CANORA - Canora Minor Hockey is looking forward to a busy, action-packed 2023/24 season. At press time, a total of 114 players were registered ranging in age from three to 17 years, according to Stacy Vangen, president.
“There have been lots of moving pieces as we prepare to get the season kicked off,” said Vangen. “This year the number of players in minor hockey in our community has nearly doubled. We still have some late registrations trickling in and are so excited to see such growth in our organization. We have a total of seven Canora-based teams and one team that is shared 50/50 with Preeceville Minor Hockey.”
Canora and area hockey fans can look forward to the return of the U18 Cobras to the ice at the Civic Centre this season.
“The team is made up so far of 15 players from Canora, and the remainder of the players coming from Pelly, Stenen, Sturgis, and Preeceville to round out a roster of 23,” said Vangen.
After an absence of a year, the U15 Prairie Ice Female team, based in Canora, will be back on the ice once again, with 16 girls currently registered from Canora and surrounding communities. The U18 Prairie Ice Female team presently has 13 players and is also a regional team.
“Both of the female teams will be playing in the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League,” said Vangen. “We are really thankful for the work Ryan Hauber, Sherri Roebuck, and Jaimie Johnson have put into the female teams and growing female hockey opportunities in our area.”
Vangen reports that the U15 Highway 9 Predators will be based out of Canora again this season.
“Thirteen players from Canora, Kamsack, Norquay, Stenen, Sturgis and Preeceville will come together to make up the Preds roster.”
The Canora U13 team has 15 players at this point.
“Our U11 team has six players from Canora, and will be combining with Preeceville who have six players as well for a shared U11 team between the communities. As small towns, we are seeing that we need to work together to form teams at times. We are thankful to be able to work with Preeceville Minor Hockey and offer U11 hockey in Canora. The team will practice in Canora one day per week as well as host half of the team’s home games at the Civic Center.
“We are excited to welcome back a U9 team to Canora after not having one last year, the team has 11 players at this point,” said Vangen.
The U7 group has 18 players from three to six years old, and will be coached by Dayne Babchishin.
Plans are in the works for the U18, U15, U13, U9, and U7 teams to host tournaments in Canora during the coming season. Most weekends will be busy at the Civic Center with so many teams looking to book games.
“We look forward to Minor Hockey Day Jan. 27, 2024. This year our Minor Hockey Day will feature on-ice action from 8 a.m. straight through until 10:30 p.m.”
Canora Minor Hockey will also be hosting Hockey Saskatchewan for an officiating clinic on Nov. 18 for officials age 15 and under.
“Older officials do not need to attend an on-ice session,” said Vangen. “We would like to invite anyone interested in officiating to please reach out to Canora Minor Hockey. Rates are standardized by Hockey Sask, while mileage and ride along fees are also paid where applicable. Check out Hockeysask.com for more information on officiating and how to sign up for a clinic.”
Canora Minor Hockey will be hosting Hockey Saskatchewan for coaching clinics on Nov. 19. Coach 1, Coach 2, Checking and Goaltending sessions are available for registration through the Hockey Saskatchewan website.
“There is no charge for attendance. It’s a great opportunity to get this training right at home,” said Vangen.
Coaching in power skating, skills and checking will be available to the players during the upcoming season.
“Leona Kitchen will work with U7, U9, U11, and U15 Prairie Ice teams. Derek Serdachny will provide instruction to U13, U15, U18 Prairie Ice and U18 teams,” said Vangen. “We are very thankful to have such great local skill and coaching available to us.”
Canora Minor Hockey held its AGM on Sept. 19, with registrar and webmaster positions up for election. Sherri Roebuck will remain the registrar. Amy Nordin was chosen as webmaster as Candace Doogan decided to step down.
“We thank Amy for stepping into this role and thank Candace for her dedication and time she volunteered with the club.
“Damon Paley was appointed by the board as referee-in-chief. Dwayne Wolkowski has served as our referee-in-chief for many years, and continues to be referee-in-chief for the Major Hockey League. We are thankful to Dwayne for all he has done and appreciate his willingness to support Damon in his new role as referee-in-chief.”
Cindy Wolkowski and Kelly Strelioff will remain on the Trip Raffle committee for the upcoming season.
The winner of the free player registration for the coming season was Jay Menton (U7).
The coaches and team staff meeting is scheduled for Oct. 10, with time and location to be announced. Anyone interested in coaching or other volunteer position is encouraged to reach out and email canoraminorhockeypresident@gmail.com.
To stay up to date with the latest Canora Minor Hockey information, go to the Facebook page or the website at canoraminorhockey.com.
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