It's bigger than ever.There are over 200 youth on Humboldt Minor Hockey (HMH) teams this year, reported HMH president Kelsey Lindal. However, there are still 14 teams, which is the same number as last year: three Junior Novice teams, two Senior Novice, two Atom, two Pee Wee, three Bantam and two Midget teams.The majority of the teams have been practising and playing together for nearly a month now, though the AA program began in mid-September, and some kids have been on the ice since the end of August, participating in power skating clinics and hockey camps. HMH has started a new program on Friday mornings this year - a skill development breakfast club, modelled after Sask. Hockey clubs of the same kind. For an hour and a half on Friday mornings, hockey players ranging in age from four to 17 will be on the ice at the same time, working on individual skills - everything from shooting to checking. The coach will set up the individual skill sessions, then the players will be given 15 to 20 minutes at the end of that time as free time. In addition to more ice time, these players will also be treated to a small breakfast, like a drink and a muffin or something, Lindal noted. HMH is actively soliciting sponsors for that part of the program right now. Sask. Hockey clubs of this type held in centres like Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina and Southey have proven to be successful, Lindal indicated. "They're very popular. Kids like them," he said. The club will run in three-month segments, he said, and will allow the organization to make more use of ice time in the morning, which they get at discounted rates. "The ones that come in the morning are the ones who want to come and learn," Lindal said of those who will attend the club. "They'll have fun, and it will be a non-threatening environment where they can learn a new skill or work on their skills," he added. Mike Barlage has volunteered to act as coach for the Friday morning club. He's a dedicated volunteer, Lindal said, as he coaches two teams as well. The biggest issue for HMH this and every other year is finding ice time for all their teams. They will be utilizing rinks in Muenster, Lake Lenore, and other smaller towns in addition to the Elgar Petersen Arena in Humboldt in order to get each team the practice and game times they need. "It's always an issue... it's the biggest issue we have," said Lindal of ice time.Lindal wants to speak to the new city council about a second ice surface in Humboldt, hoping to convince them to move it from part of their long-term plan to the shorter term."There are three things that bring people to a community - hospitals, schools and sports facilities. We have two. Let's get the third," he said. In the meantime, HMH ice schedulers are trying to get each team as many of their two weekly practice times and home games on ice at home in Humboldt. "Sometimes they'll get a practice and a game at home. It varies from week to week," said Lindal. The ice schedulers are trying to do more juggling, he added, to use the EPA to its fullest."That's been their focus," he noted.Another issue they are facing this year is a lack of young referees. "We have had a major shortage of younger refs in the Humboldt area," Lindal stated. The referee division of Sask. Hockey is looking into the situation, trying to get more kids involved in refereeing games, he added.
