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Non-contact hockey hopeful to start in Yorkton

Yorkton Minor Hockey is hoping to offer something a little different for the upcoming season. New this year they hope to implement a peewee/bantam combined recreational non-contact hockey program.
Minor Hockey
Hoffman said that the physical contact in hockey can sometimes deter kids away from continuing the sport. The non-contact rec program will eliminate that aspect of the game.

Yorkton Minor Hockey is hoping to offer something a little different for the upcoming season. 

New this year they hope to implement a peewee/bantam combined recreational non-contact hockey program.  

YMH treasurer Ryan Hoffman said it’s something they’ve seen interest in for a few years.

“Over the years, people wished there was a way to stay in the game without being on the teams that travel,” Hoffman explained.  “We sent out surveys and there was interest indicated.”

Surveys were sent out to YMH members, so the interest may expand even further to those who aren’t currently members. 

Hoffman said one goal for this league is to lessen the number of kids who drop out of hockey as they move from peewee to bantam.

“Rec hockey really hasn’t been offered by minor hockey for as long as I can remember. We’ve seen rec programs in larger cities with quite a bit of success,” he explained. 

“We do see sometimes numbers dropping from peewee to bantam. Maybe we could retain some of these kids who might be looking to drop out of hockey because of contact. Or maybe bring some kids back.”

Hoffman said travelling and costs are some of the reasons they see kids drop out. But players in the rec program won’t be travelling. 

The team will have one set ice time each week in town, and the time should stay consistent. The team will practice for one hour and 15 minutes, which will be part practice and part scrimmage.

In terms of costs, the rec players will only pay a fraction of what competitive teams pay. The total price for one player is $375. Hoffman said that’s all in: coaching, ice fees, insurance, etc. 

YMH is hoping that this will allow more children to see longevity in their hockey careers.

“I think hockey is a great game. It can be a life long sport. The more kids that we can retain, the better the chance that those kids will be able to play the game into their teens and as adults,” said Hoffman. 

They need between 20-25 kids to run the program. Within six weeks, YMH will be able to gage the interest and decide if the team will be viable. The program is set to run from October through March.

Right now, they’re aiming for a peewee/bantam program, but if they see enough interest in the midget age, they hope to accommodate those players as well. 

Any player who is interested in a recreational no-contact league should contact the Yorkton Minor Hockey office at 306-783-5070 or visit www.yorktonminorhockey.ca