Labrador correctional officer seconded to Torngat Minor Hockey Association

Terry Billard, a correctional officer at the Labrador Correctional Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, has been seconded to the Torngat Minor Hockey Association in Northern Labrador, as a technical advisor. In this capacity, Mr. Billard will spend the next eight months conducting coaching and leadership training in Nain and Davis Inlet.

Mr. Billard has been involved in the game of hockey since joining the Port aux Basques Minor Hockey League as a child in 1976. He has played with the Corner Brook Junior Royals, the Acadia University team and also the Stephenville Jets and the Port aux Basques Mariners, of the Newfoundland Senior Hockey League. Mr. Billard has coached all divisions of minor hockey and was organizer of the first �female only� hockey for the Lake Melville Minor Hockey Association in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He has served as president, vice-president and board member of the Lake Melville Association, and in 1999 served as head coach for Team Newfoundland at the Under-17 Atlantic Cup. Mr. Billard has also participated in and conducted numerous coaching and training clinics.

According to George Cabot, recreational director for the Mushuau Innu Band Council, Mr. Billard�s assistance in developing minor hockey in Davis Inlet in 1999, has resulted in a successful program which has provided many benefits to the community, including improved self-esteem, a reduction in drug and solvent abuse and improved leadership and technical skills.

"Terry Billard�s help was invaluable in setting up our hockey association, and he gave freely of his time to come here and hold hockey schools and clinics," said Mr. Cabot. "We have an unbelievable number of talented youth for such a small community."

"The introduction of a minor hockey program for Nain and the continuation of the program in Davis Inlet, will provide many benefits for the youth of these communities," says Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons. "Government and community support for such an initiative will mean the establishment of a recreational sports program for Northern Labrador. This is something I�m sure will help to improve social conditions in this region of the province."

Torngat Mountains MHA Wally Anderson also applauds the program. "The proposal by the Torngat Mountains Minor Hockey Association to introduce organized hockey to Nain and enhance the program in Davis Inlet, will provide those communities with a quality program that will help build confidence and self-esteem for all those who participate."

"The success of a minor hockey program for Nain and Davis Inlet will depend to a large extent, on the dedication and expertise of someone like Terry Billard," said Ernie McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador. "Mr. Billard�s knowledge and experience will undoubtedly improve not only the minor hockey association, but the overall quality of life in these northern communities. I support this initiative wholeheartedly and am delighted that government is able to participate."

More than 200 youth in Nain alone, have demonstrated an interest in participating in a minor hockey program this year.

The Torngat Minor Hockey Association (TMHA) was established in 1999 with the objective of introducing a minor hockey program to all north coast communities. This association is affiliated with the Newfoundland and Labrador Minor Hockey Association (NLHA), allowing its members to participate in hockey programs and tournaments throughout the province.

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Director of Communications, (709) 729-6564.

2000 10 05 11:35 a.m.