While young hockey players are gearing up for another exciting season, the Ponoka Minor Hockey Association (PMHA) is seeing some strong activity from its board of directors.
Newly elected president Julie Feragen said in an interview both parents and board members alike are working hard to see this year’s plans come together.
“I have a really good group underneath me that really, really work to help me out daily,” stated Feragen. “We have daily conversations.”
Tryouts begin Sept. 14 or 15 and Feragen says those eager to know dates should check out the PMHA website: www.ponokaminorhockey.ca for more information. The association will be more active on their website, inputting key dates and important information for its members, she added.
On the coaching side, Feragen says Dwayne Rausch will once again coach the Bantam boys’ Stampeders team; Rausch led them to a Bantam C provincial win in Rimbey at the end of the season. Ryan Koehli will coach the Midget A Wolves again this season and the board is reviewing the rest of the coaching applications. Feragen says many parents have stepped up and applied to lead their teams.
“I think we’ll have some good, competitive teams,” she said.
Plans for the year
Besides the college girls’ exhibition game planned for Sept. 13 (see page XXXXX) the PMHA is planning another fundraiser evening similar to last year’s Dueling Pianos evening.
This year the Celtic band, The Boys of St. James Gate, have been hired for a fun night of dancing and music. Feragen says these fundraisers help with the association’s programming and paying for various costs such as new jerseys and ice fees. “Tickets will be available immediately for that.”
Last year the PMHA purchased a new sound barrier between the small and large ice surfaces and bought a new scoreboard as well. The association also planned to pay $2,500 to update the referees’ room but Feragen said Legacy Ford stepped in and paid the full amount. She did say nothing had been planned yet for further improvements in the arena but she says the association is considering what needs to be done.
Registration is nearly complete but Feragen recommends anyone interested to contact the association. Tiering games will begin towards the end of September.