Whether you’re new to the game or an ol’ hat at Canada’s favourite winter pastime, It’s not too late to sign up for a season of ice time with Nelson Minor Hockey.
As registration began in the summer, teams are picked and ready to go. As hockey players have begun to etch their mark on the ice, Lisa Upper said they welcome new members to join.
With registration in a slow decline over the last few years, the board lowered the fees this year to $100 for first time players and $300 for novice and house leagues. The league particularly encourages 5-6 year olds to join the initiation or junior novice groups.
“With the growth of soccer, it’s competing,” said Upper, adding NMH has tried to work with Nelson Soccer sending them their practice schedules in hopes there will be less conflicts causing athletes to have to chose between one sport and another.
For the younger age groups, NMH has taken a look at their practice times to be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, keeny aware of families who ski at Whitewater on the weekends, and are avoiding early hours of practise, adding they are trying to make the practices fun.
“You need to get them to like hockey before they love it,” Upper said borrowing a quote. For parents concerned about the costs, Upper said they offer gear loans and KidsSport can cover part of the registration fees if a family mets the low income parameters.
“We want every child to have an opportunity to play hockey,” said Upper.
Contact registrar@nelsonmha.ca to register.