More than 70 children signed up at the 100 Mile House & District Minor Hockey Association (100MHA) early registration barbecue at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on June 25.
Many of the children signing up were still in the soccer gear, either coming from or going to their last game of the spring/summer season.
Lincoln Sutton, 9, was registering just before he went off to his U10 soccer match.
“Hockey is one of my favourite sports. I like soccer, too, but I’m looking forward to travelling to different places.”
Children and teenagers were filing into the centre to sign up, have a hotdog and enjoy the festivities.
“There was a really good turnout – seeing a lot of familiar faces as well as some new ones,” says 100MHA administer Kersti Toews.
The event marked the last day to get a $75 discount on registration for Mini-Wranglers all the way up to Midget division, she adds.
“It helps give the association a jump on dividing the players and planning the teams before the season begins.”
100MHA coaching co-ordinator and BC Hydro employee Roger Bissat was on site with his work truck, giving youth a ride up in his crane box to get a bird’s-eye view of the 100 Mile Marsh.
100 Mile House Fire Rescue members were also present handing out fire safety pamphlets and giving tours of the fire truck with Sparky the Dog.
“I’m excited for all these kids who are signing up,” says fire chief Roger Hollander. “It’s also a great way for us to teach these kids about fire safety.”
Registration for 100MHA runs until Sept. 15.
New players
One of the biggest features was the First Shift program. Created by Bauer Hockey Incorporated and Hockey Canada, it is a learn-to-play program for children ages six-10 who have never played hockey before.
The children are outfitted head to toe with hockey gear that they get to keep and they are taught the basics of hockey, Toews explains.
“It’s a great program with kids who are interested, but have never played hockey before and are a little nervous to try it out.”
The first welcome event for the First Shift program will take place at the Rec. Centre on Oct. 17. Families have until the end of August to sign their children up. The 100 Mile House portion of the program will be taking 30 children.
