The Outdoor Hockey League (OHL) is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. From its humble beginnings in a Regina classroom to a league which is now spread across Saskatchewan, the OHL allows all youth the opportunity to play hockey by removing the financial barriers. This is the last story in the series highlighting volunteers, former players, and the media over the past 20 years.   

Chip Nixon was a 21-year old University of Regina Cougars hockey player, studying human justice and living out at Pilot Butte. He needed a job and his friend Chris, who was an accountant at the Ranch, suggested that he apply at Ranch Ehrlo. Nixon knew he loved to work with youth; his mom was a teacher and he was the youngest of five children, so he considered himself qualified to work at Ranch Ehrlo and he applied.

Nixon worked at Ranch Ehrlo for about six years and during his employment, the OHL came to fruition. He remembers having a discussion with Russ Matthews and Tracey Arseneau about an inner-city basketball program in Harlem prior to the creation of the OHL.

“I think that has a little bit a weight to the history of the outdoor hockey league -   in Rusty’s decision with the whole potlatch theme and bringing equipment - though Tracey or Rusty might object,” said Nixon.

After his Ranch career, Nixon went out to Vancouver and worked with kids there for a few years. He moved back to Regina for a short time and then went over to London, England where he worked with kids for two years. Nixon always knew he would return to Regina and that volunteering with the OHL would be in the cards.

Overall, Nixon estimates he has been volunteering with the OHL for 17 years. For Nixon, it has been a labour of love. He always volunteers at the Grassick location, except one year when he volunteered at Glen Elm to help get that location up and running.

“Besides that I remains faithfully and forever at Grassick,” stated Nixon. “Third and Garnet all the way!”

Nixon explained that Grassick is the most populous OHL zone, with 30-40 kids attending each time. For him, it is the neediest of all the locations considering it is located in North Central Regina. He has tried to get parents involved, helping out with the league with little success. He feels it is important for them to get involved and still hopes they will.

Recently, a friend of his moved into the area and took an interest in the Grassick OHL and now runs it. This has allowed Nixon time to step back and attend to his two adopted children from Ethiopia - the next chapter of his life as he refers to it.

“Hockey has been my life,” stated Nixon. “Being a hockey guy made my involvement as a volunteer with the OHL was a natural fit.”

“Every Thursday, even if there wasn’t the OHL, I’d be going out to the Grassick rink or another rink anyway to play hockey. I am still involved in the game of hockey in an adult recreational league and I am very passionate about the game.”

Sometimes, Nixon has to perform his duty as social worker when he sees signs of abuse or neglect in kids, or when kids disclose sensitive information to him. That is the reality of volunteering in this area in the league. He also pointed out that groups of youth tend to hang out around the rink and he will encourage them to participate. If they are up to no good, he asks them to leave.

“Being a Community Youth Worker with the Corrections Department at the Paul Dojack Centre for 13 years, I know about the gangs and the issues facing youth in the Grassick area,” explained Nixon.

Nixon believes that being involved in the OHL helps keeps youth out of trouble - at least from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursdays nights.

“They are out having fun, learning some discipline and team work,” explained Nixon. “Grassick is located in North Central, which can be a tough area affected by poverty, gangs, drugs, and violence.”

Nixon noted that on the night that hockey is happening at Grassick it is festive. Generations of families attend to show their support. The OHL is not just giving kids hockey sticks and equipment – it is about giving them hope.

 “The OHL is a lifeline out of poverty, it shows another side of life, and it provides positive role models for the youth involved. It is more than just a hockey league – it is a way of life,” said Nixon.

We are now accepting registrations for the 2012-2013 season. Click here

2012-13 Regina OHL locations, dates, and times: Click here