Gone Wild!

Gone Wild!

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Elk Island Wild Minor Hockey Association, (EIMHA) hosted a free community hockey day at the Lamont arena on Dec. 30.

Around 140 people participated in the fun-filled event that featured shinny, open skate and pizza party for everyone to enjoy.

EIMHA Grants Coordinator Ashley Strumelak was thrilled with the turnout, saying, “The response has been fantastic!”

Teammates Maggie Noonan and Mary Sobkow.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo

Joanne Calder and her son Jaxon.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo

Player Wyatt Klita.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo

She, along with fellow members of the Executive, are excited about the community hockey day they’ll be hosting in nearby Bruderheim on Jan. 8.

EIMHA was created in 2022 when Lamont Minor Hockey and Bruderheim Minor Sports Association amalgamated. The Elk Island Wild has approximately 80 players currently who range in age between four and 18 years of age and play in the Northern Alberta Interlock hockey league. The youngest age group, Tykes focuses on developing skating skills and prepares the players for the U7 level. Currently, there are two U7 teams, one U9 team, one U11 team and one U15 team.

Community hockey day participants.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Mary Sobkow is one of four players on the U11 team and was hanging around with teammate Maggie Noonan during the event. Both are having a lot of fun playing the sport and said they were happy to take part in the community hockey day as well as supper that was supplied by Gondola’s Steak & Pizza that cooked up 50 pizzas for the hungry crowd.

Kids of all ages enjoying shinny and open skate.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Kids of all ages enjoying shinny and open skate.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Kids of all ages enjoying shinny and open skate.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Kids of all ages enjoying shinny and open skate.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Strumelak said EIMHA used part of the funds it received from the Oilers Community Foundation Grant for the community hockey day. “We applied for $10,000 and received $15,000.” The remainder of the funds have been used to offset ice rental fees, registration fees, equipment and jerseys for the players.

Hosting the event, added Strumelak, “Is a great way to encourage more kids to join minor hockey and give back to the community.”