The Outdoor Hockey League is in its final month, set to wrap up March 12th and 13th with a season-ending tournament in Pilot Butte. In spite of warmer than usual weather, the league was well attended with over 400 players this season.

This year saw the OHL grow its unique relationship with the Regina Pats. Last year, the Pats invited OHL players to play during intermission at one of their games and hosted an equipment drive for the league. This year, they stepped it up a notch and Pats players attended several OHL practices.

“Our kids were over the moon to be able to practice with such high-calibre talent,” said Amanda McConnell, manager of Sport Venture. “They really look to the Pats players as role models so having them come out to our practices was a huge deal for our youth.”

Three of the OHL’s nine teams also got an opportunity to skate at intermission at the Pats’ Feb. 6th home game. The equipment drive initiative has been carried over as well, with the Pats dedicating March 6th as the night to encourage all fans to bring out their gently used equipment for donation to the OHL’s Dress A Champion program.

Donations


Sport Venture is grateful to be able to provide opportunities for youth who may not otherwise be able to participate in organized sports. We recognize that our success wouldn’t be possible without the community partnerships formed each year. Standout assistance to the OHL this year included:

  • a $25,000 grant from the Community Initiatives Fund

  • a $12,000 contributions from the CanadianTire JumpStart program to cover equipment costs

  • a $10,000 donation from the Access Children’s Fund to put toward any outstanding OHL-related expenses

  • An equipment donation from The Lace Up Foundation, a subsidiary of the Huddle Up Foundation

  • Victoria’s Tavern ($2,000)

  • Lorne and Evelyn Johnson Foundation ($2,000)

  • George Watson AA Tournament ($1,500)

  • South Saskatchewan Community Foundation ($1,300)

  • ParticipACTION Teen Challenge ($500)

  • Town of Pilot Butte (ice time for tournament)


Video courtesy of the Regina Pats website.