The Shooters 3-on-3 spring hockey league is back and looking for another successful season when the league begins on April 1.
The league has divisions for all ages from kids in minor hockey to adults, and caters to all skill levels from first time skaters to players from the local Junior 'B' Cochrane Generals. Games are played from Monday to Thursday to give the athletes participating a chance to take part in other spring sports such as baseball, soccer or football.
"Shooters 3-on-3 is a spring (hockey) league for local kids to enable them to play with their buddies and people they may not play with due to varying skill levels," said co-organizer Wally Niewchas. "It's designed to have fun, have those kids get some ice turn after hockey is over and try new things."
With so many players of different skill levels, Niewchas said there are many benefits of playing 3-on-3 including honing skills, getting together with friends or just getting back on the ice.
"It kind of has to be broken down into different segments. The first part is the goaltenders ... they're going to see about the same amount of shots in the 18 games they play in 3 on-3 as they do in a full regular season of organized hockey so it's really like a second season for them. It also gives first time goalies a chance to try the position before they get out into Cochrane Minor Hockey and see if they can pursue that angle in hockey," Niewchas said.
"As for players, it gives them a chance to get out there and just love the game again. They don't have to worry about line matches ... no matter what level their skill level is, they're going to get some touches and score some goals. They're going to be able to try different things and most importantly they're going to be able to play with their buddies."
"If you're a Tier 1 kid or a travel team kid and your best friend down the street is a level five kid, you're never going to get to play with him. In this league, you can do a friend request to be part of the same team which works well for the kids as well as the families."
Registration for the league is now open with price of registration going for $399 per player until March 15. After the March 15 deadline, the price will be raised to $475 per player. Those interested can visit www.shooters3on3.ca.
