Vegreville plays host to Hockey Alberta try out Camp

Vegreville plays host to Hockey Alberta try out Camp

Michelle Pinon NewsAdvertiser

There was a steady stream of hockey players going in and out the doors of the Wally Fedun Arena this past weekend as Vegreville played host to Hockey Alberta’s regional try out camp.

More than 160 young male hopefuls between the ages of 12 and 13 donned special jerseys to test their skills during clinics and games between Friday, Dec. 6th and Sunday, Dec. 8th. Team Alberta Manager Michael Kraichy said it was one of four regional camps being held at this time.

The hockey players were put through their paces during the clinics and games that were played throughout the weekend.

(Michelle Pinon/photos)

“Vegreville has a longstanding relationship with Hockey Alberta,” stated Kraichy. Because of that connection, and solid record of hosting previous successful events, he said the town was chosen to provide the venue for the north regional camp.

Volunteers also assisted with various aspects of the clinic including registration that was a hot bed of activity Friday afternoon. Each participant was on the ice for two skill sessions and two games during the camp. Kraichy said the camp is a great experience for the players as they get to play with other players throughout the region, as well as an excellent opportunity to learn new skills from the coaching staff.

Mike van der Torre, parks and recreation facilities manager for the Town of Vegreville, said he and his staff began preparing for the camp back in May to ensure things ran smoothly and the ice was in tip top shape for the event. He also made sure two staff members were at the rink at all times to assist players, coaches, and all of Hockey Alberta’s staff. Altogether, he estimates there were 600 plus people who came in and out the arena doors throughout the event.

Van der Torre’s 12-year-old son Ryder who plays goalie for the Vegreville Wranglers Pee Wee Hockey team was very happy with the number of saves he made during the early morning game he played on Saturday. Riley Warawa, who is also a goalie on the team, described the experience as cool and enjoyed all of the new drills he did during the goalie session and meeting other players from around the region. Miller Komarniski, Cooper McNiven, and Owen Stembuerger also participated in the three day camp.

Dad Malcolm McNiven said the camp was “pretty“amazing” and offered “great coaching” for the youth who learned more about puck handling in a very fast paced environment. McNiven said his son loved every minute of the camp, and really enjoyed playing with other kids. Dad Ryan Warawa said it was a real eye-opening experience, and that he saw some “exceptional” talent on the ice. Although there were several Triple A hockey players at the camp, Warawa said the local players were able to “hold their own” and “fit right in” with the other players. He added that it was a bonus to be able to play in their home rink and that the players will definitely share their new found knowledge and skills back with their other teammates.

Warawa’s son Riley commented: “We did a lot of neat drills that I liked.” He also enjoyed meeting new players.

Early next week two teams of 20 players will be selected to compete in the Alberta Winter Games that will be held in the City of Airdrie from Feb. 14-17th.