It might be patio season in Winkler, with the sun high and the forecast calling for 27°, but for local families, now is the time to start thinking about skates, jerseys, and early morning practices. Winkler Minor Hockey registration is officially open, and while the process is now fully online, the experience it opens the door to is still as personal and powerful as ever.
“You can register through our website,” says Ryan Friesen, President of Winkler Minor Hockey. “It’s all online now, and the earlier the better because it really helps us get organized for the season ahead.”
For Ryan, and countless families in Winkler, minor hockey is not just about schedules and registration forms. It is about childhood memories, character-building experiences, and a community that feels more like family.
“We had a great time. A great year. And years later, one of those players and I were coaching baseball together, our sons on the same team. That’s what makes minor hockey special.” - President of Winkler Minor Hockey Ryan Friesen
More than just goals and wins
For Ryan, his hockey journey began as a player and continued as a coach, even before he had kids of his own.
“I’ve always been really passionate about hockey,” he shares. “The rink’s always been one of my happy places.”
After moving home from university, Friesen was tapped to coach a U18 team. That year turned out to be a turning point not just for the kids on the ice, but for Ryan himself.
“We had a great time. A great year. And years later, one of those players and I were coaching baseball together, our sons on the same team. That’s what makes minor hockey special.”
The lessons learned through sport, including teamwork, resilience, and leadership, have a lasting impact. Ryan reflects, “The same things that made that player successful as a kid, I could see were making him successful as an adult.”
Memories that stick with you for life
The value of minor hockey is not found solely in scoreboards or standings, but in the memories made along the way.
“You know, my kids are young enough that we’re just kind of getting through the U7 ages,” Ryan says. “You see it with families every year. That first time they go to a tournament. First goal they score. Those are the things people really grab on to.”
It is those unforgettable moments, the friendships, and the sense of belonging that turn a season into something much more meaningful.
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Hockey is for everyone
Winkler Minor Hockey is seeing a rise in participation from girls, something Ryan is thrilled about.
“My youngest is a girl, and there’s a big group of girls in her age group who are playing. They love it, the team atmosphere, the friendships.”
Whether it is all-girls teams or co-ed teams, Winkler Minor Hockey encourages every child, regardless of experience or gender, to give hockey a try.
“Hockey is absolutely for everybody,” Ryan emphasizes. “If you’re interested, come out and play. We’ll support you every step of the way.”
Making the game accessible
Through partnerships with organizations like KidSport Manitoba and the Jumpstart Program, Winkler Minor Hockey is working hard to remove barriers to the game. A standout initiative is the Evan Thomas Memorial Fund, which helps local kids play hockey in memory of a young man who loved the game.
“Evan Thomas was part of the Humboldt Broncos. He had family in Winkler. After the tragedy, a 50/50 at a Flyers game kickstarted this fund,” Ryan explains. “Now, thanks to the Winkler Community Foundation, it’s become a long-term grant to help families year after year.”
Families can request support through the registration process, ensuring more kids can make their own memories on the ice, no matter their financial situation.
“It’s an amazing way to remember Evan and share his love for hockey with the next generation,” Ryan says. “Even if you can’t participate in the grant, it’s a beautiful legacy.”
What you need to know
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Where to Register: winklerminorhockey.ca
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Deadline for Early Bird Discount: August 17th, 2025
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Season Start: Evaluation skates begin in early September
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Financial Assistance: Available through KidSport Manitoba, Jumpstart, and the Evan Thomas Memorial Fund
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Ages: Programs available for all age levels, starting at U7
Final word from the bench
As registration opens for another season, Ryan hopes families remember the bigger picture.
“We want kids to grow through the game,” he says. “The confidence, the relationships, the joy—hockey gives kids so much more than just a sport.”
So whether your child is a returning player, a first-timer, or a future goalie just learning to lace up their skates, now is the time to register and become part of something truly special.
“Bring them out,” Ryan says with a smile. “Boy or girl, new or experienced, we’ll make room for them because that’s what hockey is all about.”
Let your child experience more than a game. Let them experience a community, a team, and a season full of unforgettable memories.