By Jeromy Corrigan

GP Wheel House preparing for 3rd season

Jan 31, 2018 | 10:20 AM

Despite the roller hockey season being a couple months away, preparation for the upcoming year has already begun.

This is just the 3rd season of inline hockey in Grande Prairie, and as President of the GP Wheel House Nick Darke shares, there has already been tremendous growth in the sport.

” Our first season we started out with just three men’s teams. In our second season, we had five. This is our third season this year and we are getting a lot of interest from the youth and the parents around Grande Prairie and area, so now are going to expand into the minor divisions. “

Darke added they are going to hold a youth try it day in April to give kids the opportunity to try the sport.

” What we are going to set up in April on the 21st is our try it day for the youth. It will be at the Sexsmith arena. It costs $5 for kids to sign up. We provide the roller blades if they don’t have any themselves. It’s just really a great way for the kids to try the sport. “

There are some differences between the game of ice hockey and roller hockey, but as Darke explained, there are plenty of benefits of playing the inline game.

“It works on so many different aspects of your game. From your stick handling, your passing, and your one on one coverage. There is just so much that goes into it. If you are looking to advance your game in the off-season, roller hockey has plenty of benefits.”

The roller hockey season will fire up in May.