The Stettler Minor Hockey Association held a banquet last weekend to thank its sponsors, members, and executive for the excellent 2013-14 season which saw the association win the season’s Association of the Year award.
“We wanted to recognize everyone who makes this program what it is,” SMHA president Jason Hegberg said. “They play a huge part in the success of the program.”
“We took home probably about four or five league championships and two provincial championships (last season),” Hegberg said. “A lot of the others were at the top of their leagues, too.”
With a new season on deck and about to start, Hegberg knows all the teams are starting from scratch. It’s exciting, but there’s pressure to live up to last year’s standards – something he said he thinks is a possibility due to the strength of the people who support the association.
“We’re going to continue to develop our coaches and our kids,” he said. “We have four girl-only teams, up from three last year. I think we’re doing a heck of a job right now promoting our girls. It’s something we take pride in – we’re proud of them.”
Some girls also play in the regular league on co-ed teams.
The league is currently holding drill sessions, with tryouts coming later this month. Season play begins in October.