Hitmen leave long lasting memories

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

62 Strathmore novice players had the opportunity to play pond hockey with 12 players from the Calgary Hitmen during the ‘Pond Hockey by Enmax’ event on Feb. 15 at the Strathmore Family Centre.
It’s the first time the event was held in Strathmore and there were some very memorable moments for a lot of the kids who look at the Hitmen as idols.
“It means so much to the community … to get out there and play with their actual heroes. These players look up to those guys and this is what they probably want to do when they grow up,” said Liz Wilson, Enmax sponsorship coordinator. “So being able get on the ice, shoot out, pass to them, maybe even stop a goal, it’s amazing to see those moments.”
“We went through the novice sponsorships to pick the teams that we do pond hockey with each season so we do a rotation.”
Wilson added that she would love to bring the event back to Strathmore with a different team next time, with the possibility of Flames being the next one.
Strathmore Minor Hockey Association board member Cory Flett was ecstatic about the presence of the Hitmen players and how important the communication was with the young players.
“The program that Enmax started with us last year, where they provide us with $1,000 for each (novice) team to get a track suits for every kid, that’s where it started. This year they did same thing, then Airdrie cancelled on them, they couldn’t get ice and said ‘hey do you want this Hitmen opportunity’ and I said absolutely,” said Flett. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to go over, but the stands were packed, the parents were excited, the brothers and sisters had a great time. It was a great opportunity for Strathmore.”
First-year Hitmen centre Tyrell Draude thought skating with the young kids was a great way to interact with the players that support the team.
“It was a lot of fun. I grew up in Saskatoon and watching the Blades was cool,” said Draude. “I know what it’s like skating with the older players and it’s a pretty cool feeling. We’re people that they look up to and we were in their shoes at one time, so it’s good to (give back).”