The Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) has announced the creation of the Minor Hockey Association (MHA) Matching Grant Program.
This one-time opportunity is being offered to the two-hundred registered MHAs across the province.
A total of $200,000 has been allocated by the SHA towards the grant program, which will see each MHA be eligible to receive up to $1000.00.
“We understand that the past twelve months have been especially tough on our associations,” said SHA General Manager Kelly McClintock in a release. “As an organization, we felt this was a way to help associations recoup costs incurred with the introduction of Cross-Ice at the Under-7 and Half-Ice at the Under-9 age groups, along with other capital expenditures in the area of development.”
Lee Rusnak, president of Yorkton Minor Hockey said any support is welcome especially with local associations facing some added expenses due to COVID-19 pandemic mandates.
“I think it’s definitely helpful,” he said.
Rusnak said with Hockey Canada and the SHA implementing rules that require less players on the ice, meaning splitting areas, to accomodate players groups like YMA have faced new costs.
For example YMA has boards available to split the Kinsmen Arena into two ice areas and that equipment cost $10,000, said Rusnak.
“So it (the grant) does help a little bit,” he reiterated.
To be eligible, each association must submit receipts through an online form which will open on May 1, 2021.
The receipts must indicate a purchase made by the association for player development equipment such as half-ice boards, portable bumper pads, on-ice coaching aids (ie. mini-nets, stickhandling apparatuses and or shooter tutors). SHA will then match the amount spent by each association up to a maximum of $1000.00.
The eligible purchases can be pre-dated from May 2017 up until the closing date of August 31, 2021.
