By Tim Donelli By Tim Donelli
(March 31, 2008) Longtime HMI chaplain, Tom Fraser, had been ministering to his local hometown professional hockey team, the ECHL's Toledo Storm, for nearly 15 seasons. Including serving as chaplain for the National Hockey League's New York Rangers when he lived in New York, Fraser had been involved in ministry to hockey teams for 26 years. It was with sadness last spring, that the man all the players for years have called "Fraz" learned he would not be serving as team chaplain for the Storm in 2007-08.
The city of Toledo decided it was time to build a new arena, so the Storm would have to take two years off while a new facility was being built. Tom was still living in Toledo, Ohio with no hockey team of any kind to serve. After 26 years, a hockey season without Fraser being a chaplain would be like Christmas with no presents. But little did Tom know last spring that God had some different plans for the coming fall and winter, and those plans included hockey!
An unexpected phone call last August from Derek Whitmore would suddenly change Fraser's plans for a season without hockey ministry. Whitmore, a senior captain on the Bowling Green State University Falcons' hockey team, asked Fraser if he would consider being the chaplain for a hoped-for chapel with the Falcons' NCAA Division 1 hockey team in 2007-08. Derek agreed to serve as player liaison to begin a chapel with his team, and all he needed now was a chaplain. Tom was only too happy to answer the call, and the Bowling Green hockey team chapel was launched! Once or twice a week, Fraser would make the 25 mile trek down I-75 from his home in Toledo to Bowling Green for the chapels and Falcons' home games.
Promoted and supported by Whitmore, weekly chapels with the team averaged ten in attendance, plus Falcons' Head Coach, Scott Paluch. Approximately seven of the ten Bowling Green players who attended were freshmen and sophomores. During the season the Falcons' players didn't just listen to Fraser's messages at the chapels. Each message usually sparked actual discussion among the players during the chapel, which rarely occurs in chapels to older, professional players. Through their discussions, the players learned about each other and grew closer together. Most importantly, the true meaning of the Gospel message was consistently shared at each chapel.
Following every chapel meeting, at least one player stayed behind to discuss a personal issue. One week, there were three players who waited their turn to talk to their new chaplain. On each of these occasions, the players had been receptive to and have even requested Fraser's prayer for them right then! One Falcons' Assistant Coach also sought out "Fraz" for pre-marital counseling for himself and his fiance.
In addition to the weekly chapels, Whitmore and another Bowling Green hockey player desired to have Tom lead them in a separate, weekly Bible study. Both players are mature Christians who are highly motivated to understand and apply God’s Word to their lives. The impact of the chapel program was also being noticed by many of the team members' parents. After Falcons' home games, Fraser received many sincere “thanks” from parents, especially Christian parents, who were grateful for the HMI chapel program in which their sons were participating. In most instances, they would approach Tom and say: “My son really likes what you’re doing with the team this year! Keep up the good work!”
The highlight of the Falcons' chapel season came on March 5th in Toledo. "Fraz," with the help of his numerous hockey prayer partners, hosted a dinner for the entire Bowling Green hockey team and coaches. The special guest speaker for the event was 18-year National Hockey League veteran goaltender, former Vezina trophy winner, and United States Hockey Hall of Fame member, John Vanbiesbrouck. Following a delicious buffet dinner provided by the prayer partners, Vanbiesbrouck talked at length about his own life journey, full of bumps, ego trips, and harsh realities. He talked openly about his faith in Jesus, and how Christ alone gives his life meaning and direction. You could have heard a pin drop for the full 40 minutes that the "Beezer" spoke. Vanbiesbrouck had connected on a very deep level with these guys!
Fraser commented on this incredible night. "This was probably the most effective single hockey outreach event I’ve ever been associated with in more than 26 years in working with hockey players and as a chaplain with Hockey Ministries International," said Fraser. "I say that because I sensed the mighty power of God dealing with an entire team at the same time. I say that because I’ve received unsolicited positive feedback from many players, some of whom have never attended chapel meetings. I say that because in the two chapels that followed John's testimony, attendance increased and my talks developed into group discussions with players talking much more freely. I say that because three players have asked to meet privately with me ASAP. It was an evening I will never soon forget."
