Hockey: League and Franchises Put Youth First
Jarrod Rogol
October 24, 2005
* Photo: Garrett Davis writing notes during his night as Odessa’s Junior Reporter.
Credit: Steve Cherwonak Vice President Communications
Contains exclusive interview comments from CHL VP Communications Steve Cherwonak and Memphis Riverkings Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations Jim Erickson
Sports Reporting is a great way for people who are fans of certain sports to be involved in the industry. One professional organization is giving youth around the United States a chance to get an early jumpstart with these hands-on experiences.
The Cental Hockey League (CHL) is continuing this year, what is known as the Junior Reporters Program. Since the program’s inception, during the 1999-2000 season, approximately 200 youth have taken part. The participants can range from 8 to 16 years old, but exceptions can be made for the right person. JRP gives youth a chance to learn what it is like as they become beat writers, watch the game from the press box, have a chance to interview players or coaches, among other things. “First and foremost, we want to create an enjoyable experience for youngsters. Our participants are generally treated extremely well by their host team, and in most cases are also interviewed on the radio broadcast. It helps the participants to understand some of the workings of a sports franchise as well as the media process. Ultimately, we want to encourage youngsters to experience our sport, and share it with others,” said, Steve Cherwonak, CHL, Vice President of Communications.
Cherwonak also commented on the “inner-reward,” of having this type of program saying, “Seeing the smiling faces and excitement in the reports is a wonderful reward, and perhaps the best part of my job.”
Another big part of this program that is needed to make it go smoothly and be a great learning time, is the willingness of those who are broadcasters for the CHL Franchises to spend time teaching each participant. “I feel that this program is great and gives the kids a chance to feel and experience another side of the sport that they normally wouldn’t be able to,” said Jim Erickson, Memphis Riverkings, Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations.
For information on how your child can get involved in the CHL’s Junior Reporters Program, visit this link: Official Site: Junior Reporters Program
Official Site: Central Hockey League (CHL)
Report By Garrett Davis (Odessa)
Hi! My name is Garrett Davis and I am 9 years old. I recently moved from Oklahoma City to Odessa, TX. I have been attending CHL hockey games for about 3 years. I enjoy baseball, hockey, and riding my dirt bike. On Saturday January 24, 2004 I had the opportunity to be the CHL junior reporter for the Odessa Jackalopes vs. Laredo Bucks game. In front of a crowd of 3,724 fans, it was one of the most exciting games I have seen at the “Jack Shack” this year.
At the end of the 1st period of play, the score was tied at 0 and there had only been 2 minor penalties against Laredo. Shots on goal at the end of the period were Odessa 17 and Laredo 7.
At just :57 into the second period the first goal was scored by Laredo. The goal was scored by #24 Steve Weidlich with assists going to #4 Gabriel Proulx and #29 Serge Dube. Laredo received a 2 min minor on #10 Mike Vellinga for tripping at 4:19 into the 2nd period. At 6:39 into the 2nd, Odessa tied the score at 1 with a goal by #44 Shaun Fairweather. Jami Yoder received an assist on this goal. Odessa’s #8 Jaroslav Kerestes received a 2 min minor for hooking at 14:31. This penalty was followed at 14:42 with an Interference penalty on Laredo’s #7 J.F. David. Things went pretty smooth until just over 1 minute left in the period when at 18:57 Laredo’s #9 James Hiebert received 2 min for slashing. Odessa went ahead 2 to 1 with a power play goal by #12 Matt Price at 19:53 into the 2nd period. This goal was assisted by #9 Mike Rutter and #43 Sebastien Thinel. Shots in the 2nd were 13 for both teams.
2 minutes into the 3rd period, Odessa’s #25 Matt Cressman received a hooking penalty giving Laredo their 2nd power play opportunity of the game. Odessa was able to kill the penalty and maintain a 2 to 1 lead. Laredo’s #14 Bobby Chad Mitchell received a slashing penalty at 5:10 into the 3rd. At 6:42 into the 3rd, Laredo’s #19 Mike Amodeo received a double minor for roughing and also a minor for throwing a towel out of the penalty box onto the ice. This gave Odessa a 2-man advantage for a short period of time. Odessa’s #6 Scott Hillman received an interference penalty at 7:55. Both teams received roughing penalties at 8:38. Odessa’s was on #5 Jami Yoder and Laredo’s was on #24 Steve Weidlich. At 9:11 into the 3rd Laredo tied the score at 2 with a goal by #11 Jeff Bes assisted by #17 Patrik Nilson. Laredo received 2 more penalties prior to the end of regulation play. The 3rd period of play ended with Odessa getting 13 shots on goal to Laredo’s 10 for the period.
