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Hockey organizers embody spirit of the game

For a number of years now I have been playing senior hockey with a group known as the Canoe Cubs.

For a number of years now I have been playing senior hockey with a group known as the Canoe Cubs. I had not played a game of hockey since leaving Salmon Arm in my teens, but was welcomed back to the game, by co-organizers Don Hurst, and Dennis Adams.

Now one of the two rinks at the Shaw Centre is called Hucul Pond in memory of Salmon Arm’s own “Mr. Hockey” Bill Hucul. From an early age, I skated and played delightfully adult-free hockey on the real Hucul Pond with the Bernie and Gary Hucul, and enjoyed the support and welcome of Bill and Nancy Hucul.

The work of Don and Dennis to provide an opportunity for older players has been a return, for me, to those joyful days of playing on Hucul Pond.

I want to thank and recognize them and the other players who have joined them for many years, for how they have brought fun and joy back into a game for players who may have slowed down a little since their younger days, but still would like to skate with a group of like minded individuals.

I suggest anyone interested in checking out the work Don, and Dennis, drop by the Shaw center on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday morning around 10 a.m. and check out Cubs Hockey.

As my mother, who has been a SilverBacks junior hockey season ticket holder since year one said, when asked how cubs’ hockey compared to the SilverBacks games, “Well, your game is much easier to follow.”

It is also easier to play. Where does all that speed of youth go?

John Harper