By / Laurence Heinen
Young hockey players from around Calgary will descend upon the Village Square Leisure Centre for an Atom 4-on-4 Hockey Festival on Nov. 8.
The one-day event will provide the nine- and 10-year-old players an opportunity to play in a fun “shinny” style tournament with no emphasis on who wins and who loses.
“This one’s just a fun day for the kids,” said Trevor Morgan, manager of programs for
Hockey Calgary.
Players from different associations around Calgary will split up and placed on random teams.
“We make sure that they’re playing with kids from different associations so they can network, meet other kids and get a chance to play with them,” Morgan said. “It just gives them a chance to play with someone they wouldn’t normally play with.”
The ice surface will be divided into sections to allow for a pair of games to be played simultaneously and each team will play two games.
Calgary Hitmen forward Brandon Kozun, who played his Atom hockey with the Blackfoot Chiefs, said events like the 4-on-4 Festival provide opportunities for young players to have fun.
“When you’re that age, you have to learn how to have fun because that’s where you develop the love for the game and get the passion for it,” Kozun said. “It’s a key thing to enjoy those days because once you get to a higher level, it’s a little bit different.”
For recognition of their participation, the athletes will receive a Hockey Calgary jersey, while coaches will get a copy of the Hockey Canada Skills Manual.
As part of Hockey Calgary’s Development Month, Hockey Calgary will be hosting a number of other events in November including a Novice Play Smart Jamboree on Nov. 1, an Esso Fun Day on Nov. 15, a Peewee Skills Testing Challenge on Nov. 22 and a Chevy Safe and Fun Day on Nov. 29.
For information on these and other programs, visit the Hockey Calgary website at
www.hockeycalgary.com |
