Hockey Day is almost here

Times Reporter   

 

Back to the grassroots concept, Gleichen and Distrcit Minor Hockey Association and the Hockey Alberta Pond Hockey Program, will be holding their fifth annual Hockey Day in GA on Feb. 8. 

“We’re definitely excited, looks like the weather is going to be fairly cooperative,” said President of Gleichen Minor Hockey, Cara Sheppard. “The weather is perfect for flooding rinks right now. I think everything is going to be just perfect.”

NHL Alumni Tim Hunter of the Calgary Flames and Dennis Polonich of the Detroit Red Wings will be on hand to sign autographs and skate with the kids.

The first year of the event, 50 kids took part; last year 150 played, coming from as far away as Mackay, Alta. Registered currently are 110, regardless of their experience with league play.

“If they’re not registered through Hockey Alberta league hockey, or Hockey Alberta pond hockey, Hockey Alberta sponsors them through ‘Bring a Friend,’ and the kids are insured for the day of the event to come out and play,” Sheppard said.

The one-day, 4-on-4 shinny-style non-contact tournament will be held on four ice surfaces in Gleichen, including two outdoors. Children ages 4-17 are encouraged to register.

“I’ll register kids up to a couple of days before. If we get 30 kids, it might be problem, but if we get one or two kids that want to register, it’s not really an issue at all,” Sheppard said. “We’ll do our darndest to get that kid out on the ice.”

Cost is $5 for three games, a donated jersey, a free lunch, and a grab bag. The event has inspired other pond hockey programs, including Carstairs’ similar hockey day on Nov. 30, 2013.

Contact Cara Sheppard at 403-734-3515 or atshepfarm@xplornet.ca, or Celeste Pirie at piriefamily@shaw.ca to sign up.