WDHMA registration open until Oct. 7

Posted on September 19, 2024 by admin

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Registration to participate in the Warner and District Minor Hockey Association (WDMHA) is open until October 7.

“Warner and District Minor Hockey exists to allow kids and families a convenient, comfortable place to learn and play hockey in our local area,” said Bob Wills, President of WDHMA. “It was brought to our area with a goal in mind…to offer hockey with less travel, less time commitment and less cost all while still making it a fun and worthwhile experience for everyone involved. Warner’s ‘Learn to Play’ program is a low commitment, low-cost introduction into the sport of hockey, and is a stress-free transition from skating lessons to hockey.”

The goal of Hockey Alberta’s Recreational Hockey Model, and its different streams (Pond Hockey), Wills says, is to ensure families have access to affordable, fun, and safe opportunities to participate in youth hockey with a moderate to low time and financial commitment.

Wills says that WDMHA was incorporated on September 29, 1981, and offered kids from all over Southern Alberta and Northern Montana the “Minor Hockey” experience up until the 2019/2020 season. After that season, Wills says, Hockey Alberta deemed the association unviable and revoked the Association’s standing as a Minor Hockey Association.

 “It is important to note that although Hockey Alberta no longer recognizes us as a ‘Minor Hockey Association’, WDMHA is still a viable association in good standing with the Government of Alberta and governed under the Societies Act,” said Wills. “Due to the fact that we cannot offer ‘Minor Hockey’ we are now exploring other avenues to once again offer kids in our area an opportunity to learn and play the game. This season, we are offering Learn-to-Play, Pond Hockey, and Recreational Hockey.” 

For decades prior to that, Wills says, WDMHA rolled out competitive hockey teams in all age categories from U7 to U18. 

“We were known as the ‘South County Sabres’ and the hockey rink in Warner was full every day of the week. Our teams played in the “Spud League”, which focused on playing other local teams along the Highway 3 corridor and south-Cardston, Magrath, Raymond, Warner, Foremost, Bow Island, Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, Fort Macleod, Picture Butte, Lethbridge, Taber Vauxhall, Brocket, and Kainai- just to name a few,” said Wills. 

WDMHA, Wills says, also had great success at both the “Zone 5” and Provincial levels. 

“That success would not have been possible without the help from the surrounding communities,” said Wills. “Response was always great, we always had lots of help whether it was coaching or administration, people worked together, and it showed.”

In the past, Wills says, WDMHA participated in a “showcase” style game in conjunction with the Warner Learn-to-Skate and hopes to do something similar this season along with more games and hopefully even a tournament.

“So far, we have had a great response to our programs,” said Wills. “Our registration numbers are trending upwards, and we are watching kids develop and learn right in front of our eyes. Community support has been unmatched as well with standing room only for every game we played last year and many parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. even enjoyed spending their time watching practices!”

Wills says that the Annual General Meeting is on September 26, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Warner Civic Centre.

Those interested in registering to participate, Wills says, can visit: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkdI2j7xz3Tn7_YnwuCTwvX7RsZKTem-3pf8lJ6iCmd_3nIw/viewform.   

Wills says that the Learn To Play fee is $150 while the 2024/2025 season Registration Fee is $250.

“The stream of hockey we offer has no defined boundaries and/or rules surrounding residency,” said Wills. “Any family with kids of any age from any town are encouraged to register and volunteer! Any time you can be active in a community and help each other out it benefits health and wellness. On top of that, we are working towards something that keeps our kids active and healthy. We strive to instill teamwork and sportsmanship skills and promote and provide leadership opportunities within all of our players. This helps develop us as a community and develop our children at the same time. We believe that WDMHA has a good impact on the community. Not only are we teaching our children, but we are keeping them active and putting our hockey arena and civic center to good use. The atmosphere is extremely positive at the rink and often locals will stop in for a cup of coffee and to catch a game or practice!”

For more information about the WDMHA, Wills says, people can visit the WDMHA Facepage, email warner.dmha@gmail.com or contact the President, Bob Wills at 403-647-6103.