Val Dion # 7

Biography:

Val Dion was part of the great Richmond Viking teams that were one of the early dominate forces of Women's Ball Hockey. It is with great pleasure that we name Val Dion to our pantheon of stars. She joins membership with the greatest players to every play in the CBHA. The CBHA is proud to inaugurate Val Dion as the second woman player named to our Hall of Fame.

Val was an accomplished soccer player when she started playing ball hockey. She had to learn the sport, and did everything with so much enthusiasm. Val had class and spirit for the sport and she always played ball hockey with a tenacious attitude. She was the perfect captain, and led by example, as she never gave up on any play, and was equally good on offence or defence.

Dion was also the "off floor" leader by being the social coordinator, prankster. Val would be the person you would build a team around because she was everything you would want in a teammate because not only was she competitive, but she was so funny too! Everyone had a nickname on the Vikings all named by Val; funny Val never had one she was only known as Val or #7!

We asked Val some questions and here is what our new CBHA Hall of Fame player had to say about her involvement in the great sport of Ball Hockey.
 

Interview:

1. How did you become a top ball hockey player? How did you find out about the game?
Although I started playing organized cosom hockey at age six I have to give most of the credit to my coach and now husband, Harry Dion. He took a rag-tag group of soccer players and taught us about hockey. From cycling in the corners to a 1-2-2 fore-check, we learned it all. All of my team-mates were amazing athletes. At one time, the Vikings had a rep from a national team in four other sports ; Rugby , Soccer, Field hockey and field lacrosse. I found out about ball hockey through Harold Dion and the Astros when they were at the Provincials in Saanich. Before their final game, a women's team took to the floor to play another women's team and the winner, I found out, would go to nationals... Well... that was all I needed to get inspired as we had been playing cosom hockey in gyms and couldn't imagine having all this space to run around in. With Harry forming the Vancouver Women's Ball hockey league we were now sanctioned to be eligible to qualify for Nationals.

2. What are your best and worst Canadian Championship memories?
As much as one might think winning the gold was the best memory, each one held magic.
The first year we went we only had 14 players (including one goalie)Sue Sanford, who won best goalie that year and was always incredible. I believe you had to dress 15 players at that time, and we hadn't come all this way to not play. Some quick thinking before game time, a quick trip to the love-store, extra jersey, helmet, and runners, and we had our 15th woman propped up on the bench! (she wasn't made for sitting). The other team and ref's realized part way through that this woman couldn't play, but were good sports and let the game continue. Needless to say we got mercied that game. From that moment on a "player" from the love shop would accompany us on all our trips to Nationals. And yes, when we won gold, she too was at the banquet.

3. Who were the best teams and players you remember?
We were always very aware of Ontario and Alberta . Both associations always had strong teams and excellent players. Most of them played ice hockey and were very tough and physical. Our biggest advantage over them was that we were soccer players and could run. I specifically remember Geraldine Heaney who almost single-handedly beat us in the gold medal game one year. She was an amazing athlete both in ball hockey and ice hockey.

4. What was your favorite tournament location for Nationals? Why?
I loved travelling with my team-mates and every time we went to Nationals it was a blast. I suppose St. Johns, Newfoundland was tops because we won gold there, but Ontario also holds so many great memories. Having everyone focused on one task truly brought us together. There was no greater team that I played for than the Vikings.

5. What can ball hockey do for young players across Canada as an athlete, person and hockey player?
Ballhockey for me started out as an excellent off-season sport away from soccer. The fitness demands of ballhockey is second to none. As the years went by and we became very competitive, the friendships, the sharing of knowledge, the fun, all became an addiction. We couldn't wait until we could start practicing for the next season. At this point almost all of us either started (me) or were already playing ice hockey. Harry Dion also coached women's ice hockey and was able to transfer his knowledge of the game to all of us - soccer, field hockey, and rugby players. Ball hockey should be a choice of all athletes in the off-season for fun, fitness, skills and as a bonus, a better technical understanding of tactics that can be applied to their other sports.

6. What is the most important athletic trait a ball hockey player must have to be a great player like yourself?
I would have to say eye/hand coordination and smarts. The best players I have had the privilege of playing with are Sherri (Calvin) Pitre and Linda Milani.
Calvin was a player with phenomenal hands and ability to read the play. She wasn't fast (sorry Calvin) but she was the most dangerous player on the floor- AND- she played "D"! I was lucky enough to be her defensive partner for many years and she made me look good and play even better. Linda Milani had eyes in the back of her head. She could see plays developing before anyone else. A truly gifted athlete - and again not super fast but amazing eye hand coordination.

7. What do you think the future of women's ball hockey has? What do you think of the opportunity today's players have to represent Team Canada?
Can I start out by saying I am so jealous of the opportunities players have today. It is absolutely fabulous what the future holds. I remember when I was still playing and I heard about the men having a national team and I thought it would be great to play for my country! Today, the women can play for Canada! This is awesome and I am very happy to some of my friends who have played for Canada ; ( Sherri Pitre, Linda Milani) and to all the future players who will play on the world stage. I truly believe that half of my team mates from the Vikings would have been picked for the national team in our heyday if it had been available to us.

8. What type of player were you and how do you feel your game added to the excellence of your team?
I was a very passionate player and basically wore my heart on my sleeve. I remember specifically talking to the team before a big game and being very emotional. Well, we won that game. After, the girls told me that I needed to give a talk and cry like that before each big game !!!!!!!

I loved my teammates and I was so fortunate to play with such a talented group. Our team was a family and any of us would have done anything for the other. I have been lucky enough to play at Nationals in other sports and never have I experienced what I had with the Vikings.