The start of a new iPlayHockey series where we interview various members of the hockey community across Canada, in an effort to see the role they play and why, as well as what got them into hockey in the first place.
In this edition, we speak with Clarke Wismer from Chilliwack!
What’s your role in hockey and how long have you been in this role for?
I’ve been involved in hockey since I was 4 years old as a player, as well as a coach since 2008 with minor hockey in Chilliwack, British Columbia. I run a hockey skills class at Robert Bateman Secondary School in Abbostsford, British Columbia for the last 8 years, and am also the director and founder of the Chilliwack Chiefs spring hockey program for youth ages 7 to 13 years old. This program has been in existence since 2009 with 8 teams. My company, NetDriveHockey, also host hockey camps in Chilliwack and puts on the Annual Chilliwack Spring Kick Off Hockey Tournament every April.
Tell us about the team you’re associated with and what kind of success they’ve been having
Currently I am associated with the 2006AA Chilliwack Jr. Chiefs team. We just won the Chilliwack Spring Kick Off last weekend!
What made you get into hockey in the first place, and what makes the game so special?
Hockey was always a big part of my life. My dad played, and my older brother played so it was natural that I got involved. The thing I love most about the game is the social network it creates. As a player and now a coach, the hockey community is a special group. I have made so many friends in Ontario as a kid and now in BC as an adult. It makes me enjoy going to the rink.
Do you have a favourite memory in hockey, or favourite part of being involved in the game?
My favourite childhood hockey memory would be riding a bus in Atom hockey to go to the Provincial finals. Parents were all up at the front of the bus and us kids were having a party in the back.
