Ali Howat, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
Looking for something fun and active for your little ones to do during the long winter months?
Then look no further, because Jasper Minor Sports is starting up its minor hockey program once again.
The ice is aimed to go into the activity centre around Sept. 22, so the hockey season is anticipated to start around Monday, Sept. 27.
There are nine different age groups, including three girls teams.
U7, formerly Initiation, will start sometime in October.
The program introduced a new girls’ U9/U11 team last season.
“Coach Wendy Hall started the team to keep girls hockey alive in Jasper,” said Shannon Hofhuis with Jasper Minor Sports in an email.
“It also provided a team where girls who are new to hockey can learn in an environment where they can feel confident and be themselves.”
As well, the team was started to try and keep the spirit of girls hockey alive in Jasper.
Hofhuis added that the players have great role models in their coaches Wendy Hall, Emily Derksen, Meg Osborne, Paul McFee and their manager Jenna McGrath.
The different age groups that the program has are:
- U7 (formerly initiation): Born in 2015-2016
- U9 (formerly novice): Born in 2014-2013
- U11 (formerly atom): Born in 2012-2011
- U13 (formerly PeeWee): Born in 2010-2009
- U15 (formerly bantam): Born in 2008-2007
- U18 (formerly midget boys): Born in 2006-2005
- U9/U11 girls: Born in 2011-2014
- U15 girls/grizzlies: Born in 2007-2010
- U18 girls: Born in 2004-2006
The season usually goes until about March, with the U11, U13 and sometimes the U15 teams participating in the Northern Alberta Interlock League.
These teams travel on weekends to play against teams all around Alberta.
Each of the teams host a tournament at home throughout the season.
The players love the opportunity to play new teams and meet other players from around the province.
If parents would like to register their children, they can go to jasperminorsports.ca. There is also a Facebook Page for Jasper Minor Sports.
