Just how quickly interest in hockey has been rejuvenated in Mînî Thnî was illustrated during a hockey camp that attracted more than 220 youth last week.
Now, at least nine Mînî Thnî hockey teams are lacing up for their first games in the 30th Alberta Native Hockey Provincials, which begin today in Edmonton.
The hockey camp, led by Steve Parsons of Edgeboss Hockey, was presented by the Chiniki Group of Companies along with the Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations and several sponsors.
The players were divided into nine groups over three days, providing training for those from U7 through to U18.
Chiniki Chief Aaron Young says the camp was planned well in advance, in consultation with his council, and was timed to give the players a boost heading into provincials.
"We thought it was fitting to coordinate a session like this to promote and assist our youth, so we had young kids from U7 right up to U18 participating."
Goodstoney First Nation Chief Clifford Wesley was regularly at rinkside. He had nothing but praise for the camp.
"It's amazing what Chiniki Chief Young and his CEO, Ryan Robb, have organized. They were spearheading it, and we helped support it to get the kids ready for provincials."
Chiniki councillor Darius Chiniquay, who played a major role in organizing the camp, says they've been receiving plenty of positive feedback and will consider organizing another one in the future.
"We haven't had minor hockey in the community for multiple years, and this year was our first year of minor hockey," says Chiniquay.
They started with a house league for U7s and U11s, and with the interest shown, you can't help but believe it will grow even larger next season.
"A hockey camp like this—I think it will be an inspiration to the kids, something for them to do," says Chiniquay. "Having guys like Wacey Rabbit, Steve Parsons and Keaton Ellerby helps inspire the kids."
He says Cochrane Minor Hockey, which now uses Mînî Thnî extensively, partnered in kickstarting the program.
Parsons led the camp, which included guest instructors Wacey Rabbit and former NHLers Keaton Ellerby and Rob Skrlac.
"There were probably 220 kids all said and done," says Parsons. "Pretty much every team and age group from Mînî Thnî was invited out. There have been over 30 kids on the ice a couple of times, which is a lot to coach at once, but we're making it work."
He had plenty of help, including Ellerby, who played a few games with the New Jersey Devils and now lives in Canmore.
He was impressed with what he saw.
"We came out here to share a couple of stories with the kids and tell them about hard work and its value. For a small town to have this kind of support for its children is just remarkable to see. The hockey season is over in most places in Alberta, but today it's still happening here, and the kids are learning new skills. That's thanks to Steve Parsons and all the sponsors."
Clarence Wesley, who coaches a U11 team that is at provincials, was helping with the camp.
"Some of the players didn't know how to at first, but they've improved, and I'm proud of them. I'm pretty sure this camp is helping a lot of the kids. They have to keep on practising to get to where they want to be."
He's already looking forward to next season and is certain they will be a tougher team.
TJ Chiniquay plays for the U18 Eagles in Canmore and first played at the Mînî Thnî Arena.
"It's amazing having these guys here helping out the little ones with hockey. My dad introduced me to hockey when I was four years old at this arena, so it's just amazing being here today helping."
Mark Lile, of Badger Daylight, which has a contract in Stoney Nakoda and is one of the sponsors of the camp, couldn't resists the opportunity to lend a hand at the camp.
"It's been pretty cool," he says. "Lots of different ages and there's lots of girls playing hockey, which is great to see."
