Minor hockey players are back on the ice and it is looking like it could be a strong season.
Already the teams are on the ice in practice in exhibition play. President of Drumheller Minor Hockey Lyle Cawiezel, says registration is still strong.
“We have about the same as last year. We have a couple of teams in novice, atom has two teams, and midget, peewee and bantam all have one team,” said Cawiezel.
“We have good strength in the tykes program, there is a good number there so the bottom levels are still showing growth.”
This year all novice players will be playing on half ice.
“It has been mandated by Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada that all novice will participate in half-ice,” he said.
Half ice is reported to give players more touches and help in development.
Another change this year is there will no longer be playdowns for provincials in peewee bantam and midget. In previous years provincial playoffs were played outside of regular league play, allowing the team more games, and a glance at the competition in other areas.
“Last year they did a pilot with the peewee group where the winner of the tiers moved on in provincials. In the past we had separate playoffs,” said Cawiezel. They have added that to bantam and midget.”
‘The provincials almost gave you a second chance to have extra games and another season,” he said.
Tiering for the teams begins the weekend of October 12.
