BC's Gary Slavin Named CBHA Minor HP Director

The Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) is pleased to announce Gary Slavin from Maple Ridge, BC as the new CBHA Minors HP Director. Gary brings incredible expertise to this position through his lifelong dedication to the sport as a player, volunteer and leader. The CBHA is very excited at Gary's passion shown for advancing this program and his vision to build bridges between the minor and adult programs, creating a coordinated high performance program from coast to coast.

They say that true leadership shines through early in life and for Gary Slavin that was certainly the case. Taking on the organization of a street hockey league after school as a teen, this early ball hockey experience was just the start of a long and successful career in ball hockey as a player, coach, father (of two young players) and league executive. Over the last 7 years Gary has coached one or two teams in ‘house’ league in addition to coaching competitively in two Provincials, seven Western Challenge Cups, six Junior Nationals and one Junior World Championship. During this period Gary also served on the executives of the Ridge Meadows Minor Ball Hockey and West Coast Minor Ball Hockey Associations providing the extra time and leadership needed to keep the game strong and coordinated. In 2012 Gary was appointed General Manager of U16 & U18 Junior Team Canada (being part of 3 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze) and sat on the CBHA Junior Team Canada High Performance Committee. The level of organization and communication provided by Gary to parents, coaches, players and staff was appreciated and recognized by everyone. Having worked with minors at so many levels, Gary has taken and sees the value of programs like the NCCP Coaching Certification, Speak Out (Respect in Sport) and basic First Aid certification, as essential elements needed by those working with children and youth. Gary puts the kids first and is passionate about giving opportunities while creating safe and supportive environments for growth. The CBHA is very excited that Gary will be taking his incredible vision to this new role of Minors HP Director and looks forward to working with him to not only build a strong Junior Team Canada Program but help advance youth ball hockey development Canada-wide.