ASSINIBOIA — Now that the 3-on-3 pre-season hockey activity has wrapped up at Â鶹ÊÓƵland Co-op Centre, the Town of Assiniboia Recreation Department says it has proven to be a resounding success.
“This year, we welcomed an impressive increase of 60 participants, bringing the total to 143 enthusiastic young hockey players taking to the ice.”
Featuring 18 teams comprised of players ages 7-15 years of age, the program ran from Sept. 2 to Oct. 4. Teams were organized randomly within age groups, intentionally mixing players from different teams, providing opportunities for children to meet new peers.
“This initiative provided an affordable means for kids to engage in ice hockey, allowing them to fine-tune their skills, break in new equipment, and condition themselves in preparation for the upcoming hockey season,” says event organizers.
Participating players had plenty of ice time and plenty of puck touches and all left the program with new friendships.
“We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated, and we can't wait to see you again in 2025,” said Steph VanDeSype, Assiniboia’s Recreation and Wellness Manager.
The positive impact of 3-on-3 hockey is evident in several ways.
With fewer players on the ice, each player has more opportunity to play the puck and can improve a player’s stickhandling, passing and shooting skills.
The activity also can improve a player’s skating, positioning and shooting, all of which can become more well-rounded hockey players.
The 3-on-3 hockey format can offer more fun for players as it involves more puck touches, more creative play and more engaging which results in the likelihood of players enjoying the game more.
As many communities 3-on-3 hockey events precede regular hockey season it offers great pre-conditioning benefits.
