RED DEER - The response was overwhelming, with nearly 60 minor hockey associations across Alberta applying to receive ice dividers to help operate Hockey Alberta’s Initiation Program within their organizations.
And Pembina Pipeline Corporation has responded by ensuring that every eligible applicant has a set of divider boards in place for the 2016-17 season.
The Initiation Program encourages associations to have dividers in place to split the ice into smaller sections, thereby providing an emphasis on skill development and safety for players six years and under.
Pembina Pipeline and Hockey Alberta originally partnered on a special grant program that would see Pembina fund approximately 30 sets of divider boards for the upcoming season. However, Pembina agreed to double the grant, thereby ensuring none of this year’s applicants are left out.
“We all know that when we sign our kids up for hockey, we’re doing it to provide them with an opportunity to be a part of a team, learn some new skills, and get some exercise, all in a safe and fun environment. We also know that many families and communities have been hit hard by the economic downturn and that having to purchase temporary boards or foam rink dividers in addition to annual fees would be an additional financial burden. This is a real opportunity for Pembina to get involved, as it hits so many of our core values,” said Don Carter, Pembina’s Athabasca District Manager.
The goal of the grant program is to remove the financial burden for Minor Hockey Associations who require these divider boards.
“We were very pleased with the overwhelming response from our associations, as it shows the importance of offering the Initiation Program for their youngest players,” said Mike Klass, Senior Manager, Business Operations, for Hockey Alberta. “Then, we were ecstatic when Pembina agreed to enhance the grant program, thereby ensuring every eligible applicant would receive divider boards.”
Associations receiving support for divider boards to help operate the Initiation Program are: Airdrie, Blackfalds, Bonnyville, Bowden, Camrose, Castor, Clairmont, Claresholm, Coaldale, Crossfield, Delburne, Drayton Valley, Eckville, Edmonton, Edson, Foothills, Fort Macleod, Fort McMurray, Fort Saskatchewan, Girls Hockey Calgary, Grande Prairie, Hanna, Innisfail, Kneehill, Lac La Biche, Lake Bonavista, Leduc, Lethbridge, Manning, Medicine Hat, Midnapore, Millet, New Sarepta, Pembina, Picture Butte, Red Deer, Redwater, Rocky Mountain House, Rycroft, Sherwood Park, Southwest, Spruce View, St. Paul, Sturgeon, Sylvan Lake, Vegreville, Vulcan, Wabamun, and Winfield.
The dividers are scheduled to be delivered in October.
About the Grant Program:
The grant was available to associations using the Initiation Guidelines in the 2016-17 season. Associations could apply for a full set of foam rink dividers (valued at approximately $3,000) or for funding towards the cost of a set of puck board rink dividers (valued at approximately $6,000).
For more information:
