There was hockey action this summer at the Millbrook arena despite the lack of ice. Guye Vondette of Peterborough took the plunge and started a Peterborough Minor Ball Hockey league. The program ran for 12 weeks this summer on Wednesday evenings at the Millbrook Arena, leaving summer weekends free for members to spend with their families.
The league was certified by the Ontario Ball Hockey Association (OBHA) and sixty players registered for this first season forming 4 teams. Games consisted of two 16 minute stop-time periods with qualified certified referees & league convenor observing every game. Between shifts, the arena had music playing and all action was called over the PA system. Tangible encouragement for players came with a “Sports Award” certificate with a $15 or $20 coupon from two local Peterborough restaurants after every game to the players of the game, and at the end of the season, every player had earned an award.
Players required CSA approved hockey helmet with full facial protection and approved hockey gloves, soccer-style shin guards, and hockey stick. Soft elbow pads, soft knee pads and athletic supporter are recommended.
After the regular 12 week season, the players enjoyed a banquet and awards event on July 5th, but for some players, the season wasn’t quite over. Vondette put together a Tyke team to participate in the provincial tournament the week of July 7th in Belleville, and the team came home with the “B” Championship trophy, beating their opponent Penatang 1-0 in the finals, topping off a great inaugural season.
Next year, Vondette hopes to double or triple the registration in this league in order to operate with at least four teams in the tyke, novice, atom, peewee divisions. For more information about this league, visit the OBHA website at www.wearehockey.com to find the Youth League information. KG