There was a final chapter to the March 5th dinner experience that didn't play out until a few nights later. Vanbiesbrouck, a current National Hockey League television analyst on the VERSUS and NHL HD networks, had another message to share with the Falcons’ team and coaches. Prior to sharing his personal testimony at the dinner, Vanbiesbrouck talked of the Falcons' tendency to squander third-period leads throughout the season. The "Beezer" urged them to “play big in the third period."
The Bowling Green players remembered Beezer’s challenge to “play big in the third” period just a few nights later. They discussed it in the locker room prior to the third period of their decisive playoff game with Lake Superior State (the Falcons were behind 3-2). Immediately following the game in the Bowling Green locker room, the impromptu screaming chant of the Falcons players was “Beezer’s the Man! Beezer’s the Man!” This followed their 4-3 thrilling, come-from-behind, overtime victory over the Lakers! The Falcons had clinched the decisive “rubber” game in the best-of-three first-round playoff series of the CCHA, and would advance to the second round for the first time in seven years!
Bowling Green advanced to the next round of the playoffs, only to lose to a very good # 5 ranked Miami of Ohio team. While the season had finally come to a close, the Falcons could look fact and find satisfaction that they had just completed one their best seasons in recent memory. During the 2007-08 regular season the Head Coach of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, Jeff Jackson, referred to Bowling Green as the “most improved team in the country.” The Falcons' confidence also took a huge upward turn during the regular season when they upset Miami of Ohio in early January, then ranked #1 in the nation. With a promising, skilled group of underclassmen to build upon, the Falcons on-ice future looks bright.
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| John Vanbiesbrouck shares with Bowling Green hockey players | Falcons' player Brian Moore and Patsy Camp from Hope Toledo Church | Tom Fraser and wife Sheryl, with Falcons' player Derek Whtimore in center |
As for Whitmore, the talented senior signed a two-year contact with the NHL's Buffalo Sabres on March 26. Derek was assigned to the Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate, the Rochester Americans, to gain some immediate professional experience. "This is just a dream come true for me," Whitmore said. "I grew up watching both the Sabres and the Americans [Rochester] as a youngster, and it'll be an amazing experience getting to play at home in Rochester over the next few weeks. But, this isn't just a big moment for me. This is also a big moment for the Bowling Green hockey program as a whole, and it says a lot about the people involved with the program there. I obviously couldn't have gotten to this point without coach [Scott] Paluch's help over the last four years and the help of his staff. Coach [Todd] Reirden and coach [Doug] Schueller did a lot for me behind the scenes this past season as well, and they were just as big a part of me getting here as anyone."
As for Fraser, his experience with the Bowling Green State University hockey team was a tremendous blessing from the Lord. As he pondered all that the Lord did this season with his ministry to the Falcons' players and coaches, his mind flashed back to that day last spring, and the initial disappointment he experienced when it appeared his hockey ministry had been temporarily put on the shelf. Some favorite verses of scripture were brought to his mind then which gave new encouragement. (I Thessalonians 5:16-18) - "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
And to think that Fraser thought the only ice he would see this past hockey season was in a glass of water or soda. Thanks to the opportunity with Bowling Green Falcons, "Fraz's" ministry to the hockey world is now 27 years and counting.
(March 31, 2008) Each week Hockey Ministries International will salute a Chaplain of the Week" in order to acknowledge our chaplains who volunteer their time and resources to serve the hockey world. Currently HMI has over 200 volunteer chaplains who are staging chapel programs in 22 professional and amateur leagues across North America and Europe.
Jamie Ramer is the chaplain of the Ontario Hockey League's Owen Sound Attack in Owen Sound, Ontario. Ramer currently lives in Zurich Ontario with his wife Lea anne, son Brody and daughters Payton and Kaybrie. Jamie and his wife have been serving with HMI since 1999.
