By Robert Serrouya and Kevin Grimm
Revelstoke Minor Hockey Association
After an impressive season where the Atom, Pee Wee, and Bantam divisions won playoff championships, Revelstoke Minor Hockey Association (RMHA) is going through some changes.
The most notable change is a big reduction in registration fees designed to attract more players. At the Pre-Novice and Novice age groups, registration is being reduced from about $500 per year to $150 per year. “This is about building our organization from the bottom up,” says RMHA president, Kevin Grimm. “Our executive has worked hard, brainstorming, planning, then writing grants and re-organizing ice time to reduce barriers to enrollment.” For the Atom, Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget age groups, registration fees are being reduced from $570 to $450 per year. What’s also important – RMHA has applied for more grants designed to support kids that are new to hockey. If awarded, the grant the money will be used to eliminate registration fees for first year minor hockey players.
It’s common knowledge that minor hockey is in decline across the country, and cost is only one of many factors. As part of it’s rebuild to reverse this trend RMHA is restructuring the ice time at the Pre-Novice and Novice levels. There will be one less ice time for Pre-Novice, but it’ll be combined with one Novice ice time per week. Coming in line with Hockey Canada guidelines the emphasis at this level will be the development of fundamental skills. Fundamental skills are the foundation of each player’s success. The reduction in ice time is designed to allow families more time to pursue other interests. Even with smaller numbers, our Pre-Novice and Novice age groups were also very successful due the great coaching these kids received it’s anticipated that most of them will return with a desire to play, make friends and learn new skills.
For September 2015, the age groupings are: Pre-Novice 2009/10, Novice 2007/08, Atom 2005/06, Pee Wee 2003/04, Bantam 2001/02, and Midget 1998-00. Registration will be in June at the Forum, so don’t be late, because we need these numbers to plan for the upcoming season and to declare teams with BC Hockey. Also, the Annual General Meeting is on May 21 at 7 pm at the Forum, so this is the chance to express opinions and volunteer to help the organization. Elections will also be taking place. RMHA encourages all members to come out with positive ideas to try and help.
RMHA would like to sincerely thank all volunteers and sponsors, including Columbia Basin Trust and the City of Revelstoke for their support. Many other sponsors have also helped fund individual teams throughout the year, including the Pee Wees and Bantams that proudly represented Revelstoke at Provincials.
