By Jaime Polmateer
This past weekend saw a fun-filled conclusion to our week-long Clearwater Hockey Days program by Clearwater Community Recreation and Healthy living program.
The schedule at the North Thompson Sportsplex was packed. Hockey games and practices, skating and curling with many different skill levels took place. The Friday afternoon began with a fun-filled public skating event with free hot dogs and hot chocolate.
Many Hockey Jersey wearing Midget IceHawks supporting the celebration shared the ice with local families enjoying the moment.
Next came the fifth annual Love Where You Live Curling Bonspiel kicked off with a 15 team roster. This year’s theme was super heroes. There were colourful and fun costumes worn by a variety of curlers from newbies to long-time members.
The hockey games and practices started next on the list with the Oldtimers Hockey followed by the men’s drop-in practice with many of the regulars enjoying a bit of ice time.
Continuing on with the games and practices Saturday were many age groups and teams. Novice and pre-novice started the morning.
Also taking to the ice against Summerland were the Clearwater Midget IceHawks. The game involved some fast-paced action as well as a bit of rough-housing, as per usual during any Canadian game.
At this time there was a lull while the players and fans waited for penalties to be assessed. To the delight of the crowd the goal-tenders led by Erik Giesbrecht with his opposing Summerland goalie Ben Lewis, had their own passing game, whipping the puck back and forth. This showed the entire group of fans just exactly what the game of hockey is all about. Namely fun.
Next taking to the ice were Clearwater figure skaters. The group with seven solo performers were gliding onto the ice showing the audience some stunts and skills.
To cap off Saturday evening was the Clearwater Minor Hockey Alumni game that included coaches, past players and their family members. The teams each had 14 players aside and had an exciting action-packed game. The evening finished off with a teen-skate.
Sunday saw more of the same goings-on. With more games as well as practices happening. The PeeWee#1 Icehawks saw a game against 100-Mile House with them giving the opposition a good lesson in teamwork and some amazing passing skills to show the opposing team exactly how it should be done.
The day finished off with more public skating, ladies weekly/practice game and another men’s drop-in practice/game. Clearwater Hockey days is always a celebration to be enjoyed, love where we live!