No penalties or scoring occurred during the overtime period with Odessa getting 2 shots on goal and Laredo getting 5.
The shootout began with Laredo’s #35 David Guerrera and Odessa’s #40 Mike Gorman in the nets. Odessa’s #43 Sebastien Thinel and #9 Mike Rutter were successful in getting shots past Guerrera. Gorman was able to block all shots by Laredo, giving Odessa a 3 to 2 shootout victory. The three stars of the game went to: No. 3 Laredo’s #35 David Guerrera, No. 2 Odessa’s #43 Sebastien Thinel, and No. 1 star of the game went to Odessa’s #40 Mike Gorman.
Following the game, I had the opportunity to interview a couple of players. I interviewed #29 Jeff Goldie and #44 Shaun Fairweather. I asked both players the same questions.
Q: What do you like to do in the off-season?
Jeff: Relax and hang out with my son and my wife.
Shaun: Mountain bike, lift weights, travel, and relax.
Q: What is your favorite NHL team?
Jeff: Toronto Maple Leafs
Shaun: Toronto Maple Leafs
Q: What do you do to prepare for a game?
Jeff: Eat lunch, nap, come here (venue) and get ready
Shaun: 2 hours before game take hot shower and tape my sticks
Q: What is your favorite pre-game meal?
Jeff: Shrimp Alfredo
Shaun: Pasta, chicken breast, salad, garlic bread, glass of milk
Q: Who is your favorite NHL player?
Jeff: Mark Messier
Shaun: Wayne Gretzky
I really enjoyed this experience and hope that the CHL will continue this program. I would also like to close by congratulating Odessa’s Head Coach Don McKee on being chosen to help coach Team Canada in this year’s Swiss Cup.
Credit: Steve Cherwonak Vice President Communications
Contains exclusive interview comments from CHL VP Communications Steve Cherwonak and Memphis Riverkings Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations Jim Erickson
Sports Reporting is a great way for people who are fans of certain sports to be involved in the industry. One professional organization is giving youth around the United States a chance to get an early jumpstart with these hands-on experiences.
The Cental Hockey League (CHL) is continuing this year, what is known as the Junior Reporters Program. Since the program’s inception, during the 1999-2000 season, approximately 200 youth have taken part. The participants can range from 8 to 16 years old, but exceptions can be made for the right person. JRP gives youth a chance to learn what it is like as they become beat writers, watch the game from the press box, have a chance to interview players or coaches, among other things. “First and foremost, we want to create an enjoyable experience for youngsters. Our participants are generally treated extremely well by their host team, and in most cases are also interviewed on the radio broadcast. It helps the participants to understand some of the workings of a sports franchise as well as the media process. Ultimately, we want to encourage youngsters to experience our sport, and share it with others,” said, Steve Cherwonak, CHL, Vice President of Communications.
Cherwonak also commented on the “inner-reward,” of having this type of program saying, “Seeing the smiling faces and excitement in the reports is a wonderful reward, and perhaps the best part of my job.”
Another big part of this program that is needed to make it go smoothly and be a great learning time, is the willingness of those who are broadcasters for the CHL Franchises to spend time teaching each participant. “I feel that this program is great and gives the kids a chance to feel and experience another side of the sport that they normally wouldn’t be able to,” said Jim Erickson, Memphis Riverkings, Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations.
For information on how your child can get involved in the CHL’s Junior Reporters Program, visit this link: Official Site: Junior Reporters Program
Official Site: Central Hockey League (CHL)
Report By Garrett Davis (Odessa)
Hi! My name is Garrett Davis and I am 9 years old. I recently moved from Oklahoma City to Odessa, TX. I have been attending CHL hockey games for about 3 years. I enjoy baseball, hockey, and riding my dirt bike. On Saturday January 24, 2004 I had the opportunity to be the CHL junior reporter for the Odessa Jackalopes vs. Laredo Bucks game. In front of a crowd of 3,724 fans, it was one of the most exciting games I have seen at the “Jack Shack” this year.
