In an effort to gain new players into the league, the Golden Minor Hockey Association held a free skate last week for children aged four to six.

This fun session was designed to give young players an idea on what hockey practices are all about. Parents were encouraged to come out and watch, and information packages about the Golden Minor Hockey Association (GMHA) were provided.

Nicole Lussier, coach and manager for the GMHA Novice team, organized the event to help create interest in Minor Hockey in Golden.

“There is a big need for casual hockey at this age,” she said referring to the 30 kids excitedly waiting to take the ice.

“Price is a big factor [in the great turnout] and Moms have been telling us that they are really excited about the once a week schedule. There is no travel involved and it’s not a huge commitment for them. Everybody here is very excited and there are a lot of new faces.”

Brady Knezacek welcomed the young children and their families to the free skate last week.

“On behalf of the Executive, I just want to tell you how happy we are to see the amount of people that came out today. This is the future of Minor Hockey,” he said gesturing to the children.

At the free skate, children had the opportunity to get to know each other on the ice and later broke into two groups to play some hockey games with the coaches.

Lussier said that the great turnout proves that hockey isn’t dead in Golden.

“I think we just needed to give the public what they wanted.”

Diane Knezacek, GMHA registrar, said that at least 20 kids have registered so far and she hopes more will follow.

“The night (free skate) was amazing and we were all so excited to see that kind of a turnout. I have to give a huge hats-off to Nicole Lussier. She is the one who put this all together.”

Knezacek said that with the help of other parents putting the word out and Lussier’s hard work, the evening was a great success.

“This was a huge opportunity for parents and their young children to come out and experience hockey together. As a parent, even if you aren’t a hockey fan, once you see how excited the kids are it makes you excited.”

Knezacek said that a lot of parents expressed interest in coaching, something that the GMHA needs.

There will be a Hybrid coaching clinic that all coaches of recreational (non-carded) teams must have, said Knezacek, adding that the clinic will be held on October 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the arena with a classroom session to be announced.

Lussier said coaching is a great way for parents and family members to get involved with Minor Hockey and their child’s team. All clinic costs will be reimbursed after satisfactory completion of the course. Those interested can register online for the clinic at bchockey.net and then click on “clinics”. Detailed instructions are available online.

The coaching clinic generally runs for two days and includes an on-ice component.

For more information, contact Lussier by phone at 250-344-7012 or by email at nlussier@telus.net.

The GMHA is a non-profit organization run by dedicated volunteers and operating under the guidance of the BC hockey Association. GMHA operates with funding from grants, income generated from the concession, fundraising efforts and membership fees. The GMHA has an account set up at the Golden Bottle Depot so that anyone wishing to donate their empties to the GMHA may drop them off there.

The GMHA is currently looking to fill the positions of coach co-ordinator and equipment manager on the executive. The association is run entirely by the efforts of volunteers, so the efforts of parents are vital to its continued success.

GMHA practises start this Friday, October 9 and full gear will be required.

This season GMHA reduced rates for new players between the ages of four and six, allowing players in this age group to sign up for the whole season at a reduced rate of $50. The fee includes one ice session per week (on Friday or Saturday mornings) with a certified coach. The age requirement is that players must be turning four years of age by December 31 of this year.

Equipment for young players can be purchased at stores such as Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, etc. There are also many current and past players in Golden that have used equipment which may be available. Kicking Horse Gear Exchange and the local thrift stores are another great source for used equipment at reduced prices. For a list of equipment requirements, you can contact Brad Cable at 250-344-6050 or by email at becable@hotmail.com.

It isn’t too late to sign up, contact Diane Knezacek at 250-439-8210.