Please Be sure to Email Us With your Hockey Stories, Encouragement and support

Birtle Is Hockeyville
Passing It on  -  passion, people, participation

This Guestbook is now closed, please feel free to send a Guestbook entry through the Town of  Birtle Website  www.birtle.ca
 

June 11       WannaBEES     Falher, Alberta

Hello Birtle,
If the citizens of Birtle are anything like Nancy and Kathy – then Birtle will certainly BEE on our list of Canadian communities to visit. We have had a great time getting to know them. Your community was one of our favorites and we were proud to be on stage with them in the TOP 10. We hope one of Birtle’s pucks passes through Falher in the near future and we won’t forget to “PASS IT ON”. Yours in friendship, Jean, Lise and Lorraine…Team WannaBEES, Falher, Alberta

0281

June 11     Tasia Geras

Congratulations to everyone in Birtle... to make it into the top ten is outstanding!!!

0280

June 11     Shonda     Birtle, Manitoba

We cannot express enough our gratitude and pride in the great community support from every direction - businesses, citizens, the Town, the R.M., the CDC, the Lions, Samchuks and Doug Vinie, surrounding communities and on and on the list goes. We could have never gone this far without all of the work and support. This is what "community" is all about and what makes Birtle and area such a great place to call home.

0279

You did us all proud. Thanks you so much for all of your hard work and community spirit. Achieving the "top 10 is awesome". Kathy, Nancy and the other Birtle celebrities - we were with you all the way. You had a challenging role and you did us proud. You need to know that people far and wide were cheering Birtle on with best wishes and votes. You really put Birtle out there for Canada to see!!!! With all of this experience and success the sky is the limit for the future!!!!

Best Regards,
Beth Kondratuk

0278

Hi Birtle,

Nancy and I are just ending our day in Hamilton, and what a day it has been!!!! The Shaunavin and Pilot Mound teams just left out room and the hotel is finally quiet. It's 2:am and I just checked the Birtle Web page and already there are messages for us. Doug, you are amazing. We can't tell you enough how good it feels to know you are behind us. We can be proud as a community and you can be sure that everyone involved in this contest knows about Birtle.

Thank-you , thank-you , thank-you to everyone in Birtle. You are all what Hockeyville and community are all about.

Kathy, Nancy, Val, Pat, Myrtle, Ron and Roger.

0277

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You: to the Birtle Hockeyville team that travelled to Hamilton. What a thrill you gave us!!!

Final 10, who would have guessed? Thanks especially to the "2" in the "hot" seat. Nancy, Kathy you did us proud!!!

Hope you had "Fun" ??? Our hearts were with you. Birtle as always makes a great show. See you at home!

From: Proud to be from Birtle!!

0276

Wow what a lot of stories! What a great start to passing it on! Congratulations to your community for the great support and spirit of Hockeyville! Everyone has worked so hard and done so well. It will be remembered and Passed On!

0275

Hi Everyone in Birtle

What a great experience this is turning out to be. We had a day off today( Wed.) from the rehearsals and taping of the shows and they took us to Niagra Falls and Jackson Triggs Winery. The whole team was able to go on the bus, we are so fortunate to have a 6 person team here. A couple of the communities were not able to bring more than 2 people.

We are meeting so many people with stories that are similar to ours. Those mariitimers are just hilarious, we have really enjoyed meeting everyone and hearing their stories.

We know people were a little disappointed that our circles weren't on the video clip but we may be able to use it in our final pitch if (or should I say when) we make it to the top 10 on Friday. Things are going well for us and I think we have already gained so much as a community being a part of this contest.

We'll continue to pass on our message and hope everyone at home does do.

From Hockeyville
Kathy, Nancy, Val, Pat, Myrtle and Ron

0274

June 7     Mikael Tellqvist      Sweden

    
Lets Go Birtle, Lets Go!!!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone in Birtle good luck in the Hockeyville competition, and especially Adrienne Lane and Christian Chartier and their family. Me, my fiancée, and our friends here in Sweden are crossing our fingers that you will win and become Hockeyville!! We are voting and cheering for you Birtle. Good Luck!!!

All the best

Mikael Tellqvist (Toronto Maple Leafs)

0273

Now live in Calgary. Enjoyed the website . Hope to visit one day - Good luck with Hockeyville

0272

June 7     Crystal Fulton      Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hello to everyone in Birtle and all our supporters!!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've been spreading the word about Birtle and Hockeyville at my workplace. I've heard alot of stories back about co-workers who know someone from Birtle, or have a neighbour from Birtle, or used to play hockey there when they were young - all roads really do lead to Birtle!! We have people from about 35 different countries here - from China to Mexico and everywhere inbetween - and what everyone is most impressed by is that such a small community can come together and work so hard to make something like this happen. So good luck Birtle!!!! And you can expect a few visitors from Winnipeg for the NHL game!

0271

We voted as many times as we could for Birtle to be Hockeyille!!!!
We are related to the Koroscil's and think your town deserves to WIN!!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!

0270 

I played hockey for Birtle for five years. This picture was taken in 1934.I played left defense and my coach was Jack Walley. Our manager was Wellington Dodge. I have fond memories growing up in Birtle as it was a close knit community. My mother ,May Williamson, taught school in Birtle for twenty years. I now live in Victoria and really enjoyed reading about the hockey.

Sincerley, Bill Williamson

0269

June 6     Kathie Livingston    

Good luck Birtle!

Just finished voting for you.

Great Town! Great People!

0268

June 6     Cynthia A. & Marco Auriti (Matiowsky)     Edmonton, Alberta

Wow, reading through all of the little messages in your guestbook sure brings back memories. I have been meaning to visit your guestbook for some time now and every time that I talk to my brother, Calvin, it is one of the first thing he mentions. Of course, this morning when I checked my email messages there were reminders from both Calvin and Tara to watch Hockeyville and vote for Birtle tonight!
Reading all of the notes from around the world brings back some of my fondest memories from my years spent in Birtle. One of the highlights for me was the year that I had the opportunity to write the stories for Crossroads featuring our Birtle Blazers. That year, I was in heaven and attended many home and away games. I kept the binder of my original story notes and the player statistics until only recently as I have had to whittle down some of my belongings for our move to Edmonton. I couldn't bear to throw these notes out though after hanging on to them for almost 20 years. I handed them to my hockey-fanatic brother Conrad for his safe-keeping and under strict orders that he was not to discard them.
And I thought of you, again, Birtle, as I was walking down Jasper Avenue in Edmonton and spotted a car that said the name of an Alberta community for Hockeyville. I had the strong urge to run down the street after the car and yell, "No; Birtle, Manitoba is Canada's Hockeyville!" Then I knew that it was definitely time to write a little message of support for you and the community I have many fond memories of.
GOOD LUCK BIRTLE & ALL THE BEST!!!
YOU ARE HOCKEYVILLE!!! :)

Cynthia A. & Marco Auriti
(Matiowsky)

0267

June 6     Shauna Sotas-Burton     Yellowknife, North West Territories

I am very excited and thrilled to be supporting my home community!

0266

June 6     Maleon Kostick (Melnyk)    

It is great to see the community spirit alive and strong in Birtle!! As a young girl who grew up playing hockey with the boys in the early seventies, I remember how the community embraced the sport and provided encouragement to all of us aspiring to be in the National Hockey League. I still have vivid memories of spending evenings in the old rink watching every game and cleaning the ice with wooden scrapers ( where were the Zamboni's ?? ) Well, I must say that dreams may change but I have definitely come to realize the importance of being raised in a tight-knit community and cannot think of a place more deserving to win the title for Hockeyville.

Best of luck Birtle!!

Maleon Kostick (Melnyk)

0265

June 6     Cal Harrison    

Good Luck Birtle, you have my votes

0264

June 6     Dana Barteaux     Birtle, Manitoba

Dear Birtle Hockeyville Team:
Thank you so much for all of your amazing hard work - it's a great thing to be a part of a community where people care so much about their community and the people in it!
Thank you for showing the world our community spirit!
Sincerely,
Dana Barteaux

0263

Hockey in Birtle Rocks!

0262

0261

June 5     Rhonda Plett (Kitching)    

To whom it may concern: Hope this will be of some assistance in the “Quest”!

As a person who grew up in Birtle, (and much of the time in the arena!) I commend the people of the community in their quest for the title of “Hockeyville”. No doubt, the title Hockeyville, conjures up images of tots in giant-sized helmets flailing on the ice for the first time; progressing through the many levels of hockey; practising and playing countless regular season games; competing in provincial tournaments; moving up and on to the local senior team or to more competitive junior leagues; or to becoming one of the passionate hockey fans who follow the careers of the many small town hockey successes, and fuel the competitive fires of long standing small town hockey rivalries.

While I concur with these images, Hockeyville represents many other components of the role of the arena in small rural communities. Family involvement in the arena teaches children about working collectively to achieve goals, about how rewarding volunteerism can be, about the value of intergenerational communication and cooperation, and that persistence and hard work develop skills to prepare them for other life challenges and achievements.

From a personal perspective, my siblings and I had fine examples of volunteerism in our parents, Ralph and Ruthan Kitching. Both were involved in all aspects of volunteering: planning, fundraising, coaching hockey, serving on the executive of the Figure Skating Club, serving at the lunch counter and countless other odd jobs at the arena, My first recollection of volunteerism was around age 7 when my friend, Laurie Howard and I would be sent out to wind our way through the crowd at the Birtle Bruins hockey games with a roaster full of hot dogs to sell. We became skilled salespeople, undaunted by the size or the loudness of our customers!

The power of working collectively was impressed upon me during the production of our largest ice show, “When You Wish Upon A Star”. My sister, Roxann Barker, and our friend, Bill Mcfarlane, (both teenagers at the time) were the creative geniuses – designing sets, costumes, and props; selecting music; choreographing group and solo routines; and providing instruction on theatrical make-up application to skaters and mothers. They then delegated tasks to skaters, parents, grandparents, and anyone they could find who could sew, paint or build! Because we had natural ice at the time, our prime concern was the dreaded “March thaw”. The days leading up to the show were warm ones. With water dripping from the arena’s ceiling, we watched my father and Ray Peacock install 17 baby spotlights wondering if he’d be electrocuted; and harboured dreaded thoughts of falling on the wet ice during our performances only to ruin our prized “crepe paper skirts”!!! Despite the weather, the show was an unforgettable success, resulting in a sense of pride, a contented exhaustion, and a strong belief in our collective abilities to pursue and achieve a dream.

The intergenerational link provided by the arena should never be lost on us. I’m sure I’m not the only person who remembers Bill Birney and Winnie Wilson encouraging children to skate during the Sunday afternoon open skate sessions. Many “rounds” were made chasing them to the music of Herb Albert and His Tiajuana Brass!!

The arena also taught us about sharing – ice time, that is! At the end of figure skating sessions, our male peers who were itching to get on the ice for hockey practise would either be our greatest fans or taunt us mercilessly. Once we were off the ice, we had our opportunity for retaliation. On one occasion, after the girl/boy banter had ceased, Bill Derlago ( former classmate and NHL player) skated over, handed me a puck inked with his signature, and told me that I should remember him when he became famous! I still have the puck, and was always happy for the successes of an old school friend!

I now make my married life in an urban center raising two children ages 7 and 10. However, as my husband Bernie (former Birtle Blazer) and I clear and flood our backyard skating rink on silent and still winter nights, our thoughts return to our small town roots and we’re certain that we will instill the values in our children that we learned long ago in “Hockeyville”.

Rhonda Plett (Kitching)

0260

June 5     CHUCK MCARTHUR     Souris, Manitoba

 I HAVE VIVID MEMORIES OF HEADING DOWN ACROSS THE RIVER ICE TO THE RINK IN THE EARLY TO MID FIFTIES. WE WOULD GATHER AT THE DOOR BETWEEN 6:30 & 7:00PM WE HAD TO WAIT FOR OLD "BILL" (HAYES) TO OPEN. HE LIVED ON THE SOUTH HILL AND WOULD HAVE WORKED A FULL DAY FOR THE TOWN. MONDAY &WEDNESDAY WERE HOKEY PRACTICE AND IF YOU WERE IN THE YOUNGER GROUP YOU COULD GET ON AT 7 AND STAY UNTIL THE PLACE CLOSED. I REMEMBER THERE WAS A SHORTAGE OF PUCKS SO IF YOU COULD GET ONE YOU WOULD TRY AND KEEP IT FOR AS LONG AS YOU COULD. GREAT FOR PUCK HANDLING, SKATING, AND CONDITIONING. IF YOU HAPPEN TO OWN ONE YOU COULD DICTATE THE RULES OF THE GAME.TUES. & THUR. WERE PUBLIC SKATING EVENINGS. IN TERMS OF HOCKEY AND PASSING IT ON I REMEMBER THE TOWN OR SOME ONE HIRING A MAN TO COACH THE YOUNG PLAYERS AND PLAY WITH THE SR. TEAM. LATER IN THE FIFTIES THEY STARTED OPENING THE RINK AFTER SCHOOL. A REVOLUTIONARY IDEA I THOUGHT. I COMMEND THE PEOPLE THAT PUT THIS GREAT PROGRAM TOGETHER CERTAINLY HOPE YOU PULL IT OFF.

0259

GO BIRTLE!

Our family moved to the area in October of 1995. Being a transplant from B.C., I didn't know anyone in town aside from the husband's parents. This was to change in a major way once our boys staring playing hockey (which started with power skating almost as soon as we unpacked). We have met truly exceptional people, great life-long friends, and all because of hockey.

I think my favourite hockey experience was the 1995/1996 hockey season, when my husband Brock coached the 5-6 year old Squirts team. The team only won once that year, at their home tournament. They didn't care, they were just having fun. This was evident at the season finale - a Mom's and Son's hockey game. My husband took the video camera into the dressing room after the 2nd period and did individual "interviews" with all team members. He asked them a series of questions, with the final one being, "What do you like most about playing hockey?". Every child on that team had the same answer:

"Three Cheers and shaking hands at the end of the game!"

Being involved in hockey has taught everyone in our family great things, allowed us the honour of great friends and the pleasure of meeting wonderful people from a great many places.

Birtle was, is, and always will be Hockeyville!

The Chisholm Family of Beulah, Manitoba

0258

Congratulations Birtle on your great accomplishments!

As a kid growing up in Birtle, I spent many, many hours at the rink either figure skating, public skating or watching and cheering on Birtle's hockey teams. I remember the rink (old and new) to be the centre of the community - the meeting place for young and old and everyone in between.
Many life lessons were learned there!
Through my parents and other dedicated people involved in the rink, I learned the importance of volunteering, hard work, and working together as a group for the betterment of the community. These lessons I hope to pass on to my children.
Unfortunately I did not play hockey but by watching my brother, my friends and eventually my nephews play, my passion for the game developed and this has been passed on to my boys!
At the rink, kids learn the importance of participation, competition, good sportsmanship and above all the importance of just having fun!
My days at the Birtle rink are full of great memories that I wouldn't give up for the world!
Good luck Birtle!
I know BIRTLE IS HOCKEYVILLE!

0257

June 4     Jack Haney     Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

I first learned of the effort to have Birtle named Hockeyville when puck #3 showed up in my mail box. My memories of skating and playing hockey go back to the old rink with it's big Birtle painted on the roof. I still remember a visit and seeing the new rink and being amazed that a community the size of Birtle could build such a fine facility. All my best wishes for the meeting on June 6th and I can't believe you won't be successful in your quest.

0256

June 4     Ron Bell     Birtle, Manitoba

Birtle is Hockeyville!!!!

