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The laces are almost tied, the sticks are almost taped and the 2024-25 hockey season is almost here. There’s a lot of excitement, and many families have already completed registration – which is open – for kids looking forward to playing minor hockey in Steinbach.
Jacqui Plett, now in her sixth year as registrar for Steinbach Minor Hockey, wonders if some of the anticipation is down to the brand-new rink at the Southeast Event Centre, but says registrations are high for this point in the summer nonetheless.
“It’s maybe a little bit of the excitement of the new arena, and the possibility of playing there in the second half of the season,” she says. “I don’t know. But people are chomping at the bit to register for hockey this year. It’s different. I’ve never seen it like this.”
Both Plett and SMH president Jeff Penner explain that registration numbers haven’t been as high as expected in recent years, and as a result the organization is emphasizing the many benefits that come with playing organized sports, as well as an initiative designed to make minor hockey more accessible for families.
“Many of the things I learned in hockey I’ve taken with me into everyday life, whether that be work ethic or how I treat people,” says Penner. “I think there’s so much value in it – value that surpasses the monetary side of things, which is why we’re trying to kind of limit that financial hurdle.”
With the support of numerous community sponsors, Steinbach Minor Hockey is facilitating a raffle that will help families fundraise their child’s registration cost. The goal is to provide opportunities to families who may have considered minor hockey in the past but were shut out by the financial commitment.
“We want to help families pay for those registration costs,” says Plett. “With this raffle, families can sell raffle tickets to fundraise the full amount. We’re hoping to grow the game in Steinbach, and it would be nice to get some new registrations by helping make it more affordable.”
At present, registration rates are set at $360 for U7, $710 for U9, $740 for U11 and $875 for older age categories. Steinbach Minor Hockey is also halving the fee for goalies, who typically need pricier equipment.
“Hockey is not necessarily the least expensive sport out there,” Penner concedes. “There are a lot of costs, and they can be a barrier at times for families who want to get their kids involved.”
But, he adds, the benefits help make the investment worthwhile.
“I’d really encourage families to step out there and give it a try. It will give your child an opportunity to feel part of a team and to grow both as a hockey player and as an individual,” he says.
Penner, who played professionally before concussions cut short his career, knows personally just how important participation in sports can be.
“Hockey has helped me realize that I can go through just about anything, and that there’s hope around the corner,” he says. “We want to open doors for more and more families, and different types of families, to join.”
Plett concurs, emphasizing the opportunities to make new friends and benefit from the positive influence of good coaches.
“It’s more than just a game,” she says. “I just think you can benefit from it so much.”
Raffle tickets are $20/ticket and can be purchased from participating Steinbach Minor Hockey players as well as at Supersplash and Smitty's in Steinbach. The early bird draw for 2 centre ice section P1 Winnipeg Jets tickets takes place on September 26th, with the grand prize draw for $5000 cash as well as other prizes is on November 8th.
Registration for Steinbach Minor Hockey is currently open but will close on September 7. Registration can be completed online, and families have the option to split the fee into multiple payments. The Steinbach Minor Hockey office can be reached by calling (204) 371-2298, and further information about the organization is available on its website.