The Quesnel and District Minor Hockey Association held a checking clinic this week (Aug. 26-29) at the West Fraser Centre.
The clinic was attended by first-year bantam players who are planning on trying out for the rep team.
No body checking is allowed in house league hockey, but it is allowed in the rep league, so the clinic allowed kids to get a handle on hitting before the new season starts.
“We wanted them to feel a bit safer, show them the safe areas and how to protect themselves,” team manager Chris Jensen said Wednesday.
Jensen said they had a good turnout for the drills, which consisted of angling, body positioning and body checking.
The clinic was organized by new head coach Shelby Ballendine, and Quesnel Kangaroos captain Waylon L’Heureux also came out to help lead some of the drills.
“A few of the kids, the first day, they were terrified,” Jensen said. “You could see in their face they were real nervous, but once they realized it’s not that bad and they’re just as strong as some of the other kids, they’ve actually excelled at it now and they’re having fun.”
Tryouts for the rep team start next week, on Sept. 3 for peewee and bantam players, and on Sept. 4 for atom and midget players. Contact the association at qdmha@shaw.ca for more information.
READ MORE: Quesnel checking clinic helps kids get used to contact
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