Drumheller Minor Hockey is set to begin the season this weekend, and it looks like the association has a bright future.
While the numbers at some of the upper levels has waned slightly, the incoming crop of newcomers is strong.
“This year we have three novice teams, which is rare because usually we only have two, which is good,” said Minor Hockey president Norm Fournier. “Our tyke numbers are sitting at 24. We have two atom teams, but unfortunately in bantam and midget we are down to one team, which is unfortunate.”
He said 14 potential players at the upper level either moved away or declined to play.
“It made our numbers tough, which meant we had to release some players from bantam. That was really hard to do,” said Fournier.
All the teams and coaches are in place, and the teams are “ready to roll” into the season.
The teams will be sporting a new look on the ice. This year the association has adopted the Drumheller Dragons colours.
Fournier said equipment manager Lisa Jacques has been instrumental in making the switch. The Dragons and team sponsors are supportive of the move. Sports Room Source for Sports has been busy putting the Raptor logos on the new jerseys.
Rod Knelsen of the Dragons said many other communities with junior teams have done the same thing and it promotes pride.
Fournier agrees.
“Integrating the uniforms is awesome, the kids in Minor Hockey look up to the Dragons and doing this is huge,” said Fournier.
One of the big changes to hockey all over is the new head contact rule.
“It is going to be a big learning curve for everyone involved,” said Fournier. “Anything from the neck up is a no go this year and even an accidental knock to the head is a two minute penalty.
"It is a good change, but it is going to be a tough growing change. Interpretation by the referees is going to be huge on this rule. Meaning some refs are going to go right to the letter of the law, and some are going to slack off on calling it. It is going to be tough for the coaches to accept what is being called.”
“Obviously for the kids’ safety it is definitely imperative that we go this route,” said Fournier.
The Sports Room Source for Sports continues to be supportive of the Stopconcussions.com program and is continuing to do free helmet fittings. Hockey players can bring their helmets, wherever they bought them, and have them properly fitted. They are also advocating using mouth guards, and will not turn any hockey player away who does not have the means to purchase one.
The Sports Room is continuing with its merits program. They have the Three Star program, in cooperation with Bauer for atom to bantam players. The coaches pick the stars and the players collect points and can compete with players across the country.
They also have their Supersport program for beginners to novice. Each player will be picked as a Supersport; it could be for sportsmanship, or meeting achievement goals. They will be rewarded with a gift bag. This program is a partnership with Sports Room, Bauer and Sherwood. Local sponsors have also contributed to the prizes.
