Most of the youth sports going on in our communities would not work without the efforts of coaches and other volunteers who generously give hours of their time to provide a safe learning environment for the young people they mentor.

These volunteers might be parents of players on the team or they might be other members of the community who have knowledge to share and the time to share it. Volunteers are the engine that drives youth sports, and they are typically the first individuals who teach young people teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership.

The Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association (SCMHA) is seeking enthusiastic community members who would like to share their knowledge of hockey with our younger generation or provide guidance and support to our coaches. Without volunteers, children would not get out on the ice.

“Aside from the physical health reasons, other proposed benefits of sport participation for children include improved self-esteem, social and problem-solving skills, academic achievement and school attendance,” said SCMHA president Sean Gray. “We need the help of those in our community with a passion for children in sport. We need more people to volunteer.”

To support minor hockey and ensure that it is accessible to children on the Sunshine Coast, or for further information, contact Lisa Stiver at 604-328-2262, or email lisastiver@hotmail.com.

Dempster wins second straight

After going winless in 18 consecutive starts, Gibsons Ryan Dempster has now won two in a row.

The Chicago Cubs right-hander pitched eight innings of four-hit shut-out ball with six strikeouts and one walk, leading the Cubs to an 8-2 win over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minnesota Sunday afternoon.

Dempster was poised to pitch a complete game, but left after the eighth with his pitch count at 117. On a sweltering day, Cubs manager Dale Sveum chose to pull Dempster rather than extend him.