I have known for many years that our community is the greatest! We welcome all newcomers with open arms and encourage them to immediately participate as full citizens. In other words there is an expectation that they will contribute, using their previous experiences, to improve our community. With nearly one-half of our citizens new to Birtle in the last 15 years we have had the benefit of many different perspectives. Our community has embraced change and welcomed challenges knowing we have the diversity and depth to take on anything. It is amazing to see a whole community focused on achieving one goal, but Birtle has done that many times. Whether to win a provincial or national Communities in Bloom award (3), carry off a Manitoba Regional Games event (2), win a Manitoba Senior Baseball Championship (many), or a provincial hockey championship (many), or to sell the safety, scenery and serenity of Birtle to the whole country; everybody pulls together asking what can I do?

We don’t go about these undertakings because we are excessively competitive and have to win. We are competitive, but only because we include everyone with all having a role to play, working as a team, all focused on one outcome, and therefore we win. Although this describes Birtle as a community it has also been the way our teams have approached their sports! With an attitude like that it is no wonder Birtle is Hockeyville! Birtle has also been blessed with wonderful coaches (as you have seen described on these pages). I want to especially single out the coaches of Birtle Passing It On. Their dedication, imagination, encouragement and organizational abilities have put together an unbeatable team. No matter the result we will never forget how well we played under their direction!

Birtle has the PASSION, and the PARTICIPATION, but it is the PEOPLE like all of you PASSING IT ON that makes me so proud to be a part of this great team we call BIRTLE!

Mayor Ron Bell

0255

June 4     Tim and Marilyn Eberts     Delta, British Columbia

We are returning this summer for a visit to Birtle. It would be great if they had the Hockeyville title. My mother, Helen Bailey (nee Berry) was born in Birtle and we love to come and visit our relatives often. The golfing is great, the scenery is terrific and the people are friendly. We are cheering on Birtle towards the title of "Hockeyville". Keep passing it on! See you soon!

0254

June 4     Alexander Burdett     Åarhus, Denmark

Tillykke Birtle!

I was excited to hear how well Birtle has done so far, however not suprised.
Many of my favorite memories of Birtle took place in the rink, from the countless games that I played and watched to mine and my friends high- school graduations. One of my favorite memories is that of playing shinny either up in the stands with a crushed can and our feet, or downstairs with a ball of old stick-tape and and a couple of sticks much to the dismay of Mr.
Kowaluk.

Held og lykke

0253

 If you have any Celtic blood in you, you might identify with the feeling I get when I hear bagpipes. I feel an ache in my chest and a lump in my throat. There’s some genetic memory at work. And although I don’t feel the need to weep (except when the Leafs lose, again), I get a similar stirring of emotion when I hear the theme music for Hockey Night in Canada. True I’ve never been to Scotland and I’ve never played hockey, but it’s in my blood.

I spent most of my formative years in the Birtle rink, well both Birtle rinks really. I said jokingly to Lindsay that hockey has made me what I am today…an English teacher. Having two older brothers who loved hockey meant I was an attendee at what seems like every hockey game there ever was. I read books through most of them. But even though I didn’t play hockey or even watch hockey, I was there, with my family, soaking in hockey through my pores. It is the foundation of many of my childhood memories. I can remember the scraping sound of blades, the pyramid drips from rafters frozen on the ice, the smoke-filled waiting rooms, and the soft loamy floorboards. One of my favourite memories is standing along the boards with my dad. He was wearing a brown suede winter coat and I can remember rubbing my cheek on the soft sleeve as we stood there watching the game. That must be one time I watched.

As I was drafting this I was trying to figure out why I felt the need to write about hockey and Birtle. What I’ve come up with as I’ve been scrawling away is that hockey in Birtle means family. Because of hockey, my family and I spent time together and made memories that I treasure. So I guess that’s what it boils down to for me and that’s why I think Birtle is Hockeyville.

Sincerely,
Andrea Kines (Rink Rat)

P.S. If you’re talking to my brothers, ask them how many of my ballet recitals they attended. Not that I’m bitter. I guess Birtle is not Balletville.

0252

0251

June 2     Birtle Elementary School     Birtle, Manitoba

PASSION, PEOPLE, PARTICIPATION, PASSING IT ON!!

We at Birtle Elementary School are all excited and enthusiastic about our community’s participation in the Kraft Hockeyville competition.

0250

June 2     Rural Municipality of Birtle     Birtle, Manitoba

0249

June 2     Ted & Wendy Bartlett     Birtle, Manitoba

As far as we are concerned Birtle is already a "winner". We don't need anyone to tell us we are Hockeyville. You can see it on the faces of the people,young and old. The spirit is on the streets, the passion is in the people and it gets passed on each day!

We would like to give a great big thank you and congratulations to the Birtle Hockeyville committee,what a job you have done in bringing it all together. You have given us so much. It was said many times that this was a once in a life time event. We will be talking about this for many years to come.

Good luck Birtle !!!!

0248

June 2     Duane Naylor     Birtle, Manitoba

Why does Birtle deserve to be Hockeyville?

Well here are some of my reasons, why Birtle will be Hockeyville!!!

The passion demonstrated by the group of people that entered the Hockeyville contest. I remember one night this past winter after a high school hockey practice, coming upstairs to the waiting room to find this group of people having a meeting. They asked me to come have a look at their entry for the Hockeyville contest. Now I thought it would be your standard fill in the blanks 1or 2 pages. Well I guess I was wrong , because before me was a entry book, or you might as well call it an album. One look through that entry book I could tell it wasn't put together in a night or two. There were many hours of work put into that entry and the spirit item, is as impressive as the entry!!!

The passion this group has shown, has spread not only through Birtle community, also the St.Lazare, Miniota, Foxwarren communities all part of the Birtle minor hockey system and the high school hockey team. Your passion has already made this group of communities winners!!!!

The people over the years,(40+) that I have had the privilege of 1st, playing hockey with, 2nd coaching hockey with, 3rd working on numerous tournaments, be it large provincial, or small one day tournaments. Last but not least the people on the rink board past and present, have always done a excellent job, and I must thank them for all there time and effort!!

The participation that has been shown over the years in the minor, senior, and recreational hockey has been outstanding.

My minor hockey began in the old rink by the river. I was sorry to see the old rink go, there were alot of good times I had there, playing hockey, public skating, and shinny. Thanks to Nelson Ewbank for making the arena available for our use. Next was the new rink it was very impressive, still is today. This is when I started to learn and understand the ever changing game of hockey. With limited hockey skills and natural ability, you soon learn you have to use your brains to stay in the game.

When the limited skills and natural ability runs out the next thing you do is coach hockey, well in my case that's how it worked. I have had the privilege of first participating with the senior hockey team, over the years as a player and coach. My next move was coaching in minor hockey, with my boys playing, this can at times be very frustrating, but after a while it becomes very interesting and rewarding. Currently I am coaching on the Birtle Falcons High School hockey team. The past two seasons have been the most interesting and fun I have had coaching.

In closing I would like to thank all the people involved in the Birtle arena, and the Hockeyville competion , for their passion and participation.

Duane Naylor
Hockeyville
(Birtle, MB)

0247

June 2     Adrienne Lane

The Birtle Arena is a place that I have a lot of good memories from. Myself, (as most other people from Birtle) spent an awful lot of time at the rink. Most of my time there was spent figure skating; either teaching lessons, taking lessons or the time spent between. My 2 older sisters also figure skated- all
3 of us at the same time for the most part- unfortunately for our coaches. I only say that because I remember a couple of incidents that we got kicked off the ice for fighting with each other; (which of course didn't happen all that often between 3 sisters!) by the coach -or by my Mum- who usually had an eye on us from wherever she was; whether she was in the kitchen, the music room, or in a meeting of some sort. But my memories were not only of figure skating. The rink is open for all sorts of events- the fair and high school rodeo, sleigh rides at Christmas, socials, weddings, graduations, poker derby's, a place to eat after town clean-up, birthday parties at public skating, skating during gym class with school, and of course hockey- the main source of entertainment in Birtle. Thankfully there was hockey in Birtle to provide everyone with good entertainment- what would everyone do for fun if it wasn't for a couple of high school or senior hockey games every week in the winter? The rink has just been the place that everyone congregates to. Where a lot of kids started officially 'going out' with their first boyfriends/girlfriends, where we ate our dinner, and did our homework.   Hockey is still something I watch all winter and it is what my fiancé, Christian Chartier, does for a living. Christian and his hockey career has taken us to a lot of different places and has been the reason for us living in St. John's, Newfoundland and now in Las Vegas. Since living in these bigger cities, I have started to realize what a nice thing it is for a family to be from a small town with a good arena to go to and spend time in. The parents don't have to worry as much about whether their kids are safe, or what kind of trouble they are getting into because they know that every other parent, as well as caretaker- (Bill Kowaluk when I was little) are watching out for your kids. (The kids are aware of this too, they
know damn well that if they're causing trouble, they are going to get in trouble twice. Once from the person who caught you and once from your parents who are going to know within seconds) For Mum (Myrtle) and all the rest of you who are going to Ontario for this final part of the competition- have lots of fun. The group of you are basically the ones who got Birtle this far (I know it has been with the help of the rest of Birtle). But you've done the toughest part, now it's up to the rest of the community and friend's of the community to vote for Birtle on June 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, and 11th. So just go, enjoy yourselves and bring the 'Hockeyville' title home with you, along with the prizes that come with it. No town deserves this more than Birtle. And no town would make better use of the upgraded facilities and hockey equipment. And it would also be really exciting to kick next hockey season off with an NHL exhibition game. So, Good Luck! But as Wes says, you don't need luck if you're good.

0246

In my hockeyville house my two boys faces light up when you say “you have a hockey game tonight” that is for certain even if they have been “sick” all day.
Around here school closes down because it is too stormy or too cold - but the good old hockey game is still on, we are in definitely in hockeyville.
Coaches in hockeyville commit a ton of time, effort and patience anywhere from 3-7 days a week, hours on end, without pay or recognition. It’s all about the love of the game for them. We are certainly thankful for them - more than they know, they are our kids hero’s and are held in high regard in hockeyville.
We hockeyville parents help each other out, watching each other’s kids at practices or taking them to games because some parents are still working, farming isn’t as good as it used to be, but hockey still is!
This sport teaches kids that everyone has strengths and flaws but working together as a team is the essential thing.
This sport teaches adults to remember that kids just want to be kids and having fun while working hard at something is the greatest goal that they will ever achieve.
Life is great in hockeyville for 6 months of the year, but it is where living is at for the other 6 hockey months of the year.
It is the game we play, we are Hockeyville.

From a Happy Hockeyville Mom

0245

Growing up in Birtle meant Hockey in the Winter. I remember the great Senior and Juvenile teams of the fifties. Shinny on the river or on the road in front of Dwight Stewart's residence. Birtle has always been a great community and a great place to grow up. I have lived in many communities across Canada but I am always proud to say I am a Birtle Boy.

Good Luck in your quest to be Hockeyville Canada.

0244

Norma, Angelo Fouillard &family of St Lazare cheering for Birtle.
When our local teams were too small to carry on in St. Lazare, our next step was Birtle. What a great step it was and continues to be for our family. We were welcomed with open arms and have all made many good friends. When I think hockey I think Birtle!! Good Luck!!

0243

WHY DOES BIRTLE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE HOCKEYVILLE???

Birtle is a community where people feel a sense of belonging and celebrate their togetherness through work and play.

Their energy is fun, visible and focused on the future.

That’s why Birtle has what it takes to be Hockeyville!!!

I am very pleased to endorse Birtle as this years Kraft Hockeyville.

Yours truly
Inky Mark, M.P.
Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette

0242

May 31     Stephanie Stowe     Columbia, Missouri, USA

Well it was almost three years ago that I left the small town of Birtle and headed south on a softball scholarship and continue my schooling. The first year that I attended school it was difficult for me to understand that this community that I had moved to had no skating rink and it didn't even get cold enough during the winter to skate on the local pond or dugout. I was highly disappointed. It wasn't  until early January that I was able to locate a skating rink, but the problem remained that I didn't  have my skates. And of course no one around had any skates for me to borrow so I called my mom. She of course found a big box and packaged them up for me. Forty dollars and two weeks later I had my black hockey skates (as my friends called them). When I arrived at the arena I was surprised that it was located inside a local mall and there were rules of how fast you could skate around the arena. I have never heard of restricting how fast you could skate. I remember everyone wanting to go faster!

Well I know that because the amazing town of Birtle, and the hockey program I have learned many things: teamwork, leadership, respect for others, and if you work hard you will achieve your goals. My hockey memories started when I was old enough to attend local high school and senior men's hockey games. It soon came that Birtle would start their own female hockey team. I started playing with the girls team that was Coached by Dan McCaig and Larry Kowal, and then with a boys team coached by Tom Scantlebury. Last but not least was the great Rob Ewbank. What great memories, friendships and skills I learned during those years. It seems that when I talk about Birtle and hockeyville, most people don't understand but I guess they aren't as lucky as I am to grow up in such a great community. We didn't only play hockey in that great rink there were many great times such as high school graduation and numerous socials. It is so wonderful when you come home at Christmas time and you know that the place to go is to the rink on a Friday night and know that it's the place to be. You know that everyone will be at the senior or high school hockey game and it's a great place to meet up with old friends.

Birtle should be hockeyville because of their Passion, People, and Participation.

0241

WAY TO GO BIRTLE!!!!!!!

Growing up in Birtle many hours were spent at the Birtle Arena. Some of my earliest and dearest memories are of figure skating, power skating, public skating and of course time keeping and announcing the Birtle Oldpucker games with my side kick Tracy (Derlago) Janz. Congratulations Birtle on all of your hard work with this adventure, and remember no matter the outcome you have proven once again how united this community really is.

Best wishes,
Janine Urbanovich (Fleury)

0240

While I have never been in your arena, I know what wonderful small town arenas are like and how much they mean to the community. You deserve to win!!!

0239

May 30    Barb Gardham     Crandall, Manitoba

Our family (mom, dad, and kids) made many trips to Birtle as far back as I can remember. We went to visit relatives, shop, go to the show, and to the rink. We watched my cousins play hockey and figure skate. Many years later, we are still heading to Birtle to visit the relatives, shop, no show, but naturally still to the rink. We watched my nephew and niece play hockey and figure skate, and attend grads. One of my most "uncomfortable" times was in the Birtle rink. On Friday, March 13, 1987, my husband was playing in an oldtimer's tourny with the Miniota Skunky Dozen. I tried to sit and watch the serious game on the ice, but was having a hard time staying focused on the game. I paced, I stretched, and chased my son in the waiting room. I visited with the other hockey wives and other Birtleites I knew. However, I still couldn't wait for the game to be over...I was really worried I was going into labour. Finally the game was over, the after meeting between coaches and players ceased, and we headed home. The next morning I gave birth to a baby girl. Naturally, my husband headed back to Birtle to play in the game Saturday night, after all it was Hockey Night in Canada!

Way to go Birtle on your quest to be Hockeyville. The Gardham family will be voting for you.

0238

May 29     Meaghan Knol (nee Pringle)    

As I finished reading through the final posting of e-mails on the website, I was struck by how powerful the bond to our hometown really is. Even though many of us only passed through or had to move away, Birtle is still home and continues to be a constant part of our lives. My grandmother still sends copies of the Crossroads to my aunts and uncles to keep them informed of local news and old friends, and they love receiving it. The Hockeyville contest has clearly been a blessing for Birtle. It has provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and share stories, for long-lost friends to re-establish their friendships and for current residents to bask in the warmth of the community. How proud and thankful we all should be for having our roots in Birtle. Well done, I’ll be cheering on and voting Birtle for Hockeyville!

