One of the most anticipated times of the year for kids in Regina is when the snow flies and the ice rinks open.

Ehrlo Sport Venture gears up to present the Outdoor Hockey League (OHL) each winter to provide inner-city youth with the opportunity to play free, organized hockey.

There are no registration fees and no hefty equipments costs. Everything is provided free of charge to ensure that children don’t miss out on sporting opportunities due to poverty or other barriers that limit access to organized sports.

Last year the OHL operated in nine different rinks throughout the city, and had more than 300 children play its league.

The staff of Ehrlo Sport Venture work hard to prep, plan, and logistically schedule each season. While the league runs December until March, the work isn’t over for staff and volunteers until much later in the spring. About 2,000 pieces of equipment are borrowed and used over the season – which means 2,000 pieces must be returned, sorted, washed, and packed away for the next year.

It’s a tedious task that takes about three months to complete, but it’s one that needs to be done.

There are hundreds of helmets and dozens of smelly skates but the smiles, experiences, and laugher that the OHL brings is worth every single minute of the hard work.

Below is just a small view into the league. (video created by former Sport Venture employee Kelsey Bugera)