de Fuca Rec Center

Agenda is attached and note that the Highland room is not the usual room we are in. The rooms are located in the Juan de Fuca Childcare Centre situated on the upper level of the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre. This is the upper parking lot so you do not need to drive down towards the velodrome or golf course. 

Awards information will be circulated shortly as will information about this weekend’s jamboree.

Please fill out the below information to sign up as a volunteer coach for the 2024 Victoria Junior Field Hockey League (Boys and Girls) from April 13 to June 23, 2024. Please note that the information collected will be used to best place you with a team (age, gender, etc.) and other coaches to both meet your availability and preference as well as your experience level. We won’t be able to accommodate ALL requests.

Please sign up ASAP online here: https://forms.gle/ULyVG75R6Lvydn5fA

Full season schedules are listed here: http://victoriajuniorfieldhockey.ca/pages/6257
(older age groups on Sunday afternoon times may be TBD or flex)

Coach Certification requirements:
1) ALL: Making Headway
2) ALL: Making Ethical Decisions (MED)
3) ALL: Safe Sport
4) ALL: Fundamental Movement Skills (Feb. 25 or Mar. 3)
5) Head coaches + Asst Coaches: Coach Initiation in Sport
6) Head coaches: FHC Community Coach course

Coach education can start now: http://victoriajuniorfieldhockey.ca/clubs/393/pages/182500

If you have questions, please contact Ali Baggott at techdirector@victoriajuniorfieldhockey.ca or 250-418-5633.

Please fill out ONE online form PER volunteer.

On Jan. 26, several Victoria-based and Victoria-connected field hockey members were honoured at the Annual Volunteer and Community Contribution awards hosted by Field Hockey BC at Heritage Hall.

Field Hockey BC President, Denise McGeachy, emceed the event that featured annual award winners, volunteer recognition awards and community club recognition awards. Victoria was well represented in those awards. Long-time national team member for both the senior outdoor and indoor women’s team Kathleen Leahy was honoured as the top female senior athlete. Leahy was away in the Czech Republic with the indoor national team at the time so Ali Baggott was there to accept the award on her behalf. Recent mainland-transfer Mackenna Brown, who follows her sister Wynn’s footsteps is an adopted-islander who is now attending St. Michael’s University School, was named the top U16 female athlete after leading BC to a U16 National Championship title this past summer. Mackenna is also a member of the Lynx FHC and a NextGEN athlete.

Long-time Sailors FHC member and former UVic and national team member Ali Baggott was honoured for her contributions to women’s field hockey, joining a prestigious list of names on the Barbara Schrodt award. Former Vikes men’s field hockey player and now Canada’s top male official, Tyler Klenk, was named Umpire of the Year following a season being recognized as the Canada West and U SPORTS Umpire of the Year and umpiring the gold-medal games at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago and one of the men’s Olympic qualifiers in Oman just earlier this month.

Long-time former FHBC board members Brian Groos and Brenda Rushton were honoured for their volunteer contributions after both have given much time to both the provincial organizing committee and the local hockey scene. Rushton was highlighted for her time and energy starting technical officer training and mentorship in the province.

The Victoria Junior FH Association nominated long-time equipment manager Kelvin Kum for a community club recognition award. Throughout all three of his children going through the junior league, Kelvin has been the equipment manager and a board member giving most of his time on the weekends throughout the 10-week program and beyond to keeping players and coaches armed with what they need to have a great season.

FH Victoria also nominated Jagir Dhanowa for his contributions in the umpiring circle on Vancouver Island. Never one to shy away from a last minute spot that has opened up or driving to Duncan to umpire, Jagir has been so important to keeping the officiating circles going. Jagir also contributed heavily so that local umpires could be well-equipped with jackets and radio head sets, and is a valued member of the umpiring circle.

Annual Awards
Senior Female Player of the Year: Kathleen Leahy (Team Canada, UVic, Lynx FHC, Hawks FHC)
Junior Female Player of the Year: Mackenna Brown (Team BC, North Vancouver FHC, Lynx FHC, SMUS)
Barbara Schrodt Award for contribution to women’s field hockey: Ali Baggott (Sailors FHC)
Umpire of the Year: Tyler Klenk

Volunteer Recognition Awards
Governance support: Brian Groos (Rebels FHC)
Governance & Technical program support: Brenda Rushton

Community Club Recognition Awards
Kelvin Kum (Sailors FHC, VJFHA)
Jagir Dhanowa (FH Victoria, Vancouver Island Umpires Association)

Congratulations to everyone.