PLAMONDON - In March, Plamondon will play host to its first provincial minor hockey event in recent history.
The U-15 Tier 1 — Non-Body-Contact Provincials will take over the hamlet from March 23-26.
Excitement in the community has been growing, says U15 Plamondon Cougars team manager and co-chair of the Provincials committee Kim Gauthier.
“The vibe is definitely here,” said, feeling the growing anticipation and support making the community even more of a “hockey town.”
“We love our hockey teams in Plamodnon, like many small towns, and we are now seeing even more people coming out to our game,” she said, explaining that the U15 Cougars are entering league playoff mode right now — gearing up to be the host team for the eight best U15 Tier 1 squads in the province’s no-body-contact division. As the host community, the Cougars are automatically in the championships — joining the Boyle Blazers to represent the zone — but the Cougars’ league play had them at the top of the Tier 4 U15 North Eastern Alberta Hockey League all season. The Cougars wrapped up their regular season play in second spot of the North East Alberta Hockey League. And they have a solid booster club.
“We have such great support from our community and our committee, and our kids and parents are amazing,” she said. “We’ve been fortunate as a team and with the organizing committee because everyone is community and youth sports-based.”
So, with all that amazing support, planning must be a cinch, right?
“Don’t get me wrong,” said Gauthier with a laugh, “ there’s lots to do. Right now, one of our biggest pushes is sponsorship.”
Community support and financial support will go a long way to “planning the best provincial event we can,” she said.
Big Provincial weekend
That community support won’t come from only the Plamondon community, but also the regional hockey community, as the same weekend will also see the Lac La Biche playing host to eight additional teams in U-13 Tier 3 provincial championships.
“We are trying to come together so there is lots of stuff for people coming to our communities to see and do,” she said, explaining that the Plamondon weekend will have a multi-cultural theme.
Gauthier says the weekend will be a busy one for local hotels and restaurants … and local event organizers.
Anyone looking to volunteer or sponsor, can contact the Cougars through the Plamondon Minor Hockey Association social media.