0237

0236

I have many 'different' memories about Birtle; and their multiuse ARENA-.Most small towns in Manitoba -and possibly the rest of CANADA use the arena as a centre for not only HOCKEY but for cultural events too- be it a Summer Fair,fund raiser dance or more.
One of my first memories of hockey in Birtle is a number of years agao when my wife Gail was part of a girls hockey team that played against the Birtle Indian Residential Scool team !!
I have broadcast High School All Star games from the newest arena and apprecaite the 'pics' on the wall of numerous young players who have ' made their town and area proud'.
ALL THE BEST

0235

May 28      Ray Brethour        

Re: Birtle " Passing It On"

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of support for Birtle, Manitoba in their quest to become "Hockeyville"

My involvement with Senior hockey over the past 40 years ,as a player, coach, manager and as a league president has taken me to Birtle many times to play and to watch hockey. Hockey rinks are a common sight in towns and villages across the Prairie landscape and Birtle is no exception. Along with minor hockey there is almost always a senior hockey team that is supported by their communities. Senior hockey teams from Birtle have been a common fixture in surrounding Senior Hockey Leagues for a number of years, whether it be the now defunct Border Hockey League or the present day North Central Hockey League. Although not always League Champions these teams have not only provided top quality entertainment for the spectators, but more importantly provided a place for young men from the community to play Canada’s National Game. Support for the local team has always been excellent and there was never a shortage of volunteers to assist whether it be fund-raising, serving on the executive or driving the bus. This off-ice support has proved to be a key ingredient in the successes of senior hockey in Birtle.

Birtle" Passing It On " exemplifies the real meaning of Hockey in Canada and deserves to be named "Hockeyville"

Yours in Hockey:

Ray Brethour, Chair, Senior Hockey

Hockey Manitoba

0234

May 28     Alice and Len Evans     Winnipeg, Manitoba

Our best wishes to Birtle in the Hockeyville Contest. It has a terrific community spirit and supports its young hockey players 100 per cent. The local arena is a great facility for skating and has allowed thousands of young people over several decades to enjoy the game of hockey. Many have gone on to play in teams in Canada and the United States.
Our two grandchildren experienced many years of fun and excitement playing in the Birtle arena.
Good luck to a deserving hockey town.

0233

May 28     H CADIEUX     Gladstone, Manitoba

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE COMMUNITY OF BIRTLE AND WHAT IT OFFERS TO ITS YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH THE HOCKEY PROGRAM IT IS MIND BOGGLING. THE PEOPLE WHO FREELY GIVE THEIR FREE TIME AND EFFORT THEY SHOULD ALL TAKE A BOW. LOT OF THE LARGER COMMUNITIES HAVE SO MUCH AT THEIR DISPOSAL TO HELP FUND HOCKEY PROGRAMS BUT THE COMMUNITY OF BIRTLE HAS ALWAYS RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE TO LOOK AFTER THEIR OWN, BE IT FOR HOCKEY OR FOR A WINTER RESCUE UNIT THEY GET THE JOB DONE. THAT IS WHY I WILL CAST MY VOTE FOR BIRTLE AS THEY TRULY REPRESENT WHAT THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE GAME IS AND CAN BEST REPRESENT HOCKEYVILLE.
GOOD LUCK BIRTLE!!!!

0232

May 28     Derry Ashcroft     Calgary, Alberta

Good luck Birtle Hockeyville committee in Hamilton.

0231

May 28     Beth Kondratuk(Ball)     Winnipeg, Manitoba

Congratulations to the people of Birtle for once again revealing the passion and participation so characteristic of the community. I have been cheering you on and will continue to do so. It is amazing to hear so many people (from far and wide) talking about how well Birtle is doing in this exciting event. I am very proud that Birtle is my "hometown".

We will be watching for the opportunity to vote. Good Luck and thanks for "passing the puck" to me.

Go Birtle Go!!!

0230

May 27     Sean, Tania, Russell and May Finlay     Birtle, Manitoba

Hi Everyone at Hockeyville;

Just want to add my family and me to the list of people who are cheering Birtle to as they go to Hamilton and hopefully become Hockeyville Canada!

0229

May 26     Ted and Diana Clarke     Minnedosa, Manitoba

What a great Hockey town Birtle is, we visited there many times when our family lived there, unfortunately they had to move to Saskatchewan in 2005. Birtle is HOCKEY, HOCKEY, HOCKEY. We have never seen such a small town pull together as BIRTLE does. The rinks is full for each and every game, they serve the most delicious lunch too ! We really think that BIRTLE is very deserving of the honour of being named HOCKEYVILLE, they will put the winnings to good use for their arena, and everyone will benefit.

GO BIRTLE GO

0228

Way to go Birtle

Good luck. Will be watching for the next episode.

0227

May 25     Jim Vinie        Birtle, Manitoba

When my family moved to Birtle 30 plus years ago the community was in the process of building a new arena. Every day there was a dedicated group of volunteers showing up to do all of the jobs needed to be done to keep the project moving forward. The faces of these people changed daily as everyone had other commitments and volunteered when they could. This was the building committee.

There was also as fund raising committee and I decided I would join this group to help out raising money. I could not believe my eyes when I went to my first meeting and seen well over a hundred people in attendance. They were a very diverse group and sought any way possible to raise money that was legal. They collected old newspaper, held talent nights, raffles, door to door canvassing, suppers, winter carnivals and numerous other fund raising projects.

After quite a few years this group diminished in size, as the need for funding was not as great, but the Arena Fund Raiser still carried on and raised thousands of dollars for the little extras like plexiglas, artificial ice, puck board and day to day operations.

Over the past few years I could feel volunteerism was starting to drop off a bit. I blame this on our changing life style. Travel is easier, television better, internet surfing and people just changing their lifestyles. One thing for certain that has not changed, come fall and the ice gets put into rink, the rink comes alive.

This year was the 30^th anniversary of our arena and a group got together to celebrate and plan the event. It was a huge success. Guess what, volunteering was not dropping off it was just resting. Then along comes HOCKEYVILLE and the whole community gets on board and look where we are. So much for my concerns.

I am very proud of all the people involved in making our bid to become Hockeyville such a success to date and would like to thank the sponsors of Hockeyville for energizing ever community in Canada with this contest.

PS : I also had 2 boys come up through Birtle minor hockey , had the joys of coaching, refereeing, timekeeping, transporting players to games, working the kitchen and being a fan. I also played for a couple of years.

A JOB WELL DONE BIRTLE

BIRTLE IS HOCKEYVILLE.

Jim Vinie
Deputy Mayor
Town of Birtle

0226

May 24     Shirley Moster     Selkirk, Manitoba

I was born in Birtle in 1950, and lived on a farm 5 miles from Birtle until I finished school and left home. Skating was always a popular sport and I remember Saturday afternoons, when I would go to the arena and skate while Mom and Dad shopped. When it was time to go home, I reluctantly took my skates off, as I was having so much fun with my friends. Hockey and figure skating have always been popular activities and many children were involved in one or the other. Of course, there were also many adult volunteers that made these activities possible.
I still have family in Birtle and visit there often. I was pleased to learn that Birtle was involved in Hockeyville. It is certainly a community that deserves the recognition because of the opportunities it has provided for participation in ice sports.

Good Luck
Shirley Moster
Selkirk, MB

0225

May 23     Kathryn Poppel     Dauphin, Manitoba

I just finished reading the guestbook!! What an impressive line-up of people from all around the world. I did however notice no one from Dauphin so here I am. I grew up in Miniota and went to high school in Birtle. So basically Birtle became my second home. I remember all the High School hockey games in the rink and selling chuck-a-puck, and of course the gold medal the team won at Provincials. I have attended many a hockey game in the arena from the Bruins games against the Miniota Night Hawks to watching all the minor hockey teams take to the ice. But my best memory of the Birtle arena was Graduation and more specifically safe grad. I am now a radio announcer in Dauphin at 730 CKDM and have been promoting Birtle at every opportunity to make them Hockeyville...even when team Winnipegosis told me to stop. There was no way I could promote them when a town with so many memories for me was in the running.

GO BIRTLE GO!!!

And I will be following the rest of the journey until they name you HOCKEYVILLE 2006!!!!!!

0224

May 23     Joyce Tully      Shoal Lake, Manitoba

Passing It On has very special meaning for me. I am so fortunate to be part of this team!

Passing is such a very important skill in any game. Passing of course can be forward, backwards, lateral, hard, gentle, on target, in progress or even in the planning stage. Within the Birtle Community and specifically the Birtle Arena many passes have been passed on that have greatly affected my family and enjoyment of hockey. This is why I feel Birtle is the true Hockeyville of Canada

My first visits to Birtle Arena were with my son as he spent his winters playing the game he loved. As we live in Shoal Lake he was always the opposition in Birtle rink. I was also involved with our local High School team playing many games in Birtle. As manager of these teams we were always met with sportsmanship and Fair Play. This certainly made us want to keep going back to Birtle. Birtle is Hockeyville for everyone not just the people living within its scenic boundaries.

My daughter Laura started playing hockey at age four with the Shoal Lake Squirts team. She loved playing the game and enjoyed the challenge. At Atom level Laura was invited to join the Birtle Female Hockey Program. Coach Larry Kowal and his daughter Melissa passed on their love of the game, patience, and enjoyment in helping others. With Larry Laura experienced her first Provincial Hockey tournament . Another pass was made. The pass she received was the desire to take her hockey to a higher level. When Larry took her to play her first Midget game at age ten another pass was initiated in Laura. Work hard, learn new skills and anything is possible. Receiving this pass gave Laura the courage to try out and succeed at playing with Team Manitoba at the Midget level for two years.

Another pass was made one week-end in Birtle Arena when the Birtle Community invited the Manitoba Bison Female Hockey Team to Birtle for an exhibition game and a workshop. The players and coaches gave all the Minor hockey girls the pass of combining high level hockey with higher education. Not a bad idea at all to pass on to our Youth. Because the Birtle Community organized this event Lara met Orville Acres. At that time Orville was Scout, Manager, Coach and Mentor of the Bison program. He built the framework that the female Bison program now works on. Later when Laura was fifteen he was the first person to encourage Laura to think seriously about Bison Hockey. Unfortunately Orville did not live to see Laura in the Bison uniform but his family did present her with the Orville Acres memorial Scholarship in 2005 for Excellence in Hockey and Citizenship. Now that Laura has very successfully completed her first year as a Bison we can say another pass initiated in Birtle is now complete.

Because the Community Of Birtle shared their enthusiasm and excitement for sport with Laura she also spent several years playing soccer with the Birtle Valley Storm. Here she could be found passing skills from one sport to another, one season to another and even to other countries. Laura spent her fifteenth birthday playing soccer with her Birtle team in Austria, Germany, and Italy. What a great way to keep the Birtle Spirit going at the Global level. Our Host Families in Germany will always remember the Birtle team for their positive attitude and keen pride in their home community. Email, letters, pictures are still being passed on to Global Connections.

My Great Aunt was Nellie McClung who passed a legacy of equality for women on to all Canadians. Nellie would have been so proud of the way the Birtle Bantam Boys Hockey team included Laura on their team. Hockeyville at its finest. A far cry from Nellie not being able to participate in foot races at school because it was not a "lady like" thing to do. The entire Birtle Community once again made her feel part of the team and treated her as an equal partner. Here she was judged by her skills as a defenseman not her sex. Thank-you to the Birtle Arena Committee who quickly made available change rooms and showers so all small obstacles could be overcome quickly to have Laura play with the boys. Because of Laura’s acceptance and encouragement Laura went on to try out for and play for the Yellowhead Directors Cup team of our top bantam players in the area. Thanks for the pass again.

Our next experience with Passing It On would be a generation to generation pass only backwards. Like Laura I joined my first ever female team in Birtle. The only difference was Laura was nine-I was fifty. After seeing our youth get so much enjoyment out of the game of hockey I achieved a life time dream of getting to join my first hockey team as a player. Where did I go to achieve this goal? Hockeyville of course. Where else would a soon to be retired teacher (with limited hockey skills) be welcomed on to a hockey team. Only Birtle’s Shakey Blades would share that much hockey spirit. From the first moment I entered the Blades dressing room I realized the true meaning of Hockeyville. A community of caring individuals who come together to support each other in our favourite game. From Day one our team has been accepting and positive to all players regardless of age or ability. Thank you Laura for passing the love of hockey back to me. I accept this pass. Thank you to Nancy for encouraging me to experience Hockeyville at its finest. What an opportunity to be surrounded by this contagious phenomenon of Hockeyville.

Yes Birtle is Hockeyville!

Joyce Tully (Player, Mother, Manager, Coach, Volunteer, Teacher)
Shoal Lake, Manitoba

0223

May 23     Ian & Tracy Macrae     Edmonton, Alberta

Hello Birtle

Congratulations to you on reaching the top 25. Hope you go all the way. You deserve to be Hockeyville Canada.

0222

May 23     The Kryschuk's

In every small community stands a building that holds the heart of the community. Friendships are formed and memories are made in the community hockey rink. In Birtle the heart beat is strong. Good luck Birtle.

0221

May 22     David Koroscil     

Good Luck. Wishing you all the best as you pass it on.

0220

Good Luck with the quest

0219

My sister Heather and her husband Michael Smart along with their two small children have made Birtle their home. When we go to visit we are always taken aback by the beauty of your town. Mike has always been a big hockey fan, and has instilled this love in his young son, Ethan. We had the priveledge of having supper with them last night, when Ethan was done he left the room for several minutes only to come back with his hockey helmet and gloves on, stick in hand and a small net which he placed in front of the kitchen cupboards. Heather just shook her head and said that he does this every night. The hockey spirit must be in the water in Birtle!! Keep up the great town spirit, you deserve the title of Hockeyville!

0218

Good Luck and best wishes!! Hope ya'll get it

0217

May 19     Jason Proctor     Vancouver, British Columbia

Dear Hockeyville,

I've never played a game of ice hockey in my life, I can barely stand on a pair of skates and I've never stepped foot in Birtle, Manitoba. So why am I qualified to nominate Birtle as Hockeyville? Let me tell you: it was a Birtle-ite who taught me respect for Canada's game, and though I've never walked its streets, I know that the heart of hockey beats strong enough beneath the surface of Birtle for its pulse to be felt in every vein of this vast land.

It was during some kind of World Championship that I first really understood the meaning of hockey for the average Canadian. I came to Canada from England as a kid. My parents weren't into hockey. And growing up in Vancouver, the game was peripheral to my life - mostly a social occasion when people might hoist a few beers, talk and put the game on as background noise. And so - it was with that kind of evening in mind that I invited Lindsay Kines over one night to watch a match. Lindsay grew up in Birtle, and he often talked about the town, about hockey and about the connection between the two. And so, we started watching the game - Lindsay, a friend and me. My other friend and I began talking, and I could see Lindsay getting visibly tense. He pulled a stool closer to the set. We kept talking, glancing at the game occasionally. And Lindsay started sweating. He suddenly forgot we were even in the room, shouted "Gretz" at the screen every time The Great One touched the puck and seemed to be intent on literally transporting himself from my tiny living room into that rink. My friend and I fell silent. If a game meant this much to a guy as great as Lindsay Kines, then it wasn't just a game - it was a way of life!

Lindsay is an evangelist for the power of hockey, and I was converted that day. I won't pretend that I follow the game, but I learned from Lindsay why others do. I learned why a sport can bind together a community and teach its residents the simple, graceful values that hold this country together as surely as a team of players wearing Maple Leaf sweaters: sharing, support, lighnting quick intuition and the ability to work miracles on ice. The evangelist Lindsay Kines learned these values in Birtle. And in my mind, Birtle has become not just Hockeyville, but Canada-ville.

