Bow Island Minor Hockey see changes this season; prepare for postseason

By Justin Seward

Commentator/Courier

Another Bow Island Minor Hockey season is going by quickly.
Some teams are preparing for playoffs, while at the younger levels there has been increased game time.
“This season seems to be going by very quickly, when all of sudden we find ourselves in the later part of the regular season,” said Chantel Timmons, minor hockey president.
“Playoffs for league are upon us, and one team eligible to play in provincials playdowns (a joint atom team) starts tonight (Jan. 23). Those provincial games will be played in addition to their regular league playoffs to determine a league winner as well.”
Timmons says there are four teams that were made joint teams this season and been having great seasons.
The atoms is second in tier 4, peewees are fifth in tier 3, bantams are sitting fourth in tier 3 and the midgets are sitting sixth in tier 3.
“With a couple weekends left of regular season play, there is still opportunity to rank higher going into playoff season, she said.
For the peewees, midgets and bantams, those teams will be a part of an Alberta One pilot project for provincial playdowns which will make their league playoff act as their provincial playdowns at the same time.
“This is not ideal for small, grassroots rural hockey minor hockey associations, but we have to play that way as directed by Hockey Canada and implemented by Hockey Alberta,” said Timmons.
Meanwhile, the initiation level have played numerous games throughout the season and strictly as an exhibition game schedule.
Timmons says the new players have been learning and developing their skating skills and creating bonds with their teammates for many years to come.
At the novice level, the players have been playing the mandated half-ice small area games and the coaches have had nothing but positive feedback.
“The team has a great roster of coaches and players that have played together in the league this season, and have also had the ability to share a few players every weekend with the smaller-rostered team out of Foremost to ensure it’s club could ice a team,” said Timmons.
“They are a team that has shown great teamwork and sportsmanship whether they are wearing a Rebels or Flyers jersey.”
Timmons said above all “We are hoping all our teams can make a really good run at their playoff season, and bring some banners home….but whenever their seasons end, we will still proud of them all. They have all learned and grown as players and individuals by being coachable, great teammates and leaders and developing their passion for the game.”
Playoffs begin Feb. 14.