The Golden Minor Hockey Association has been hard at work since the season ended to start making plans for the future of minor hockey in Golden. New president of the association, Curt Thorne, recently gave an update on what has been happening with the group.
Peewee ban on checking
Thorne said one of the changes the association is bringing in deals with a body checking ban in peewee hockey that has been implemented by Hockey Canada.
“They have taken hitting out of peewee hockey nationally,” Thorne said. “I had mixed feelings when I heard about it. But that aspect of the game may be keeping people out of the game…we are going to give this an honest shot and I am sure Hockey Canada will be tracking on where it goes. If we can teach our kids to angle and use the boards without throwing giant checks then it can be a good thing.”
Half season registration
The association is now offering a half season registration for players, up to peewee age, who are looking to try the sport.
“It is to help kids get a chance to come out to play up to Christmas time,” Thorne said.
There would be no mandatory tournament travelling for these players.
Hockey school in August
The association will be hosting a hockey school for anyone registered in minor hockey from August 26-29. The players must be six-years-old and up, plus they have to be a competent skater. There will be two on ice sessions per day and a dry land session as well.
The cost of the hockey school will be $200 but if you register before July 31 the cost will be $150. Golden Rockets head coach Ty Davidson will be running the school along with some special hockey guests coming in to take part.
Davidson hired as coaching consultant
Ty Davidson has been hired as a coaching consultant for the minor hockey association and will be working closely to help develop coaches and coaching strategy in the association.
“He will analyze our coaching techniques, practices and strategies. I think if we improve our coaching then we can improve the game for our kids,” Thorne said.
Kraft decisions
Kraft will be meeting with the association soon to decide what is going to happen with the $100,000 won by Thorne for the association. Currently nothing has been announced but there has been some discussion of having a name and colour change of minor hockey in the area to match the Golden Rockets junior hockey team.
“All of the kids will come in line with being Rockets. We think it is important to build a community connection of hockey,” Thorne said.
Surveys for parents
The association will be sending out an online survey to all parents of registered players. It will ask parents what they think about hockey in the area and give the board an idea of what they need to do to improve the game locally.
