The Sundre Minor Hockey Association is pleased to finally be fielding a midget team following a couple of seasons without one, the organization’s president said last week.
“I’m excited about it,” said Don McCullough, who was voted in last April following the association’s election after throwing his name in the proverbial hat.
“It’s been two years since we’ve had a team.”
Although tiering matches are still underway ahead of the official start of the hockey season, McCullough said the association decided to host a game on Friday, which Sundre won 7-4 against Airdrie, to welcome back the midget Huskies as well as unveil new team uniforms featuring a slightly revised logo.
“The jerseys that we’ve been using for the last several years have served their purpose,” he said, calling them well worn.
Since the time had come to replace the jerseys, the association also decided that updating the team’s logo would be appropriate, he said, adding the crossed sticks remain but that the featured Husky now looks more fierce.
“Nobody disagreed and we were able to make it happen,” he said, expressing pride on behalf of the executive’s accomplishment as well as gratitude for all of the support that made possible getting the new jerseys.
Coaching the midgets is Tony Myram, who McCullough said “jumped all over” the opportunity.
“He’s a good person, a good coach. We’ve got a lot of faith in him.”
Myram said the midgets are a large team with players who have great attitudes and skills.
“We have a young team as the majority are first year midget players,” he wrote in an email.
“A lot of our kids were together last year when we won our league division and brought home a banner, so we’re real excited to keep the good team play going.”
The coach went on to say that respect will be a major focus this season.
“Respect for our teammates, opposition, game officials and all others for the commitment it takes to ice our team. We will be bringing a hard work ethic and positive attitude into our practices and games.”
The association has also fielded squads in the following levels: initiation, novice, atom, peewee and bantam. They all, including the midgets, play in the Central Alberta Hockey League. With the rink’s surface now ready at the Sundre Arena, teams started home ice practices last Tuesday.
“The season is starting to catch up to us,” said McCullough.
“Before we know it, we’ll be there.”
Most of the teams started practising in September and had rented ice time from the arena in Caroline, and the association is happy to now be back in Sundre, he said.
“We’re excited to be home.”
Follow the association’s social media account or official website, www.sundreminorhockey.ca, for game schedules and additional information.
McCullough said the local minor hockey organization is good to go and looks forward to the coming season.
“We want to get these kids on the ice — they’re excited to go!”
The midgets already have their home tournament scheduled for Nov. 9-11, and coach Myram extended an enthusiastic invitation to local hockey fans.
“We look forward to some exciting hockey and great support from our community to come and cheer on our young men and women.”
