GOLDEN MINOR HOCKEY HITS THE ICE

The 2009/10 hockey season begins on September 21st with approximately 70 players registered in Golden Minor Hockey. Minor Hockey President, Brady Knezacek, acknowledged that the number of players registered this year is down. However, after BC Hockey East Kootenay Representative, Bill Soles, briefed the executive on overall enrolment in the East Kootenay region, the Golden association faired well in comparison. The overall economy has had an effect on disposable income for families, this is why the Golden executive have frozen registration fees for this year. The Golden Minor Hockey Executive, as an incentive to encourage new players to join the association, has planned a free ice time on October 2nd at 5:45 – 6:45. Any interested parents are encouraged to bring their children ages 4 -6, to the arena to skate and find out more about hockey. These kids are required to wear a helmet, gloves and skates, bring a stick if you have one.

For first year players, ages 4 – 6, who decide to join for the season fees will be ONLY $50.00 for the entire year which includes practise once a week at the same time every Friday. These practises will be run by certified coaches. The executive recognizes that these young players are the future of our organization.

Golden Minor Hockey has teamed up with Golden Rockets of the KIJHL and has purchased a block of season tickets to show appreciation to our volunteers. It is these volunteers who have enabled us to keep our fees considerably lower than most other associations. These tickets will be distributed throughout the year to our dedicated volunteers who donate their time and without them we would not have an association.

Another exciting agreement between the Golden Rockets and Golden Minor Hockey this year is an opportunity for a minor hockey player and his or her parents to be guests at each Rockets home game. At the game the minor hockey player participates with the Rockets on the ice at pre-game and lines up with the Rockets for the playing of our National Anthem. Our first hockey player to participate was Grayson Mitzel who was extremely excited. There will be 25 other minor hockey players throughout the year who will be able to experience this thrill.

Ice times this year are throughout the week, depending on age, with league games and tournaments on weekends. The season runs from next week until spring break in March 2010. For good exercise for your children in a safe environment, Golden Minor Hockey Association urges you to come and check us out!

For any additional information please contact Diane Knezacek at 250-439-8210.

Submitted by

Brady Knezacek

President, GMHA