Hockey program for less fortunate returns after two-year break

After a two-year hiatus, the Brandon Blades hockey program is once again up and running.

The non-profit initiative — open to kids aged six to 14 who aren’t already playing organized hockey — offers recreational hockey for a fee of $210. The program is set to return to the Sportsplex on Monday, Oct. 27, and run through mid-March, with sessions held weekly on Mondays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The program is divided into four age groups: six to seven, eight to nine, 10 to 11, and 12 to 14, with each group receiving one hour of ice time.

The program’s highly anticipated return comes after a two-year pause due to a breakdown of the Sportsplex ice plant, which had around $6.3 million in upgrade and repair costs. Now, with the Blades set to return, organizers Lloyd and Sharon Small couldn’t be more excited to welcome players again.

“It’s very rewarding,” said Lloyd on Monday. “You’re doing something for the community, and people are very appreciative of it … the effort is worth it in the end.”

The Smalls first began the program in 1994, when their four children were all active at the rink — one in organized youth hockey, another in figure skating, and the other two wanting to play hockey as well. With a packed family schedule, Sharon called the Sportsplex and asked about renting a single hour of ice time each week.

The plan was simple: Bring together a few friends and let the kids play. But that one hour quickly turned into two, then four.

“Our intention was to do it for two or three years until we sort of had a better handle on our time for our family, but then it just blossomed,” said Sharon.

Now, more than 30 years later, the Smalls — both 72 — have opened the door to hockey for roughly 2,500 local kids who might not have had the chance to play otherwise.

“We just try and make it special for them. It is rewarding when you see children excited about being able to participate in something that might have been unaffordable,” Sharon said. “People really enjoy it, and it’s just great to see the kids get that opportunity to play.”

So far, 48 kids have signed up for this upcoming season: 10 in the six to seven age group, 13 in eight to nine, 14 in 10 to 11, and 11 in the 12 to 14 group. Typically, the program sees between 100 and 125 participants per year, with about 25 to 30 kids in each age group.

To make the program financially sustainable, Sharon said they’ll need to hit at least 100 registrations. If that doesn’t happen, they may be forced to cut one of the one-hour sessions this season — but she’s confident they’ll get there.

The Smalls have promoted the Blades program on Facebook, but most of the interest has come through word of mouth. Sharon said that anyone interested in enrolling their child in the Brandon Blades program can contact her and Lloyd at (204) 726-5024 to set up registration.

The Smalls have some extra equipment available, thanks to donations over the years, but encourage parents to apply to KidSport Canada if their child is missing any gear, as full equipment is required to participate. In addition, the couple is also looking for more parent volunteers to help out on the ice.

Over the years, Lloyd has led the on-ice portion of the program, helping younger kids with their skating before transitioning into scrimmages. But after four back-to-back sessions each Monday, the long evenings have become more physically demanding.

At 72, he’s hoping someone will step up and eventually take over the on-ice duties.

“It’s always great to see people coming back to help out,” said Lloyd. “Hopefully we’ll find somebody that will want to get involved to the point where they’ll take over the skating because we’re still quite capable of doing the organizing.”

Despite the long hours and the challenges that come with running a volunteer program, the Smalls said the experience continues to be deeply fulfilling, not just for them, but for the kids who take part year after year.

“It’s been a lot of fun. Sometimes it’s a little hectic, but it’s been very worthwhile,” Sharon said. “The kids just seem to really enjoy it, and they feel a part of something. I think a lot of them feel like they have accomplished something when they’ve completed a season.”

» mdelucataronno@brandonsun.com