Hub Staff

Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey Association is raising funds for four new nets to be used in their newly regulated half ice program and will be on the lookout for empties this weekend. With year end baseball tournaments hosted by Lakeshore Recreation happening this weekend, beer tents at both the Lakeview and Cameron diamonds will be donating their empties for the cause.

Beer stores in both Port Elgin and Southampton will also have envelopes devoted to the fundraising efforts. Anyone wishing to donate their empties can request to make a donation to SSMHA.

SSMHA Director of Sponsorship and Fundraising Nicole Foster said that if donations surpass the hockey association's cost for new nets it will help pay off new boards to separate the ends. She said that the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) recently put forth new rules for players 7 years of age and under to no longer play full ice surfaces. "Statistics have shown kids in their early years of hockey playing on half ice develops their stick handling skills and skating movements. As our Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey Association grows every year we want to offer the best programs to our children,” she said.

In an email to Saugeen Shores Hub, Tyke and IP Coordinator for SSMHA Jami Smith said the change to half ice was a big one for OMHA and that there are definite benefits for the young players. "There are overwhelming statistics that support this change, however there are significant expenses associated with the changes, namely the purchase of interior boards and appropriately sized nets," said Smith.

"We are delighted with the overwhelming support from the community members and businesses alike. The SSMHA is a volunteer run organization and is working diligently to implement these changes and support the development of minor hockey players in our community," she added.

The OMHA website stresses the importance of understanding and appreciating the benefits of age-appropriate programming, something they call "scaling the playing environment," for Initiation, Tyke and Novice divisions.

A quote from OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor on the OMHA website states that station-based practices, small area games, lightweight blue pucks and age-appropriate ice size ensures players are engaged and have the right start in their hockey experience, going on to say "Scaling the game to match the age group allows young players the opportunity for more puck-touches which promotes greater opportunity for skill-development in puck-handling, shooting, skating, coordination and decision-making.”