by BOB GRYLLS
Whitewater Reporter
WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — The well-known Ottawa Senator Alumni Chris Phillips, participated in the final skate of the Little Senators hockey program December 9th at the Beachburg Arena. He not only attended to give the little skaters some hockey tips, but to meet their parents as well.
The Little Senators hockey program is a Muskrat Minor Hockey Association partnership with the NHL/Senators Hockey Club. Thirty-two children, ages 4 to 8 years of age who have never played minor hockey before, get an introduction to hockey through this program. For $100, they received full equipment and eight hours of ice time with MMHA coaches at the Beachburg Arena.
Neil Nicholson co-ordinated the program on behalf of the MMHA. The co-ordinator of the Senators Club is Chelsea Lafranchise.
Senator Alumni Phillips was on the ice for the final Little Sens ice-time. He took time with each skater, especially the younger group, emphasizing puck and skating skills around a pylon as one exercise. He then demonstrated a crossover: the right leg crossed over the left while skating and maintaining balance. Some of the youngsters caught on in their first attempt.
Afterwards all the trainers, Chris and the kids met inside for another group photo where Tom Lammi presented certificates to each participant.
Laura Anderson, mother of Little Sen Clayton, said, “We loved the program but wished it was longer.”
Clayton plans on joining the Muskrats on the ice next year.
Just prior to the Little Sens, the Kyla’s Kids Program teams were on the ice.
These kids get three hours of free ice-time during the hockey season, all paid through sponsors and fundraising. This is the fourth year for Kyla’s Kids Program, attracting 70 to 80 skaters from all over Renfrew County. Huey Martin, Supervisor of Arenas and Parks for Whitewater Region, said, “Of the kids in the program each year, 25 to 30 go on to play house league in MMHA.”
Ashley Griffiths, co-ordinator for the club, used the example of her own daughter starting out. At three-and-a-half years old and never on skates, Autumn was doing circles in just two weeks. After a few seasons she is prepared to advance into Muskrat House League.
