The Red Circle Hockey Club dates back to 1971, and the originating philosophy continues to be the driving force for the organization today: ‘Equal Opportunity Regardless of Ability.’
Add to that a lot of fun, says Jay Mandel, who currently serves as league president.
“Red Circle Hockey is a place for all to play and be welcome,” says Mandel, who has been a board member/executive for the last 15 years. “We want to keep the basics going and develop on the same ideas as the men who started this league.”
Those ideas, from individuals like Mac Beach, Al Langille, and Jim Leonard, focused on providing an opportunity for kids (and parents) who didn’t want to play stringent competitive hockey. They just wanted to be involved in a hockey program where they would be treated equally and get as much ice time as everyone else.
Today, the league consists of dozens of teams and more than 1,000 players aged 4 to 20 (from Mite to Juvenile).
“We cater to all levels of hockey abilities,” says Mandel. “From beginners to highly competent, and both House League and Select.”
Besides a lively and fun House League, which continues to grow, the Red Circle Hockey Club competes against other centres in southwestern Ontario through its Select program. Players who are registered and play in the House League program make up the Select teams.
What else is happening at Red Circle?
“We started a coaches training program, which has been advanced and made better over the years,” says Mandel. “And we have continued on with a golf tournament, which helps with costs and makes money for deserving players to play for the organization at no cost to them. The latter [program] was started by the Armstrong family in the name of their son, Steven, who was tragically taken from us.”
And what are the goals for the organization going forward? Simply put, Mandel says, to have more players in the area want to play Red Circle Hockey. After all, it not only provides ‘Equal Opportunity Regardless of Ability,’ but it’s also a lot of fun!
Contributions by Jay Mandel
