Free hockey league gives Regina kids a chance to play without barriers

Kids in Regina have the chance to lace up their skates and play one of Canada’s national sports, without the usual financial barriers.

This year, a record-breaking 476 kids are lacing up their skates in Ehrlo Sport Venture’s Outdoor Hockey League. The league, which is in its 32nd year, is completely free – from registration to equipment – for kids ages six to 16.

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Most days, practices happen under the open sky, but the kids also get a special treat: playing games at the Cooperators Centre, which leaves the kids with rosy cheeks and big grins as they fly across the ice.

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“I like learning how to skate and learning how to shoot. It is really fun,’ said Ben Koty.

Levi Thielmann said his favourite part about hockey is being on the ice.

“I like skating around and blocking Bob,” he said.

The practices and games are run by volunteer coaches, who help make the program possible.

Coach Gordon Pritchard, who also serves as CEO of the Regina Pats, has been volunteering with the Ehrlo Outdoor Hockey League for four years now.

“I just love being out each week with the kids,” he said.

The kids cheer on their teammates from the bench at the Co-operators Centre. (980 CJME/Abby Zieverink)

Pritchard said his favourite part about the league is the fact eliminates the financial barrier usually present in hockey.

“I think it’s awesome that we have a program like the OHL that provides this opportunity for any kid that wants to play hockey,” he said.

“While it is great it is there, it’s probably a sign that the game is getting a little bit inaccessible, which is unfortunate.”

Pritchard said when they get to bring the kids to the Co-operators Centre for a game on the indoor rink, it’s usually some of the players’ first time playing hockey inside.

“I’ve seen it a couple of times where we come out on the ice and a player will be a player that will be doing a snow angel on the ice, so you ask them, ‘What’re you up to?’ and they will say ‘Oh, this is my first time ever skating inside. This is so cool!’” he explained.

Levi Thielmann said he loves skating. (980 CJME/Abby Zieverink)

“It’s a bit of a reality check and some perspective for me, who was very fortunate to play organized indoor hockey my entire life.”

Pritchard said the kids continue to improve and gain confidence in themselves each week.

“You get to see them grow and develop, certainly as hockey players, but as young people as well,” he explained.

“They get a little older, a little more mature, they’re not as shy around you as they first were. It is fun to see them grow as people as well.”

The league welcomes all skill levels, so some kids are a little wobbly on the ice, but their coaches cheer them on no matter what.

Coach Nicole Roeher, who is also a teacher at Arcola Community School, started coaching with the league back in 2010.

“I love playing sports. I grew up playing hockey, and I really like this as a way to give back to the community,” Roeher said.

Ben Koty said his favourite part about hockey is learning how to skate and shoot. (980 CJME/Abby Zieverink)

“I love the fact that it’s kids that might not otherwise have the opportunity. They are always so excited to be out there. There isn’t that competitiveness – it’s just all about fun and love of the game.”

Many parents with kids in the Ehrlo league said the experience has been life changing.

Shirley Dobrecu said both of her great-grandsons have played in the league over the years.

“I had my two great-grandsons come to live with me eight years ago, and they’d come from a really difficult background, and we just were sort of getting settled – and some health things are taken care of – and then we decided we need to branch out a bit,” she explained.

Dobrescu said she heard about the league through a social worker, and figured they would give it a try.

“I think it was really helpful to our family, because it was no cost to us and the equipment was provided, which was another really big deal for us at that time,” she said

“I just can’t believe how people volunteer, and the nice people we’ve met through difficult beginnings. You don’t realize ‘til you branch out a little bit how many awesome people there are that give so much of themselves.”

Heather Strongarm, who has three kids playing in the league, said her family got involved after hearing about it on social media.

“I just started joining the kids up, signing their forms to get into Ehrlo Sport Venture, which is really great for my kids because they love it,” she said.

“They are really good with the kids. It is not too competitive, and it’s enjoyable.”

Strongarm said the support is even felt off the ice.

“It means we have a place to go to that’s not so stressful, in a place that helps you out,” she said.

“One time my car broke down and I needed a ride, so they provided a ride. It’s very good that they do this for a lot of people. Having an organization like this running is very helpful.”

The Ehrlo Sport Venture offers several free sports leagues, including hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, and football.

Strongarm said her kids take part in multiple sports, and are eager to register every year.

“It’s good to have them tuckered out and all the skills of meeting other kids and seeing other kids from the area where they’re from. Sometimes they see them in the summer on the playground, and they’re like, ‘Oh, you were on my basketball team,’ or ‘You were on my hockey team,’ and they start talking.”

Ehrlo Sport Venture said it runs the league using a lot of donated equipment. The organization is always looking to get more donations of old equipment people don’t use anymore for hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, and football.