Oakland Bears News - Issue 12

December 07, 2023

Oakland Bears Community News

#12, December 2023

December News!

Time is flying and we’re only a few weeks away from the holiday break. Good luck to those participating in December tournaments. For the rest, I wish you plenty of time to rest, recharge and reset for your MLK and President Day tournaments. This edition is jam packed with insider info, so keep reading!

If you’re staying in town this month, there are a few opportunities to get on the ice.

Dec 21 - Coaches Scrimmage
Dec 22 - Bears Winter Family Skate
Dec-30 - Jordan Kocian Memorial Tournament
Jan 3-5 - Winter Hockey Camp
Fridays (ongoing) - Youth Travel Skills Clinic and Goalie Skills Clinic

Come cheer on (or heckle) the OIC coaches as they face off in a holiday scrimmage. The puck drops Thursday 12/21 at 6:30pm.

The Bears Winter Family Skate is coming up on December 22. The Family skate is an opportunity for mom, dad and siblings to join their Bears player on the ice. The community typically brings snacks and beverages potluck style.

The Jordan Kocian Tournament is a 3v3 jamboree style event for both in-house and travel players. It’s a fun casual event where teams have highlighted their creativity in the past with funny jerseys, team names, and festive costumes. Last year I witnessed goalies taking face-offs against each other! There’s still time to register but don’t wait!

OIC is offering a Winter Day Camp January 3-5, run by Coaches Eugene Murphy, Brad Martin, plus various rink staff coaches!

Players of all skill levels are welcome including AAA/AA/A/BB/B and In-House. Players will be grouped by skill level in this full day program.

Calling All Keyboardists!

OIC is looking for experienced or aspiring musicians to bring the new rink organ to life. Please reach out to Mike Cefola if you’d like to entertain the crowd at a game or holiday skate.

I’ll see you at the rink,

Jason Dearborn

Know The Rules

My name is Simon Becerra, a dedicated Bear parent and level three official. Here I am in my ugly holiday referee sweater.

My dad used to say to me, “Your words will always have consequences”. In hockey they sure do. Either to your opponents, coaches or to the refs. Rule 601a states,

“A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be assessed to any player who commits the following actions:

Challenges or disputes the rulings of any official.

Taunts or incites an opponent.

Creates any disturbance during the game.”

So, be careful with what words you use. There’s even a rule that says you can be given a penalty before the game even starts, rule 601c!

The Role of a Team Videographer

There’s no shortage of opportunities to volunteer in youth hockey. It takes more than shuttling kids to the rink to have a successful season. The roles are diverse, from snack duty to coaching, but I want to highlight a unique one: team videographer.

I’ve participated in nearly every volunteer role in my time in Oakland - team manager, coach, locker room monitor, board member, newsletter editor (ahem) and now videographer.

My latest upload

Inspired by another parent’s videos, I decided to hit the record button on the weekends. Recording games allows me to contribute positively, giving me something to do in the stands besides loudly telling the refs how to do their job. Surprisingly, the videos became a hit with parents and coaches, some even using them for regular team reviews. Imagine the nostalgia if any of these kids go pro and we have footage of their early days!

Getting Started with the Right Equipment

It’s easier than you think to start, and the investment is minimal. Here’s my go-to gear:

This setup is simple and effective and you don’t need high-end equipment to capture great video.

Tips for Better Videos

Before game day, double-check your phone’s storage. A quick tip: don't just delete files, also clear your 'Recently Deleted' folder to fully maximize space. To help you plan, here's a handy chart showing how much space different video lengths typically use.
Always come prepared with a fully charged phone and power bank. The power bank is a lifesaver, especially during away games or tournaments when you're capturing multiple games and might not have access to an outlet.
Invest in a fluid head tripod for smooth video capture. These tripods are specifically designed for videography, offering seamless panning that keeps your audience focused on the game, not on jerky camera movements.
In rinks where setting up a tripod isn't feasible, a handheld gimbal is your best friend. Gimbals not only stabilize your camera but also offer convenient controls like zoom and start/stop right on the handle, so you can adjust settings without fumbling with your phone’s screen.
Consider shooting in 60fps. While the standard 30fps looks decent, 60fps gives a more vivid and detailed image, perfect for analyzing plays or creating those dramatic slow-motion highlights in iMovie.
When it comes to resolution, 1080 HD hits the sweet spot. While 4K offers higher quality, it can be taxing on your phone's battery and requires more time for editing and uploading. For practicality and ease, 1080 HD is the way to go.
Turn on Do Not Disturb on your phone to avoid pesky alerts and calls while recording.
A quick note on sharing via social media: always get parental consent before sharing videos publicly. And for peace of mind, consider disabling comments to keep the focus on the game and the players.

Videography in youth hockey is more accessible than you might think. I started as a novice and have really enjoyed it. I think some of you might as well, so I encourage more parents to try it. I’d love to see more Bears teams with a videographer. If nothing else, it will help me bring you more highlight reels for next month’s newsletter! If you have questions or your own tips to share, please reach out.