Sessions are held twice per week at the JRMCC ice rink. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

On the ice

Play Hockey for Free program offering new opportunity for LLRIB youth

Nov 12, 2021 | 1:20 PM

Some of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s youngest members have the chance to hit the ice thanks to a new Play Hockey for Free program at Jonas Roberts Memorial Community Centre (JRMCC).

The program, which began Oct. 25, was made possible after JRMCC received 45 sets of equipment earlier this year. The facility purchased 25 sets through recreation funds, while an additional 20 were donated by a grant secured by La Ronge RCMP Cpl. Brent Nicol back in March.

The grant came from the NHL Players’ Association Goals and Dreams Fund with Stanley Mission also the recipient of 20 sets of equipment as well. Each set has an estimated value of $300.

“It’s basically just to introduce kids to the game, bring them to the rink, get them dressed in equipment and get them on the ice,” JRMCC Director of Sports and Recreation Kevin Roberts. “A lot of these kids never skated or wore equipment before and it’s just introducing them to the game. We’re trying to build up our numbers for minor hockey in the future. That’s really what it is about.”

Roberts explained the program is for band members between the ages of five to eight. Sessions are held twice per week with the assistance of Ice Wolves head coach Kevin Kaminski and various players.

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Sessions are meant to be fun and non-competitive with a focus on basic hockey and skating skills. Roberts noted there are still some sets of equipment available for anyone else who might be interested in joining.

“We don’t charge any fees at all,” he said. “The equipment is free and, if need be, we have a recreation coordinator who will provide transportation. We’re trying to be a little more accommodating than a normal minor hockey program would.”

Roberts is hopeful the program will encourage children to continue playing hockey as many kids don’t start until they are at a novice age group.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno