Kevin Hodgson

"In 1999, when HEROS was just an idea in the mind of Norm Flynn, he went looking for people who could help take it from idea to reality. One of those people was Barb Aidelbaum who dove in head first and worked tirelessly recognizing the need to create an opportunity to play hockey for young people from economically challenged neighbourhoods who needed it most but had the least access to it. Barb brought with her not only a technical understanding of hockey skills and directing Hockey Schools but more importantly the ability to teach conventional skills in an unconventional manner to young people who fell outside the conventional hockey system. She has also helped guide the growth and evolution of the organization as a founding board member, providing 2 decades of service assisting with fundraising, brand development, policy development, and so much more. In 2018, she was a key competent in the design of, and successful implementation of, a new programming stream called Super HEROS providing adapted hockey to young people with cognitive challenges and physical limitations. The successful pilot program, which is expected to see significant growth across Western Canada fills a huge gap to bring the game to kids and families who never saw a place for themselves. As she has since inception, Barb continues to play a role on and off the ice in ensuring we are doing all we can to ensure Hockey Is For Everyone. "