LLOYDMINSTER – With the help of the Hockey Alberta Foundation, the U15 AA Lloydminster Richardson’s Jewellery Steelers and Apex Automation Lakeland College Rustlers helped kids from their area get involved in the sport of hockey.
The two teams travelled to Lloydminster’s E.S. Laird Middle School in celebration of Female Hockey Day and spent the afternoon lacing up the skates with Grade 7-9 students, a first for many of the more than 50 students involved. Funding for the event came from Hockey Alberta’s Every Kid Every Community (EKEC) program, supported by the Hockey Alberta Foundation.
The learn-to-skate event was held at E.S. Laird’s outdoor rink. The Rustler and Steeler players provided tips and advice to the students on some of the key elements in hockey, including skating, puck control and shooting.
“It was an exciting afternoon of growing the game between two female teams in Lloydminster,” said Ryan Sklapsky, Director of Hockey Operations for Lakeland College Women’s hockey team. “There were some students who had never skated before which was a unique experience.”
Sklapsky added that the opportunity for the athletes to share the experience with students who come from different parts of the world, some who haven’t experienced winter before let alone hockey, was one that the two teams will cherish.
“Some students are experiencing their first winter in Canada so to introduce them to a staple that is part of Canadian culture was an exciting opportunity for both teams to take part in,” said Sklapsky.
