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Junior Hockey Drug Awareness and Education Program
ODD SQUAD has teamed up with the WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE (WHL) in order to continue to deliver the best information available, regarding the perils of Drug and Alcohol abuse. Odd Squad, along with assistance from members of the VANCOUVER POLICE DEPARTMENT and the RCMP, have developed a two day interactive program designed to equip Junior Hockey Players with the tools necessary for them to present drug awareness information to school aged children as well as other members of their communities. Since 1991, the Red Deer RCMP drug education unit has been working together with the WHL's Red Deer REBELS, to deliver information to local students about the pitfalls of drug abuse. In 1997, Sgt. Otto BERTAGNOLLI, of the Red Deer Detachment of the RCMP, proposed the concept of having the players travel to Vancouver, tour the Downtown Eastside (DTES) and experience for themselves, the reality of chronic substance abuse. BERTAGNOLLI recognized a need to create more impact with the students, so in 1997 he sought and was given permission to use RCMP Air Services to fly six players of the REBELS to Vancouver to get a first hand look at the drug culture in the DTES. In October of 1997, BERTAGNOLLI accompanied Rebels Brad LEEB, Kyle KOS, Shawn McNEIL, Brent McDONALD, Jesse WALLIN and Lance WARD to In the fall of 1998 BERTAGNOLLI returned to Initially the program involved a presentation of the toxicology of illicit drugs as well as their effect on the human body. Members of the Vancouver Drug Squad presented information on drug recognition and method of use as well as an indication of what they might expect to see during their "Tour of Duty". The players were given chaperoned tours of the DTES during the day and again at night. They had the opportunity to speak to residents of the community, and hear the stories of how they have fallen into criminality and prostitution as a result of their drug addiction. In the fall of 1999 Randy MILLER, began speaking to the players as part of their In 2002, RCMP Sgt. Brian MAYRS and the Saskatoon BLADES created Project "FACEOFF". This project was modeled after the original program that was developed by BERTAGNOLLI, for "KEEPSTRAIGHT". For the past four years members of the Saskatoon BLADES have been accompanying the RCMP to Vancouver to experience the DTES. In 2004 ODD SQUAD director Chris GRAHAM and the Vancouver GIANTS created Project "STAY ON SIDE". In 2005, RCMP Cpl. Don PERRON and the Regina PATS added Project "FIRST GOAL". Also in 2005 RCMP Cst. Al NUTINI and the Kootenay ICE added Project "DEFENCE". In 2006, Cst Leslie McPherson and the Kamloops Blazers added Project "EDGE". Since 1997, numerous marquis players from several different WHL teams have gone through this Drug Education and Awareness Program. Each player has used the knowledge they gained to educate others on the perils of a life of substance abuse. As a result several hundred WHL players have benefited from hearing their teammates share the drug information and relate the tragic stories they experienced in the DTES during the program. These players in turn act as role models and by using their newly aquired knowledge to go out into the community and share this message with school aged kids. From the inception, the goal of this project has been to educate Junior Hockey players and empower them to deliver current and meaningful information to youth regarding making responsible choices when faced with the prospect of getting involved with illicit drugs and other harmful substances. The WHL teams involved have continued to send players that are leaders on their teams and have an interest in serving the community. ODD SQUAD continues to deliver a cutting edge, gritty and realistic experience to all players who enroll in this program. Over the years program has grown to include a variety of other activities including: Members of the VPD Marine Unit take the players on a harbour tour with a discussion on how illicit drugs are imported into the country and how they find their way to the street; Dr Whitfield, from the Vancouver Childrens Hospital, delivers a dynamic presentation that gives the players a better understanding of how some drugs affect your mental and physical health; Players are required to complete a detailed questionnaire regarding their experience. By documenting their experience they are better equipped to speak to the kids; We are also putting the players through the firearms simulator and touring the Currently we are capturing these projects, on film and photographs, with the goal of producing an educational documentary. WHL PLAYERS 1997/98 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Kyle KOS; Brad LEEB; Brent McDONALD: Shawn McNEIL; Jesse WALLIN and Lance WARD 1998/99 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Kevin MARSH; Scott McQUEEN; Frank MRAZEK; Stephan PEAT; Dustin SCHWARTZ; and Jim VANDERMEER 1999/00 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Dustin PAUL; Lyle STEENBERGEN; Jim VANDERMEER and Justin WALLIN 2000/01 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Andrew 2001/02 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Andrew BERGEN; Jeff SMITH; Diarmuid KELLY; Bryce THOMA; Cam ONDRIK; Shane BENDERA and Colby ARMSTRONG 2002/03 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Jeff WOYWITKA; Carsen GERMYN, Boyd GORDON; Matt ELLISON and Joel STEPP Saskatoon BLADES Rob WOODS; Trent ADAMUS; Stephen MANN and Sean MUIR 2003/04 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Cam WARD; Shay STEPHENSON; Jason ERTL; Nate BRICE; Derek ENDICOTT; and Chris NEISZNER Saskatoon BLADES Tanner SCHULTZ; Adam WARD; Derek COUTURE; Ryan KELLER' Mike GREEN; Marcus PAULSSON 2004/05 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Tyler JOHNSON; Stuart KERR; Mikko KUUKKA; Gerry FESTA; Colin FRASER and Dion PHANEUF Saskatoon BLADES Dayln FLATT; Ben VAN CARE; Ryan MENEI; Joe BARNES; Evan HUN and Aaron BADER Vancouver GIANTS Ty MORRIS; Mitch BARTLEY; Mark FISTRIC; 2005/06 SEASON Red Deer REBELS Matt HANSON; Roman WICK; Ted VANDERMEER; Andrew LESLIE; Brennan CHAPMAN and Kris VERSTEEG Saskatoon BLADES Wacey RABBIT; Dane Vancouver GIANTS Mitch BARTLEY; Paul ALBERS; Tim KRAUS; Keith VOYTECHEK; Regina PATS Kyle ROSS; Jordan McGILLIVRAY; Kyle DECK; Garrett FESTERLING; Derek REINHART and Matt ROBINSON Kootenay ICE Dale MAHOVSKY; Brett SUTTER; Ryan RUSSELL and Steve DeSILVA CONTRIBUTORS The success of this project is based on the commitment of the WHL Executive and individual teams which support the participation of their players. Members of law enforcement who volunteer their time and the people of the DTES that care enough about others to share their stories are also critical to the success of this program. Project "STAY ON SIDE" is sponsored in part by the MARK JAMES GROUP, CLUB INTERWEST RESORTS, the VANCOUVER POLICE UNION and the VANCOUVER POLICE HOCKEY CLUB. The RCMP and Business leaders in the communities in which they play hockey sponsor projects "FACE OFF, KEEPSTRAIGHT, FIRST GOAL, EDGE and DEFENCE". |
Related Items Junior Hockey Drug Awareness and Education ProgramPROJECT STAY ON SIDE: VANCOUVER GIANTS HOCKEY CLUBPROJECT 'KEEPSTRAIGHT': RED DEER REBELS HOCKEY CLUBPROJECT 'FIRST GOAL': REGINA PATS HOCKEY CLUBPROJECT 'FACEOFF': SASKATOON BLADES HOCKEY CLUBPROJECT 'DEFENCE': KOOTENAY ICE HOCKEY CLUBPROJECT 'KNOWLEDGE': FORT McMURRAY OIL BARONSPROJECT EDGE: KAMPLOOPS BLAZERS HOCKEY CLUBPROJECT JOIN THE TEAM: BRANDON WHEAT KINGSHEROS |