Cheers, Jason Proctor
Vancouver, BC

0216

May 19    Barb Holmstrom      Gimli, Manitoba

It doesn't matter where you have grown up in Canada everyone of us remembers playing hocky on the street. Old sticks and two chunks of snow to make the goal posts. I can still feel my cold cheeks and see my breath in the cold. It didn't matter who won, it was just the absolute joy of the game. Then I have the memory of my dad working in the backyard making us a rink, putting up a string of lights so we could play "night games". And then when every boy entered a real rink they were sure they were all headed for the NHL. What a wonderful time.
I'm related to a great boy in Birtle who is 6 years old and an avid hockey player. I recently made a trip to the United Kingdom and he gave me a picture of himself in his hockey gear to take over to show all our relatives there. I'm proud of him and proud of a town like Birtle with true hockey heart.
My vote goes out to you!

0215

May 19     Michelle Nowosad     Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Good luck with the contest! My boyfriend Greg Classen plays with Rick Berry, and I think this would be very exciting if you win the contest! Go! Go! Go!

0214

May 19     Lindsay Kines     Victoria, British Columbia

Dear Hockeyville:

Earlier today, I received a crisp, five-province pass from my old centreman, David Kitching, in Toronto. As usual, hockey puck #6 hit me right on the tape, and, as usual, I immediately unleashed an anaemic, high-rising shot that missed the open net by six feet, caromed off the Plexiglas, and landed in the stands, knocking over Joyce Cooley's steaming cup of coffee. But more about that later.

You wanted to know why Birtle has what it takes to be Hockeyville? I'll tell you why:

Forget Elvis. Forget Cher and Pele and Madonna. When I was growing up in Birtle, there was only one person famous enough to be known by his first name alone: Nelson. Nelson, who ran the rink. Nelson, who coached our eight-and-under-hockey team. Nelson, who slipped us worn out goalie pads — the leather patched with tape to keep in the stuffing — that we used in endless street hockey games throughout our childhood.

Every other adult in town we addressed as Mr. or Mrs. (insert last name here); Nelson Ewbank was always just Nelson, and from him we learned to love the game of hockey, and the meaning of generosity. On holidays, on Friday nights after public skating, on any day, really, when there wasn't a game or a practice, he came early or stayed late to open the rink and let us play. No refs. No coaches. Not even so much as a face-off. Just 15 or 20 kids chasing a tennis ball around the ice to endless chants of: "Next goal wins."

In those games, as I remember them, the older kids like Kevin Hickman, Kenny Ewbank, and Kevin Andrews would occasionally feed the ball to us young ones parked in front of the net. From them we learned the importance of looking out for others, and about including people, even if they can't quite keep up.

Later, when we got older and began playing organized hockey, there were coaches like Bob Bonner, Keith Wilson and Ralph Kitching from who we learned the importance of working together, never quitting, and holding your head up, even in defeat. "Keep your stick on the ice," they said, repeatedly. "That way, nobody can knock you over, and you're ready when the puck comes." It's one of the great pieces of advice I ever got in sport, or life.

There were others, too. So many I can't name them all here. Parents who worked concession stands, scraped the ice between periods, and shuttled us through prairie snow storms. They kept an eye on us when our own parents weren't around, and from them we learned about caring and the meaning of community.

None of that, of course, makes Birtle worthy of being called Hockeyville. What make it worthy of that title is that the people there live their lives with the same generosity, caring, and compassion that they teach young hockey players. A few years ago, when my father got sick, my old hockey coaches and teammates brought food by our house, and the hockey moms like Mrs. Hodkinson and Mrs. Medd, who once looked out for me when I played on teams with their sons, went above and beyond the call in giving my dad the best of nursing care at Birtle hospital in his final days. I don't know if I ever properly thanked any of them for that. But I've never forgotten what they did, or what it means to come from a small town where people really do look out for one another.

In fact, when I think about it, much of what I know about life and how to treat others, I learned at the Birtle rink. If that doesn't make the town deserving of being called Hockeyville, I don't know what does.

So good luck everybody, and, hey, keep your sticks on the ice, eh?

Lindsay Kines
Right Wing
Victoria Times Colonist Paperboys Hockey Club Victoria, B.C.

P.S. Oh, and about that puck: I eventually retrieved it from the stands and passed it along to Tom Haney, who, when he was a kid, worked in my dad's hardware store. Tom retired from the RCMP not too long ago and now works security at the B.C. legislature, where I cover politics for the Times Colonist. If you don't hear from Tom soon, let me know, and I'll break one of the stained glass windows around here to get his attention.

0213

May 19     Ruthan Kitching     Birtle, Manitoba

IT TAKES WATER TO 'FLOOD' IN HOCKEYVILLE
submitted by Ruthan Kitching

Naturally, it takes water to flood the ice at the arena each fall in Birtle - "Hockeyville" but the neihbourhood kids didn't need water to flood our cement basement floor which was, traditionally, the "unofficial rink" on 12th Street when David and his friends were youngsters. Be it in the middle of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, midsummer or in preparation for the upcoming "official" season, the regular group of 10-12 year-olds would gather faithfully in our then-unfinished basement to battle it out for the coveted "Ann Cup"; an tarnished silver antique baby mug that bore the inscription "Ann", and retrieved from the local garbage dump, on another of their treasure hunts. This became their official trophy, placed on display in a prominent location in our basement, along with the various hand-crafted banners that announced which teams of the "original six" would be playing that night. In addition to this important display was a regular incidence of broken light bulbs, puck holes in the insulation and hundreds of black tape marks on the painted cement floor, which, incidentally, was returned to its original pale green colour at the end of each season, when the team forfeited their sticks and pucks for scrub brushes and Dutch Cleanser, to restore the "ice surface" to its original colour.

One Saturday night, while David's Dad was out of town, my then next-door neighbour, Elaine Black invited me over for coffee. I knew that the game was under control, with Rhonda refereeing, and was only a door away in the event that I was needed at home for any reason.

The "reason" came in an urgent telephone call. "Mom, come home right now!" Needless to say, I ran from next door with visions of someone being seriously injured and opened our back door, stepping into water flowing through the kitchen, dining room and cascading down the basement stairs. Every towel in the house was in use. The game was over as the frantic players had long forgotten about which teams were playing, the score, or the "Ann Cup". The only thing on their minds was get that water sopped up; water that had been left running in the kitchen sink to make sure it was good and cold at the end of the period. What they had neglected to check, was the drain stop and, yes, it had done its job!

Lesson learned; it's all about the game, just like life... just tell the truth and try to correct it. I was happy no one had been hurt and that they were playing a game they all loved with passion. As for the refreshments....well, they're just what you sop up afterward.

0212

May 19     Aaron, Janelle and Cooper Ashcroft     Carnduff, Saskatchewan

We have been following the "play by Play" and we wish Birtle the best of luck!!!!
"Pass it on"

0211

May 19     Ralph and Ruthan Kitching     Birtle, Manitoba

Dear Hockeyville Birtle;
We have faithfully checked the guestbook on a daily basis and want to add our congratulations to Birtle, as in our minds, having been long-time residents and arena supporters, Birtle has always been Hockeyville! I do have a request and put it out there for anyone who might have information or can come to our assistance: Rhonda (Kitching) Plett's husband, Bernie, played senior hockey while serving as Birtle's Recreation Director in the early 1970's. She would like to have a replica of that jersey made for him as a gift so if anyone has an old "original", would you be willing to lend it to her in order that she have the replica made. Your original will be returned, with her thanks. Even though many years have passed since then, Rhonda, having figure skated there, joining in on the odd traditional "Boxing Day Shinny Game", still considers Birtle home AND HOCKEYVILLE, along with the rest of our family.

0210

May 19     Diane Hunter       Leduc, Alberta  

Here is my vote... Birtle is HOCKEYVILLE Goodluck

0209

May 19     Holly Renn     Rochester, Minnesota USA

Go Birtle!!!! Everyone at the Shjon Podein Children's Foundation is cheering you on to becoming HOCKEYVILLE!!!

Good Luck!

0208

Although I now live in a big city, I will always be proud of being from a
small town. I still get kidded that my hometown only has 700 people, but
that is usually from people who grew up in the city. Hey, I just don't
think they understand. A small town just seemed to be the right environment
to grow up in. It had certain advantages over a large place. One of those
things was hockey. Yes, hockey is played in the city too, but hockey was
THE activity at home, not an activity.

Like many Canadians, I started playing early in life. It was fun and you
just went out and played, not realizing what went on behind the scenes.
This is really what makes a small town special to me. Without the
caretakers, who would give you the keys to the rink so you could play some
shinny, the coaches, the kitchen workers, and most of all the parents and
grandparents who would encourage you despite the fact you missed a wide open
net, twice in a game. And all that while they drove you all over the
country on balmy 30 below nights. These people were doing it for the love
of it, because hockey was that important to them and it was fun. There
would not have been a rink without all these volunteers.
Now it is the next generation who are taking their kids to the rink.
Nothing really has changed. Time moves on, but hockey is still what is
important to a small community.

I just want to wish the Birtle Hockeyville Committee the best of luck as
they travel to Hamilton. I know they have done alot of work on this
Hockeyville project. As far as I
can tell, it isn't too hard to see that no matter what happens, win or
lose, my hometown is Hockeyville.

Derry Ashcroft
Calgary, Alberta

0207

Felicitations (congrats) Birtle on your success with Hockeyville. After reading the guestbook entries, I couldn't help but think back on all the wonderful memories of skating at the Birtle rink. I still have images of one of the first public skates I had when someone ran me over! I would have been three or four years old at the time but it certainly didn't scare me away from the ice. I find it difficult to put into words how skating in Birtle affected my life because it truly was the defining feature of who I was as a young child. What I do know is that skating for me was pure freedom to be an individual, to be creative, to be competitive, and to be challenged. All the things that the Birtle rink brought to me as a young child is still with me today, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Although figure skating is mostly just memories now, I am really looking forward to passing on a little bit of the spirit and passion of skating to my 11 month old son, Jude, some day. Congratulations again Birtle, and thanks for bringing out the memories!!

0206

May 18     Mairead Ni Chiardha     Galway, Ireland, Europe

This is a message from across the Atlantic Ocean from Galway, Ireland, Europe.

Wishing you the best of luck in your quest.

0205

May 18     Tom Barrett    

Birtle is to hockey what Elvis is to rock 'n' roll, what Kraft is to cheese, what back bacon is to breakfast.

Birtle is, quite simply, Hockeyville.
Accept no substitutes.

0204

May 18     Deb, Cory & Joshua Banack     Calgary, Alberta

Best of luck Birtle in your quest to become Canada’s Hockeyville!!

0203

May 18     Bill Smart    

At the request of my younger brother Mike Smart ( who is a HUGE Oiler fan and a Birtle resident) I am pleased to lend my support in Birtle's endeavor to become Canada's "Hockeyville" community !! Congratulations to all those who are working so very hard to achieve this admirable goal and best of luck in the future.

0202

May 18     Magdalen     Honk Kong

Good luck to Birtle. I hope you win the hockeyville contest.
I'm writing from Hong Kong.
I have a good friend who follows the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team and lives in Wisconsin. If justice prevails you are sure to win.
Sincerely
Magdalen

0201

May 18     Marian Koplinger     Modra, Slovakia

Good luck to win the contest to host an NHL exhibition game. It would be great for your town.

0200

May 18     Martan O Ciardha     Ireland

Go n-éirí an t-ádh le Birtle. Súil agam go mbuafaidh sibh an comórtas Hockeyville. This is a good luck message from the west coast Of Ireland ine the Irish or ‘Gaelic Language’. The message translates as “All the best to Birtle. Hope they win the Hockeyville Contest.

All the Best

0199

May 18     Dianne and Ed Clowes     100 Mile House, British Columbia

We used to live near Birtle and have family there. We know very well how farm families drive miles at all times of the day and night in freezing weather to take their kids to play hockey and how enthusiastic the whole town is over the game. Every kid wants to be an NHL player and the girls play Ringette because they love hockey too.

Kids skate on frozen ponds in winter and play street hockey in the summer. Wherever they can stick up a net.
All the activities associated with hockey are volunteer- coaching, driving, fund raising, uniform donations, raising and supporting the ice arena. And more.

Games between towns cause intense rivalry. Hockey is the number one show in town! Birtle is Western Canada's Hockeyville.

0198

May 18     Kit Grose       Wollongong, Australia

Good luck Birtle, from Kit Grose in Wollongong, Australia

0197

May 18     Leonard & Debbie Jensen     Birtle, Manitoba

A huge YAAAAAHOOOOOO from Calgary to Birtle. Congratulations on making the top 25! You’re number one to us. We still hold you all responsible for the hockey in our household. Your passion is contagious and you deserve the title Hockeyville.

Kathy attended Birtle High School. The 12 hour drive from Calgary took us to many summer vacations at the Riverside Park where the boys earned their swimming badges and we had endless rounds of golf. Birtle has a special place in our hearts.

Thanks for all the memories and inspiration. Good luck.

0195

Hi,

I just wanted to wish you (Birtle Manitoba) good luck in your Hockeyville contest.

I hope you win & get to host an NHL exhibition game.

I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin USA & I am a hugh Milwaukee Admirals fan & enjoy watching Rick Berry play.

0194

As a fan of the Milwaukee Admirals where Rick Berry currently is playing, I wish his hometown Birtle the best of luck in winning their Hockeyville title!!! A town such as Milwaukee doesn't have a TENTH of the hockey spirit that Birtle has!

0193

May 17     Tammy Stout     Louisville, Kentucky, USAHello,

At the request of Rick Berry, I'm sending an email to show support for the quest in gaining the title of Hockeyville. I was born and raised in central Indiana but currently live in Louisville KY. I am also an avid Nashville Predators fan. I wish you much success in your quest for the title. You have a beautiful town!

Very truly yours,
Tammy Stout

0192

May 17     Linda Cayan     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

GOOD LUCK from Milwaukee Wisconsin USA

0191

May 17     Jennifer Garbe     Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA

Hello!

Good luck in your quest for the Hockeyville title!! Great job so far! I am a Milwaukee Admirals fan from Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Again, Good Luck!!

0190

May 17     Deanne     Franklin, Wisconsin, USA

Who loves hockey more than Birtle? Nobody!

The entire community should be proud of the effort put forth in trying to bring the title of "Hockeyville" to your town. Good luck to you and good luck to your native son Rick Berry and his AHL Milwaukee Admirals in the quest for the Calder Cup!

0189

May 17   Alicia Kohlwey and Joseph Schmid    

We heard about your contest from Rick Berry with the Milwaukee Admirals. Good luck and Hope you win.

Alicia Kohlwey and Joseph Schmid

9 yr ticket holders for the Milwaukee Admirals

P.S. Thank you sending us such a good defensemen

0188

May 17     Gail    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Just want to wish you Good Luck. Here in Milwaukee there doesn't seem to be a lot of people interested in hockey. I've been an Admiral fan for over 25 years and I don't know what I would do without them.

Again, Good Luck!

0187

May 17     William Marsh     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Greetings from a Canadian in Milwaukee;
I would cast my vote for you!

0186

May 17     Mark C. Rehm, CPA    

Good luck with the Hockeyville quest!

0185

May 17     Anita and Dick Sheats     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

We our in a run for the Calder Cup Championship at this time of the year. This is an exciting time for us fans. Hopefully the good play of our team will carry us onto the next round. We have been going to the Admirals games since they moved to the Milwaukee area, which I think is 30 years ago. Prior to that we lived in IL. and were fans of the Chicago Blackhawks. Boy did we see some games there.

