CARLYLE - Participating in sports is a way of life for many families in rural Saskatchewan.
In Carlyle, Katie Currin and Dustin Fleming are extremely busy raising three sons, all of whom are registered with Carlyle Minor Hockey.
Emmett is eight years old and is a defenceman on the under-9 team. His coaches are David Lemieux and Evan Bloomfield.
“I feel I am a good skater,” said Emmett. “I have a good slapper [slap shot] and am working on my wrist shot. I like scoring goals and we have a good team. I don’t like it when teammates go down the boards and don’t pass the puck.”
Trypp is 10 years old and also plays defence.
“I am a good skater, either forward or backwards,” Trypp said. “I have a good slapshot and a good wrister. We have a good team and hockey and box lacrosse are my favourite sports.”
Trypp is known to practise for hours at a time, either rifling a puck or shooting a basketball.
“Practice makes you a better player,” he added. “I don’t like puck hog teammates and I really don’t like losing.”
Trypp is on the U11 team, and his coaches are Scott Nicholson, Tyson Morson and Austin Hewitt.
Kacey is 13 years old and plays centre on the U13 team.
He shoots the puck well and considers himself a good passer.
“We have a good team and I enjoy all my teammates. I like scoring goals and passing the puck. I don’t like blaming our goalie when the other team scores. When they do, they usually go through the entire team and all of us are to blame,” said Kacey.
Kacey’s coaches are Joey Eaton, Bill Fuller, and David East.
Katie and Dustin are extremely proud of their boys and are happy to have them participate in various sports throughout the year.
“Hockey is a way of life. It draws you in and doesn’t let you go. We love chasing the kids around and are happy that hockey keeps them happy and out of trouble,” said Katie.
“Field lacrosse has really helped them get in shape and ready for the season. Dustin and I are thankful that we own two vehicles and have so many friends and family. Three different age groups, three different game times and often three different rinks. We are the ultimate rink rat family. But you know, we wouldn’t have it any other way.”