Meet the Tran Family

Two families, each with multiple children playing on three different teams, heading to three different cities—all for Provincials, all at the same time. If hockey is a game of skill, strategy, and perseverance, the Cyr and Tran families are proving that the same is true for hockey parents. Learn more about the Tran family’s journey by reading our interview:

Can you introduce your family and tell us about your children?

My name is Peter Tran and my wife is Jessica Phan. We have 4 daughters, all who play ice hockey for the RICHMOND RAVENS FEMALE ASSOCIATION. 3 of our girls, Kaylen 16, Jayda 14, and Haylie 12, play at the rep level for U18, U15 and U13 respectively, and will all be attending the BC Provincials (March 19th to 23rd) in 3 different locations across BC. Laynee 7, our youngest also plays for the Richmond Ravens U9 team.

When did they start their hockey career? 

Each child started at different ages and different time.

Kaylen was our hockey pioneer. She started 7 years ago (season of 2018-2019) after attending the Richmond Ravens Try Hockey event. She instantly gravitated to it. She joined quarter into the season with no skating background and new to the sport. She had to play down an age group, U9 instead of second year U11. It was quite comical as she was the biggest and tallest kid with limited skill set. It didn’t deter her from wanting to play/learn even when the younger girls were flying past her. She tapped into her potential throughout the years.

Haylie, our 2nd youngest, soon followed her sister’s footsteps the following year (season of 2019-2020). What drove her was the fact that Kaylen would get snacks every game from the parent group but would not share with her. Haylie wanted to join to get her own goodies. Haylie was also new to hockey, and was recommended to play down an age group to catch up on her skills. She was a natural leader among her teammates. She flourished throughout the years and is now playing at the highest level at U13.

Jayda, the 2nd oldest, started her hockey journey during covid (season of 2020-2021). She joined because her friend was going to join. She progressed the most considering she only played for 2 seasons of hockey before making it to rep level. She’s experienced many success with all the teams she’s been on. From U13A1 winning Bronze at Provincials (2022-2023), U15A2 winning both the league and playoff banner (2023-2024) and now with the U15A1 heading into Provincials.

Laynee, our youngest, started half way through 2022-2023 season in U7. We had no intentions on signing her up since our schedule is quite busy. But of course, we had parents tell us “What’s one more”?

With each child competing in a different city, how are you managing the logistics of travel and support? 

We divide and conquer. On the days where their schedule conflicts, the support from other parents has made it possible for us to be there for our kids. Like carpooling the girls 1 hour before game time for dryland so we could attend another game and be able to make it back to catch the following game. On other occasions where all 3 are in different locations at the same, we are fortunate to have parents that live stream the game so we don’t miss out on the action.

What has been the biggest challenge in coordinating everything for these tournaments?

The biggest challenge is when the tournaments don’t end up being in the same place. Then it’s deciding who goes where. Laynee is easy. She goes where her friends will be. This year Haylie and Laynee will be in Prince George with Jessica. I’m in Richmond with Jayda and Kaylen will be heading out to Triport with teammates and their family. Like we mentioned before it’s the hockey community that makes moments like this manageable for us.

How are you dividing your time to ensure each child feels supported?

We train and teach our kids to be strong and to support one another.  Even if it seems like we are preoccupied with one child, our kids know we try our best to be there for everyone equally.  All of them know we do our best for them equally and that we are trying our best for them.  We all joke and bug one another about the support they are getting, but in the end everyone knows we will always have their backs equally.

What does it mean to your family to have all three kids competing at such a high level?

It brings us great pride and joy to see our girls push themselves and progress to reach the level they’re at now. It reinforces the value of hard work, determination, embracing adversity and to always do your best.

How have your children reacted to the excitement and pressure of provincials?

They are excited and ready to give their best effort and leave it all out there. In their words… Dialed in!

Do you have any special traditions or ways to celebrate their achievements, even from afar?

We would facetime friends and family from Edmonton and tell them about how phenomenal they were.  Like reporters interviewing NHL stars after a big game, my family and our friends do the same to each girl. Would ask plenty of questions and I would always be bragging about how great they were.

What advice would you give to other parents juggling multiple athletes in high-level competitions?

Definitely stay organized and communicate with one another. Be adaptable because things can change quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask for help within parent groups.

By sharing this unique journey with the Tran/Cyr family, what has your relationship been like with each other?

The Cyr’s are great. Our kids have played together throughout the years and our bond is solid. There are friendships built among the siblings. Both our families can relate a lot from the shared perspectives of parenting, raising kids, and having them in multi sports through out the year. We definitely consider them as family.

What are your hopes and expectations for each child at provincials?

Just want them to do their best and to leave it all out there with no regrets. If they can do that, that’s a huge win.  I teach my kids my number one rule, always do your best no matter what it is.  Doing your best and hard work will always pay off.

Regardless of the outcomes, what do you hope they take away from this experience?

The confidence, great memories, experiences, and long time friendships.  To really soak it all in and take the lessons, good or bad, that they learned from organised sports to be better people in their future.

How do you see this experience shaping their future in sports?

It teaches them valuable skills like perseverance, teamwork, and handling pressure, while building their confidence to continue in the sport or anything they want to do.

Do you have anything else you’d like to share with the Ravens community?

We are truly grateful for the Ravens community.  I can truly say there is no other community like this one. Our community has been through plenty of adversity, our fair share of highs and lows.  Everyone is always supporting one way or another, not just in hockey but in life.  Many of you guys have impacted our family in such a positive way that we will always be there for all of you. Let’s Go Ravens!!!