WESTLOCK – The COVID-19 pandemic has proved difficult all athletics and minor hockey has been no exception after being on ice throughout portions of the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
But with restrictions remaining status quo throughout the fall and winter there's been minimal interruptions as the season marches towards the finish line.
And for Westlock Minor Hockey Association brass, just having kids back on the ice has put a smile on their faces. Despite a dip in numbers this year, the association says they’re just happy to be able to offer a program.
“It’s pure excitement. I remember the first ice sessions that we had with conditioning and try-outs were just full of pure excitement, they were just chomping at the bit to get back on the ice, it’s really encouraging to see that enthusiasm,” said association vice-president Nelson Jespersen. “We’re just happy that the season has been able to continue.”
Although numbers have dipped, more so at the younger levels, Jespersen said it is not enough of an impact the association which has fielded nine teams.
To add to the excitement is Westlock playing host to the U18 Tier 2 2022 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships March 31 to April 3 — an event Jespersen calls the “ultimate prize in minor hockey.”
Sporting an 11-7 win-loss record, the U18 2 Warriors have a significant chance to “win the league or come close to winning the league.”
“There’s a lot of pressure involved, but a lot of our players have been through it before and know what to expect. I anticipate it will be a great tournament where anything can happen, but I know our coaches will have our boys ready to play,” he said.
Fun Hockey returns to ice
Players in Westlock Fun Hockey are also enjoying the chance to get back on the ice.
While numbers are down, the program has still been able to fill out two teams with 26 players total, although they have had to extend the age range on each team.
“They’re so excited to get back out. It’s really nice to see them back out on the ice instead of sitting around and playing video games all day,” said president Denice Allers. “We have such good kids on our team this year and it makes for some good games.”
Allers says that fun hockey is important to the community as it provides a cheap, fun way for kids to get on the ice without as much commitment.
Operating through the FunTeam Alberta program, Westlock Fun Hockey competes against other “fun” teams in the region within an hour drive, something Allers says helps lower stress on parents and players as it keeps the games close to home.
Much like many other sports across the country, they were unable to do anything over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Other clubs in the area were not having teams either so we thought we’d follow suite,” Allers added, noting the club usually has three teams. “This year's teams are smaller, and our numbers are down a bit so it's still affecting us.”
