Orange Division

A Belated Welcome

Posted November 04 2008 by Orange Convenor

Welcome to another fun filled year of BOHC hockey, “Orange Division” style…...First off, I would like to apologize for my procrastination regarding the update of my Blog. Although, rumor has it that the players from last years winning Red Team did enjoy going to my ( outdated) Blog and reminiscing about their victory over Teal in the Round Robin Championship game.
So, we are 12 games in and this year, so far, has been a challenge to say the least. Before the uniforms were handed out, we had a total of 5 full time players from last year drop from full time into our ” inactive pool” list, due to nagging injuries. That coupled with another 5 full time players from last year dropping into the pool for various reasons, and an additional 9 players being moved in the off season to the Red, and White Divisions. We did receive 3 players from White, and one player from Red. However, at the end of the day, the result was we now have 17 new faces in the Orange Division, and to those new players, welcome. For the sake of these new players, let me introduce myself, ( although I probably talked with most of you, at some point earlier this year ) and I will briefly describe how things are run in the Orange Division. My name is Ken Warren, I have been with BOHC since the inception of the Orange Division 10 years ago. I was an Assistant Captain for 1 year, a Captain for 3 years, an Assistant Convenor for 2 years, and a this will be my 4th year as Convenor. I play for the Black Jax and wear #7, ( I think I am the smallest player in our Division, not hard to spot )so now you know to stay clear of me….kidding of course….maybe…
We start by rating every player, which is scrutinized twice a year by myself, our pool convenor, and the 6 captains, ( who I will get to later). In June, we have a blind draft, based on the ratings, and the total rating numbers per team, are usually very close top to bottom. We had 2 problems this year starting out. For the first time ever, at our draft, we didn’t have enough players ( 16 ) to fill the roster for 6 teams, so, players that just joined, in the summer, had no wait, and were put onto a team right away. The other problem we had this year, as previously mentioned, was that 2 teams lost top rated players before the puck was dropped in September, with the White team getting hit the hardest, as they lost 4 players. When replacing these players, our system dictates that we go to the pool, and requests are made to the pool players waiting to get in full time, but strictly by seniority, and not ” talent for talent”. The method that we use to balance teams, is that we will have a ” division balancing” meeting, ( trades ) again with the Captains, and myself, and this is typically done 1/3 of the way ( 15 games) into the schedule. Obviously our/my goal is to ensure that the teams are as competitive with each other as possible, while limiting the amount of player movement. So, that in a nutshell, is how things work. My role as Convenor is to do my best, to try and make sure that we all have fun while stressing the importance of not having any of the silly stuff occur on the ice. We take this very seriously, and will not hesitate in sitting a player down for a game or two, or having him sit in front of the disciplinary committee. As I’ve said many times, we all have day jobs, and after all is said and done, we’re talking about a T-Shirt. ( or a lawn chair). Secondly, and as previously mentioned, my other goal is to ensure all the teams are competitive.
I like to promote the Orange Division as a social division , as well as a competitive one. We are nearing our first Pub night Nov 14th, and all players are encouraged to attend if possible, as this allows you to meet your competitors, have a pop and shoot the breeze. To make the evening more enjoyable, the game that you played that night, will be taped and shown on one of the TV’s there, which is always good for a laugh…....boy are we slow….
Next up, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our Captains, and Pool Convenor. My job as convenor, is made so much easier when you have Captains like we do in the Orange Division, as we are all on the same page, regarding the safety, and enjoyment of all our players. My gratitude is extended to Barry Walsh ( Red Hot Habs), Glenn Downey (Blue Light Thunder ), Rob Field ( Green Giants), Mike Motz ( White Tights), Jeannot Morin ( Black Jax ), and Brad Howe ( Teal Tomorrow). Also, I would like to thank our Pool Convenor, Andre Leclerc. Andre was the Black Jax goalie who is one of the players I mentioned earlier that has dropped into the ” inactive pool” category, done for the year, after 2 games, due to a nagging shoulder injury. Instead of walking away, Andre graciously agreed to carry on with being our pool convenor for the rest of the year, takes his job very seriously, and for that, I am very grateful, as I am sure the Captains are as well.
Lastly, I would like to mention our annual Ham and Turkey draw/party. It is extremely important to the BOHC, as the profit from this event goes right to our bottom line, and assists in keeping the BOHC the best Hockey deal around. Selling all of the tickets, is only part of our role here. Any prizes or donations ( big or small ) that can be donated, would certainly be much appreciated. Also, players are encouraged to attend, with fellow team mates, wives, girlfriends etc, as the ticket you purchase is also your entry into the festivities…

That’s all for now guys…....have fun, keep your head up, and your sticks down….