Anyhow I want to wish you good luck on your venture of trying to get an NHL exhibition game in your town. What a thrill that would be.

Best of luck to you.

0184

May 17     Patti Schmidt     Northbrook, Illinois, USA

Good luck in your quest.

Go Milwaukee Admirals

0183

May 17     Amy Ward    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good Luck!!!!

0182

May 17     Leona Marino     Stockton California, USA

Good Luck on your Quest for the title from Stockton California

0181

May 17     Lindsey     Mukwonago, Wisconsin, USA

Hey! It's Lindsey from Mukwonago, Wisconsin here. I would just like to wish Birtle, Manitoba good luck in their hopes of achieving the Hockeyville title. I am a big Admirals fan and got the news from your very own Rick Berry. So good luck and I hope you win!

0180

May 17    Jacki Rupp     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good Luck!!!

0179

May 17     Rose Fortier     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck to Birtle in the quest for the Hockeyville title! I'm pulling for you, here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

0178

May 17     Todd Ziems      Tanzania, East Africa

Habari yako (a greeting in Swahili)!

I am Todd Ziems from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, East Africa. I want to send my support of Birtle, Manitoba as Hockeyville! I haven't seen too many hockey games in the last 2 1/2 years, but was sent into a minor depression when the Red Wings were eliminated so early this year, again.

Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania with almost 5 million people in the greater metropolitan area, and is located 6 degrees south of the equator on the shoreline of the Indian Ocean. We are here doing community development work with water filtration and the drilling of boreholes to provide the basics needs of life and share the Living Water of Jesus Christ.

Our support and prayers are with you Birtle!

0177

May 17     Mike Gedemer     Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck in your quest. Also much luck to Rick Berry and the Milwaukee Admirals.

0176

May 17     Mike Ziems      Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck to Birtle in becoming Hockeyville from Mike Ziems in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

0175

May 17     Rosie Olle     Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Good Luck in your quest for the Hockeyville title.. I hope that things go well for you..

0174

May 17     Christyl Marsh     Chicago, Illinois, USA

Town of Birtle,

Best of luck in the contest. Here's hoping you win the Hockeyville title!

0173

May 17     Lori Lucchesi     Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA

This is my first season of hockey and I'm loving it!!!! Thanks for a great season! Keep it going. Looking forward to the next Milwaukee Game on the 22nd!!

0172

May 17     Wehrhahn's     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck from Milwaukee Wisconsin. We are the Wehrhahn's and LOOOOVE hockey and love our Admiral's too

0171

Good Luck From all the Hockey fans here in Milwaukee Wisconsin USA!!

0170

May 17     Jon Greenberg     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck to Birtle, Manitoba in the Hockeyville competition.

All the best,
Jon Greenberg
President
Milwaukee Admirals Hockey Club (AHL)

0169

May 17     Shawn     New Berlin, Wisconsin, USA

Hi,

My name is Shawn and my boyfriend, Brian, and I are HUGE hockey fans. I played a little when I was younger, I am canadian that's why of course. I live in New Berlin Wi about 15 minutes from Milwaukee. Brian and I are season tickets holders for the Milwaukee Admirals and we wanted to send you a message of good luck with being the next hockeyville and you acheivement of #25 out of 450.

Hockey Love--
Shawn

0168

May 17     Jacquelyn Ayers     Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA

Good luck, Birtle Manitoba, in the Hockeyville contest!

0167

May 17     Al Hanke     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Hello Birtle,

Hello from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I wish you all the luck in getting the title! It was also fun checking out the town’s website. One of your town’s son’s in Rick Barry (Milwaukee Admirals #13) made me aware of your quest! Good luck & go get that NHL exhibition game!

0166

May 17     Michael Bornn     Monsey, New York, USA

Hello Town of Britle,
Here is to you folks in your hopes of getting that hockey game played in your town.I would like to say hello to all of you living in Birtle MB.My name is Michael Bornn and I live in Monsey, NY and best of luck to all of you in Birtle.

0165

May 17     Jane M. Jushka     Port Washington, Wisconsin, USA

Okay............

Good luck on the quest!

Hope you win!!

0164

May 17     R. LONG     Racine, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck!

0163

May 17     Stephanie Muraro     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Hey there, just wanted to send some good luck from Milwaukee Wisconsin on your quest to win the Hockeyville contest! Milwaukee was blessed to have one of your towns finest (Rick Berry) come play for our AHL team and from everyone here in Milwaukee, we hope to see your town win! Good Luck and God Bless

0162

May 17     faith.horn@us.abb.com     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Congratulations on your efforts Birtle. I'm from Milwaukee, Wisconsin - the winter home this year of the Legendary Rick Berry.

Hope your efforts go well in Hockeyville!

Go Admirals!!!!!

0161

May 17     Sara Harvey     Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Good luck on your quest to be crowned Hockeyville!

I am writing from Nashville, TN (aka "SMASHVILLE" when the season is on!) and I wish you the very best of luck!!

GO BIRTLE!!!

0160

May 17     elle     Morrisville, North Carolina, USA

good luck - from a carolina hurricanes fan..in morrisville, nc. - lived in wisconsin most of my life and went to alot of admirals games in the 80's...
you guys rock!!!
go on beat the crap outa grand rapids....

0159

May 17     Anne Stibor     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Former Milwaukee Admiral (and former Birtle resident), Rick Berry, filled us in on this contest.

Good luck, Birtle, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA! I hope you win the Hockeyville title!

0158

May 17     Paula Nicholson     Pewaukee, Wisconsn, USA

I wishing you luck from Pewaukee, Wisconsn, USA.

We support Birtle in their quest!!!
Good Luck!

0157

May 17     Corrie Michalowski     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Best of luck!!!!

0156

May 17     Joe Forgacs     Long Beach, California, USA

Good luck on your quest to win the NHL exhibition game from Long Beach California. And go Admirals on your way to the cup

0155

May 17     Randy Gray      Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

..because Rick Berry says so!

I don't know who the competition is, but from the website, I'm convince Birtle is Hockeyville!

Good Luck!

0154

May 17     Ken Patten     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

let's go Birtle!!! let's go!!!

I'm from milwaukee wisconsin but i was born in Utah.

hope this helps you win!

0153

May 17     Mary Brantner     Elm Grove, Wisconsin, USA

I want to wish Birtle good luck in the Hockeyville contest. I am a long time hockey fan from Elm Grove, Wisconsin. I follow both the NHL and the AHL. I have made several trips to Manitoba (although I have only been in the Winnipeg area) and have only great things to say. Good Luck!

Mary Brantner
Milwaukee Admirals (and Rick Berry) Fan!

0152

May 17     Michelle Eisenhauer    Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA

 Good luck in your quest for Hockeyville!

0151

May 17    Andrea Rate     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck, Birtle, in your quest for the Hockeyville title! I'm a huge fan of one of your hometown boys, Rick Berry, #13 of the Milwaukee
Admirals.

0150

May 17     Kim Bollmann     Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck Birtle in the contest!

0149

May 17     Pam Berridge     Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Good luck Birtle, from a Predators/Admirals fan from Nashville!

0148

May 17     Justin Kreger     Waterford, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck with your effort to host a NHL exhibition game

0147

May 17     Brenda Glowienka     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Hi,

Good luck in your quest for the Hockeyville title. I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I get to watch the Milwaukee Admirals and Rick Berry play.
I love hockey!

0146

May 17     Anthony Russell     Southampton, England

Greetings Birtle, Manitoba! This is Southampton in England calling!
Just a message to wish you the best of luck for Hockeyville contest. anything to keep our great game alive

0145

May 17     Paulette     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good Luck from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA!!

0144

May 17     The Hill's     Germantown, Wisconsin, USA

Good Luck Birtle and Good Luck Admirals

0143

May 17     Mike Kirkpatrick      Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck on getting a nhl game there

0142

May 17     KAREN VISKOCIL    

BIRTLE MANITOBA ..... WISH YOU GOOD LUCK IN YOU CONTEST AND TITLE


MY GRANDSONS PLAY HOCKEY AT THE DULUTH ICE FORUM IN GA.
DYLAN 10YRS RIGHT DEFENSE TRAVEL AA SQUIRT
MICHAEL 7YRS GOALIE AND DEFENSE
WE ALSO SUPPORT THE GWINNETT GLADIATORS WHO JUST WON THE CONFERENCE CHAMPION GAME LAST NIGHT BETTING TOLEDO OHIO AND NOW ON OUR WAY TO PLAY FOR THE KELLY CUP...WISH US LUCK....

0141

May 17    Greg Reed     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck being Hockeyville from Milwaukee, WI

0140

I have to add, I am also a Boston Bruins fan, I love your jerseys!
This email is coming to you from Sudbury, Ontario.

Good Luck !

0139

Birtle, Good Luck in your quest in becoming Hockeyville!!

Milwaukee Admiral's Fan

0138

0137

Hi, my name is Tim Nimtz from Waukesha, Wisconsin, U.S.A. (about 20 minutes west of Milwaukee). I’ve had the pleasure of watching one of Birtle’s favorite sons, Rick Berry, play for our own Milwaukee Admirals this season. How proud the town must be to see him succeed at such a great sport! I want to nominate the Town of Birtle for Hockeyville. The town deserves such a great honor!

Go Admirals!

0136

Hi!

Just dropping you a note from Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Rick Berry sent out a message to fans of the Milwaukee Admirals, a team I follow closely as they are the primary minor affiliate of my Nashville Predators, and asked us to do so. I'm always happy to help out one of our Predators prospects.

Best of luck with the hockeyville contest!

0135

We LOVE to watch Rick Berry #13 play here in Milwaukee, WI for the Milwaukee Admirals!!!

Good luck on your contest!

0134

May 17     Tom Adamczyk     Antioch, Illinois, USA

Go Birtle, Hope you get the NHL game.

0133

May 17     Rick Alexander     Zion, Illinois, USA

Good Luck and Thanks for Rick Berry (Milwaukee Admirals) Great Player and Fun to Watch

0132

May 17     Paul Dion     Oak Creek, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck with your quest for Hockeyville. I’m from Oak Creek, WI, a suburb just south of Milwaukee, WI. We like to support the Admirals and all of their players (Rick Berry). Hope you make it further.

0131

May 17     Roy Brion (HUGE HOCKEY FAN)     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

I just want to wish you guys good luck in winning the chance to host a NHL exhibition game in the future. I am from Milwaukee, WI and am a big supporter of our Milwaukee Admirals and your hometown boy Rick Berry. I lived in Detroit for awhile which is considered Hockeytown so I wish you the best in being called Hockeyville. Thanks for your time and keep up the good progress.

0130

May 17     Nicki Kroll     Greendale, Wisconsin, USA

Hi!

I'm writing from Greendale, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Birtle native, Rick Berry, who is currently playing with the AHL Milwaukee Admirals hockey club, made Admirals fans aware of the Hockeyville contest, so I am adding my email to the list.

I had the pleasure of compiling a scrapbook for Rick this season as a member of the Admirals Crew Booster Club. The club has an awards banquet each season at which we present each member of the team and coaching staff with a scrapbook comprised of photos, articles and other fun items as a memento of the season.

Best of luck on your quest to become Hockeyville and I hope that Birtle will be able to host an NHL exhibition game!

0129

May 17     Ed Stathus     Colgate, Wisconsin, USA

Just wanted to drop you a line in support of Hockeyville. What a great thing!

0128

May 17     Bob Kruse     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

hey guys good luck on hockeyville, Rick Berry sent all the Milwaukee Admirals fans an email saying to support you, so good luck!!!!! Here in Milwaukee, WI, the admirals are in the conference finals, so wish them luck too!! thanks again, and good luck to you all

0127

May 17     Stephani Grisham     Mount Juliet, Tennessee, USA

Good Luck with the contest!

0126

May 17     Rachael S     Whitewater, Wisconsin, USA

Hi, Birtle!

I'm a Milwaukee Admirals fan, so of course I'm emailing for Rick Berry's contest! I'm from Whitewater, WI. :)

Good luck with the contest!!

0125

May 17     Mark Dorney     Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, USA

Rick Berry from the Milwaukee Admirals told me about your contest, good luck and please let us know the results

0124

May 17     Kevin Brown     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Kevin in Milwaukee, WI (originally from Detroit...go Red Wings)

0123

May 17     Jeremy Nosser     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Hello Birtle, just wanted to send you a quick note wishing you the best of luck in the Hockeyville contest from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the U.S. You have what looks to be a beautiful town and I have no doubt that you are very deserving of the honor. Good luck!

0122

May 17     Marc Whitney     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

In Milwaukee, Wis., and everywhere else they drop the vulcanized rubber on frozen pond, people around the globe know that Birtle Manitoba is Hockeyville!

GO BIRTLE!

0121

May 17     Charlie Larson     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good Luck Birtle in the Hockeyville contest!

0120

Go Birtle

0119  

Birtle....may you be chosen HOCKEYVILLE! Good Luck!

0118

What an incredible feeling to come from a small prairie town that is getting the recognition it deserves for being such a great hockey town. I have such fond memories of growing up close to the old rink on the north side of the river and waiting every fall for it to get cold enough to put the ice in. It was there I learned to skate and play and thank so many of the volunteers that coached, managed, refereed, sold tickets, cooked meals in the curling rink next door, and in general made it a great place to spend the long cold prairie winters. For a small town we always seemed to have a lot of teams and it took a lot of good people to get it done, including the Mums that kept the uniforms clean and the Dads that drove countless miles all over southern Manitoba to games. I continued to play for several years even after I joined the RCMP and moved to New Brunswick and hockey was such a great way to meet new friends and make contacts in the communities where I worked. When my knees gave out I took up coaching my son's teams and the RCMP Headquarters' team that played in many charity events in the province. I even got the chance to coach against the NHL Old timer's team that came to New Brunswick each year to play and raise money for much needed drug awareness programs. It all started in Birtle and I had a chance to meet and rub shoulders with greats like Maurice Richard, Guy Lafleur, Jean Guy Talbot, Bill White and many more. Thank you Birtle for making that possible. You are a great hockey town and always will be. You can be very proud of a job well done.

0117

It would be such a thrill to hear that Birtle Mb.qualified as Hockeyville in this vast country of ours....
Good Luck!!!!!

0116

May 16     Rob Armstrong

Birtle, Manitoba

Good Luck in your quest for the title of "Hockeyville"!

Rob Armstrong
Guest Service Manager
Xcel Energy Center/RiverCentre/Roy Wilkins Auditorium

0115

May 16     Les Leyne   

Lindsay Kines is making me write this. If he says you're Hockeyville, then you are!
If Kines says it, it's so.


Les Leyne
Victoria Times Colonist
Legislature Bureau

0114

May 16     Jeff Rud     Victoria, British Columbia

Birtle Rocks!!

Here's the prime equation

Birtle=Hockey

Nuff said,

Jeff Rud,
Victoria

0113

May 16     wilcocks@ultranet.ca

Birthplace of hockey legend Lindsay Kines, a town where winter lasts seven months and a place where the only alternative January activity activity is shovelling a path to frozen cattle.
And on top of that a name so quirky - and fictional sounding - that David Letterman is sure to mention it if you win.
Go Birtle!

0112

May 16     Jennalee “Jenny B” Burch     Brandon, Manitoba

Hey Birtle!
                                                          

This is Jenny B, summer events coordinator at CKLF 94.7 Star FM in Brandon Manitoba. I firmly believe that Birtle Manitoba is Hockeyville.

The community as a whole celebrates a strong history and future in the game of Hockey. With participation in the local hockey scene in both male and female leagues, as well as young and old teams; it is known across western Manitoba that the sport is within every breath, every word, and every thought made by anyone in town.

