By Jeromy Corrigan

GPMHA transitioning to half ice Novice program

Aug 7, 2018 | 10:50 AM

Novice hockey in Grande Prairie will have a different look next season as the Minor Hockey Association implements Hockey Canada’s half ice program.

President of the GPMHA DJ Golden explains why the program is being put in place.

” The program which is coming in from Hockey Canada has been mandated for 2019-2020. So we are actually a year ahead of the curve. Our board had looked at it a year ago, and last year we did a modified version of it. Allowing players to do both half and full ice. “

The program itself is designed to allow players to touch the puck more, and develop their skills faster.

” Kids are getting six times more puck touches. They are spinning, turning, learning how to move in small areas. Some of the stats they gave us were pretty neat. Only about 3-4% of the game of hockey, even on a full ice surface is played at full speed. ” revealed Golden.

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When it comes to the surrounding area and the Minor Hockey Associations there, the GPMHA has yet to hear from them regarding whether or not they will implement the program a year early or not.

However, Grande Prairie Minor Hockey has decided that their Novice teams won’t be allowed to play in neighbouring communities unless they also have the half ice program in place.

Hockey season is Grande Prairie is set to get going at the end of the month.