They served together in Sweden as HMI missionaries from 2000-2003 before returning to accept roles in Ontario. Since 2004 Jamie has focused on Junior hockey teams and players as chaplain and chapel coordinator for the OHL and OHA.
Ramer currently heads up the chapel for the Owen Sound Attack along with meeting with players on various teams who currently do not have ‘official’ chapel programs. Jamie has a great team of over 25 leaders across the province who partner to lead the local chapel ministries. He is very excited about the doors God continues to open in the world of hockey and especially the opportunity to come along side and explore/grow faith in these quality young men.
Hockey Ministries International does have some current openings for chaplains in certain cities, towns and communities. If you are interested in serving as an HMI chaplain or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail Don Liesemer Jr. at donjr@hockeyministries.org. Let us know where you live, and we will let you know if we have a need in your area.
(March 25, 2008) Longtime Hockey Ministries International volunteer, Stacey Bauman, was named the Central Hockey League's "Man of the Year" on March 21. Bauman is a four-year CHL veteran and in his first season with the Oklahoma City Blazers, after playing three seasons for the Lubbock Cotton Kings. One would be hard pressed to find another player as qualified and deserving as Stacey for this prestigious award. Bauman has been a tireless worker in the community and yet maintains his preparation and readiness to perform at a high level on the ice.
Among the many groups of people he selflessly serves, Stacey has been very involved with Hockey Ministries International as a volunteer. For the past several years, Bauman has served as a volunteer with HMI’s "Christian Hockey Camps International" outreach. This past summer (2007) Stacey served at eight, week-long camps for youth ages 9-17. His enthusiasm, dedication and presence at these camps has encouraged, inspired, and made a significant impact on thousands of young lives. Over the years Stacey has volunteered at HMI youth camps in Canada in Waterloo, Ontario, Stanstead , Quebec, Three Hills, Alberta, Ouje-Bougamua, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario. Bauman has also worked HMI camps in the US in Boston, Texas, Chicago, and St. Louis. CLICK HERE FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE)
Bauman has also been a key catalyst in supporting the HMI chapel program during his collegiate hockey career at Yale University, in the ECHL with the Greenville Grrrowl, and in the CHL with the Lubbock Cotton Kings and Oklahoma City Blazers.
HMI's United States Chapel Development Coordinator, Doug Halcomb, commented on Bauman's latest achievement. "As his past Chaplain, I have been thoroughly impressed with his desire to play the game of hockey with all his heart, and to
use his platform as a hockey player to serve as many as possible. Stacey’s heart is to impact
and invest in younger players, and tirelessly gives of his time while expecting nothing in return."
"As impressed as I am with what Stacey does during the season to volunteer his time, it's what he does each summer
that most impresses me. While most guys are out trying to earn money and/or enjoy down time, Bauman continues to volunteer
to invest in young hockey players. His energy is contagious and as an organization, Hockey Ministries International is extremely
thankful and grateful for his participation. We look forward to having
him help out again this summer."
Another unique outreach Stacey has involved himself in is ministering to local club college hockey teams where he has played. Bauman has volunteered to serve the Oklahoma University club college hockey team as chaplain this season. Stacey also served in the same role in Lubbock when he played for the Cotton Kings, serving as volunteer chaplain for the Texas Tech club hockey team.
Bauman is a guy who is always helping out, but stays quietly behind the scenes. His many accomplishments are easily overlooked. His heart attitude, faith and selfless attitude make him a most deserving candidate for CHL's "Man of the Year" award.
(March 25, 2008) Each week Hockey Ministries International will salute a Chaplain of the Week" in order to acknowledge our chaplains who volunteer their time and resources to serve the hockey world. Currently HMI has over 200 volunteer chaplains who are staging chapel programs in 22 professional and amateur leagues across North America and Europe.
