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The Vermilion Voice | January 13, 2026

MINOR HOCKEY

VERMILION

2025-2026

Photos Nicholas David Photography

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Why Minor Hockey Matters In Rural Alberta

Sonya Lee

and distances between families are wide. larly bring families, friends, and neighbours rural communities, where social opportuniFor many small towns, the local rink, pond, together. Parents volunteer as coaches, ties may be fewer and close community ties In rural Alberta, minor hockey plays a or arena is more than a facility. It is a gath- managers, and drivers. Grandparents are essential. Minor hockey creates routine, role that reaches far beyond recreation. It is ering place where the community comes fill the stands, and local businesses step purpose, and a shared identity, helping woven into the fabric of community life, offer- together, especially during long winters, to forward to sponsor teams. These shared towns remain connected and engaged. ing connection, structure, and opportunity support its youth and one another. experiences build a strong sense of belongFor young people, participation in minor in places where resources can be limited, Minor hockey games and practices regu- ing and pride that is especially important in hockey offers lessons that extend well beyond the ice. Children learn responsibility by showing up on time and committing to their team. They learn teamwork by working toward common goals and supporting one another through both success and We Support disappointment. They develop resilience by facing challenges, setbacks, and competiDEBORAH A. TOVELL PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION tion in a healthy environment. In rural areas, CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL where access to a wide range of extracurACCOUNTANT ricular activities may be limited, organized SUITE 14, 5125-50 AVE, sports often provide one of the most consisVERMILION, AB tent and positive outlets for personal growth. 780-853-2801 www.accountingvermilionab.ca Continued on page 11 Reporter

TRIBUTE TO

MINOR

HOCKEY

Minor Hockey

We Are Proud To Support Minor Hockey

MARTIN PLUMBING & HEATING LTD.

MINOR HOCKEY

Teaching Teamwork, Discipline, Character, Hard work, and Fun

4916-50 AVE., VERMILION, AB. 780-853-5853 5118 Railway Avenue Vermilion, AB 780-853-5002

4512 45 Street, Vermilion, AB (780) 853-6426 www.fixauto.com/vermilion

WE CELEBRATE

MINOR HOCKEY WEEK! SNELGROVE CONSTRUCTION LTD. 3206 47 AVE, VERMILION, AB PH: 780-581-8814

The Vermilion Voice | January 13, 2026

MINOR HOCKEY

VERMILION

2025-2026

Photos Nicholas David Photography

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Continued from page 10 The physical benefits of minor hockey are well known, but its impact on mental and emotional well-being is just as significant. Regular physical activity supports healthy development and helps establish lifelong habits. Just as importantly, being part of a team builds confidence, reduces feelings of isolation, and fosters strong social connections. For rural youth who may experience geographic isolation or limited peer interaction outside of school, sports can offer a sense of belonging and stability that is difficult to replace. Minor hockey also plays an important role in keeping young people engaged in positive activities. Practices, games, and tournaments give youth something to look forward to and work toward. This structure helps reduce the risk of disengagement and encourages discipline, accountability, and goal setting. Even for those who do not continue sports into

We Celebrate your sportsmanship and athleticism during Minor Hockey Week

780-875-8851 www.exhaustmasters.ca

adulthood, the skills and values learned through participation often carry forward into education, careers, and community involvement. Hockey holds a particularly strong place in Alberta’s rural identity, representing tradition, shared history, and community pride. Many families see multiple generations pass through the same minor hockey programs, creating lasting connections to both their towns and one another. These traditions help preserve the character of rural communities and reinforce the importance of supporting local youth. Despite their value, minor hockey programs in rural Alberta face growing challenges, including rising costs, limited funding, and a heavy reliance on volunteers. Continued support from families, local organizations, businesses, and governments is essential to ensure these programs remain accessible and

sustainable. Investing in youth sports is ultimately an investment in the longterm health, strength, and future of rural communities. Minor hockey helps shape confident, capable young people while strengthening the communities that support them. In rural Alberta, its importance cannot be overstated. These programs bring people together, build resilience, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the game itself.

Thank you Minor Hockey, for being a part of what makes our Community resilient and vibrant.

~Village Council and Staff

WE SUPPORT

MINOR HOCKEY

SUPPORTING MINORinHOCKEY WEEK Vermilion. horizonagturf.com Vermilion 780.853.5361

4819 - 40th St., Vermilion, AB (780) 853-2734

The Vermilion Voice | January 13, 2026

MINOR HOCKEY

VERMILION POND HOCKEY

2025-2026

Play Hard Dream Big

WORK HARD AND HAVE FUN!

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MINOR HOCKEY WEEK

SKATES, GOALS AND DREAMS

WHERE FRIENDSHIPS GROW AND LEGENDS ARE BORN!

MINOR HOCKEY

Minor Hockey Week ignites young stars.

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WEEK

To win the game is great To play the game is great To love the game is greatest of all. — Bob O’Connor Office: 780-853-3699 Kevin Cell: 780-674-1568 Linda Cell: 780-779-7958

4501-46 Avenue Vermilion, Alberta, Canada T9X 1J2

The Vermilion Voice | January 13, 2026

MINOR HOCKEY

MANNVILLE

2025-2026 U7

Back Row from left, Abbi Warrilow, Rayna Anderson, Grace Anderson, Katie Obrigewitch, Vann Tremblay. Middle Row: Boe Gutsch, Berk Roland, Bodi Jackson, Daxtyn Ireland, Sawyer Hinton, Rylee Konieczny. Front Row: Kayce Lyster, Matthew Konieczny Jack Peden, Frankie Hill, Brooks Jackson, Toby FowlerOz Roland. Coaches: Reid Roland, Kyle Peden, Dana Hill. Manager: Erin Hinton.

Back Row from left, Asst coach James Hill, Blair Anderson, and Head coach Rod Boe. 3rd Row asst coach: Casey Jackson, Coy Arnold, Matthew Obrigewitch, Easton Boe, Paisley Konieczny, and manager Melissa Bielesch. 2nd Row: Rhett Hill, Westin Warrilow, Nate Tremblay, Bentley Jackson, Hank Anderson, and manager Julie Warrilow. Front Row: Blake Peden, Ella McLaughlin, Nyx Bielesch, Ben Christensen, and Lane Hayworth.

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Back Row from left, Mike Fundytus, Jaxon Larson, Bobby Myhovich, Laramie Arnold, Beckem Gryschuck, and David Coombs. Second Row: Joel Christensen, Ashton Maddex, Max Fundytus, Maysen Gilbert, Gunnar Cannan, Bobbi Bouchier, and Greg Konieczny. Front Row: Wesley Coombs, Benji Bouchier, Zander Bouchier, Raylan Dafoe-Clarke, Paisley Konieczny, and Miller Christensen.

U18

Back Row from left, Emerson Gryschuk, Thomas Gilbert, Jarrett Poliakiwski and Samuel Saskiw. Middle Row: Scott Roland (coach) Meyer Lorenson, Trigg Myshaniuk, Carson Sales, Lucas Baker, Kiefer McLaughlin, and Reid Roland (coach). Front Row from left, Kash Rowe, Hunter Boe,Trace Hinton, Tristan Gryschuk, Lincoln Baker, and Brad McLaughlin.

MINOR HOCKEY

MARWAYNE-DEWBERRY

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Photos Nicholas David Photography

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The Vermilion Voice | January 13, 2026

MINOR HOCKEY

KITSCOTY

2025-2026

Photos Nicholas David Photography

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