It’s going to be an exciting, colourful evening at the arena on Thursday, as the Manitouwadge Minor Hockey Association and fans celebrate their local hockey players with a rockin’ pep rally.
The fun starts at 5:15 p.m. when the canteen opens, serving up yummy treats to hungry customers. Chili, hot dogs, burgers, and ‘Walking Tacos” are on the menu, along with the usual fare of candy, chips, and hot and cold drinks.
Then, at 6:15, the party will really get started. A colourful music and light show will ramp up the excitement as over 50 hockey players take to the ice where they’ll be individually introduced with their name and number, and get a chance to show off their skating and slap-shot skills. Some of the players, ranging in age from three to 18 years old, will then play a series of short, three-on-three games against their peers. The budding superstars under the age of nine will play first, followed by the under 11s, under 13s and finishing off the games will be the ‘seasoned’ luminaries of the rink, the under 18s.
There is no charge to come and cheer on your favourite players, but for $5, you can purchase a chance to win big in the popular ‘Chuck a puck’ contest which will take place before the games begin.
The Manitouwadge Minor Hockey Association is a volunteer organization; the board of directors, the coaches, and the parents all play a part in the evening’s event. The proceeds from the contest and canteen sales go to the club to help pay for fees, equipment, and travel expenses.
Katie Law, the outgoing director of community services, approved a grant to the club this week, which will come in the form of a reduction in ice rental fees, from $54.09 to $50.12 an hour, a total of $750.
So, come join in on the fun celebrating Manitouwadge’s hockey stars!.
