DIDSBURY - Didsbury Minor Hockey Association (DMHA) players and coaches are gearing up for the 2023-24 season, with evaluations completed and practices getting underway.
“We are looking for a good season and the rink is in great shape,” said association president Brent Feenstra, who will probably be an assistant coach with U11 this season.
It is expected there will be five Didsbury teams this year: two U7, one U9 and two U11. A total of about 75-80 players are scheduled to make up those squads.
The evaluation process sees players assessed on their skill levels and then assigned to appropriate teams so that players with similar abilities play against each other.
The U7 team, also known as tyke/Timbits/initiation, is for boys and girls age 5-6. The main focus of those teams is to develop player skills and teach the basics of game play. The teams play in the 2&27 league, competing against other teams in the area, including Carstairs, Sundre and Cremona.
The U9 team, also known as novice, is for boys and girls aged 7-8. The main focus for U9 is enhancing skating skills, puck handling and game play concepts. The team is part of the Central Alberta Hockey League, with the season running from October to March.
The U11 teams, also known as atom, is for boys and girls age 9-10. The teams play full ice games and are also part of the Central Alberta Hockey League. The season runs from October to March, and the teams are eligible for playoffs.
There is also a Didsbury pre-hockey team for boys and girls aged 3-4 who are still learning to skate.
Didsbury players in levels above U11 play in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Association league.