Rich Ward is the chaplain of the Western Hockey League's Tri-City Americans in Kennewick, Washington. In 2004, HMI's Mike Waddell asked Rich to take on the role of Chaplain to the Western Hockey League's Tri-City Americans. The beginning took time and energy and a great deal of patience, but after four seasons the hockey chapel program is moving forward with a great sense of health and growth as a ministry.
Ward, has been working with adolescents for over 16 Years. Rich completed his Bachelors Degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in 1992 in Communications, and minor in Youth Ministry. In 2005, Rich completed his Masters in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. He has served in (2) 2000+ attendance churches as the student ministries director. Then in 1998, Rich moved to Tri-Cities Washington to be the Area Director for Young Life and has continued in this role for over ten years. Young Life is a Para-church organization that works to share the good news of Christ to the secular student.
The Tri-city Americans have enjoyed success on the ice as well as off the ice this season. The Ams finished 2007-08 with the best regular season record in the WHL, as well as their first U.S. Division championship banner in 20 years. Ams chapels have had 14-18 monthly average (of 24) players come to chapel held in Rich’s home. We continue to pray for God to move in the lives of these great young men.
Hockey Ministries International does have some current openings for chaplains in certain cities, towns and communities. If you are interested in serving as an HMI chaplain or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail Don Liesemer Jr. at donjr@hockeyministries.org. Let us know where you live, and we will let you know if we have a need in your area.
(March 19, 2008) Two players who have regular involvement in Hockey Ministries International have enjoyed recent stints in the National Hockey League. Rob Globke, recently spent five games playing for the NHL's Florida Panthers. It was Globke's second stint with the Panthers this season.
The Famington, Michigan native was Florida's second round choice and the 40th player taken overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Globke has split time the past three seasons with the American Hockey League's Rochester Americans and the Panthers. Rob has 46 NHL games to his credit over the past three seasons. Globke was drafted by the Panthers following an excellent collegiate career for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Globke regularly attends HMI chapel services, and avails himself each summer to serve as a pro instructor with HMI's Christian Hockey Camps International outreach.
Ben Walter recently enjoyed his third callup by the NHL's New York Islanders this season. The recent three-game stint also saw Walter score his first NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 11. Ben has eight games played with the Isles this season, and 18 NHL games overall in his career. In 54 games this season with the Islanders American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Walter currently has 16 goals and 31 assists for 47 points.
Walter was a fifth round draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2004 after three solid seasons of college hockey at UMass-Lowell. In two seasons in the Bruins system, Ben played ten games for Boston. In September of 2007, Walter was acquired by the Islanders from Boston with a conditional second round draft selection in '09 for Petteri Nokelainen
Walter was born in Montreal in 1984 when his dad, Ryan, was playing for the Montreal Canadians. Both Ben and his dad have been very active with Hockey Ministries International over the years. Ryan first got involved with Hockey Ministries International while with the Washington Capitals in the early eighties. Ryan has been a pro-instructor for the ministry's Christian International Hockey Camps outreach for numerous years, while also serving on the ministry's Board of Directors. Ben has also served as a camp instructor as a collegiate player and as a pro.
(March 18, 2008) Each week Hockey Ministries International will salute a Chaplain of the Week" in order to acknowledge our chaplains who volunteer their time and resources to serve the hockey world. Currently HMI has over 200 volunteer chaplains who are staging chapel programs in 22 professional and amateur leagues across North America and Europe.
Brad Butler is the chaplain of the Central Hockey League's Mississippi RiverKings in Southhaven, Mississippi. Butler has been the RiverKings' chaplain since 2004. He serves Getwell Road United Methodist Church as its' Teaching Pastor and Youth Evangelist.
Brad has traveled overseas extensively on short-term missions trips, with visits to Quito, Ecuador, Ghana, West Africa and Kenya, East Africa. He also worked six months as a missionary in Sydney, Australia.
