New Claresholm junior hockey team takes to ice this Saturday

By Rob Vogt
The president of the Claresholm Cowboys wants to build a junior hockey team closely connected to the community that will develop players into solid citizens and prepare them for opportunities in college and professional hockey.
“We’re excited about the opportunities here in Claresholm,” said Ryan McKenzie who co-owns the hockey club with Sean Robertson.
McKenzie said the team initially started in Diamond Valley.
However, the team had needs, such as primetime ice times as well as their own dressing room and storage, so they began to look at re-locating.
They connected with Channing Schneider, the town’s facilities and recreation manager, who said those needs could be met in Claresholm.
Consequently, the Diamond Valley Rockies have been re-christened the Claresholm Cowboys and will begin their first season in Claresholm in the United States Premier Hockey League on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
The Cowboys will play in the Alberta Division with the Bassano Beavers; Calgary Bandits; Chestermere Mustangs, re-located from Stavely; Hinton Timberwolves; Hanna Havoc; Onion Lake Scouts and Three Hills Titans.
“We’re bringing in a good group of players,” said McKenzie.
The roster is a mix of returning players and newcomers who span the globe, from countries such as Russia; New Zealand; Australia; Mexico; and a handful from the United States.
McKenzie said the Cowboys have been able to attract players from a wide variety of countries because Coach Riley Smith has an extensive network of contacts. He noted hockey is big in countries that the average fan would not think had hockey.
The goal is to develop all these players and help them advance to higher level junior and college hockey, and ultimately professional hockey.
The league is designed to provide exposure and advancement opportunities for players.
“We want to build something that’s going to last for a long time,” McKenzie said, adding he wants to build a long, lasting relationship with the community. “We want to be here forever.”
Riley Smith is the head coach and general manager.
Originally from Chilliwack, B.C., he has played all over North America, including college hockey at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan on an athletic scholarship where he earned a degree in accounting.
He played professionally in New Zealand and Germany, then had a son, and stepped away from the game.
“I missed it,” he said.
His former team, the Bellingham Blazers, needed an assistant coach so Smith joined them, helping the team to the playoffs.
However, the team folded and Smith decided to take the summer off.
That’s when Ryan McKenzie reached out.
“Right off the bat I felt it was a great organization,” Smith said.
He took the job, and started with a handful of players.
“We developed something special,” Smith said.
The team improved through the season and had a good run in the playoffs that ended with an overtime loss in the semi-finals to Onion Lake.
“We’re looking to feed off the success of last year,” Smith said.
His goals are to build a relationship with the community, and to focus on developing players.
“It’s the number one job for us,” Smith said.
He also wants to make a deep run in the playoffs.
“I like what I see so far,” he said. “We’re looking very competitive.”
Smith is also excited about the Cowboys’ home opener with the Hinton Timberwolves.
Marc Suderman is Smith’s assistant coach.
He too brings a wealth of experience in hockey and life.
Originally from Regina, Suderman played his Midget AAA hockey there, then junior with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League where he went to nationals in his second season.
From there, he earned a scholarship to Providence College in the Hockey East conference.
He also played a handful of games professionally in the Central Hockey League with the Indianapolis Ice.
Suderman graduated from Providence in 2002 with a degree in business management and a minor in Catholic theology.
He got married in 2003 then worked in the police service in Abbotsford for 12 years.
In 2017, an old teammate from Providence presented a job opportunity in Calgary. He said he’d go for one year, but liked it and is still there.
He has three kids, and coached his boys in hockey.
Suderman also coached Ryan McKenzie’s son, and after that, they stayed in touch.
Then, one day, McKenzie asked Suderman if he’d help out in Diamond Valley.
Suderman came for the last two months and really enjoyed it.
“We had a good run,” he said. “It was fun.”
Suderman also really enjoys working with Smith.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a coach who is so invested in moving his players on (to the next level),” Suderman said, adding there are a lot of opportunities out there now for players.
His goal is simple – he wants to develop good players who are great people.
“I’d rather develop the person,” he said, adding he wants to share his experience.
“They’ve done a great job of bringing in good kids,” Suderman said.
“I want to help them.”
The Claresholm Cowboys open their season on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.; and play Sunday at 5:30 p.m. as well, at the Claresholm Arena.