Some of the 94 participants in this year’s Kyla’s Kids Club Hockey Program at the Beachburg Arena are (in no particular order or photo), Riley Lasso, Finn McGuire, Rylie Hèmington, Landon Bummer, Micheal Mclllfaterick, Tyler Lavigne, Evan Lavigne, Penny Macintosh, Marlow Rodriguèz, Dick Benjamin, Robinson Kobe, Maggie Renaud, Ryĺeigh Renaud, Presley Rochon, Jax Mackey, Hayden Gray, Paisley Dagg, Xavièr Davidson, Oliver Davidson, Winnie Macintosh, Clair Laderoute, Payton Schweigert, Julia Fleury, Autumn Griffiths, Lucas Davidson, Every VanDyken, Emmett Schweigert, Svea Mariè Gaard, Maddox Renaud, Lennon MacGregor and Jack Bourbon. Coaches and coaches helpers are Dave Alexander, Hugh Martin, Ally Griffiths, Taylor Hanrath, Yves Rochon, Scott Laderoute, Josh Renaud and Fred Thibeau.
by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — Billie Jo Martin is happy a free learn-to-play hockey program continues at the Beachburg Arena under her daughter’s name, Kyla’s Kids Club Hockey Program.
Kyla Simmons died in December 2013 at 23 years old.
“She loved hockey,” recalled her mom. “She was coaching young children. She had a passion for hockey.”
In hopes of keeping her daughter’s memory alive, Ms. Martin, along with husband Hugh, started the program. This year, there are just under 100 youngsters, between the ages of 4 and 12, who have registered, Ms. Martin said.
“This is the biggest year yet for the program,” she noted.
Since the program’s inauguration, many youngsters have gone into a minor hockey program, she said, noting last year eight moved up.
“The program has done what we wanted it to do,” she said, which is to increase the number of youngsters who are entering minor hockey.
The number of youngsters registering for minor hockey has been decreasing over the years, and this was a program that could be used to develop minor hockey. She noted that minor hockey is “costly” and parents need to know their children will enjoy the game before spending a lot of money, not only on registration, but the equipment.
“It’s amazing to watch the kids,” she said. “Some have never skated before and now they’re playing hockey.”
The skaters are divided into smaller groups, such as those aged four to six and nine to 12.
They learn not only to skate, but some of the basic hockey skills, such as handling a stick and shooting the puck, she said.
“The kids love it,” Ms. Martin said, adding with a laugh, “Sometimes they don’t want to get off the ice when it’s time to go.”
They meet Monday and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and again Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. She noted not all of the participants attend each of the scheduled times.
The club is sponsored by donations, the Ottawa District Minor Hockey Association (with used hockey equipment), fundraising and a community grant from Whitewater Region township.
