by
June 1, 2023
By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—The 2022-23 hockey season saw a new competitor on the ice as the Haldimand River Kings debuted in the Niagara District Hockey League (NDHL). Comprised of players from Caledonia, Cayuga, and Dunnville, 13 River Kings teams achieved strong results in league and tournaments including the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championships. In the coming season, the River Kings are adding a fourth jewel to their logo crown and looking forward to even more success on the ice.
The organization behind the Haldimand River Kings is the Haldimand Minor Hockey Association (HMHA). Talks on amalgamation between Haldimand’s four hockey centres – Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville and Hagersville – began in 2018 though Hagersville later opted out.
Contributing factors included a lack of Rep teams in some centres; players leaving to play at a higher level in nearby A centres; and girls joining the Haldimand River Cats at a much earlier age.
According to Katherine Hedley, HMHA Secretary, “When we first started looking at amalgamation, we were shocked to find how many OMHA centres were now amalgamated… a quick Google search gave me over 25 centres that were new.” Approval from OMHA came in April 2022 with spring tryouts hosted in May. The 13 teams included U9 MD (Minor Development); A teams – U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U18 and U21; BB teams – U11, U13, and U15.
Reflecting on the inaugural season, HMHA President Trevor Metcalfe says, “We were quite proud of our success… On ice, our teams competed well… with quite a few teams at or near the top of the standings. We had a number of tournament wins… including an International Silver Stick Championship and we were able to qualify six teams for the year-end OMHA championship tournaments. One of our teams, the U12A, were provincial finalists.”
He continues, “We were able to bring volunteers from each of our centres together and work toward the common goal of making this new association work… we had people from each centre pulling in the same direction to create a successful experience for our member families and from the feedback we received, we achieved that goal.”
Mike Forster, who coached the U13A team, shares Metcalfe’s assessment.
He says, “I believe we were successful… by setting a high standard of excellence in our first year. Coaches, players, parents, and volunteers were quick to dedicate themselves towards a common goal of on and off ice success and excellence.”
Contributing to the successful merger was the fact that many of the players and coaches were familiar with each other through school sports and other community activities.
As a coach Forster says, “Our U13 team took no time at all to come together as a group, largely due to the fact that they were kids of high character and positive role models.”
Jeremy Fulsom coached the U12A team which he says, “Had a fabulous first year.” The team won gold in two tournaments and finished the regular season in second place in the league.
They earned a spot in the OMHA tournament by winning an extra play-in game. Fulsom says, “This gave us the opportunity to play on the biggest stage of the year against the best teams from five different OMHA leagues.”
After a win against Centre Wellington, a tie with Whitby, then wins against the Norfolk Knights and the Barrie Colts, they were in the championship game against the Milton Winterhawks Blue.
The River Kings trailed 4-0 after two periods. Fulsom says, “As a coach, all you can ever ask from your team is for them to lay it all on the line.
Then whatever happens, they know they gave it their best. Well, that’s exactly what our boys did.”
A third period surge of four goals forced overtime which remained scoreless for almost 10 minutes until Milton scored.
Fulsom says, “Even though we lost, these boys and their families will have these memories for the rest of their lives, along with the awesome experience of competing at this high level. Finishing second in Ontario was a huge accomplishment and something to be extremely proud of.”
Making memories is one of the reasons families participate in minor sports. Metcalfe believes that amalgamation is providing the opportunity to compete at a higher level while being able to stay close to home.
In the process, players from neighbouring towns can play together and develop friendships that may not have happened while competing as separate centres.
That will continue as Hagersville joins the Haldimand River Kings for the 2023-24 season, adding a red gem to the crown on the logo that already features the colours of Caledonia, Cayuga, and Dunnville.
Looking ahead Metcalfe says, “We hope to use the lessons we learned during this first year as a foundation on which to build a successful organization for many years to come.”
Both Forster and Fulsom are returning as coaches.
Forster says, “I think we’re all excited to get back to work and challenge ourselves in our pursuit of OMHA titles… We believe our work ethic, teamwork skills, and preparedness, both mentally and physically, will give us an opportunity to have an even better second season.”
That approach not only benefits the Haldimand River Kings but the community as a whole. Forster explains, “Team sports provide an opportunity for leadership, teamwork, accountability and healthy competition. These same characteristics are what we value in our community leaders. These players will be impactful and positive role models for future generations.”
To follow the Haldimand River Kings, go to haldimandminorhockey.com. Local League hockey continues with the Caledonia Thunder, Cayuga Stars, Dunnville Mudcats and Hagersville Hawks playing in the Haldimand Local League Association.
