Hub Staff

Considered one of the best variations of a typical 5 on 5 hockey format, 3 on 3 is believed to improve many hockey skills including stick handling and passing; shooting and puck control. The league is new to Saugeen Shores and will run for four weeks this spring, said Joe Flarity, one of the organizers, in an email to The Hub.

“As far as we know, this format has not been attempted to this magnitude in Saugeen Shores. We are following the examples laid out by a group running the same type of program in Goderich.”

Flarity said the decision was made to bring 3 on 3 Hockey to Saugeen Shores to help fill a desire to extend the hockey season, adding that it “allows kids to play without the pressures of set plays and coaching. The emphasis is all about having fun, not winning or losing.”

Because there are fewer players on the ice in this type of play, each skater has to cover more ground and therefore their skating skills and overall conditioning improves. As well, there is more room for creativity in their plays, helping them to build more confidence on the ice.

The league will run from April 3 through to April 24, with games each Sunday and Wednesday evening and is for children aged 6 to 12 years, Novice to Peewee.

The cost per player is $140 and coaches can reserve a team spot for an additional $140, followed by individual registrations. For more information, or to register, visit the 3 on 3 Saugeen Shores website.