Recently, Galore Creek Mining, through Teck Resources, hosted a youth hockey clinic with someone who undoubtedly has to be considered very special in this area, Dan Hamhuis.
Hamhuis was the highlight coach for the clinic put on by Teck in association with the Canadian Olympic Committee. Teck has been running these clinics around B.C. for the past few years and tries to bring in some of the top Olympic performers to share their experiences with kids at a local level.
Hamhuis, of course, was a gold medal winner with the Canadian Olympic team, but he is best known around the Bulkley Valley as the Smithers boy who went all the way to the top of his sport.
“It’s a privilege that I can work with the young kids and pass on some of the things I’ve learned in my career,” Hamhuis said.
“I appreciate Teck and their initiative to work in these communities and provide the opportunities for coaches and kids to be around Olympians and people who have excelled at their sports. “
While such clinics can be challenging with different skill levels, Hamhuis felt that the group worked very well together.
“You always hope they have fun doing it. You always want to create an environment where the kids’ hard work is encouraged and their efforts are celebrated. Their good sportsmanship is celebrated,” he said
“You learn from winning and you learn from losing. You learn from your teammates. There are a lot of lessons that you can apply to your life. I always enjoy coming back here where I started. It’s always special to be back on Smithers ice.”
Hamhuis said he enjoyed the sessions and seeing the smiles on the youngsters.
“It brings me a lot of joy to see them enjoying the sport. If I can add a couple of things to their skill set that can help them along going in their journey, whether they make it or not, they can enjoy the process,” he said
Hamhuis praised the Teck Coaching Series which is partnered with the Canadian Olympic Committee. In addition, the clinic was very convenient for him as it was in his hometown.
Catherine Adair, manager of community development with Teck was impressed with the participation from the community and around the area.
“We had 30 kids from all over the area. Kids were here from as far away as Terrace. We had a lot of volunteers who helped out with different parts of the clinic,” she said.
Among the players at the clinic were a wide variety skill levels, boys and girls and kids from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds.
Adair said that Teck has hosted similar clinics in other communities, but this was the first time it was held in Smithers.
She felt that it was great to be part of the event in such a community-focused town. Smithers was chosen because it is the headquarters for Galore Creek Mining, which is partly owed by Teck and with the participation of the Tahltan First Nation.
In addition to Hamhuis, Brigette Lacquette, 2018 Olympic Hockey Silver Medalist was slated to help at the clinic but was unable to attend.
