The Schomberg Minor Hockey Association has had an incredibly successful year, moving into a new state of the art arena (the Trisan Centre) and being one of the few minor hockey associations in Southern Ontario with increasing enrollment numbers. With new housing developments in the area, highly successful fundraising initiatives, and the introduction of additional skill development clinics focussed on younger skaters, the growing popularity of the Schomberg Minor Hockey program has resulted in significant growth in the Initiation (ages 4-5) and Tyke (age 6) Programs, signalling a bright future for the Association.

Despite this success, Schomberg Minor Hockey has not lost sight of the fact that hockey can be an expensive activity, and has recently taken steps to promote accessibility to the sport of hockey for local children whose families face financial barriers. The Schomberg Minor Hockey Board of Directors, recently approved the creation of a “Special Player Fund”, the purpose of which is to provide local families in need with support and assistance, in those situations where barriers prevent a child from experiencing the fun, friendship and personal growth associated with Canada’s favourite sport.

Now in its 50^th anniversary season, the success of Schomberg Minor Hockey has always rested upon the hard work and generosity of its volunteers, and the creation of the new Special Player Fund helps to continue SMHA’s proud tradition of charity work and giving back to the community.

The Schomberg Novice Rep Red Wings recently helped to further this important cause by holding a charity Skate-a-Thon during one of their practices, which saw the players skate as many laps of the new rink as they could in a one hour period, in exchange for sponsorships from friends and family. Many of the Novice Rep players completed well over 100 laps in the course of their efforts, resulting in lots of sweaty brows and rubbery legs. However, their charitable efforts paid off, with the Novice Rep Red Wings raising over $1500, which will be used to help less fortunate children in their community participate in minor hockey.