CANORA - There will be plenty of minor hockey and hockey-related activity going at the Canora Civic Centre this winter.
Making up nine teams, the Canora Minor Hockey Association has 115 players registered at press time between the ages of 4 to 18 ready to hit the ice, according to Stacy Vangen, CMHA president.
“The number of players is approximately the same as last year,” said Vangen “We are happy to see our numbers holding steady, and we are happy to continue working with our neighbouring communities.”
Player numbers last season approximately doubled the total from the year before, and Vangen said they are pleased to see those numbers holding steady.
“Having a large increase in numbers last year was very exciting and kept the rink full for the winter. We were thrilled to see the success of the organization as a whole. We would like to continue to see growth and consistency in the teams we have playing in Canora.”
The first Canora games of the new season are coming up on the weekend of Oct. 26-27 with the tournament hosted by the U18 Cobras.
The breakdown for the nine Canora teams this year is as follows:
- One U7 team
- Two U9 teams
- One U11 team shared with Preeceville
- Two U13 teams (One shared with Kamsack, and one shared with Preeceville)
- One U15 team
- One U15 female team
- One U18 team
“We were very sad that our U18 female team was not able to enter league play this year,” said Vangen. “It looked like the team would be a go, but a number of the girls tried out for the female U18 AA team in Melville. With those girls making that team, our U18 female team was forced to fold. This is disappointing as we tried everything to get the extra numbers and still put this team together.”
In recent years, Vangen said joining forces with other area communities has played an important role in the strength of minor hockey.
“In U13 we had the numbers for a team but lacked a goaltender. We are working together with Preeceville, Norquay and Kamsack to make two teams. Half of the Canora players went to Kamsack, and half to Preeceville/Norquay. These teams will practice once a week in Canora, and once in another community and will share games between home communities.”
The U15 and U18 teams also have players coming from numerous different communities to build teams and work together.
“We are happy to continue working with our neighbouring communities, said Vangen. “The reality is as individual communities, the registration numbers fluctuate from year to year. It’s important to be able to work with others and keep all our small town rinks and hockey communities alive.”
Coaches confirmed for this season so far include:
- U7 – Dayne Babchishin and Blare Stewart
- U9 Black – Kelly McTavish and Jodie Kowalyshyn
- U9 White – Brendon Skibinsky and Jessica Skibinsky/Amy Nordin
- U15 – Terry Demchuk and Maggie Lukey
- U15 Prairie Ice (female) – Nicole Korpusik and Jaime Johnson
- U18 – Adam Vangen and Sherri Roebuck
In most years, there are some newcomers and some departures from the CMHA board, but not this season. All of this year’s board members are returnees from last season: Stacy Vangen, president; Parker Rice, vice president; Crystal Reine, treasurer; Amy Nordin, secretary; Sherri Roebuck, registrar; Damon Paley, Referee in Chief.
Trip of the Month Club members are: Anita Demchuk, Kelly Strelioff, Cindy Wolkowski, Jocelyn Weinbender and Kristin Harder.
The webmaster position is presently vacant.
Vangen said it’s a nice advantage to have all the board members back from last year.
“Our board is a great group of level headed, hardworking volunteers. We have grown together as a group and have meaningful discussions. The strength of this board is that they are committed to the growth of the whole hockey organization and all ages of players.”
The AGM for the CMHA was held on Sept. 26, with Linden Roebuck chosen as the winner of the free player registration for the 2024/25 season.
“Community members can expect our coveted trip raffle tickets to be on sale earlier this year,” reported Vangen.
As always, more community volunteers are needed to help things run smoothly, including team directors. Anyone interested should reach out to a CMHA board member.
In addition to the U18 tournament in late October, other upcoming events include: U15 tournament on Nov. 2-3, U9 tournament on Dec. 7, U7 Jamboree on Dec. 14, and U7 tournament on Feb. 1.
Vangen said plans for the popular Minor Hockey Day are still evolving.
“Minor Hockey Day is a celebration of minor hockey in our community.”
More details will be provided as the plans take shape
“We are looking forward to a great season, and hope that everyone will take some time to come down to the rink and cheer on our local teams,” concluded Vangen.
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