Hockey is a Canadian pastime that many start playing young and leaves a lasting impression.
The Grand Forks Minor Hockey Association (GFMHA) provides ample opportunity for youth ages five to 18 years to play hockey in and around the West Kootenay and Boundary areas.
President Ron Vautour stated there are currently around 100 youth registered.
This year, there seven teams: junior novice and senior novice team, two atom teams, a pee wee team and two midget teams, pointed out Vautour.
Vautour said, “We’re welcoming and we try to accommodate any kids who want to play, but it’s easier if kids sign up earlier in the season.”
Teams within the GFMHA travel to various locations, including Nakusp, Beaver Valley and Spokane.
“The kids love the hockey, but they probably don’t enjoy the travelling as much,” said Vautour. “When we go to the tournaments they get to stay in a hotel, go swimming and play mini-hockey in the hallways, so the kids love the tournaments.”
Each team usually participates in three to four tournaments during the season, which ends early to mid-March.
“For example, my atom team, we had a tournament in Nelson, Osoyoos, one in Grand Forks and Castlegar.”
Vautour mentioned that teams like to have the public come out and watch the games.
“The public is always welcome and we tend to have pretty decent crowds for home games,” stated Vautour. “We recently had a tournament at the atom level and we had a Grand Forks team win the tournament.”
For more information on game listings, visit grandforksmha.ca or wkmha.com.