The Silent Ice Center stands as a beacon in the night, where hockey isn’t just played, it’s lived. Recently, it played host to a shining example of how the sport can inspire, educate, and give back through the JPHL 15U AAA Draft Series.
This unique year-end tournament brought together five newly formed teams, each coached by staff from HC Edmonton, Titans Hockey Union, Calgary Rockies, Langley Hockey Academy, and Coquitlam HC. The twist? Coaches weren’t allowed to select players from their own clubs.
Everyone had to adapt: new voices for players, new players for coaches, and even new jersey numbers for broadcasters to learn.
“I think it’s a great experience and a good idea,” said Manny Aboagye of HC Edmonton. “You get to meet new people and make new connections.”
Each team also competed for something far bigger than on-ice glory—they played for meaningful causes:
Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS)
Little Warriors
Hope Mission
Children’s Cottage Society
Fostering Hope Animal Rescue
“Every dollar counts, every single donation matters," explained Marc Majeau of YESS. "Whether it’s food, money, or even a clean pair of underwear—clothing drives, food drives, monetary donations—all of that matters.”
While packed with intense on-ice action, the tournament was ultimately a lesson in gratitude and giving back.
Each team fundraised for its charity, and Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment sweetened the pot by donating an additional $1,000 to the winning team's cause—Children’s Cottage Society, led by Langley coaches Matt Keith and Mike Mandzuk.
“Teenagers today face more challenges than ever," noted Danielle Ladouceur, CEO of Children’s Cottage Society. "They need to hear that they don’t have to struggle alone, that it’s a strength to ask for help. Knowing that youth care about supporting families and children’s futures is incredibly meaningful.”
The Draft Series challenged everyone involved to step out of their comfort zones. In doing so, players formed new bonds, new friendships, and unforgettable memories.
"Probably Zeno Seipert," replied Hudson Deren when asked who he got to know better during the weekend. Deren of HC Edmonton and Seipert of Langley HC became teammates on Fostering Hope Animal Rescue’s squad. "We went back and forth all year, and now we’re on the same line having fun."
“I’m not going to lie, we hated each other,” laughed Seipert, who hails from Budapest, Hungary. “Now we’re just loving it.”
As the tournament progressed, the intensity on the ice ramped up. Former teammates turned into fierce competitors. Yet the spirit of unity, fun, and purpose remained throughout.
“It’s funny, you get some players out of their comfort zones and you see different parts of their game you might not have noticed all season,” said Tyrel Spitzer, VP of Sport and Programming at Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment.
Among the tournament’s highlights:
Manny Aboagye, Boston Matter, and Leland Brokop of HC Edmonton completed an incredible Triple Crown season, winning the Draft Series, Bauer Winter Championship, and JPHL Prospects Cup.
Nevan Coburn, goaltender for Coquitlam HC, secured three victories over the weekend—surpassing his regular-season total—and was a steady force in net.
Coburn’s final win came against his coaching staff in the championship game, giving him major offseason bragging rights.
“It’s always great to beat your coach," said Coburn after hoisting the championship. "I know a bunch of my teammates are very excited about it.”
In the end, the Draft Series was a win for everyone involved—on and off the ice. A powerful reminder that, regardless of the score, the true spirit of hockey is about building community, supporting one another, and having fun.
