03/09/2026
Congratulations to Adam Birkefeld – Manning Valley Hockey Association Life Member 👏👏👏
At our recent MVHA Senior Annual Awards Night, we were incredibly proud to recognise Adam Birkefeld with one of the highest honours our association can bestow — Life Membership of Manning Valley Hockey.
Drawn into assisting the Association not only through his own great personal qualities, but also through the incredible bond and leadership of his parents, Frank and Vicki.
Affectionately known throughout the hockey community as ‘AB’, Adam has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Manning Valley Hockey over many years.
His contribution extends far beyond his role as a player. Adam has given his time and expertise through representative coaching, umpiring both within Manning Valley and as a representative umpire, as well as through his leadership, encouragement and willingness to support others.
Adam’s dedication to Manning Valley Hockey has been evident both on and off the field. His contribution has helped strengthen not only his club, but importantly our entire Association, while helping to develop and promote a positive environment for members of all ages and abilities.
These are just some of the many contributions highlighted in his nomination:
🏑 Association Leadership – Prior to the current Manning Valley Hockey Board and subcommittee structure, the Association was run through separate Men’s, Women’s and Junior Associations. Adam was an elected member of both the Junior and Men’s Associations for more than 10 years.
🏑 Coaching – Adam has coached both junior and senior MVHA representative teams for many years, achieving excellent results while, more importantly, mentoring our young players about the importance of demonstrating the qualities and behaviours that make you a great person — well beyond simply being a good hockey player.
🏑 A Willing Volunteer – Adam has taken on numerous roles including Manning Valley selector, Association Umpire Coordinator, Treasurer and Secretary, all while raising his beautiful family.
🏑 Board Member – Adam has been a Manning Valley Hockey Board Member for more than eight years, including serving as the Association Treasurer.
🏑 Behind the Scenes – It is difficult to truly outline just how much work and how many countless hours Adam has contributed behind the scenes to the everyday running of our Association. While this year has brought increased work and family commitments, he has still continued to give as much of himself as he can.
Throughout his time with the Association, Adam has consistently demonstrated the qualities that embody the true spirit of hockey. He is respected by teammates, opponents, officials, volunteers, fellow Board members and younger players alike for his sportsmanship, enthusiasm and genuine passion for the game.
He has always been willing to lend a hand — whether that involves helping on game day, supporting Association activities, working tirelessly behind the scenes or simply stepping in when help is needed. Adam is particularly resourceful in times of crisis and somehow always manages to find a solution — as demonstrated during our championships earlier this year!
Adam continues to be an active player, coach, mentor and universally respected member of the Manning Valley Hockey community and was also awarded the MVHA Representative player of the year award during our Awards night presentations.
His years of dedication, leadership, service and commitment have made a lasting difference to Manning Valley Hockey and the many people who have been fortunate enough to work alongside him.
Congratulations, Adam, on your well-deserved Life Membership of Manning Valley Hockey. Thank you for everything you have contributed over so many years — and for everything you continue to give to our hockey community. A truly deserving recipient of this honour. 👏🏑
