About RMHA

Our Mission

The Russell Minor Hockey Association is a non-profit, volunteer, co-ed organization, whose sole purpose is to provide participants aged 4-21 an opportunity to have fun and play organized hockey in a positive atmosphere. The RMHA strives to respect and support each player’s aspirations and skill level within the confines of a team sport.

Organized team sports provide an excellent opportunity for our children to develop skills which will benefit them throughout their lives; commitment, teamwork, self-discipline, fair play, responsibility and responsibility.

Rep B, Rep A / AA and Rep AAA tryout opportunities are available to our members as well through our district and zone based boundaries and association partnerships.

THE PETER KRUYS VOLUTEER APPRECIATION AWARD THE COACH PHIL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD PAST RMHA PRESIDENTS THE ROOTS OF RMHA

THE PETER KRUYS VOLUTEER APPRECIATION AWARD

Community volunteers in Russell Minor Hockey are tremendously important. They bring together our youth in a safe and encouraging atmosphere to fulfil goals and educate on team building and respect.

The Russell Minor Hockey Association (RMHA) sponsors a Volunteer Appreciation Award named after Peter Kruys, the incredible example of a dedicated, and long standing volunteer and Coach. This award is to be presented yearly to an outstanding member of our hockey community who has demonstrated great leadership in hockey and has been a positive role model for our youth. This annual award is proudly displayed at the Russell Arena. This award is open to past and present RMHA volunteers.

Any member of Russell Minor Hockey Association (RMHA) is eligible for consideration if the following are also met:

volunteered with RMHA for a number of years
held a position of coach, assistant, manager, trainer, tournament organizer, RMHA executive member, team volunteer, etc.
held in high regard in the hockey community
has consistently displayed high morals
has proven to be a valuable volunteer in the hockey community
has encouraged respect for fellow team members and of opposing team players
maintains that hockey is a great game and hockey is about having fun

Award Recipients
2008/09 Season : Peggy Marchessault & Bob Spence
2009/10 Season : Shannon Donovan
2010/11 Season : David Laramee & David Kemp
2012/13 Season : Jeanne Clement
2013/14 Season : Paul Cooke
2014/15 Season : Peggy Carkner & Shelley Nolan
2015/16 Season : Ed Thomas
2016/17 Season : Renee Harden
2017/18 Season : Darren Pascoe
2018/19 Season : David Smith

THE COACH PHIL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

PAST RMHA PRESIDENTS

1972 – 1974         Bill Lineger
1974 – 1975         Keithe Boothe
1975 – 1976         Doris Ruest
1976 – 1978         Chris Fleming
1978 – 1979         Pat Flynn
1979 – 1980         Gerry O’Reilly
1980 – 1982         Barry Carscadden
1982 – 1983         Dave Wade
1983 – 1985         Dennis Drevniok
1985 – 1987         Peter Kruys
1987 – 1989         Bob Clarke
1989 – 1991         Willis Stevens
1991 – 1993         Ray McNamara
1993 – 1995         Robin Fullarton
1995 – 1997         John Wardlaw
1997 – 1999         Kevin Cochrane
1999 – 2001         John Wardlaw
2001 – 2003         Greg McFarlane
2003 – 2006         Bruce Cherry
2007 – 2008         Dan Renaud
2008 – 2010         Mike Ennis
2010 – 2012         Paul Latreille
2012 – 2014         Elizabeth Ferguson
2014 – 2020 Mike Johnson
2020 – 2022 Yves Roy
2022 - Present Joey Abrams

THE ROOTS OF RMHA

The Russell Minor Hockey Association (RMHA) was founded in the fall of 1972.

Prior to that date, the minor hockey program in the Russell area was coordinated by the Russell Lions Club in the Russell Community Centre until the arena was condemned in February, 1971. At the request of the Lions Club, the Russell Recreation Association assumed the responsibility for the minor hockey program in Russell during the fall of 1972.

Accordingly, the Russell RA established a committee to co-ordinate the initial season under the most capable guidance of the late Bill Lineger. Assisting Bill were Paul Butler, Jack McLaren, Bernie Lauzon, Andy Cousineau and many others.

The RA Committee had a difficult act to follow as the late Jack Twiname (Mr. Minor Hockey to many who played their first hockey in the Russell Arena on very cold Saturday mornings), Dr. Kinnaird with his “repairs” and encouragement, plus many other people, too numerous to mention, least we miss a name, gave their time and efforts voluntarily to support the minor hockey program.

Nevertheless, the late Bill Lineger readily accepted the challenge as the “architect” of what we now recognize as the Russell Minor Hockey Association.

(Source: Peter Kruys' Russell Minor Hockey Association Hockey Booklet 1986/87)