Butler's hobbies away from work include rappelling, camping, golf, frisbee golf, travel, and sports. His favorite sports teams include the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Stars, and of course, the Mississippi RiverKings.
Brad's favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Hockey Ministries International does have some current openings for chaplains in certain cities, towns and communities. If you are interested in serving as an HMI chaplain or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail Don Liesemer Jr. at donjr@hockeyministries.org. Let us know where you live, and we will let you know if we have a need in your area.
(March 12, 2008) From Thursday, February 14 through Sunday; February 17th, Hockey Ministries International had the privilege of traveling to Debica, Poland to stage a hockey clinic for Polish youth hockey players. The HMI contingent was lead by the ministry's Director of Camp Programs, Christy Liesemer, HMI staff member and former National Hockey League forward, Laurie Boschman, former National Hockey League forward, Dave Cressman, and HMI volunteer Josh Gacek.
The HMI group worked alongside a local pastor, Jan Skarbek, and Assistant Pastor, Michael Wielgus, to coordinate with the local hockey club to stage the HMI hockey clinic. There were approximately 55 young participants, which included a group of about 20 players from a town about 90 kilometers away as well as from the town of Debica. The North American contingent had the opportunity to share with them what Hockey Ministries International and Christian Hockey Camps International is all about.
Christy Liesemer described the powerful experience of the four-day clinic. "It was a wonderful time during our stay in Poland. We were enthusiastically welcomed by the entire local community, and the parents and the youth hockey players couldn't have been more supportive. Clinics like these only gives HMI more to not only continuing this outreach, but expanding it to other European countries. We hope that several of the youth hockey players we were able to minister in Debica will be able to attend Christian Hockey Camp International camp in nearby Slany, Czech Republic this summer!“
Weilgus offered these remarks on HMI's arrival in Poland and participation in the local clinic. "On behalf of pastor Jan, Basia and myself, I would like to thank you very much for coming to Poland and allowing us to spend time with you. We thoroughly enjoyed watching you interact with the kids. We are receiving countless good reports, and the overwhelming majority of those who attended has expressed their gratitude and warmest greetings to you all. For us personally it was a time of enjoyable fellowship and ministering together."
In recent years, Hockey Ministries International has expended its' outreach overseas. In addition to the youth hockey clinic staged in Poland this past February, HMI will stage youth hockey camps in four additional European countries including Sweden Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia in 2008. We thank the Lord for the opportunity that He has given HMI to share the "Good News" of Jesus Christ in this area of the world. Please continue to pray for this outreach overseas and for the summer European camps in 2008.
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(March 11, 2008) Each week Hockey Ministries International will salute a "Chaplain of the Week" in order to acknowledge our chaplains who volunteer their time and resources to serve the hockey world. Currently HMI has over 200 volunteer chaplains who are staging chapel programs in 22 professional and amateur leagues across North America and Europe.
Bruce Mackay is the chaplain of the OHL's Belleville Bulls in Belleville, Ontario. Mackay has been the Bulls' chaplain since 2004 along with Andrew DeVries, and has been involved with Hockey Ministries International since 1997.
Bruce attended London Baptist Bible College and then returned home to be involved
in the family business. Mackay is currently, owner of Mackay Insurance Brokerage. He is an active Member of Parkdale Baptist Church in Belleville.
Mackay's interests include hosting a Christian radio show, and his involvement in various ministries at church. Bruce is also a hockey and baseball memorabelia collector and avid Montreal Canadiens fan. Bruce is married to Tanya and has a son, Isaac, and daughter, Eva. (And another on the way!)
Hockey Ministries International does have some current openings for chaplains in certain cities, towns and communities. If you are interested in serving as an HMI chaplain or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail Don Liesemer Jr. at donjr@hockeyministries.org. Let us know where you live, and we will let you know if we have a need in your area.
(March 4, 2008) Each week Hockey Ministries International will salute a Chaplain of the Week," in order to acknowledge our chaplains who volunteer their time and resources to serve the hockey world. Currently HMI has over 200 volunteer chaplains who are staging chapel programs in 22 professional and amateur leagues across North America and Europe.
