It is a bittersweet moment as the Field Hockey BC governance and staff team say goodbye to Madge Johnson and Brian Groos.
Following the recent 2021 Annual General Meeting, both Madge and Brian stepped down from the FHBC Board of Directors after a herculean term in governance support of field hockey across BC. We can only be thankful for everything they have done for our sport and our organization.
Brian joined the FHBC Board in 2005 and has worked with several lineups of Board colleagues and FHBC staff, devoting his time to the role of Marketing Director for over 15 years.
His playing career started at Brentwood College School and then in Victoria playing for the Oak Bay Castaways. Brian fell into coaching while studying at Queen’s University and, “thanks to Gail Wilson, this was followed by three years as coach of some memorable players on the UBC JV’s”, he added.
Brian headed off to work in Brussels for more than a decade and also worked for two years for the Sydney Olympics. “I was fortunate enough to spend time studying and working outside of BC, where I found my hockey stick proved a perfect tool to open doors and meet people.”
Later, his hockey days resumed to Victoria, first as coach of the Saanich Strikers and, since the early 2000’s, as a coach of the Rebels Patriots. “As with most hockey things these days, we’ll see what the future looks like once the pandemic is over.”
In 2005 the BC Women’s Field Hockey Federation (BCWFHF) and BC Field Hockey Association (BCFHA) amalgamated to form FHBC, and Madge was duly elected to the role of FHBC President serving three full terms as President before stepping down (briefly) and returning to the FHBC Governance Team as Vice-President, a position held until this year.
Overall, Madge has been an Executive Member with both BCWFHF and FHBC for over 26 years. Being involved as a player since 1973 – always as a Goalie – she played internationally for Canada from 1978 to 1981.
Later on, Madge started umpiring and obtained her International Badge in 1992. She still umpires in the Vancouver Women’s and Junior Leagues and is involved in mentoring new aspiring umpires. From 1989 to 2014, Madge also represented Canada as an International Technical Official.
FHBC appreciates everything Madge and Brian have done to bring national and provincial field hockey to the level it is today. We are certain that they will remain active and important members of our community.