Myself, I’m not a member of the Birtle community, nor do I have family ties to the area. But I do know first hand just how much Birtle loves hockey. Growing up I played hockey for Female Brandon teams, some would say there was a strong rivalry between the two hockey communities. I participated in many exhibition, league and tournament games in the old Birtle rink. Each time our team traveled down the #1 hi-way towards Birtle, we knew we were in for a good battle. Not just on the ice, but the fans were like a 7th player on the ice, cheering, chanting, but always respectful. Playing host for hockey was a Birtle specialty. They always pulled out all the bells and whistles.

I was invited through the station by the community to come and support them on May 14, 2006. I was nothing but completely impressed by the community involvement displayed that day. For a town of just over 700 people, there had to be around half the surrounding population in attendance to support the cause. This is a considerable feet, taking into account that it was in fact Mother’s Day, and that many farmers were out in the field. Not just the turn-out was impressive, but the overall enthusiasm and energy that everyone brought with them added to the excitement of the day. This genuinely nice and caring community took me in and made me feel at home. Some even remembered me from my hockey days! It was a real treat. It’s easy to see that Birtle is taking this contest very seriously, and taking this challenge on whole-heartedly.

Hockey being Canada’s national sport, it’s easy to see that many communities across our nation would share the same love for our game. But Birtle with it’s caring yet competitive nature, and geographically being in the middle of our great country… is truly at the heart of it all.

You have my vote Birtle.
And I’ll “Pass It On!”

Jennalee “Jenny B” Burch
“Today’s Best Music Mix!” 94.7 Star FM

0111

May 16     Blair Hunter      Nova Scotia

Good luck..!

Go Birtle

Blair Hunter
(a down home diehard hockey fan from Nova Scotia)

0110

May 16     David Kitching     Toronto, Ontario

Dear Birtle Hockeyville Supporters,

Our family was very happy to have one of the Hockeyville Pucks passed on to our home. In Toronto, we are far away, but are evidence of another generation of people whose roots go back to Birtle, that have experienced why this town is truly Hockeyville.

When I was a kid, we found a little time for hockey now and then. We played on local teams, bugged Nelson Ewbank for extra shinny time, skated on an elaborate outdoor rink we built, scraped off Ewbank's pond when we got bored with that and disrupted traffic with continuous road hockey games, despite the -25 temperatures that didn't seem to matter. Then, when summer rolled in and it was time to hang up the blades and the sticks...we wore down the grass on two empty lots, staging the entire Stanley Cup playoffs with our daily field/ball hockey ritual. How we lerned to reed and speel, I'll never no.

Years later, having a son growing up and playing hockey in Toronto, where ice time is scarce and has the same value of solid gold, I wanted to share with him the experience of the small town rink...of hockey in the prairies. So, when he was very young, I told him of the Boxing Day shinny...where old friends and people you hadn't seen in ages appeared - like through time travel - to take part in a Birtle ritual. You'd skate until you couldn't, and have a great visit, doing the thing that bonded you so many years ago.

My family...particularly my son, has grown to love his visits to Birtle, along with the Boxing Day shinny and time at the Birtle Arena. He's had the rare experience for a Toronto-raised child, of playing until your legs say no...not until someone blows a whistle at exactly 59 minutes into your ice time, prematurely stopping the fun. I'm happy that the open ended, unsupervised freedom of being at a rink for a long as you want, has been part of his childhood...and is something we now share, thanks to Birtle.

Looking back, I'd like to say thanks to my parents and all of the other supportive hockey moms, dads and coaches who made playing hockey in Birtle such a special memory. I'm always so impressed by the total community effort that's gone on for decades now that make minor hockey and the local Arena possible. For that reason alone, I think Birtle should be named Canada's Hockeyville.

For me, this notes brings a twist to an old adage...'you can take the prairie boy out of the prairie....but you can't take hockey out of the prairie boy.' To me, Birtle is the #1 choice for Hockeyville. I'm going to pass on puck #6, right on the tape, to my old Boxing Day shinny mate, Lindsay Kines. Best of luck to everyone working so hard on this project in Birtle.

best regards,

David Kitching

0109

May 16     Jamie Finlay      Donnybrook, WA, Australia

Well it’s been about two and a half months since I arrived in Donnybrook south of Perth in Western Australia. I am here visiting my dad and his girlfriend, Terri, and her family. I am also impatiently awaiting the arrival of a new sibling. It has been quite an exciting trip so far. Seeing the Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, and visiting The Outback have been highlights for me. However, one of the best things that I have been able to experience is teaching Connor (on left) and Ryan (on right), two of Terri’s boys, to skate.

When I first arrived and began unpacking my two suitcases no one could believe that I had brought my rollerblades all the way from Canada. They practically took up a whole suitcase! I couldn’t really understand it myself but now that this Hockeyville competition has started it all makes sense: I am from Birtle and, therefore, hockey is in my blood! Once the boys realized that I had skates they wanted to get some too so we could practice skating together. You see, last year the boys were able to visit Canada, watch ICE hockey games, and step on ice for the first time. Now, they are determined to become pros by the time their next trip to Canada comes around. Part of their "training" here has involved their own version of hockey which is a cross between our ice hockey and Aussie field hockey. Since it is impossible to buy a "hockeystick" with a blade over here the boys have been shooting balls with their field hockeysticks while wearing their rollerblades. I have promised them that if they can do that, they will find ice hockey in Canada very easy. I have also promised that it doesn’t hurt nearly as much when you fall on ice!

News of Birtle running for Hockeyville has reached all across the world. It’s amazing. When I checked out Birtle’s website I was really moved by all of the postings and pictures. Who would have thought Stompin’ Tom could bring a tear to your eye? Memories of the strong coaching, the good teammates, and the supportive community spirit that has always enraptured Birtle came back. It is part of what makes winter a season to look forward to and long drives across snow-blowing prairies tolerable. It’s hockey, the heart of Birtle and the heart of Hockeyville.

Birtle is hockeyville. LET’S GO BIRTLE! LET’S GO!

Jamie Finlay, Birtle MB, writing from Donnybrook, WA, Australia

0108

May 16     Brian Chriistensen      

Good Luck!!! I hope you success at what you are doing!

From Brian

0107

May 16     Mary & Rob McCorkle     Ontario, California, USA

Congrats on being considered for Hockeyville! I'm a personal friend of Rick Berry's and if the town he came from has anything to do with the man he is today, I'd love to send our support.

Best of luck in receiving this honor!

0106

May 16     Julie McNabb     Toronto, Ontario

Dear Birtle,

Congratulations on being chosen in the top 25 for Kraft Hockeyville! My mom grew up in Birtle, and most of her family still lives there, so I have experienced first-hand the passion and community spirit that this small community has. I grew up just down the road in Minnedosa and, even though I am now in Toronto taking journalism at Ryerson University, I will never forget my memories of time spent in Birtle. I have played hockey since I was five years old and can honestly say Birtle was always one of my favorite places to play. I was the only girl on an all boys team, which was sometimes frustrating, but people at the Birtle rink were always supportive and friendly, whether it was finding me my own dressing room or cheering me on from the stands. My teammates also loved playing in Birtle, since my Grandpa would come into the dressing room in between periods to give us a pep talk, even though we were playing against his hometown! It made me so proud when I would overhear my friends telling people that, “Birtle has the best hockey fan around – Julie’s Grandpa!” What Birtle lacks in size, it makes up for in heart. No Canadian town deserves to be Hockeyville more than Birtle does.

Rooting for you,

Julie McNabb

0105

May 16    Vickie Mautino     Chatham, Illinois

Good luck in your quest for the Hockeyville title!

0104

My daughter in-law Shannon Emerick(MacArthur) has asked for me to help support your Bid for Hockeyville. Go For IT! Birtle. YAY!!!!!!!!!

0103

May 16     Ville Nieminen     San Jose, California, USA

Good Luck for Hockeyville contest.
I was fortune to play with Rick Berry,
for Hershey Bears and Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins.
and finally get traded with him for Darius Kasparaitis to Penguins.

Ricky Berry is true hockey ambassador of Birtle, Manitoba.
I heard nothing but great things about Birtle, and their people.

All the Best,
Nemo Sharks #15
 

0102

May 16     Kylie Evans     Kelowna, British Columbia

Can you believe this site? Congratulations everybody!!! Whether you're
"refreshing the concession", appearing as tv and radio celebrities, or just enjoying the time you're spending together, this is what HOCKEYVILLE is all about. I can't get enough of this community spirit! Even though I'm 1300 kms away (Kelowna BC), I've never felt closer to my fellow Birtleites!
Thank you for making us all so proud!

As for my rink memories, I honestly don't remember much else growing up EXCEPT my rink rat years!! We played ALOT of hide and go seek before we could play hockey! And we played ALOT of hockey when we were too old to play hide and go seek. My absolute fondest memories happened at the rink.....Provincial Champs in 02, High school Graduation, social after social after social....it doesn't get much better!

Thank you thank you thank you........for giving us all a reason to stop and remember those things in life that really matter!

LET'S GO BIRTLE LET'S GO!!!!!

0101

May 16     Lou and Marlene Amy     Beulah, Manitoba

congratulations Birtle on a job well done and a big tribute and thanks to everyone who put in many hours to be where we are today. The passion, spirit and participation is being passed on every day in our community. Our family has had many hours of many good times in the local arena from hockey games to grad to weddings and the local fair. It is from my husband playing hockey in the old arena to our children and now to our granddaughters all being a part of it. WE WILL BE HOCKEYVILLE.

0100

May 16     Pesch      Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Good luck Birtle!

0099

May 16     The Katchuks      Regina, Saskatchewan

Good luck with Hockeyville, you deserve it.

0098

May 16     Pete Hazlet

I hope you get a ton of emails. There's got to be some future NHL stars in your town.

Sincerely,
Pete Hazlet

0097

Hi Birtle,

I am a long time member of the Rick Berry fan club and just wanted to wish your town good luck in getting an NHL game. I know it will be a huge success and a great environment!

#29 Steven Reinprecht

0096

May 15     Jamie Vissering     Illinois, USA

Good luck from Illinois

0095

I have so many fond memories growing up in Birtle, the majority of them taking place at the arena. From working in the kitchen with my mom to helping my dad sweep the floors downstairs in the dressing rooms or standing out in the bleachers cheering on my favorite team all these memories bring a smile to my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I remember (when I was a very young girl) exactly where my grandfather sat to watch my dad play with the Birtle Blazers (Bruins as they are known now), he'd always be in the second last chair sitting at the window right near the stairs to go downstairs to the dressing rooms.
Of course when I would come home to visit from University it was guaranteed that I could make one trip to the Birtle Arena for the Birtle Bruins vs. Foxwarren Falcons hockey game in order to see all my friends in one place (we all knew that was the place to be and still is).
Hockey is the one thing in a small prairie town that gets people out of their homes in the dead cold of winter and this in turn helps us to warm up and realize how valuable the other people in our community are in our lives and that in turn brings meaning to our own life because we belong.
Birtle definitely is HOCKEYVILLE and I'm proud to call Birtle home (even if I no longer live there!!!)

0094

May 15     Laurie Ziel     New York City, New York, USA

Hey guys, Good Luck from all your friends in NY.

Laurie Ziel- Teama 25.com
Patricia O'connor
Maureen and Charlie Lombardo
Kevin and DEbbie O'Connor
Kara Feltham
Carrie Molenky
Gene Barber
Frank Buffa
Christopher and Kris Murray
Nilsa Torres
Troy Coppain
Paul Hernandez
Aurora Hernandez

0093

May 15     Lisa Downie    

Good luck!

0092

May 15     Linda Harmon     Aurora, Colorado, USA

I am writing to express my happiness in your pursuit of being named Hockeyville. Having known one of your towns people, Rick Berry, I am sure there is not a town that deserves this honor more. I am sure you are the capital of hockey and will continue to hold that title for a long  time to come.

0091

Good luck in the Hockeyville contest Birtle Manitoba! I'm a huge fan of the game, and a friend of Rick Berry.

0090

May 15     Kris Viksne

Good Luck!  Hope You Win!

0089

May 15     Jennifer Howard     Denver, Colorado

Good luck on your contest!

0088

May 15     Lance Dahl     Rochester, Minnesota, USA

Good Luck!

0087

May 15     Miles & Kristin Steel    Parker, Colorado, USA

You say "hockeyville", we think Birtle, Manitoba!
Go Birtle!!!!!

0086 

May 15     Fran and John Hawkins     Rossman Lake, Manitoba

I think Birtle is a little town with a BIG HEART!

It is nice to see a town with so much spirit!

GO BIRTLE GO!

0085

May 15     Jim Renn      Rochester Minnesota USA

Go Birtle Manitoba!!! If this isn't Hockeyville what is? Good luck in your quest!!

0084

May 15     Robert Squires

I just wanted to wish you all good luck in your bid to become Hockeyville. I’m a huge hockey fan and I wish you all the best at spreading the game of hockey

0083

May 15     Stacy McBride      Virden, Manitoba

GOOD LUCK BIRTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

0082

FYI – the first professional hockey team in America was formed in the early 1930’s in the sweetest town on earth – Hershey PA home of the 10 time Calder Cup champion HERSHEY BEARS !

Don’t let those Detroit Red Wing fans fool ya !

Love your website… love your hockey players.. best of luck and god bless your town and its people.

From the heart of Pa Dutch land – WE Are :

Please visit our website:
www.wengers.com/farmequipment

Thank you for your time.

0081

Birtle is a small community with BIG Hockey hearts. Friendly people. About 20 or so years ago when my son was small we used to travel and play against Birtle area. I found everyone to be great sports and wonderful hosts. I think they would be a wonderful choice for HOCKEYVILLE.

0080

To the Citizens of Birtle,

I’m so proud of everyone who lives in Birtle and has participated in the Hockeyville contest that we have so recently become involved in.

I just wanted to share my hockey experience with all of you. I am an import, having married into the community. I have NO hockey history as that was not part of my childhood experience. When my two sons were very young all of our friends were avid hockey fans and insisted that our two sons be involved with hockey, especially since their father had grown up playing hockey. My response was always negative. "Over my dead body," I would say, "hockey is too violent and I won’t be putting my sons in that dangerous, expensive and ‘unfair’ sport."

Well, somehow, I’m glad to say someone convinced me to allow my children to participate and it has been an exciting, wonderful experience on the whole. For the first few years, I have to admit, I was testing the system. To my delight, all the coaches and parents involved with our club have had a positive effect on not only my hockey experience, but my kids as well.

I quickly learned where all my ‘negative’ notions about the sport came from when we played against other teams. I can honestly say that the people of Birtle changed my perspective of hockey. All our kids received fair ice-time, they were taught to play the game fairly and cleanly and in my experience all the parents were enthusiastic participants on and off the ice. They displayed a genuine consensus of giving their children a positive experience and that they would remember their minor hockey years in Birtle with fond memories.

When children from surrounding communities did not have a club to play with they knew they were always welcome in Birtle’s. One year we even split our team to form two teams so that all could play hockey; even though it meant we were possibly splitting a group of somewhat talented players. Collectively we decided that it was more important to allow all children to play the game rather than win. We didn’t win a whole lot of games that year, but we all had a blast – even the kids. I’m now the loudest cheering parent on the ice and have enjoyed all the years we’ve had our kids in hockey. Our kids have just now completed their years with minor hockey but we will remain strong supporters of the Birtle Minor Hockey program. Thank you to everyone who helped convince me to put my kids in hockey and for your contributions to some of our most treasured memories.

Birtle is truly one of the most ‘community-minded’ communities I know as the participation of so many who contributed to the efforts when we participated in the Communities in Bloom program can testify.

