Dist. 69 Recreation and Parks is officially launching its adaptive hockey program Oct. 17.
The program, for males and females aged 15 and up who have cognitive or physical challenges, runs out of Oceanside Place every Thursday from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. through to Nov. 28.
Back in early May arena manager Valerie McNutt brought in the Nanaimo Eagles “as an example of what a successful adaptive hockey program looks like, and now we’re just trying to build on the interest shown then.”
“I think it’s a really good program,” she said. “I think it’s just a matter of making sure people are aware that it’s there.”
The focus of the program said Eagles’ team manager and co-coach Carla Pilton (her daughter Lindsay is the head coach), “is on fun and developing skills required to play the game of hockey.”
Carla and LIndsay started the Nanaimo program three years ago.
Pre-registration is required as is full gear, with some gear available to borrow if needed.
“We’re hoping to development a team in Oceanside so we just need participants,” said Carla, adding that “if people can’t make those time slots, we’d still like them to come forward with their interest and we can talk about adjusting the times.”
For more information call Oceanside Arena (250-248-3252) or coach Carla in Nanaimo at 250-752-3848.