ST. PAUL - St. Paul Minor Hockey hosted its annual Timbits Future All-Star game on Feb. 24, welcoming young hockey players to the ice - some for their very first game ever at the Clancy Richard Arena.
Team Red took on Team White, and while the score was not kept throughout the game, there was plenty of fun and action to be had, along with some goals being scored. The event was a milestone for some families and players, as a handful of this year's graduating U18 players were participants in the first ever Future All-Star game, held a dozen years ago.
The event acts as a true family affair, which was especially evident this year. Among the graduating U18 hockey players was Dalton Howse - a member of the first Timbit All-Star game and current captain of the U18-2 Canadiens - and skating among the youngest hockey players on Friday night was his little brother, Derek Howse. Acting as referee for the night was another Howse sibling, Wade.
While the stars of the day were clearly the youngest of the hockey players, the U18 graduating players also spent the evening on the ice, helping the game move along. They also had their own fans in the stands.
During a mid-way intermission, St. Paul Minor Hockey President Bryce Balmer acknowledged the graduating players' commitment to the sport. He presented each of the players with $500 scholarships, redeemable if they choose to pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarships that have been handed out are made possible thanks to a grant from Hockey Alberta and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation. Funds are also used to help purchase equipment and ensure families have access to the sport of hockey.
A few emotional parents stood nearby as they watched they children who are now nearly young adults - wrap up their minor hockey careers in St. Paul.
Graduating U18 players include: Brayden Rivard, Ryan Hannin, Dalton Howse, Alayna Hladunewich, Brady Scrannage, and Darryl Whiskeyjack.