THE BATTLEFORDS — With registration for Battlefords Minor Hockey Association formally closing Sept. 15, it means a full hockey season is underway.
You can find all the details on their website,
The season has started long before now for those people serving on the organization’s executive, which include: Ryon Haggard, president; Patricia Meiklejohn, vice-president; Barb Heidt, treasurer; Amanda Buchko, secretary; Jarred Wilkinson, officials director; and Cody Danberg, representative director.
Chantal Lapointe, Keith Ens, Jolene Strain, Jackie Young, Jennifer Burnett, Carla Bernier, Debbie Slabaida, and Jeanne Gilchrist serve as directors for their respective divisions. Bruce Yockey serves as AAA Stars chairperson and governor.
Kelly Strain is the BMHA office manager and Kerilee Tady serves as ice co-ordinator and equipment manager.
President, Ryon Haggard, says that some divisions under the BMHA banner are up, such as the U7, which has seen growth over the last year.
“Overall registration is up from last year and remains steady.”
“With more teams comes the need to find more coaches to support these teams,” adds Haggard.
The BMHA president also acknowledges that older age groups need goalies so the organization has started goalie programs to keep up with the demand.
With the president’s role comes addressing challenges the organization faces.
“There are so many dynamics to hockey as there are academies, different leagues, tournaments, all being navigated with Hockey Sask. to meet ever-changing needs of organizations … Academies and super leagues are non-sanctioned; therefore, they are separate entities,” Haggard explains.
BMHA says they offer a strong product of equal opportunity and they align their association with providing skill development and all opportunities to play at different levels and skill levels while seeking to have players stay and play hockey in the Battlefords.
“Highlights from last year was the success of the U18 female AA program and we are happy to have Brendan Kramer on board coaching them again this year. Overall, we had good coaching surveys and we have seen a lot of player development and skill development for younger age groups,” adds Haggard.
BMHA has had to use ice times in Wilkie, Red Pheasant, Moosomin, Radisson and other venues in addition to all the ice time they can get between the Access Communications Centre, Don Ross Arena, which just got a brand-new ice plant, and Battleford arena.
Haggard said BMHA is also in an inaugural year for the tri-city hockey league which includes Prince Albert and Meadow Lake, which was formally approved as of Sept. 3. There was interest and the new league offers flexibility in building U11 and up.
Pre-conditioning has begun and tryouts are still ongoing once those activities are completed scheduling will be laid out, according to Hockey Sask. rules.
Battlefords Minor Hockey Association will be hosting their fall financial and coaches meeting on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The fall annual general meeting is to approve the 2023-24 audited financials.
Double A coaches are secured in the spring and other coaches’ applications are submitted by Sept. 10 with interviews and team selections going from there.
Haggard says the website is the best place to find out schedules and news while the latest news and updates will always be on their Facebook page.
Community involvement includes the First Shift program and Colby’s Kids program, of which Haggard credits Office Manager Kelly Strain, for doing the lion's share of the organization and leg work.
While Hockey Sask. says they have the most officials ever registered, Haggard says this is simply not the case for BMHA.
“At present, we do not have enough officials for the season. We are short, especially senior officials. We are trying strategies to keep kids involved in officiating hockey.”
Haggard also states that Hockey Sask has implemented a green armband policy for any official under 15 or in their first year and infractions will double the suspension for offenders, to curb verbal abuse, and potential confrontations.
BMHA says one of their biggest expenses is uniforms. This year the U9 division is in a trial run with a reversible jersey which avoids the potential for wearing the wrong color to a game as well as allowing extra wear out of the jersey. They are more expensive but this trial run will help the organization gauge their durability.
BMHA is committed to buying their equipment and other products needed for their season through businesses in town.
Players and teams always appreciate fans in the stands so check out the BMHA website for all the latest game schedules and news. The rink is a great place to enjoy a hot beverage and watch hometown live hockey action while joining other community members and fans in supporting their favourite players or teams.