No matter where Birtle ends up in the Hockeyville contest the rewards of everyone’s efforts have already paid off in spades – WAY TO GO BIRTLE!

Judy Bicknell

0079

I am in awe over how much spirit our little town has. In the hustle and bustle of our every day lives it's easy to forget that we just don't live in Birtle, but that we are a part of Birtle. Hockeyville has really helped to remind us that our town has heart, spirit, and enthusiasm. My husband and his family have spent many, many hours at the rink over the years, and now that we have a family of our own I look forward to creating our own memories there. I just want to say thanks to our great Hockeyville committee and to Kraft Hockeyville for reminding us just how much spirit we do have. GO BIRTLE GO!!!! There's no doubt in my mind that WE ARE HOCKEYVILLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

0078

May 14     Ann (Peltonen) Mohr     Regina Saskatchewan

Congratulations Birtle! I did not grow up or ever live in Birtle, (immigrated to Canada in 1977). However, I worked in the elementary school from 1977-1982. I was warmly welcomed and felt at home there. In fact a dear friend has lived in Birtle all her life. I also watched another friend's son play hockey there. What wonderful memories of a wonderful community. Thank you, Birtle, you have much to be proud of.

0077

May 14    Esther Penner     Winnipeg, Manitoba

Birtle should be hockeyville because the community eats, breaths, and sleeps hockey. Everything in the community is based on the rink and hockey.

My best memory is going to the rink for High School Hockey games and seeing the many people out there cheering on the youth of the community. It was great.

Go Birtle for Hockeyville

0076

 0075

May 13     Birtle & District Chamber of Commerce      Birtle, Manitoba

Greetings!

I did not grow up in Birtle, but I spent nearly three years living and teaching in the community. The people of Birtle embraced me the moment I arrived in the town and never made me feel like an outsider, even going as far as introducing me to my husband!! When we, unfortunately, had to move on, there were nothing but good wishes for our future. The spirit of your little town is unquenchable and I am thrilled that this contest has let the rest of the country know what a warm and amazing place Birtle is. I did log some time at the good old rink as well, and my memories are simple but so very endearing to me; seeing students and having them say "Miss Wakely , you have a life outside of the school?" Got for it Birtle, you deserve it!

PS  Finding that Birtle was such a wonderful place, I recruited my brother (Mark Wakely) to come and teach in Birtle as well, where he still lives 9 years later

0073

May 13     Paul Casanova     Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Good luck from Milwaukee, WI!

0072

May 13     Marilyn Moulson     Birtle, Manitoba

As a 70 year old retired member of the cheering section behind the glass at games where my grandson, or son -in -law , or even just members of the AAA team from Birtle , home based in the town down the road, are out on the ice, I have learned to enjoy hockey at a late age. It is the place to go when winter is at its worst, and every one else is having a good time at the rink. Good luck Birtle, keep passing it on for a long time yet.

0071

May 13     Jessica Barnes

Hello Birtle,

Well I don’t live that far away but I guess it still counts. I would love to see Birtle win hockeyville because they truly deserve it. The Birtle Rink has been a part of my childhood. I spent many hours in that building during the winter, spring, summer, and fall. I grew up figure skating, playing some ladies hockey, cheering on my brothers, and cheering on my school in that rink. I truly don’t know what I would have done to keep myself busy without the rink. It was the place to be in any season. Whether we were going to fairs, dances, graduation, concerts or just to hang out and be with friends it was always the place to be.

Birtle needs a pick me to get the spirit flowing again and I believe this would do it.

Birtle is the place to be! Good luck Birtle, I miss ya!

0070

May 13     tklarkowski@na.cokecce.com

Best Regards Birtle from Atlanta, Georgia!!!

0069

May 13     CGroccia@olingerindiana.com

GOOD LUCK AND HOPE YOU WIN!!

0068

Good Luck to Birtle Manitoba from Denver, Colorado, hope you become the hosts of an NHL Exibition Game!

0067

Writing from Colorado wishing you good luck in your quest to become Hockeyville!!

0066

May 12     Gary Graham     Dryden, Ontario

Birtle deserves to be hockeyville . as an ex Manitoban , Birtle has always been a hotbed of sports , especially hockey. it would be a truly deserving candidate because of the strong community spirit, and it's excellent volunteer citizens

0065

May 12     Jim and Linda Harmon     Denver, Colorado, USA

Best of luck with Hockeyville, I know you deserve it.

0064

May 12     Barbara Green

What a great website. And absolutely yes, I think Birtle is the perfect Hockeyville. Why? Cause people are crazy about hockey in Birtle. It’s a family affair – young people come, old people come. While the games are going on –– kids run around and make memories they will have their whole life. People make connections with each other talking about the game with people that they would never normally connect with. The fact that there is a game on at the rink is good enough – young kids, old tymers, men, girls. It doesn’t matter. But we like a good game. Hockey is a big part of the Birtle community and an NHL game in the rink would be spectacular and a well deserved pay off for the parents and kids and families and players that have been so dedicated for so many years. Where can I get a ticket!!!!!!!

0063

May 12     Chris Nelson     Denver, Colorado, USA

Hey Birtle,

Good luck with the Hockeyville contest, my buddy is from there and hopefully I will be able to visit someday!!!! Looks like a great place

0062 

May 12     Robyn Berry

PASSION____________
                                    \
                                     \---COMMUNITY SPIRIT________
                                     /                                                 \
PEOPLE_____________/                                                    \
                                                                                          \
                                                                                           \ ---BIRTLE IS HOCKEYVILLE
                                                                                           /
PARTICIPATION__________                                                 /
                                          \                                               /
                                            ---HOCKEY_______________ /
                                           /                                           
PASSING (it on)__________/

0061

May 12     Robert Sayegh     New York City, USA

Good Luck From NYC

0060

May 12     Lanie M Donlan    

Good Luck Birtle!!

0059

May 12     Matthew G Casella    

Birtle = Hockey, way to go Birtle!

0058

May 12     Pat Bovee     St. Lois, Missouri, USA    

There is no sport that compares to hockey, good luck Birtle, i hope you land the big one.

Sincerely, Pat Bovee.

0057

May 12     Gordon Collins     Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Lets go Birtle. Get the game! Good luck

0056

May 12     Bill Swanson     Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Good luck to Birtle Hockey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

0055

May 12     Roxann (Kitching) Barker     Birtle, Manitoba

Within minutes of the birth of my one and only brother, my Dad, Ralph Kitching, was at the hospital bedside of my Mom, Ruthan, with a brand new hockey stick in his hands to "pass on" to his son, David. Coming from a family that included 5 brothers; enough for a team, providing there were no shift changes, hockey was a year-round sport; a family tradition that has now been "passed on" through three generations. Grandpa Kitching may have given up the blades now but still shares a multitude of tips and skills with both his son, David and grandson, Graham. Come Stanley Cup play-off time, the Kitching televisions in Birtle and Toronto and in fact, all across Canada, are tuned to any CBC channel that carries a game.
> In the days of the "Original Six", our home was hockey headquarters when all the neighborhood kids would get together on Saturdays, pull out the painted or colored poster-sized emblems of the teams from under David's bed and draw names to see which teams would be facing off at centre "cement" that night - in our basement. Once the names had been drawn, up went the team emblem banners and serious scouting continued until evenly-opposed teams between the ages of 10 and 12 entered into serious play, complete with a time clock and an official referee; my sister, Rhonda, who tolerated no preferential treatment for blood relatives.
> Hockey just never seemed to end on 12th Street in Birtle. Close to forty years have passed since then and still, in mid-summer, nets are out and game is in play, with due respect given to passing motorists and even the odd pedestrian, provided they cannot run faster than the ball! Every kid is practicing slap-shots, stick-handling and learning to roll with the odd punch, just waiting for the announcement that the ice is back in the arena; an arena that was considered state-of-the-art when it officially opened in 1976, due to the efforts and forward thinking of a large and energetic group of community members who had a vision for the future and the will to "pass it on". The same can be said when it came time to fundraise for the installation of artificial ice, making the hockey season that much longer and allowing for larger community events to be hosted in the facility during the summer months. The annual Agricultural Fair, Centennial Celebrations, weddings and fundraising socials; part of "prairie" tradition, are all held in this facility during the "off ice" season. Everyone from "Squirts" to "Seniors" regard the Birtle Arena as more than just a recreational facility; it is a social gathering place that serves up exciting hockey maneuvers, skillful figure-skating performances and delicious home cooked meals. There have probably been equally as many burgers flipped on the grill as pucks flipped against the boards in the 30 years since the facility opened its doors and flooded the ice surface for the first time. Our community has been blessed with a host of reliable volunteers who have kept time, announced the play, taken admissions, served at the canteen, organized fundraising and coached over the years. The ice-maker/caretaker and keeper of the keys has always been there, to open the doors for that year-long anticipated Boxing Day Shinny Game. They all continue to "pass on" this sense of community spirit, along with outgrown hockey equipment and probably new hockey sticks for their sons and daughters, although not necessarily on the day of their birth. I'm not sure that "Hockeyville" can be located on a map but it is surely in the hearts of everyone who has ever participated in any way, at the Birtle Arena, where the concept of "Hockeyville" echoes, and families work together, encouraging not only good hockey players but good sports, to "pass in on". However, since the name "Hockeyville" is currently searching for an place in which to locate, Birtle is your prime candidate. Sincere congratulations are extended to the many people who have put so much effort and thought into this Canada-wide contest. You represent, wholeheartedly, the essence of "Hockeyville" and I am sure the entire community joins me in our appreciation for your tireless enthusiasm and energy in "passing it on".

0054

May 12     Dawn Proulx     Winnipeg, Manitoba

I live in Winnipeg and have visited Birtle many times over the past 16 years or so (my best friend married a great guy from Birtle). I am always struck by the way the community is so committed to their town and to their lives together. The people are warm and welcoming and so connected! I wish we had that here in Winnipeg! They truly have pride for their community and work hard together to make it a great place to live. I love Birtle.

0053

May 12     Rick Berry

Great job Birtle I am not surprised that you have made it this far. Growing up in Birtle I know first hand how much PRIDE and PASSION our town has. With all the events that go on through the year (every Year) it is always amazing to see how much work gets done and everyone is so modest when credit is due. That is why I believe Birtle will be Hockeyville. I am forever grateful growing up in a place like Birtle as I would have never had the chance to follow my dreams. Keep it going your almost there!

0052

I grew up on a farm at Birtle. One of the many good memories that I have from my youth is the hockey that was played in the old rink in town. This rink was built by the people by hand in the 1920's or 1930's. It was initially operated by volunteers and was always busy. It was a place where people from the town and the surrounding farms could come and meet. But when a hockey game was on, everyone stopped what they were doing to watch hockey. Hockey was what brought the community together. There were numerous teams for the various age groups. The hockey that was played was of a excellent quality, not like now. Players played for the love of the game and gave their hearts to it.

When I left Birtle to go work, I traveled most of Canada and the northern states. During the winters, I liked to go to the local arenas to see the local hockey games. But I never came across the caliber of hockey that I saw in Birtle. Communities in Ontario or Alberta, who prided themselves on the game, did not have the enthusiasm that existed in Birtle.

Therefore, Birtle is my choice for the community to be chosen as Canada's Hockeyville.

0051

May 10     Lois and Steve MacBeth     Birtle, Manitoba

I came into Town one day in the summer of 1967, following my posting to RCMP Shoal Lake Det. Met Town Cst. Tom Mitchell who wanted help with a
break-in at a local residence. We managed to "crack" that case and
for about a year I worked a lot with him around Town, until The Force replaced him as the policing authority. April 1st, 1968 saw many villages and towns taken over under a Provincial contract.

I met many area folks while heading up the search for a Town elder who
went missing in the spring of 1968. Many of those people who helped
drag the river and walk the fields and bush are good friends of mine to
this very day. Birtle was part of my policing sphere until
transferring in July 1969. In Dec. of 1968 I met Lois(McLennan) and we were wed in October 1969. Her parents were teachers for years in
Town. We now reside in Lois's childhood home. Daughter, Mandy,
teaches in Korea.

Coming from Nova Scotia, I really appreciate the scenery in the Birdtail
Valley here. The woods, water, hills and beauty appeal to me. Also,
the immense community spirit and passion are pleasing aspects of life
here.. On Monday the 8th of May, 2006, we met in the arena to form the
circles for the 1-minute video being shot by Samtronics Video for
Hockeyville. What a feeling of pride in one's community that gave
me. Legionnaires, Ladies' Auxiliary, RCMP, Firefighters, school
teachers and students, farmers, automobile-service technicians, business people, citizens, hockey players and enthusiasts, coaches, parents,
paramedics, and on and on it went......some 400 in all. A great job of
organizing pulling this event off.....so kudos go out to these hard working volunteers.

Yes, Birtle is definitely HOCKEYVILLE! Lois and I came back here to
retire because the area offers such a wonderful environment to live in
peace and quiet and enjoy retirement. We offer encouragement to all
involved in this project and hope Birtle wins the top prize.

All the Best , Lois and Steve MacBeth

0050

This billboard in Brandon says it all…and it all started in Beulah & Birtle!
 

 
Mark Derlago (Brandon Wheat King)     Bill Derlago (Toronto Maple Leaf)
 

From a proud sister and aunty,
Tracy

0049

Inevitably every time you 'go home' you end up 'at the rink'. Whether it's for a hockey game, a high school graduation or just to see people (-because that's where everybody else will be!) you do, you go to
the arena. -Sometimes you even end up behind a grill flipping burgers minutes after a 12 hour car drive home. Mom ...
The rink is the core of the community. It's where you take your baking, sewing and school work for Fair Day. It's where you see your niece and nephew score their first goals. It's where your parents spent countless hours tying skates and trying to drag you off the ice. People may come and go, but the rink will always be there and so will Birtle's spirit.

Birtle, you ARE HOCKEYVILLE!
And a whole lot more. Go get 'em!

0048

Congratulations from a Regina citizen. I have been a visitor to Birtle. I
had a wonderful time and saw what a vital community you have. With your
spirit and dedicated volunteers you will be Hockeyville! Go Birtle Go!

0047

May 8     Lynne Ewbank      Calgary, Alberta

After raising two young men in Birtle, I can attest to the fact that there is not better place to do so than in this small community. The arena in Birtle was the place where we spent many a day and evening enjoying a hockey game, serving lunches and visiting with friends. When I return to Birtle to visit, it is still to the arena we go to see a game or to visit friends. Good luck Birtle!!!

0046

May 7    Darlene Halwas   Karen Halwas (Clubley

When you learn to skate six months after you are walking, you are in Hockeyville
When there are dozens of sets of keys to the rink so that families can go for a pick-up game, you are in Hockeyville
When you grew up knowing that Boxing Day would mean leftover turkey, and your cousins battling it out on the ice, you are in Hockeyville,
When people drive for hours to get to games in snowstorms and old cars, you are in Hockeyville
When you have all of these things and more, you are in Birtle, Manitoba

Good Luck

0045

May 6      Joey Sala     Tokyo, Japan

To the Birtle Kraft Hockeyville organizational group, and all Birtleites:

Hi,

I'm Joey Sala. If some of you don't know me, I'm formerly from Birtle and graduated from BCI in 1997 (same class as Jody Evans, Jacob Gies etc). I've been out here in Tokyo, Japan for the last 2 years. Recently during some random web surfing, I came across Birtle's recent successes in the Hockeyville competition, and wanted to give my support.

