The first to get to try out the new look arena, complete with upgraded lighting was the Drumheller Dragons Hockey School. More than 60 young skaters came out to receive expert guidance from the Dragons’ coaching staff. The Dragons too will soon be on the ice with their first exhibition home game is coming up on September 6 versus the Old Grizzlies.
mailphoto by Patrick Kolafa
The Drumheller Senior Titans are gearing up for their 2017-2018 campaign, and have a strong core to work from.
The Titans are back on the field practicing and coach Ken Fournier likes what he sees.
“The core group is excellent,” said Fournier.
He said they have five international students who could be starting. The team has good size height wise, but need to fill out a bit.
“I like their commitment, they are very fast, they are committed to the game and are moving forward as a unit,” he said.
“We have a lot of speed and a lot of agility.”
The one area he would like to see growth is in their ranks.
They have lost some players to moving away, but others aren’t picking up the game.
Right now, he says he has about 21 players, and he would like to have about 35.
“It is a very big concern because it is not just kids not coming out, it’s kids walking away,” said Fournier.
He said often obligations are making students pick work over football.
“Kids aren’t allowed to be kids anymore,” said Fournier.
Because of this Fournier said they might have to pull Bantams up to fill the roster for their first game versus Pincher Creek coming up on August 26.
One concern with low numbers is injuries.
“We are moving forward pretty good, we like what we see, we just need to make sure we are going through the season healthy,’ said Fournier.
The Titans have joined with Canmore and Olds to revive the Big Sky League.
“This is to make sure we’re are not listed as an independent team. Because when you get to the postseason, it is a lot harder to get into provincials,” said Fournier.
Despite this, they have also arranged a number of exhibition games to make sure the team gets plenty of in game experience.
Those interested in playing can come out any day of the week to DVSS field. Registration packages are available at www.drumhellerfootball.com. For more information, contact Fournier at 403-436-0030.
This weekend anglers will have an opportunity to test their mettle at the Starland Fishing Derby at the Michichi Dam.
This is the third year that Starland has been organizing the event, carrying on a tradition started in memory of Ryan Savary.
The Starland Fishing Derby is casting Saturday, August 26. This is the third year that the county has hosted the event.
However, its roots go back over two decades as the Ryan Savary Memorial Fishing Derby.
“The last two derbies we still referred to it as the Ryan Savary Derby, but we don’t officially call it that anymore,” said Glen Riep, who is working to organize the event.
The event is open to all fishermen and fisherwomen of all ages and experience. Registration is from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Derby closes at 4 p.m. Starland will have a hot dog barbecue for participants.
Reip says the derby is a great chance for some wholesome family time.
It has been consistently a popular event, and last year brought dozens of anglers.
“We are trying to get more kids involved. Wildlife sporting activities are starting to really suffer, young people just aren’t taking part in them anymore. So we want to promote that family side of it,” said Riep.
Fishers under 5 are free.
There are prizes in various categories and age groups and draw prizes. The trophies include the Ryan Savary Award, the catch closest to 1 pound 2 ounces.
For more information go to www.starlandcounty.com, or contact its office at 403-772-3793.
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