Barrhead’s hockey scene has burst into life again.
Pre-season games have started, with teams like the Steelers and the Pirates gaining victories as they seek the most competitive tier. The Renegades were due to play last weekend.
There is one notable absentee, however, from the ice: the 2011 zone champions the Midget Female “Blackhawks”, which have been coached by Lee Abernathy in recent seasons.
Barrhead Minor Hockey Association president Nate Wilson said there not enough eligible players to make up a team.
“A lot of girls have graduated since last season,” he said.
BMHA registrar Debbie Kincaid said one local girl was now playing hockey in Onoway and two were competing with the boys at the bantam level.
It means there are 12 teams in action this year: two Midget Bantams; two Bantams; two PeeWees; two Atoms; two Novices; and two Initiation teams, which are made up of five and six-year-olds. Minor hockey registration is open to everyone between five and 17.
Teams are again competing in the 1660 Hockey League following the move from the Northern Alberta Midget AA Hockey League.
Wilson said the 1660 league has meant less travel for children and parents, while still providing good competition.
“It’s been great from that aspect,” he said.
Last season Barrhead enjoyed a great deal of success, with the Atom Hawks and Midget Blackhawks competing in the provincials. The Steelers, meanwhile, dug deep to strike gold in Midget Tier 2 of the 1660 league. They beat Vegreville Wranglers in a tense shootout in March.
Wilson believes the omens are favourable for local hockey in the long run, with encouraging numbers at the lower levels.
“The future looks great for hockey in Barrhead,” he said.
The BMHA’s annual fundraising gala has been fixed for Jan. 18, 2014. It will again feature impersonator Gery Schubert, the so-called man of a 1,000 voices, 100 faces and at least 12 wigs.
The event will include dinner, silent and live auction, and liquor sales.
Organizers are hoping for a repeat of January’s gala which raised about $40,000. Money is used to help make hockey more affordable for Barrhead’s youth.
Cheques worth $2,000 were also presented to three local causes: $500 to Barrhead hospital, $500 to the new swimming pool project, and $1,000 to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
