INNISFAIL – Young hockey players often look up to their hockey idols and role models.
Now Innisfail novice and atom hockey players have an opportunity to do just that with the Innisfail Eagles, their local senior AAA men’s hockey team.
“I just thought about the success we had with the mini-merchant and junior trapper program this summer and thought that the Innisfail Eagles are another great local team that kids love,” said program coordinator Kristen Spatz. “The Red Deer Rebels do it and I know the Innisfail Eagles used to (have a program) years ago.
“So we’re bringing it back,” she added.
The Little Eagle Contest is open to novice and atom players with the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association and gives youngsters a chance to meet and skate with members of the Innisfail Eagles.
She said it is similar to the mini-merchant and junior trapper baseball program that was introduced this summer with the Innisfail Merchants and the Innisfail Trappers.
The Little Eagle Contest began in October and runs for the regular season. It is sponsored by Innisfail realtor Adam Dingman and is available at all home games this year, noted Spatz.
“The kids get to go on the ice with the Eagles before games. They get to be in the starting lineup and they announce their names,” said Spatz. “We’re going to have two little eagles every home game.”
Connor Attwell and Mayson Thompson were the first two little eagles on the ice Oct. 26, with two more at the Nov. 11 home game.
“It’s an awesome idea. It helps out the community and helps Innisfail minor hockey kids,” said Mike Bennett of the Eagles organization. “Maybe they’ll be an Innisfail Eagle when they get older.”
To enter the Little Eagle Contest parents must complete a contest form, which is available at all home games. It is free to participate and the local sponsor will provide a small gift for each little eagle participant.
“They get to be closer to their Innisfail Eagles and be on the ice with them,” said Spatz.
For more information contact program coordinator Kristen Spatz at [email protected]
