When the Red Deer Optimist Rebels went to the TELUS Cup in 2004, Graham Moore was the Director of Operations for the team. In 2007 he will be there as well, as a member of the host committee for the tournament and as president of Red Deer Minor Hockey.

Over the course of Moore’s long affiliation with RDMH, he believes that Midget hockey has not changed much. He understands that kids want to play the highest level possible, and hopes that means they return to play Midget so that RDMH can ice the best team possible. This is especially significant to this year’s team as they are hosting the TELUS Cup, Canada’s National Midget Championship.

His experience at the 2004 TELUS Cup in Kenora, ON was fulfilling from both a personal and professional standpoint, as he got to watch the Chiefs, which included his son Dustin, take home a bronze medal.

“It was an experience of a lifetime for all of the kids, but I think the parents remember it more than the players do,” Moore says.

He hopes people leave Red Deer and the 2007 TELUS Cup with the same attitude: it was an experience they will never forget. He also hopes getting to see a new part of the country will attract some repeat visitors.

“I was able to see a different part of the country that I hadn’t seen before (in 2004) and was able to meet lots of new people,” Moore says. “It was the best minor hockey experience for me and I have high hopes that the 2007 TELUS Cup will leave a lasting impression on all volunteers, parents, coaches, and players.”

Moore believes that this year’s TELUS Cup will be one of the best-attended events because Central Alberta has such a positive reputation for hosting national events. The community supports the events enthusiastically, both by volunteering and by attending.

“The host committee is doing a bang up job getting the city ready for the tournament,” he says. “The 2007 TELUS Cup is going to be second-to-none in the history of national championships.”