Novice hockey players in the city were given a taste of playing the game outdoors as the six teams in the city took part in a series of games at the outdoor rink at Knights of Columbus Park Saturday.
The idea for the event came from Mark Schendel who took over the role of Novice Division liaison with Yorkton Minor Hockey this season.
“I kind of spearheaded the plan for the event,” he said.
The idea was a rather simple one, help young player’s experience a bit more of what their idols in the National Hockey League do when they play outdoor games, like the one announced for Regina in October.
And, added Schendel, there is a sort of nostalgic feel to an outdoor game for many of the parents and grandparents of the seven and eight year old players.
“The biggest gamble was far and away the weather,” said Schendel, who said they did have a back-up plan to play in Bredenbury had the weather not cooperated.
But the day was sunny, and for mid-January was warm enough to go ahead.
“The biggest thank you has to go to Mother Nature for cooperating,” said Schendel.
As for the success of the event, Schendel said as a teacher he always relies on sight and sound tests.
In terms of what he saw there were a lot of smiles from players, and from parents and grandparents leaning on the boards to watch the three games.
And he heard tons of thank-yous after the game as well.
The day went so well, Schendel said he will be doing it again in 2020 if there is a day that works with the minor hockey calendar.
“It’s something I will attempt again next year,” he said, adding he feels it was a positive experience for the six teams and 72 registered novice players.
Of course, an event such as the outdoor game day relies on many to make it work, and Schendel said he had to thank the City for use of the rink, KidSport for the concession, Flaman Sales for the portable heaters, MC Knoll School for the sound system and Linton Potzus for the Zamboni.
