Kids from in and around the Valley have traded in their shorts and the warm weather for some ice time at the Drumheller Memorial Arena.
Until the end of the week, kids will be learning the fundamentals of hockey, while simultaneously escaping the heat, during the Drumheller Dragons Hockey School.
For the Dragons staff and players, it is a chance to get to know their young fans.
“Hockey School is about the kids and we’re going to teach them about hockey. Our staff and several boys will help them out. We’re excited. It’s long days, but it’s something we look forward to. When I get out on the ice with them I just want to make them better as players,” said Dragons head coach and general manager Brian Curran.
For the kids attending the week long school, it’s a chance to meet their local hockey heroes and learn from them.
“A lot of the kids who come also come to the games and can put a face to the name. It gives them a better connection with the players,” said Kari Ann Faubion, executive assistant of hockey operations for the Dragons.
The kids will learn how to improve their skating, stick handling, shooting, checking, and more during the clinics. From there, many of them will take those newfound skills to minor hockey and a shot at being champions.
For Curran, the school also provides an opportunity to help build the new Dragons.“Everything is about building. I’ve been at this point with a couple other teams who didn’t have successful seasons. We got things turned around, but it’s baby steps and we have to show everyone we’re the real deal. That starts with the little things and kids are probably one of the most important things to me as a coach,” said Curran.
This is the tenth year the school has run and is part of the Dragons efforts to reach out to the community.
“We go to the schools, do stuff with minor hockey. We try to make sure the boys are very active in the community,” said Faubion.
“I think we can get more involved. We need to be more involved with minor hockey. The little guys and girls really look up to some of the players. I think it’s our job to help them and they might even become Dragons one day,” said Curran. “Communities love local players and it’s a great thing for a small community.”