KAMSACK — As of Sept. 15, a total of 70 youngsters had registered to play with the Kamsack Minor Hockey Association for the 2022-23 year.
“We’re a few less kids than there have been in the past couple years,” said Jared Ruf, who has begun his third year as president of the Association.
The biggest obstacle the players have has to do with the fact that the Broda Sportsplex at Kamsack is being renovated and is not expected to be usable until mid-November, whereas minor hockey normally begins by the middle of October, Ruf explained. The players will be using the rinks in either Canora or Cote First Nation until the Kamsack rink is ready.
Ruf said that as of last week, 17 players were registered for the Kamsack Flyers U7 (under seven years of age) team; 20 were registered for the two teams of U9; 15 in the U11 group, and 16 in the U13 group.
The U11 and U13 teams will not be playing games against other teams in the Major Hockey League from the Parkland area until after mid-November, so hopefully, they’ll be back in the Kamsack arena by then, he said.
Working with Ruf on the minor hockey executive committee are:
- Laura Reilkoff, vice-president;
- Catherine Maksymetz, treasurer;
- Cara Shabatoski, social media;
- Chris Leis, fundraising co-ordinator;
- Shaneen Tataryn, registrar and interim secretary;
- Zach Nahnybida, equipment manager;
- Logan Hilderman, referee-in-chief, and
- Michelle Guillet, member-at-large.
The executive is in need of a secretary, he said, adding that the executive meets once a month from August to April.
The executive is pushing for player development and to that end Casey O’Brien of Melville, who has an extensive background in coaching and skills development for hockey players of all ages, will be coming to work with Kamsack players twice a month on Tuesdays and Thursdays, once the arena is ready for use.
Also, Zach Rakochy, who has a background in junior hockey and in coaching, will be meeting with the Kamsack goalies twice a month, he said.
As of last week, all the coaches for the various age groups had not yet been finalized, and Ruf said that the Association will need a head coach for the U13 group.
The executive has selected Nov. 26 as Minor Hockey Day in Kamsack when all the teams will be playing games against other teams in the League.
Persons wishing to offer their talents to minor hockey are asked to contact the Association by email at: kamsackminorhockey@gmail.com.
