Jim Stoner shares his passion for hockey with Regent Park kids

Ayah Victoria McKhail –

 If you’re looking for Jim Stoner on a Wednesday night, pop over to Regent Park’s South Rink at 480 Shuter Street, where he has been hanging out for the past 25 years – despite living in Whit­by. There the lifelong hockey enthusiast and huge Bobby Orr fan coaches co-ed hockey for children.

“We play ball hockey from May until the end of Septem­ber. This culminates in an an­nual hockey tournament, with proceeds donated to Regent Park’s hockey programs. And from mid-December until the end of March break, we play ice hockey.”

Stoner, the community’s long­est-serving volunteer, coach­es two groups of children: 7–11-year-olds from 6:30–8 p.m. and 11–14-year-olds from 8–9:30 p.m. Fostering a sense of inclusion is important to him, so no one’s ever turned away. To him, everyone scores when we all belong.

“Playing hockey and devel­oping a sense of sportsmanship have innumerable and lifelong benefits. And ultimately, sports keep children engaged and out of trouble.”

That’s a priority. As someone who grew up in Regent Park, he has strong ties to the communi­ty, where both his paternal and maternal grandparents lived. Despite moving to Whiby more than 30 years ago and working as a certified home inspector around Ontario, he has main­tained a strong connection to Regent Park throughout the community’s revitalization.

“Children need adults in their lives who show genuine care to­ward them. Although hockey’s our main focus, often, they’ll speak with me about a variety of issues they’re dealing with. It’s important for them to know that they have an entire community rallying behind them.”

Someone who can attest to the detrimental effects of gun vio­lence and crime on the commu­nity, Stoner wants neighbour­hood children to know that a fulfilling and successful future is within their reach.

He has seen numerous chil­dren enrolled in the hockey programs go on to professional sports, such as Glen Metropolit, who has played for several teams in the National Hockey League. “I care deeply about the children in this community, so if I can help them on their jour­ney, then I’m happy.”

“Hockey’s an expensive sport, but we supply free equipment, training and nutritional snacks.”

The children’s engagement and enthusiasm for hockey ex­tends beyond the rink. Stoner points to a 13-year-old play­er William Krawczynski, who created a video about last year’s Darrell Dunlop 3v3 Ball Hockey Tournament when he was only 12. “It’s an illuminating video, which is so well done. In fact, he has submitted it for entry into the Regent Park Film Festival.”

In addition to cheering on all the players both on and off the rink, for 15 years Stoner has been championing a push to get a roof over the rink. A roof “would really help us fulfill our programming in the event of in­clement weather.” Not just the hockey players but also those playing pickleball and soccer would benefit.

But having to deal with new councillors following an elec­tion can be a problem. “Any [previous] progress we’ve made is jettisoned and we have to start the process all over again.”

But Stoner refuses to be de­terred. “If a roof is installed, there will be a significant in­crease in the rink’s usage. Even day camps over the holidays would reap the benefits.”

Stoner is getting more organ­ized in his lobbying. “I’m look­ing for volunteers who’d be in­terested in pursuing this dream I have for the community.”

One individual on board is Carol Silverstone, a volun­teer with an infectious sense of enthusiasm. “Getting a roof installed would … help us maintain uninterrupted sports programming throughout the seasons. Jim has been the pillar of our community and we ap­preciate his leadership on this issue.”

Silverstone, who has lived in the community her entire life, sees the benefits of the hockey programs. “The children take so much pride in their accom­plishments. I’ve witnessed an increase in self-worth, self-es­teem and great hand and eye co­ordination.”

Stoner finds the gratitude hockey players express long after their programs have end­ed is a rewarding aspect of the volunteer work. “Often, they’ll approach me and tell me what a difference I made in their lives; that I was a role model to them; and what it meant to them to ex­perience hockey.”

At 67, Stoner is showing no signs of slowing down. “This work means the world to me, and I’m going to keep doing it for as long as I can.”

He’s dedicated to sustaining the hockey programs over the long term and knows he’ll even­tually have to pass the torch. “You’re not a leader until you’ve produced another leader who can produce another leader.”

“Currently, I’m mentoring Miles Levtov for this purpose. He grew up playing on this rink, and he’s involved with the Pow­er Skating Academy in the north end.”