:Hockey Laval ready to skate

Hockey Laval will continue this year to push its 2007-2008 theme of Winning does not happen on the bench, a concept organizers want all coaches to buy into in order to promote teamwork and equality of opportunity. The objective is very clear: teach youngsters to develop through fun in a context of team play.

The year marks the return of BB and CC competition for Atoms and Midgets, adding nine more teams, not counting the 10 girls teams competing in the Interregional League.

Association president Michel Demers explains that “Hockey-Quebec has brought winds of change to Laval. More players will be part of training camps.” And let’s not forget that 80 other players will be involved in the Sports-Studies Program at Georges Vanier High School.

“This is not where I want to be,” he stated at the press conference. “I’d rather be with the young people. I want to sit down with them and talk. Problems are easy to detect, but I’m more interested in finding solutions and being part of the solutions.”

Vincent pulled no punches, delving into the thorny issue of fighting and violence in hockey, making clear statements as to what solutions he has in mind to bring the problem under control. “It’s the culture of hockey that has to change and that begins when the players are still kids.”