‘Go to a hockey game in Canada,’ used to be on my bucket list.
Now I’m at the Jasper rink every week.
My handful of NHL-spectating experiences have been fun, but my love of the game came from witnessing the speed and ferocity of players - even if I didn’t understand the rules past ‘get the puck in the goal’.
“Can you even follow the puck?!” My family used to ask me.
Yes, and these days I do it with a camera in my hand.
My hockey-watching career has blown up this year covering Jasper’s minor teams for the Fitzhugh.
And it has been a pleasure.
Starting out, you see the difference between the age groups: The adorable Novice players sliding belly-on-ice and chasing the puck with all their little might, Atom and Peewee picking up their speed and skills, up to the fierce Bantam team who own the ice each week.
Over the course of the season I have seen the young players get better, faster, stronger.
These kids can certainly play, and their passion for the game oozes from their pads.
All Jasper’s Bears, Bearcats and Grizzlies seem to be having a strong season - and it was a treat to hear from a former Bearcat last week, Elvis Slack, who has gone on to be one of the KIJHL’s top scorers in his rookie year.
It’s great that there are so many opportunities for Jasper’s youth to take part in Canada’s national winter sport.
And of course, it’s not just for kids.
The Jasper beer league is going strong and the women’s teams have held successful home tournaments.
There’s a place to play for anyone interested in picking up or getting back into the sport. The Jalopies drop-in hockey is held on Tuesdays at 7:45 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. and the Rustlers, the women’s beginner/intermediate team, practices on Friday nights from 8:30 p.m.
On top of the health benefits, hockey teaches teamwork, sportsmanship, support, listening skills, focus, quick thinking, time appreciation and leadership - and I think everyone could do with a dose of that.
Here’s to hometown hockey. Long may it stay strong.
Fuchsia Dragon
