The Morrin School Mustangs Hockey Academy completed a very successful first year of operation.
    To wind up the season, the Mustang Academy students played a game against a team composed of their parents and teachers on Wednesday February 12. The students came out on top by a hotly contested 12-10 score.     
    Morrin’s Hockey Academy had 15 participants this year and is looking forward to an even greater number next year. There were students from Grades 7-11 participating this year.
    The program ran from September to the end of January. Students had three on ice sessions each week, two skill development and one power skating. The other two days a week they did fitness work, cross training activities in the gym and classroom sessions on hockey strategy and coaching.
    “It gives our students an opportunity that they can’t get anywhere else in the area. The students can build teamwork and leadership skills. We had students who are involved in minor hockey as well as some who don’t play organized hockey. The program is co-ed and provided students of all skill levels a chance to improve their hockey knowledge and skills,” said Morrin School principal Don Yavis.
    Morrin  School was able to provide this program to the students at no cost and each student received a Mustangs Hockey Jersey and a shirt for joining the program.
    This program is open to any student enrolled in Morrin School and organizers are hoping to be able to set up the program next year to run for the whole hockey season, October - April.

Drumheller Valley FCSS had a hugely successful Family Day Unplugged event this year. There were events throughout the valley from Curling to an Escape Room. The inflatables at the Badlands Community Facility were a huge hit, as always.

“We had 709 people come to the Badlands Community Facility, which smashed the 2017 record of 570!” said April Harrison FCSS Coordinator for the Town of Drumheller. “I want to say a huge thank you to the volunteers from Badlands Hellraisers, DVSS, St Anthony’s school and the wider community. Also thank you to the Family Fun Committee, Drumheller Curling Club, Drumheller Public Library and Town staff who gave up their Family Day to make this year the best yet.”

With the theme of Unplugging from electronic devices, Drumheller Valley FCSS and partners such as the Drumheller Public Library, Family Fun committee and the Drumheller Curling Club worked hard to organize different activities that would be enjoyed by residents of all ages.

“Research shows us that families that are connected and spend time together are more resilient and this also strengthens communities. Taking time to disconnect from our electronic devices and play together is part of this” continued Harrison.

There were also 7,986 visitors at the Royal Tyrrell Museum on Family Day, which is the largest number of patrons on one day ever in the history in the museum.

Would you like to see more free family focused events in the community? The Family Fun Committee is always looking for new members and ‘friends of’ to help plan and support family focused activities. Contact Drumheller Valley FCSS, 403-823-1315 to find out more.