David Fisher is the chaplain of the Ontario Hockey League's Peterborough Petes. He is also the Founder of Epistle Sports Ministries, a letter-writing ministry of encouragement to athletes in all the major sports. This outreach began in 1975.
Fisher served with Baseball Chapel as the chapel leader for the Toronto Blue Jays for their first 29 years in the American League, until his resignation in the spring of 2006. In addition to working with the major league team, he provided leadership for the chapel program for the Jays’ six (6) minor league affiliates. He continues to work with several of the Jays’ management personnel and a number of the players.
David is a part-time staff member with Hockey Ministries International, and has conducted chapels and Bible studies for the Peterborough Petes for the last 12 years. His “MONDAY WE HAVE FISH” sessions with the players have been very successful, and other teams in the Ontario Hockey League have used this format to establish chapels for their players. Fisher is also working with Peterborough’s Liftlock Stars, the OHA affiliate of the Petes.
In addition to these sports-related ministries, David serves as a personal support worker with Christian Horizons in Peterborough, an agency which provides support for physically and mentally challenged adults. Fisher also has an internet ministry of encouragement through his various web sites. His Pilgrim Scribblings blog has been a blessing to many over the last three years. He also serves on the board at Elim Lodge.
David is married to Carol, and the Fishers live in Cavan, Ontario near Peterborough. They have five grown children and two young boys, Matthew (12) and Nathan (11) who they adopted shortly after birth. The Fishers are members at Auburn Bible Chapel in Peterborough, ON.
Hockey Ministries International does have some current openings for chaplains in certain cities, towns and communities. If you are interested in serving as an HMI chaplain or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail Don Liesemer Jr.at donjr@hockeyministries.org. Let us know where you live, and we will let you know if we have a need in your area.
(March 4, 2008) Hockey Ministries International was blessed to have been invited by the American Hockey League to participate in one of its' premier events, the "Hockey Hall of Fame All-Star Classic Luncheon"
Don Liesemer Jr., Director of Chapel Programs for HMI, was asked to give the prayer at the American Hockey League's "Hockey Hall of Fame All-Star Classic Luncheon" on January 28, which was held at the Binghamton University Events Center in Vestal, N.Y. The luncheon was one of the prestigious events held in conjunction with the 2008 AHL All-Star Game.
Doug Halcomb, US Chapel Development Coordinator for HMI, also represented Hockey Ministries International at the All-Star Game, along with Binghamton Senators' chaplain, Paul Blasko, and Hartford Wolf Pack chaplain, Rick Mitera.
At the "Hockey Hall of Fame All-Star Classic Luncheon, the American Hockey League enshrined the class of 2008, which included Steve Kraftcheck, Noel Price and Tim Tookey. NHL legend, Emile Francis, served as the Hockey Hall of Fame Honoree. Former Binghamton Whalers head coach Larry Pleau served as Honorary Captain for the PlanetUSA AHL All-Stars, and former Binghamton Dusters and Whalers goaltender,Ken Holland, served as Honorary Captain for the Canadian AHL All-Stars.
All players that participated in the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic, presented by Reebok, were on hand at the Luncheon, along with hundreds of fans who paid tribute to the newest Hall of Fame class. The luncheon consisted of a first-class meal, along with the induction speeches from the Hall of Fame members.
HMI has been blessed to have enjoyed tremendous cooperation and support from the AHL in providing chapels to the league for many years. HMI would like to thank AHL President and Chief Executive Officer, David Andrews, and the league for their tremendous kindness they extended to our organization at the 2008 All-Star Game.
Hockey Ministries International does have some current openings for chaplains in certain cities in the ECHL. If you are interested in serving as an HMI chaplain or know someone who would be interested, please e-mail Don Liesemer Jr. at donjr@hockeyministries.org. Let us know where you live, and we will let you know if we have a need in your area.