There are so many options out there for kids when it comes to sports, but during the winter here in Moose Jaw, hockey remains the sport of choice.

As we celebrate Minor Hockey Week here in the Friendly City this week, the Moose Jaw Minor Hockey Association continues to post strong numbers in registration with the number of players signed up this year staying consistent with what has been seen over the past few years.

“This year were looking at about 690 total registrations and out of those 690, 70 of them are female,” said Elmer Wiebe, president of Moose Jaw Minor Hockey.  “That goes right from initiation, which is four, five and six-year-olds all the way up to midget-aged players, which are 15, 16 and 17.

“We're basically right on target where we were last year, maybe a few down from last year, but not drastic numbers.”

The growth of minor hockey doesn't come without it's challenges.  The atmosphere in rinks is something that the local organization is always on the lookout for, hoping to ensure a fair and fun place for kids to play hockey.

They took a step towards helping make that possible this year by implementing a “Parent Respect In Sport” course that all minor hockey parents were required to take before the season started.

“Our parents and members were great and we had that finished and completed early in the season,” said Wiebe.  “I think we're getting there, it's coming along.

“As far as abuse, unfortunately we still see it out there,” added Wiebe.  “Being at the rink you see the odd case where somebody is yelling something that they shouldn't yell, but I think that's the exception to the rule and our parent groups are respecting the officials more.”

Minor hockey is about teaching young players, and officials, the game of hockey and allowing them to learn and develop.  Wiebe said that's the thing that parents and coaches need to remember.

“These young children are in it to learn and they have to start somewhere,” he stated.  “They've just got to take a step back and remember that these are 11, 12 or 13-year-old kids out there reffing and maybe I should take it easy on them.”

There's games happening every night around the city and that means there are plenty of volunteers needed to make things happen every night, and every season.  Wiebe says there wouldn't be a Moose Jaw Minor Hockey without the volunteers.

“Moose Jaw Minor Hockey is run entirely by volunteers, that starts at the board of directors level – which includes our coordinators for each division – the coaches of the teams, managers of the team, the time keepers, it's just totally run by volunteers,” said Wiebe.  “I take my hat off to all the people that step up and get involved.”

Click here for more on Moose Jaw Minor Hockey and see the full list of upcoming games.