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. Over the next several weeks we will be highlighting stories from volunteers, former players, and the media over the past 20 years. Please tune in weekly for a little piece of hockey history.

Trent Wotherspoon, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), was studying education and working at Ranch Ehrlo as a Youth Care Worker when he became involved with the OHL.

“I immediately found this league to be something special and began to volunteer, whether I was working at Ranch Ehrlo or on my own time,” recalled Wotherspoon.

Wotherspoon became a coach, a volunteer, and a supporter and he has been able to carry that forward through his career as an educator and MLA. He began volunteering with the OHL (Rosemont location) in the early 2000’s making it about 10 years now that he has been involved.

He reminisced about the genesis of the OHL, from its beginnings in the Rosemont School classroom of Russ Matthews as the Dress-A-Champion program, to the seven locations it now operates.

“I was really inspired by how Russ Matthew’s classroom and then the community came together to provide an opportunity for kids to participate in hockey,” said Wotherspoon. “Hockey is something that is often not accessible by way of cost, by the organization it requires from families to get the kids everywhere they need to be, the limited family support, and a whole other host of issues.”

Wotherspoon pointed out that many people focus on the cost of equipment or registration as the main barrier preventing kids from participating in hockey. However, he points out that another barrier is the commitment required from caregivers who have to transport their kids to and from every game. This requires time, money, and reliable transportation. These are not always accessible to families.

According to Wotherspoon, reducing barriers, enabling access to recreations, arts, and culture is a way to build healthier, stronger youth and communities. In his view, the OHL achieves this.

“The OHL needs to be commended – all of its volunteers and staff - for its tremendous contribution to a healthier, stronger Regina and province.”

He explained that the Rosemont ice shack is always filled with support, care, and kinship; it really provided a safe environment that allowed young people to come out and play hockey, some of them for the first time.

 “In some of my first experiences with the OHL on cold nights, it was just amazing to see everyone come together in a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment.”

Wotherspoon notes that the greatest change he has seen in the OHL since his involvement is the growth and diversity in its members.

“This is really special because we are at a time when we see great waves of immigration to our province and city. We see many families choosing to better their lives here in our city and province. We see this in the rink as well.”

He has noticed that there are many new kids to the league who are not only experiencing hockey for the first time, but also snow, ice, and skating.

“It is wonderful to share in their experiences. It is all about sportsmanship and learning how to play hockey and have fun.”

Wotherspoon explained that the reason he continues to volunteer with the OHL is because of his pure enjoyment of the game of hockey. It is Canada’s national game. He also sees value in the OHL and what it does for the community and he believes in its cause.

Wotherspoon notes that volunteering for the OHL is such a tremendous opportunity. He has had a range of volunteers that he has encouraged to volunteer for the OHL.

“I’ve volunteered as a Ranch employee, an educator, and now an MLA. The volunteers who have come out have ranged from recent graduates, professionals, parents/guardians, and former members of the OHL who want to come back and pay it forward. That’s what makes this league so special: it’s about empowering the community.”

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

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