Inline hockey comes to Strathmore, Wheatland County

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

Playing hockey can be a big commitment for the players and their parents, both time wise and financially. Often parents are toting their kids and equipment all over to games, and for some parents the cost and commitment is just too high to enroll their kids. That’s why one Strathmore woman is introducing inline hockey to the area. 

“My children played in Indus and they loved it, and there’s so many kids that cannot afford to play Hockey hockey,” said Lynne Kozma, organizer.

“Hockey is such a commitment, you’re travelling, you’re all over Alberta. This way it’s just two nights a week and parents aren’t really committed and kids can just get a chance to play hockey.”

She thought it might help keep kids busy during the spring and summer. There will be two 22 minute periods and she said usually they will play them back to back so they can fit them all in. Kozma said her husband is currently working on setting up a referee clinic, and there will also be a clinic to explain the sport to the kids. 

“The rules of the game are a lot different…high sticking in inline is anything above the waist,” said Kozma.

“There is absolutely no body contact, there’s no off side, and there are four players instead of five players. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same kind of sport.”

Which is part of what made her decide to put it on for Wheatland County. The other reason is because it helps make hockey affordable to families who may not have the time or money to participate in the ice hockey season. She said no matter the weather, the games will always take place because they are all indoors. All of the kids will be guaranteed their eight weeks, and all of the games. 

Kozma said she may have to start with a U10, but would ideally like to have a U8 and a U10 team. She said they would also like to get enough kids for a U14. She has had no interest to date for a U17 team, but is still hoping some kids will register.

“We would like to see it happen. It’s not an expensive sport and I really hope it flies because I think it would be good for kids,” said Kozma.

“I know I’m probably going to need a couple of years to make it a success, but (you) got to start somewhere.”