Hockey Zones Newsletter

20th Anniversary Celebration

 Published: December 20, 2024

Hockey Zones is the official e-newsletter of Tucker Hockey.

The publication reflects the vision and leadership of Rex Tucker, Founder and CEO of Tucker Hockey, who leverages his extensive coaching and business experiences to provide valuable resources to interested readers.

This newsletter had very humble beginnings in the Summer of 2004.

The cover of the first Hockey Zones Newsletter!

It started up has an 8-page print copy newsletter version.

The newsletter theme – reinforcing hockey’s positives to all ages!

It was Coach Rex’s ambition and drive; to grow and expand its publication to 3 times per year – Winter, Spring / Summer & Fall; and to reach a content size of 40 pages per print copy edition.

The newsletters were circulated in the local Calgary hockey arenas and sporting good stores.

The mission of Hockey Zones over the past two decades has been to serve as a platform for the following:

  • Promoting Tucker Hockey’s year round adult & minor hockey services.
  • Sharing hockey knowledge and tips from Coach Rex’s Corner & Tucker Hockey Tips regular newsletter articles.
  • Sharing hockey / coaching philosophies, and viewpoints.
  • Publishing hockey related articles from a broad range of contributing writers.
  • Providing write-ups on hockey people in the local Calgary community.
  • Profiling local minor and adult hockey players.
  • Promoting initiatives within the hockey community for the betterment of our great game.
  • Publishing inspirational quotes and poems to promote positive thinking.
  • Featuring Tucker Hockey on ice instructors & staff profiles.
  • Acknowledging and profiling recipients of our Tucker Hockey On Ice Instructor Awards – David Mahoney Head Instructor Leadership Awards, Lyle Hanna Memorial Assistant Instructor Awards and Ern Rideout Memorial Apprentice Instructor Awards.
  • Acknowledging and profiling recipients of our Danny Cammack Memorial Minor Hockey Awards & Bradley Mersereau Memorial Adult Hockey Awards. Tucker Hockey has given out over $40,000 worth of our hockey programs to deserving participants through these awards.
  • Displaying additional philanthropic philosophy/ways of “giving back” and “making a difference” in the local community via the Kids Hockey Advancement Society’s annual golf tournament which raised over $165,000 for local fundraising causes mainly KidSport Calgary over a 7-year period.
  • Publishing IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, IIHF World Men’s & Women’s Hockey Championships and IOC Hockey Tournament schedules.
  • Promoting our European Adult Hockey Tours.
  • A View from the Press Box – Articles on the Calgary Flames Hockey Club.
  • Salutes to ESSO Minor Hockey Week and the thousands of dedicated volunteers.
  • Publishing testimonials from our many happy customers.
  • Promoting various prize contests and hockey surveys as well.
  • Letters to the Editor – providing a voice / forum for hockey people to tell us what they think!
  • Fun hockey related polls.

Examples of content from the Newsletter.

Overall, with every newsletter publication, Hockey Zones attempts to provide readers with a unique & informative perspective on the sport of hockey and our community.

Launched as a print newsletter in 2004, Hockey Zones transitioned to an entirely digital format in 2020. Candace DiGiacomo became the new publisher of this e – newsletter initiative. She took the publication to another level of professionalism and readership.

This venture is enabling a broader, more effective and efficient distribution of content to hockey enthusiasts, players, minor hockey coaches, and parents.

Our newsletter distribution today goes beyond those within the Tucker Hockey past and current participation email circles. It now reaches out to the general public at large via our social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

In addition, electronic copies of all of our past Hockey Zones newsletters are posted on our website for any avid and curious readers out there! Click HERE to view!

Over the years, Hockey Zones has become a trusted resource for the hockey community, emphasizing Tucker Hockey’s commitment to continuous education, learning and hockey development. The e-newsletter also serves as a medium for celebrating milestones, recognizing achievements, and fostering a sense of connection within the hockey world. Yes, a hockey world many of us truly love!

Wow, 20 years have pasted! Hard to believe! Time flies when you are having fun!

Coach Rex wishes to give a “heartfelt thank you” to everyone who has contributed to the newsletter. There are far too many to mention individually here; publishers, advertisers, contributing writers, photographers, and kind people who have been profiled over the past two decades. But you certainly know who you are!

With its digital transformation, Hockey Zones has adapted to modern trends in media consumption, allowing Tucker Hockey to maintain strong engagement with its audience. This evolution underscores the organization’s dedication to staying relevant and accessible while continuing to share its passion for hockey for many more years to come.

Thanks again for reading our newsletter publications and your ongoing support! Much appreciated!

Until next time friends…. hockey and smiles!

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice, it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” – William Jennings Bryan

Contributing Writer – Tara Flannery

Editors – Rex Tucker & Candace DiGiacomo