It's another exciting season for the Boissevain Minor Hockey programs, and President Kara Paradis is excited for the 2025/26 hockey year.
The numbers
Heading into 2025/26, Paradis shares the registration numbers, and says there's still time to get kids in for the season. "Registration is still open for a little bit, but we've had a few planning meetings and we're right on track for around 130 kids. That's similar to last year, I'd say, so we're really proud of that. I have to say, I've been on the board for a few years, and when I first started, we were in the low 90's, so in my time, I feel like in my short time, I've seen some growth in the program, so that's exciting."
Getting involved, and staying involved
The numbers being so high speak to kids signing up and also those same kids staying involved, something that Paradis is very proud of. "It's so important," she says with a big smile. "I can't speak enough about that, the fact that they like what we're doing. Including the younger age groups really help, getting those kids out there early. The game has also changed, too. Younger ages play half ice, and that's more engaging for kids at a younger age, so they stay in longer. I think there's a time when you're on that big sheet of ice, it's a long way to go around, so I feel like it's a lot more engaging all around."
Well worth the cost
Hockey has a reputation of being expensive, but Paradis says that when you look at how far the registration fee actually goes, it's quite a good bang for the buck. "I think parents get it, it can be a big cost, but we run our programs from October to March. That's a lot of physical activity kids get for the majority of the winter, so when you break it down, it becomes a great investment for keeping kids active."
The half-ice times also plays a big role in getting more kids on the ice more often. "I've been at rinks where they've run two games at one time," explains Paradis. "In the U7 age group, it works really nice. These kids are not spending time standing on the bench, they're out there moving, there are more puck touches, it's all more engaging, which is really good for their development."
Volunteers going the extra mile
Minor hockey programs don't succeed or even run without the help of some dedicated and passionate volunteers, all of which Paradis says makes Boissevain Minor Hockey happen. "It's so important for people to get involved, whether it's coaching, managing, volunteering to work the gates or clock, we need everybody. We couldn't run without volunteers, so it's critical. A lot of these people are juggling jobs and family, so it's a lot of work, but we don't have a shortage. Everyone rolls up their sleeves and works together, so it's great. I have to shoutout the businesses, we get sponsorships, volunteers, it's just so great. It makes us really proud that Boissevain comes together for these kids."
Tournaments
Any time there are hockey tournaments, it's a big boost for the community, something Paradis is very aware of and hopeful for heading into this season. "Every year, we host eight or nine tournaments, so we're in the planning stages of that. Our tournaments start, I think the first one is in November. I haven't heard if anyone has jumped on the provincial application yet, but we do like host provincials, because it has such a great impact in our community, and there is a buzz in our community when provincials are on."
Special event in February
As of right now, one of the premiere events of the year is taking place in February, with back-to-back days filled with incredible hockey, and Paradis cannot wait. "We're going to have a girls hockey day, where we try and showcase all of our female hockey teams on that day. The following day, we'll have a minor hockey day. There's going to be a lot of special things happening throughout that entire weekend, we really can't wait."
Registration
With there still being a bit of time to register for the upcoming hockey season, Paradis details. "We do have a Facebook page where we communicate with our parents. Emailing BoissevainMinorHockey@gmail.com is also a great way to connect with us and we can help with any questions people may have."