At the end of the 1st period of play, the score was tied at 0 and there had only been 2 minor penalties against Laredo. Shots on goal at the end of the period were Odessa 17 and Laredo 7.
At just :57 into the second period the first goal was scored by Laredo. The goal was scored by #24 Steve Weidlich with assists going to #4 Gabriel Proulx and #29 Serge Dube. Laredo received a 2 min minor on #10 Mike Vellinga for tripping at 4:19 into the 2nd period. At 6:39 into the 2nd, Odessa tied the score at 1 with a goal by #44 Shaun Fairweather. Jami Yoder received an assist on this goal. Odessa’s #8 Jaroslav Kerestes received a 2 min minor for hooking at 14:31. This penalty was followed at 14:42 with an Interference penalty on Laredo’s #7 J.F. David. Things went pretty smooth until just over 1 minute left in the period when at 18:57 Laredo’s #9 James Hiebert received 2 min for slashing. Odessa went ahead 2 to 1 with a power play goal by #12 Matt Price at 19:53 into the 2nd period. This goal was assisted by #9 Mike Rutter and #43 Sebastien Thinel. Shots in the 2nd were 13 for both teams.
2 minutes into the 3rd period, Odessa’s #25 Matt Cressman received a hooking penalty giving Laredo their 2nd power play opportunity of the game. Odessa was able to kill the penalty and maintain a 2 to 1 lead. Laredo’s #14 Bobby Chad Mitchell received a slashing penalty at 5:10 into the 3rd. At 6:42 into the 3rd, Laredo’s #19 Mike Amodeo received a double minor for roughing and also a minor for throwing a towel out of the penalty box onto the ice. This gave Odessa a 2-man advantage for a short period of time. Odessa’s #6 Scott Hillman received an interference penalty at 7:55. Both teams received roughing penalties at 8:38. Odessa’s was on #5 Jami Yoder and Laredo’s was on #24 Steve Weidlich. At 9:11 into the 3rd Laredo tied the score at 2 with a goal by #11 Jeff Bes assisted by #17 Patrik Nilson. Laredo received 2 more penalties prior to the end of regulation play. The 3rd period of play ended with Odessa getting 13 shots on goal to Laredo’s 10 for the period.
No penalties or scoring occurred during the overtime period with Odessa getting 2 shots on goal and Laredo getting 5.
The shootout began with Laredo’s #35 David Guerrera and Odessa’s #40 Mike Gorman in the nets. Odessa’s #43 Sebastien Thinel and #9 Mike Rutter were successful in getting shots past Guerrera. Gorman was able to block all shots by Laredo, giving Odessa a 3 to 2 shootout victory. The three stars of the game went to: No. 3 Laredo’s #35 David Guerrera, No. 2 Odessa’s #43 Sebastien Thinel, and No. 1 star of the game went to Odessa’s #40 Mike Gorman.
Following the game, I had the opportunity to interview a couple of players. I interviewed #29 Jeff Goldie and #44 Shaun Fairweather. I asked both players the same questions.
Q: What do you like to do in the off-season?
Jeff: Relax and hang out with my son and my wife.
Shaun: Mountain bike, lift weights, travel, and relax.
Q: What is your favorite NHL team?
Jeff: Toronto Maple Leafs
Shaun: Toronto Maple Leafs
Q: What do you do to prepare for a game?
Jeff: Eat lunch, nap, come here (venue) and get ready
Shaun: 2 hours before game take hot shower and tape my sticks
Q: What is your favorite pre-game meal?
Jeff: Shrimp Alfredo
Shaun: Pasta, chicken breast, salad, garlic bread, glass of milk
Q: Who is your favorite NHL player?
Jeff: Mark Messier
Shaun: Wayne Gretzky
I really enjoyed this experience and hope that the CHL will continue this program. I would also like to close by congratulating Odessa’s Head Coach Don McKee on being chosen to help coach Team Canada in this year’s Swiss Cup.
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