CANORA - “Hockey is more than a game.”
Nicole Korpusik, U15 Parkland Prairie Ice coach, led the on-ice team building sessions for female hockey players of all ages at the Canora Civic Centre on Jan. 14, the opening day of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
Prior to heading out on the ice, the girls had the opportunity to sit down and express their thoughts and feelings about hockey. The responses to “I love hockey because…” included:
“My awesome team and coaches.”
“I get to play with family and friends.”
“I get to meet people and I just love hockey.”
‘I met my best friends through hockey.”
“It’s fun.”
“I like the teamwork in hockey.”
And finally, “I like the penalty box.”
When presented with the phrase, “Hockey makes me feel…,” responses included: “Happy,” “Free,” “Excited,” “Joyful,” and “Amazing.”
The players also had the opportunity to take some fun photo booth pictures.
Korpusik explained why she believes that hockey is more than a game.
“It's a community, it's an opportunity for athletes to build confidence, to find joy and make amazing friends,” she said. “I think it's important that they reflect on the positive things in their lives and to have a sense of pride in the fact they are hockey players.”
The players then headed onto the ice and “warmed up with a rousing game of British Bulldog (based on Tag) and then did a sharpshooter contest and a fastest skater competition,” said Korpusik. “We capped the session off with a big game of shinny!”
Players from the age of six all the way up to almost 18 headed out on the ice to participate.
“The older girls were excellent role models for the younger ones and they did a great job helping out and cheering each other on.”
Even though the team building exercises were designed to be fun, Korpusik would like to see the aftereffects stick with the participants throughout their lives.
“I hope these girls see that they are part of something bigger than themselves, something that is fun, special and inclusive. I hope they see the girls hockey community as one that supports their growth and development as athletes but also gives them a place to become strong, confident, capable and caring people.”
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