Young hockey players in the Peace Country are eager to get back to playing hockey.
Grande Prairie Minor Hockey Association executive director Lorna LeBlanc says some on-ice programs are underway
“Everybody is just ecstatic to be here.”
Online registration opened Wednesday for minor hockey.
LeBlanc says they are hoping for a normal season this year.
“Last year, when registration started, I anticipated that we would see a bit of a slump just because of the economic situation, but we ended up with almost 1200 which was what we had the year before,” said LeBlanc.
“This year, I’m not quite sure. Everybody is being optimistic we’ll hit 1200 again but some families have been hit really hard.”
LeBlanc says there are several ways hockey families can get financial help.
“We have very good relationships with Lace’Em Up… Hockey Canada (Foundation) Assist (Fund) is another one. (There is also) Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Canadian Tire Big Play, and KidSport and these are all up on the website right now, so people can go and apply for whatever they need there.”
LeBlanc says families can also call the office at 780-539-6177 to get more information on these programs. She adds there are also other funds available.
Last year’s pandemic-interrupted season started in September and ran until November 12. It then re-started February 16 and continued until the end of April.
LeBlanc says any returning players are asked to register by July 31. First-time players or those new to the area can call the office to register.
LeBlanc adds the first 26 spots of out 30 available in the First Shift program filled within a few hours of registration opening on Tuesday. There is a waitlist available and a chance another 15 spots could be added.
The program allows kids aged six to ten who have never played hockey before to give it a try. The $229 cost includes six weeks of learn-to-skate instruction before Christmas, six weeks of learn to play hockey after Christmas, and a full set of Bauer equipment.
LeBlanc says in the past, First Shift has filled all 45 available spots, with another 45 on a waitlist.
The NHL and NHLPA are sponsors of the First Shift program. LeBlanc says the last time it was in place, during the 2019-20 season, former NHL player Mark Fistric, who was living in Grande Prairie at the time, was on the ice with the kids at every session.
The Oilers also sent some items to be given to the young players at the last session before Christmas.