A new inline hockey league is rolling into Okotoks and area.
The South Central Inline league is set to launch this spring based out of the Piper Arena in Okotoks with the inaugural campaign running from April through to the end of June.
The league is headed up by a five-person board, including Okotoks couple Nick Ruigrok, his wife Jacquie Harris-Ruigrok, their son and pro goalie Josh Ruigrok along with experienced coach Shane Parnell.
The first season will feature skill development and fun shinny games in the U7 and U9 divisions on Tuesday nights with a set up tantamount to what’s typically offered in Timbits hockey with registration numbers dictating what the season as a whole will encompass.
The league is running with support from both Canada Inline and the Alberta Minor Roller Hockey Association (AMHRA).
Sport specific gear, outside of inline skates, is not usually required at the younger levels with ice hockey equipment otherwise more than suitable for the sport.
Akin to a come-try-it event, the league is offering a free Exposure Day on April 7 at the Piper Arena for prospective players to get a chance to take on the sport.
The day will be hosted by the league and the AMRHA and organizers will be on site loaning out inline skates with raffle prizes and Sun Country radio station on location.
Plans are also in place to have the Calgary Outlaws, the pro team in Stampede City, play an exhibition game to showcase the sport at a high level.
The Ruigroks have seen the development opportunities in the sport firsthand with their children representing Team Canada at an international tournament in California and Josh playing in the pro league in Calgary.
Roller hockey has been in the spotlight in Western Canada recently with high-end recent NHL draft picks from the Lower Mainland, the likes of Connor Bedard, Kent Johnson and Andrew Cristall, playing the game during the off-season.
The non-profit league is seeking sponsor support to offset the start-up costs.
Early bird registration is available until March 15 at $265 with the cost at $280 after that date.
For more information on the league, on registration and to register ahead of time for the Exposure Day, contact Jacquie Harris-Ruigrok at 403-796-4913 and [email protected].
