Calgary Minor Hockey Playoff Game Decided By Coin Toss.. And Parents Are Not Happy
Never mess with hockey moms and dads.
Michelle Butterfield— The Huffington Post Alberta
Calgary hockey parents are crying foul after a victory at a minor hockey tournament over the weekend was decided by a coin toss.
Saturday's AA Bantam quarter-final city championship game between the Calgary Royals and Calgary Buffalo Wranglers ended in a 4-4 tie after a full three periods, reported the Calgary Herald.
But instead of being allowed overtime, the game went straight to a three-player shootout, where no one scored.
According to Hockey Calgary rules, the game should have proceeded to a short overtime before the shootout.
But Royals head coach Jarvis Bender told Global News a scheduling error left no allowance for overtime, and when the teams requested extended time on the ice, they were told by the arena it couldn't be accommodated.
"For a facility that preaches development of young athletes, for them not to push a time back 15 minutes is inexcusable," Bender told Global, criticizing staff at WinSport arena, where the tournament was held.
"For them not to push a time back 15 minutes is inexcusable."
However, if a tied overtime playoff game "cannot be concluded due to unforeseen circumstances," the rules allow members of the Elite Council to choose a tie-breaking format.
Hockey dad David Black told Global he was at the game and that "people were very angry."
"Parents pay hundreds of dollars and watch an entire season to see it decided by coin toss?"
Some parents and minor hockey fans took to social media to express their disappointment in the decision.
Others, however, pointed out that the arena is operating a business and has to stick to its schedule.
"It sucks for the kids but this is (standard operating procedure) for tiebreakers in amateur sports," wrote one commenter on the popular hockey forum, Calgarypuck.com. "This isn't the NHL. An arena isn't going to screw over other customers so that these kids get to play past their allotted time."
"There would have been a rep from the AA council supervising the game. This was done by the book. Hockey Calgary, and especially the AA council, doesn't mess around," wrote another.
If you think your wee one is too young to smell, think again. I have a husband who plays hockey, a son who plays hockey, another son who speed skates and I speed skate. We all work up a sweat and we all smell -- even the little ones (sorry, it's true). The smell from sweaty jerseys, jocks and skates then gets transferred to everything else in the hockey bag. Also make sure the kids are responsible for their own bags -- if they're old enough to play hockey, they're old enough to carry their bags. (credit:Shutterstock)
Teach Your Children To Put On And Take Off Their Own Equipment(02 of07)
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This is a two-fold tip (1) it teaches your child independence and (2) it takes the onus off you. Even if you have a little one who is just starting hockey, you can start the process of teaching him how to put on his own equipment by making a game of it. Start by having him choose each piece of equipment he is to put on next. Then as he gets older, have him find the piece of equipment and put it on himself (correcting any mistakes along the way -- the equipment needs to be worn properly to help keep him safe). (credit:Shutterstock)
Waxed Laces(03 of07)
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This brings to me to hockey laces. After years of tightening and re-tightening skate laces, I discovered laces coated in wax. Regular laces can be difficult to get tight and can loosen up as your little one is on the ice. Waxed laces are designed to stay tight because the friction of the wax keeps them in place. I can't even express to you how much waxed laces have helped me. (credit:Shutterstock)
Keep A Calendar(04 of07)
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My first year being a hockey mom I showed up at the wrong arena for a practice -- twice. Create a calendar to keep track of when and where your child should be to avoid missing any games or practices. (credit:Shutterstock)
Bring Blankets(05 of07)
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Even if you're bundled up it's always great to have a few blankets. If you don't use them for warmth they make a cozy cushion. Arena seats can be very hard. (credit:Shutterstock)
Pack An Activity Bag For Siblings(06 of07)
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Little ones can get bored watching hockey which leads to complaining and/or them wanting to take off and run around. Pack a bag filled with simple activities like colouring books and crayons, books, small toys, and handheld electronics (if you have them). (credit:Shutterstock)
Teach Your Children Good Sportsmanship(07 of07)
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Disappointment is a part of playing a sport, they're not going to win every game. Take the time to teach your children how to win and lose like a winner. This includes congratulating the other team if they won, supporting their teammates when they lose, and no trash talking. Excitement at winning the big game is allowed. (credit:Shutterstock)
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