The face of recreation in Rimbey is changing with the season, and even as the water is drained out of the outdoor pool, preparations are being made to put the ice in the arena, readying the rink for a busy winter.
Recreation director Rick Kreklewich said ice is scheduled to be in today. (Sept. 17), which is none too soon for young hockey players ready to begin the season.
Kreklewich said the ice was put in Sept. 12 last year because a hockey camp was held prior to the regular season.
“This year it went in a week later to coincide with the regular arena season and minor hockey conditioning camp,” he said.
Minor hockey president Lane Moore said the minor hockey program in Rimbey remains solid with the number of participants in Initiation and Tiny Mites showing an increase.
“It’s good to see lots of young players coming up,” he said.
Numbers for the remainder of the teams appear to be remaining steady, he added. “We are still waiting to finalize numbers. We may have split Bantams.”
The roster for the midget team takes the longest to fill, he added.
Parents who wish to register their child for minor hockey can go to rimbeyminorhockey.com.
Minor hockey referees are needed, Moore noted, adding a referee clinic will be held Oct 13 and 14.
Anyone who is interested in referring or coaching should check out the website.
CanSkate and PowerSkate are also popular this year and coach Kathleen Moore said the programs are full and youngsters are on a waiting list.
The Skate Canada programs will be held Fridays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and seven levels of skating techniques will be offered.
Moore, who has taught the programs in Rimbey for four years, said the skills learned in CanSkate and PowerSkate are great pre-requisites for skaters who want to pursue hockey or ringette.
“It works on speed and agility and really helps fine tune the skills for hockey players or ringette players.”
Moore, a level 2 certified skating coach will be assisted by Joslyn Snow.
CanSkate and PowerSkate will begin Oct. 12.
Pond hockey is also being offered this year and RaeAnn Keessar, whose husband Roy coaches the teams, said 44 players have registered. Teams include three- to six-year-olds, seven- to 10-year-olds and 11- to 15-year-olds.
The hockey program provides weekly practices and two to three games per month played against pond hockey teams from surrounding communities.
The three- to six-year-olds have practices only, but may play against another team near the end of the season.
Pond hockey gives young players a chance to play the game in a less competitive setting,” said Keessar.
“By playing less games the kids are able to be involved in other school sports or spend time doing other family activities,” she said.
For more information contact Roy at 403-783-0092 or RaeAnn at 403-843-4474.