Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame

DORIS RUBEL ELECTED TO HALL OF FAME

Kamloops, BC - The second of four individuals to be elected in the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 is Doris Rubel who has been a junior hockey billeting co-ordinator for the past 41 years. In fact when the calendar reached the start of January, Rubel began her fifth decade of billeting players.

Her experience of working hand in hand with junior clubs probably includes teams that most sports fans may not even remember. The Kamloops Braves, the Chiefs, the Rockets, the Jr. Oilers and, the Blazers have all taken advantage of her experience.

The 74 year old has worked very closely with all of the coaches of those teams. The long list includes the likes of Kenny Stewart, and, Joe Tennant from the early years, Bill Laforge from the Jr. Oiler days, to Ken Hitchcock,  Don Hay, Tom Renney, Marc Habscheid and, Mark Ferner and, everyone in between during the Blazer years.

Her expertise has also been a source for teams outside of Kamloops to benefit from.   When he was working with the Vancouver Giants, current Blazers GM Craig Bonner knew who to turn to in setting up the billeting program for the team, putting her in touch with the Giants billeting co-ordinator.  Marc Habscheid did the same thing this year when he took over as coach and, GM of the Chilliwack Bruins.  Other teams like Drayton Valley of the Alberta Jr. League, and, Surrey of the BCHL have also been quick to call when they wanted to lean on her for advice.   She has seen generations of fathers and, sons come under her billeting umbrella. Bernie and, Shane Doan,  Ivan and, Erik Christensen are perfect  examples.

Billeting has been a labour of love for Rubel, and, many players who have been under her umbrella over 41 years make a point of calling, and, visiting on a regular basis. They always knew they had someone they could talk to and, trust when they were away from the rink -- the only rule being that what was said in the house, stayed in the house.   They also knew where they could get a bowl of soup and, or a sandwich on a minute’s notice.

An estimated 600 -- 800 players have come under the Rubel billeting umbrella over the years in what has always been a labour of love, making sure their parents know that their youngsters are in good hands when pursuing their dreams.

Doris was presented with the WHL Distinguished Service Award in the spring of 2005.  The Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame dinner and, induction ceremony is set for April 10th in the Grand Hall at the TRU Campus Activity Centre.