Hockey Day in GA excitement builds

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The sixth annual Hockey Day in GA will take place on Feb. 7 at the brand new outdoor rink in Gleichen.
“We’re going for tradition at this point. It will be our sixth annual, we are expecting hopefully an upwards of 100 kids and play three shinny-style games,” said Celeste Pirie, event coordinator.
The opening of the outdoor rink will be one of the highlights of the day; it will be officially opened in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We’re going to be unveiling in a grand opening, our new permanent structure outdoor rink, I believe we’re going to have a little ribbon cutting thing and to thank our sponsors. We’ve had everybody from local people volunteer to put it up, to Hockey Night in Canada giving us thousands of dollars to invest in it,” said Pirie.
“It’s kind of nice we’re on their radar in that respect.”
There have been professional players that have come out to participate at Hockey Day in GA in the past and there is the possibility of them returning this year.
“Hockey Alberta is working on that, they’re the ones that we partner with to bring those guys in and as of yet they haven’t let us know who,” said Pirie.
The Gleichen Pond Hockey League makes a point of planning Hockey Day in GA every year around the national hockey day that is hosted by Hockey Night in Canada so they can expand the event.
“The timing hasn’t been an accident, we’ve timed it around that and as it’s gotten bigger. We’ve been able to do a few more things. Hockey Alberta has recognized the growth of the event and come on board a little more and it’s hopefully going to at least be as good as last year,” said Pirie.
The 2015 Hockey Day in GA will cost $5 per player and is open to players ages 4-17. This year’s event is ‘bring a friend’ themed and will reduce the registration cost.
If you’re interested in registering, you can contact Pirie at 403-934-9339 or piriefamily@shaw,ca and Cara Sheppard at 403-734-3515 and shepfarm@xplornet.ca.