Minor hockey in Innisfail is off to a roaring start, with 320 youth aged 5-17 suiting up for games.
Players compete against teams in one of four leagues. This year 20 teams have been formed, up slightly from last year, said Elwin Wiens, Innisfail Minor Hockey executive director.
“This is definitely a hockey town,” he said. “There's always been a considerable amount of interest in the hockey teams and kids that play on them.”
Each player has undergone an evaluation process, where they try out for the various teams, placed on one according to age and ability.
“We have a tournament just about every weekend in the winter – 10 different tournaments,” he said. “All the coaching is done by volunteers.”
Some of the AA teams playing in the south league will attend an
all-star game at the end of January. League schedules go strong until the end of February. Playoffs will take place in March.
A bantam AA team from Denver will make its annual pilgrimage to Innisfail in January, giving local youth a chance to witness international action on the ice.
“It's good exposure for the kids,” Wiens said. “It's a fun time to be able to host.”
The minor hockey league offers women's hockey for ages 13-17 and is always looking for more players.
Businesses as well as the public at large are very supportive of minor hockey, Wiens said.
“The whole community is so willing to be involved in the program,” Wiens said. “It sure makes a difference when it comes to registration fees.”