It brought a tear to my eye when I saw all the clips and interviews with Birtle's volunteers and residents. It is really heartwarming to see the entire community rally around a common objective. I have experienced the power of Birtle's volunteers many times before. My own high school grad was held in the arena and is still made possible every year by volunteers. I've attended countless games at the rink whether it was in support of the high school team, the Bruins, the Old Puckers, whatever. The combination of so many volunteer hours and the total love for the game of hockey in Birtle make it a deserving town to be named Canada's 'Hockeyville'.

When I saw all the coverage in the Internet, I figured I had to offer what little support I could from half way around the world. The picture that I've attached was taken in Shibuya, Tokyo, at the busiest intersection in the world (something like 10,000 people cross every 3 mins). The Japanese written on the sign also says "Birtle is Hockeyville". Many Japanese people were stopping to take a look at the sign and asking me what it was all about. I explained it to them and they were amazed that communities come together in this way in Canada, it doesn't happen so much in Japan. In the picture, the building with the giant video screen across the entire face, is the building from the movie "Lost in Translation" where the dinosaur walks across.

Anyway, best of luck in the upcoming rounds of the event. You are all doing a wonderful job, and you are making anyone who lives in or has ever lived in Birtle proud. Hope to hear about that exhibition game being scheduled for next fall! Keep up the good work!

00440044

Good Luck to Birtle from the Scullion family of Guelph Ontario!
GO BIRTLE GO

0043

May 5     Maureen Rushforth     Calgary, Alberta

I was thrilled to here that Birtle was up for Hockeyville. I was a 'city girl' but spent many summers in Birtle with my aunt and uncle (Elmer and Daisy Peeler).

Go Birtle!!! Rural Manitoba is the epitome of what hockey is all about and I can't think of a more deserving town!!

0042

Wow, the top 50, keep it going Birtle. As I grew up in a neighboring community I had the opportunity to play in Birtle (as opposition) during minor hockey and was always treated with the utmost respect. There are very fond memories of those days and some of them include sipping hot chocolate after a cold day on the ice in the OLD arena across from my Aunt and Uncles house by the Birdtail river! Then we would put together a provincial team for playoffs and have the support of 2 or 3 small towns. When I was old enough to play senior hockey I was able to play for the Birtle Bruins, the community support was still there, and we had moved on from hot chocolate after the games.

The small communities across the prairies could really teach bigger centers' such as where we live now about community spirit. I still keep track of some of the players who have gone on to Junior, Semi-pro, and NHL careers from the home area including Birtle. I think per capita there are probably some pretty amazing stats. As a minor hockey coach I always smiled when we had parents complain about having to get up and travel 20 minutes to the rink for a practice or a game. Heck, in rural Manitoba it was something we looked forward to all week and it may have been a 45-60 minute trip in -30 temps.

Good luck and keep up the good work.

0041

Congratulations Birtle!
I wish you continued good luck in your quest for the coveted Hockeyville title.
Although I left Birtle at age 14, I still have many fond memories of the people, schools and town.
I always credited my spouse for my sons hockey abilities, but now I clearly see that it was my Birtle heritage behind his outstanding defensive play.
GO BIRTLE GO!

0040

Hi everyone in Birtle! Congratulations on making it to the top 25!
I remember walking to the old rink down the spring steps and across the river to skate and play hockey. I played hockey with the girls team with Glen Doran and Red Stewart as coaches. It was a fun time. Keep up the good work and win, win, win! I will be watching in June.

0039

To All,
Nine years ago, with two young sons beginning to play hockey, at our Minor Hockey Association's meeting I was chosen as president of the organization. Since that day I've been part of a community tradition of welcoming everyone, regardless of skill level to be on our "team".
I'll never forget a game I was coaching in during those "early" years. It involved our Initiation or Squirt team of 7-year olds and under at the time. We had just been scored on and one of the players came off the ice and said, "It doesn't matter if we lose, as long as we're having fun". I had no choice but to pat him on the back and agree and encourage everyone to try their best, because what he remembered is what as coaches and parents we constantly preach. That message is sometimes lost in the course of a game, when coaches on the bench and parents right behind are shouting to skate harder, pass, shoot, and score.
That afternoon our team staged a come from behind victory. The roster consisted of nineteen players ranging in age from 3 to 7 years; the majority of which continue to play hockey and several contributing to the core of referees in Birtle.
If we as a minor hockey group continue to "pass on" the attitude of acceptance and encourage participation at an affordable cost, we will always have a strong organization and in turn be able to maintain a venue in which to play.

From a proud parent, participant, and citizen

0038

Hello Birtle,

I have received puck number 8 today 30APR06. Though a born and raised Foxwarren/Birtle girl, I am now living in Lakeland Tennessee, on the outskirts of Memphis. People back home would remember me as Michelle Pawluk.

Good Luck Birtle!

0037

Hi
As a hockey Mom and wife at Birtle some great times were had weather it be planning a tournament or The big Smorg when the old puckers had their annual hockey tournament in February. As a member of the arena fund raisers it was not a chore but a social event planning
or working together to raise money to fund projects for the arena. For the Artificial Ice to plexi-glass around the ice surface. we have had paint parties to spruce up the place and decorated
the arena up with balloons, etc for the carnival which was a big fun event for the whole family.
Way to go Birtle and good luck in becoming hockeyville.

0036

April 29     Karen, Charlie, Julien, Stephane, Damien, Hannah Fouillard     St. Lazare, Man

Congratulations to Birtle!! I'd just like to encourage Birtle to continue with their hard work. As residents of St. Lazare, we sure enjoy using your facility and we're certainly behind you all the way!

Keep passing it on!!

0035

Congratulation to Birtle
I remember growing up in Birtle and pretty much living at the rink I guess that 's why most kids in the Birtle Community are all called rink rats. It starts when your a little baby in a car seat watching your father play hockey and as you grow up no matter if you are a girl or a guy you are more than likely going to play hockey in that same rink as your father did.
Once again Congratulations and Go Birtle Go

0034

0033

0032

0031

0030

0029

0028

Congratulation Birtle!! The community has done a superb job on why Birtle is hockeyville. Good luck at becoming Hockeyville Canada!!!!!!!!

0027

I can't tell you how proud I am of my home town!!! The video showcasing Birtle was FANTASTIC - I love the concept.
My co-workers are very patient and understanding with my ravings about Birtle every Thursday morning - maybe I'll even steal a few of them away from the Winnipegosis side.

0026

Congratulations Birtle. Your community has done a fantastic job so far and you certainly deserve to be in the top 25 of the Hockeyville competition. The Deloraine Royals sent in an initial application but didn't make the first cut, so I know how much time and effort you folks have put into the competition. Your video and spirit item were really great, must have some very creative people in your community. Good luck the rest of the way through, I like to think you're not just representing Birtle but demonstrating the hockey spirit of most rural Manitoba communities. Hats off to all those that have been involved.

P.S - Falcons better be ready for the 06/07 Devils!!

0025

Congratulations Birtle for making it into the top 25. A town with the spirit of Birtle will be the winner.

Go Birtle

0024

The video that was done showcasing Birtle was remarkable and is no doubt a huge reason why we are still in the race for the title “Hockeyville 2006”. Congratulations to all involved! Looking forward to the seeing the next one.

Great job Birtle – keep passing it on.

0023

Way to go Birtle!!!
We are proud to live in such a great community!

0022

Hello:
I just couldn't believe it Birtle made the top fifty, I should rephrase that of course I could believe it. It just seems like a few years ago that I was cleaning ice in between periods and shoveling snow. I wonder if the kids today realize how hard it was before the invention of the zamboni. Kids seem to be lost without showers and dressing stalls heck all we wanted was enough wood to keep the fire going in the dressing room so we didn't freeze.
I can remember playing goal up at the Indian school outside and them having to blow the whistle so they could shovel the snow in front of the net because a drift had formed. Maybe that why no one scored. I also remember them having to warm our feet between periods as they felt like glass and burned really bad when they thawed out.
I still have a great love for the game, well I did until the Canucks were knocked out of the playoffs, go moose go.
The memories of putting the equipment onto the sleigh and off to the rink on Saturdays for practice. We then went outside and played on the ice until almost dark. The childhood memories stayed with me as I came back to play in Old timers tournaments and then had the gang into Winnipeg for a return weekend.
Great memories and a great community. Good luck and we will be voting and cheering you on Wednesday.

Go, Birtle, go.

0021

My name is Nettie. I am 7 years old and play hockey in St. Andrews. I am going to vote for Woodyville (Birtle) for Hockeyville 2006

p.s. I have a hard shot so there is no telling where this puck will end up.

0020

April 15     Colleen Ashcroft McNabb      Minnedosa, Manitoba

I am so proud of my family for their commitment to this great sport of hockey. We all know Dad was one of the great "Old Puckers" and he would be having a heyday with all this fun! You can take the girl out of Birtle, but you can't take the Birtle out of the girl! I will be your greatest fan as you become Hockeyville 2006......

0019

April 12     Maureen (Amy) Ross    

Congratulations Birtle!!! This is very exciting. I spent many hours watching my little brothers play hockey and cheering them on in the Birtle rink. There are lots of pleasant memories looking at the pictures and reading the stories from other people. Good luck at becoming Hockeyville Canada!!!!

0018

Congratulations to the town of Birtle! I spent a lot of time in the Birtle rink growing up, in fact I still have my 1976-1977 Birtle Blazers winter jacket with "booster" on the sleeve. My son and daughter both play hockey and I love the friendly atmosphere of a small town rink, that is where I have met the nicest people around. Proud to be from Birtle...HOME OF HOCKEYVILLE!
Good luck

0017

We are always telling people down here in Texas about how big hockey is in Canada. Our son Mitchell, who is 10 and plays hockey too, is so excited to think that Grandma Archer lives in a town that may become Hockeyville Canada!

Can't wait to find out the results!

Good luck Birtle!!

0016

April 11     Ken & Rose-Marie Ewbank     Morris, Manitoba

Congratulations on making it to the top 50 for HOCKEYVILLE! Our love for
 the game of hockey was born in Birtle as both Ken and I were raised there.
 Ken played all his minor hockey in Birtle, as well as senior and old
 puckers. He also coached our sons during there minor hockey years in
 Birtle and here in Morris. I managed one of the boys' teams for a good
 number of years. It is still a passion of our's today, but now just as
 spectators.

We will be cheering you on. Again congratulations on all your hard work.
Good Luck!

0015

How does one vote for you?
The spirit that the people of Birtle put into different things that involve your town is so wonderful to see.
(be it Hockeyville or Communities in Bloom) I hope you never loose this quality. It certainly isn't like that
where I live and I envy you!!!
In case you are wondering...I have been to Birtle several times... once for a family reunion and then to visit the Donald family when they lived there.
Sincerely, Judy Duke

0014

Birtle is Hockeyville!!!! Great job. Looks like the town is buzzing. How do I vote for Birtle as Hockeyville Canada?

0013

April 7    Deanna (Salmon) Lovas      Brandon Manitoba

Hi Hockeyville!

I just received your email regarding Birtle's quest for the title of "Hockeyville"! I wanted to share my hockey story of the town I still call "home"!

I was raised a small town rink rat - and looked forward to figure skating Mondays and Fridays, Public Skating Sundays and Fridays - and my Dad's hockey games on Friday night at the Birtle Rink! I have never played hockey, but have many great memories cheering on the Oldpuckers every Friday night, and every February during their annual tournament. Under the guidance of Tanis (Stewart)Orr, myself, my sister Michelle (Salmon) Bryant, Becki (Turner) Fulham, Debbie (Bray) Shewfelt, and Shannon McArthur, would practice our cheers, make posters, and faithfully wear whatever old smelly jerseys were available that our Dads found for us. We also worked the time clock, made announcements, and filled water bottles!

These hockey memories obviously meant the same to the other cheerleaders, and that was evident in January when all of us except for one who lived out of province, made it "home" for the Birtle rink's 30th anniversary in January, and relived those memories as we once again cheered for the Birtle Oldpuckers!

Good Luck Birtle, in your quest for the title of Hockeyville! We're all "cheering" for you!

0012

April 7     Gerrie Berry

Congratulations to the organizing committee of the Birtle Hockeyville application. Your PASSION for our community, arena and the game of hockey is outstanding and your boundless enthusiasm and energy has us all excited. It was great to see so many PEOPLE of all ages gathered at the rink on Monday to celebrate our town. The downtown business PARTICIPATION in dressing up in hockey jerseys and placing their 'hockey players' on the street shows what great spirit the town of Birtle has!

We have made it through the regular season............now it is time for the playoffs!

Congrats again for a job well done

0011

As all may know, the rink has been a huge part of my family's life and lifestyle, where we pretty much live at the rink throughout the winter months, although never playing hockey (although was a half-hearted figure skater) myself I spent an awful lot of time there with my brother or sisters, or even just helping Dad with his coaching (time keeping/announcing/kitchen working)! I was delighted to hear about the Hockeyville nomination and how the community is really coming together! I regret not being there to see the hockey spirit, but you've got quite a few Brits looking out for the winner! Congratulations Birtle and Good luck!

0010

Congratulations from a former resident of Miniota

0009

One of things our son missed when we moved from Birtle was the availability of free ice. He would make his weekend plans as a kid around the rink. Shinny for a few hours cuz Bill Mc said it was OK then do public skating for a couple hours, watch either his brother or sister play their game, then shinny some more until Bill would say it was time He went home. He would repeat the process on Sunday and do the same for in service day. Bill was really good with the kids in that manner (and from all the tales Nelson was too) The skills they learned when allowed to dippsy doodle with the puck were immeasurable. I know he did it for the love of the game.

0008

April 5     Darci Clark

Congrats to your whole community!

Rink Rats
Brandon Sun Community News

0007

April 5     Pat Farquhar     Birtle Manitoba

This story was told to me by Ken's aunt, Ethel Farquhar

Years ago a terrible fire destroyed their home and the community rallied together to help them cope with their loss. At the time NHLer Rick Berry was a youngster when his family told him Farquhar's house had burnt to the ground. His response was immediate," Where will we go to play hockey?"
Like so many others in Birtle who spent hours in the rink, little Rick Berry just assumed
that the Farquhar's home WAS the rink.

0006

April 5     Kathy Panko   

Way To Go, Good Luck!

0005

Hi, My late brother, Ray Howard was mayor of Birtle, MB. Along with his passion for Birtle and its beauty, uniqueness, and community spirit, he had a passion for hockey. I remember Ray and our father listening to hockey on the crystal sets, in the days before we had radio. On Ray’s behalf I sincerely hope that Birtle is chosen as Hockeyville.

0004

April 4     Shonda Ashcroft     Birtle Manitoba

0003

April 4     Sally D

I remember when it would get close to tournament time for any of my three kids that played hockey in Birtle. We would have our team meeting and volunteer for the regular shifts besides being coach or safety, you know - working in the kitchen, working the gate, the time box and clock, working the auction table (and getting the prizes for it WE had awesome prizes!!) cutting oranges, delivering juice boxes, tidying up tables and doing the floor and the stands and best of all deciding on the menu. We always had great homemade burgers and dogs, the perogies and fries, but come tournament time.... Georges fiery hot hamburger soup (the women asked him for his recipe!) Judy's homemade anything! ,Homemade chili and buns, chicken Caesar salads, veggies and dip (nacho trays are great for this) are homemade cakes and pies especially Pam G's lemon meringue. The other teams loved what our kitchen had to offer. I really miss all the fun we had with all the preparations and teamwork.

0002

April 4     Bill McArthur      Birtle Manitoba                                                                         

As a kid you weren't driven to the rink. Back in the sixties. You hiked your bag over your back and took the shortest route to the rink. Down the river to the old rink and played or practiced. whatever. Even shinny to the wee hours of the morning. Great times and loads of fun.

00001