Young hockey players enjoyed some ice time while getting pointers from the Lloydminster Bobcats. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert
Some of the Lloydminster Bobcat’s smallest fans got a unique opportunity to spend time with their favourite players recently.
The Bobcat’s two-week camp was underway at the Centennial Civic Centre between Aug. 14 and 24, with a range of activities both on and off the ice.
Bobcats head coach Brad Rihela and assistant coach Jeff Woywitka said their energy during the camp was mainly focused on on-ice activities, but there was a wide range of important learning opportunities offered off the ice as well.
“It’s a really impressive camp in terms of just all the different activities that were planned—I mean, they had some police come through with the canine unit and patrol cars and that was a cool experience for the kids,” said Rihela.
“They had Rolling Greens do some golf stuff with the players. We had a dentist come through and just speak to the players about dental health. So there’s a lot of things away from the rink that were really cool for the kids.”
The on-ice portion was obviously an exciting part of the camp for the young players, as many of them have been off the ice since their season ended.
“On ice, we just tried to progress through a number of different skills throughout the week and most importantly make it fun, but make sure that the players are working hard and getting better and getting something out of each ice time.”
Bobcats defenseman Ryan Redekopp says he enjoyed the time he and his teammates spent with their young fans.
“It was good. Helping out with the kids and giving them a chance to skate out with the Bobcats is always fun right, so it’s kind of a dream to come skate with us—you watch us play throughout the year and always kind of wanna get out there with us and that’s a good time too,” said Redekopp, adding that the kids did a really good job of listening to their coaches on and off the ice.
“Hockey is fun. Every time you step out on the ice it should bring a smile to your face. They liked the British bulldog (game)—skating around with us,” said Redekopp.
“When we tag them they switch sides and then they have to tag us too and try to catch us so—they were loving it when they got to catch us!”
The young players aren’t the only ones who gained something from the camp though, Rihela said it’s also a great chance for the Bobcats to learn and grow.
“It’s a good opportunity, not only for our players to invest in the community, but just to be a part of it and give back and understand a lot of these players and their families are the people that pay money to come and watch you play during the season,” said Rihela.
“It’s a good opportunity for them to give back too—great life experience, working with the little guys and girls and hopefully help them get to that next level in their game … they got to see things through the coaching lens and I think that’s pretty cool for them.”
