BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Albert Crispo believes in the Sudbury Lady Wolves (SLW) hockey
program. He sees the program as a great way for girls to join
the sport and grow as athletes and people.
Crispo has been the president of the Sudbury Girls Hockey
Association (SGHA) for the last five years and the SLW program
falls under the umbrella. He joined the organization as his two
daughters entered the game of hockey several years ago.
The SLW program has served as the premiere launching pad for countless female players over the years. Tessa Bonhomme, who was recently named to the Canadian women's national squad for the 2007 World Championships in Winnipeg as a defenceman, is by far the most prominent player the program has ever produced. Bonhomme spent five years in the SLW program and plays for Ohio State in the NCAA.
Another SLW player, Rebecca Johnston, has also risen up the
ranks. Johnston, just 17, is on the Canadian National Under-22
squad and was named an alternative to the national women's team
for the World Championships.
The SLW program is designed to teach and enhance skills and
have fun learning the game.
From its inception eight years ago, the SLW program has grown
from modest numbers to 400 kids across two levels - house
league (tyke to senior) and competitive (from novice BB to
intermediate AA).
This weekend, the SGHA hosts its 12th annual Northern Ontario
Hockey Challenge at five local arenas. The tournament will
feature some of the best house league and provincial teams from
across the province.
Recently, Crispo took some time to discuss the SLW program with
Northern Life reporter Scott Haddow. Crispo weighed in on the
upcoming tournament, girls' hockey in general and why the SLW
is one of the best programs in Ontario.
SH: What does the SLW program really offer girls in Greater
Sudbury?
AC: We want to offer the best possible hockey experience in
this community for girls. Whether their goal is to play for fun
or compete at an elite level, we have something for every
player. We're linked to the Sudbury Wolves organization, which
also provides additional exposure for the girls for other
opportunities. We boast a strong house league program. It's
where it all starts for these girls. Without the house league
teams, there would be no rep teams competing across the
province.
SH: What are some benefits of the SLW program?
AC: Players can really develop their skills here and go on to
bigger and better things. With the NCAA and CIS systems
offering more and more women's hockey, playing in the SLW
program can result in tremendous exposure to top scouts. It
could give them the opportunity to play hockey at the next
level and get their post-secondary education paid for. The
program provides a good foundation to build on and get the
girls going in the right direction and let them know what's
available to them.
SH: This program has produced bona fide stars such as Tessa
Bonhomme and Rebecca Johnston. What do they mean to the
program?
AC: They're shining examples of what this program can do to
help young kids realize their dreams. They make our program a
lot better. They have become spokespersons for our program and
promote it. It's great to have kids who reach elite levels to
promote the program...girls listen to them.
SH: How is the state of the sport within your organization?
AC: Our growth has been unreal over the last two years. We're
up to 400 registered kids playing in our program. With our
house league system, we're really starting to develop players
at the grass roots level. In our house league, we have four
novice teams and one rep team. A few years ago, we couldn't say
that. Eventually, it's going to channel its way up through all
our levels and make for even better hockey.
SH: The SGHA is hosting a big event this weekend - what are the
details?
AC: It's our 12th annual Northern Ontario Challenge. It's the
biggest one yet. We have 67 teams coming in from across the
province. It's growing each year, so that speaks volumes about
the quality of the tournament. It's a house league and rep
tournament. It will take place in five arenas - Garson,
Countryside, Carmichael, Cambrian and Walden. Admission for
fans is free, and they will see some great hockey. It's about
promoting girls' hockey.
SH: What really stands out about this program in your mind?
AC: It's all the great kids that have come through our program.
Whether they've gone onto great things such as Tessa and
Rebecca or not, the girls leave the program with a lot of
pride. They carry it with them. The people, officials, coaches,
and volunteers also stand out. Without them, there would be no
SLW program. We've been blessed with great coaching.
We've noticed a lot of guys, who were big into hockey, have daughters and not sons, getting involved with the program.
They've made a big difference. Guys like Rod Shutt, Doug Bonhomme and Tim Stortini promote our program and it brings more girls into it.
