The Stettler Recreation Centre was a hustle of activity as the East Central Hockey School (ECHS) hosted the town’s first hockey camp of the season, from Aug.17 to Aug. 21.
With four teams – Crosby (six to eight), Ovechkin (eight to 10), Stamkos (9-11), Doan (12-14) – categorized according to age groups, it was a week-long event as kids had a full day, starting from 8 in the morning to 7 in the evening.
Although it was a hockey camp, young players were given a lacrosse introduction, participated in team-building exercises, had time allotted to swim, and even played soccer.
“We wanted to put on a good camp for kids to develop their skills and have a good time, have fun but also wanted to teach these kids some life skills, respect, responsibility,” said Jason Hegberg, head-on-ice instructor and part owner of ECHS. “I mean all this stuff is in play here, it’s not just about hockey.”
With 140 kids participating in the camp, Hegberg thinks the camp was a success in its fifth year running.
“They seemed to all want to come back next year, and keep coming back, so I think we are doing a good job,” he said.