Proudly Sponsored by Moffatt & Powell RONA
It was a busy year for the Strathroy and District Minor Hockey Association (SDMHA), as the organization was represented by 10 competitive teams in the Shamrock League and 15 teams in the Lambton Middlesex Local League (LMLL). On top of that, SDMHA continued to provide development clinics (for players and goalies at all age groups) and also hosted two successful tournaments – including the Rep and AE Olympics and the John Henry Memorial Tournament.
On the ice, four SDMHA competitive teams won titles in the Shamrock League (the Atom, Peewee, Peewee AE and Midget AE teams), while another four earned finals wins in the LMLL (the Novice Red, Atom White, Bantam Red and Midget Red teams).
Warren Woodiwiss oversees the organization as SDMHA President, a role he has served for the last three years.
“He grew up playing within the organization, and he became involved again because of his children and his love of the sport,” says Heidi Lalich, SDMHA’s Convenor.
The Association relies on local businesses to sponsor teams to help offset costs in order to keep registration fees affordable for all kids who want to play Canada’s game. One of those sponsors is RONA Moffatt & Powell, who have been supporting teams in the SDMHA for many years.
“They have always been involved and committed to supporting youth sports,” said Lalich. “And we’re very lucky in Strathroy to have that ongoing support. It’s what makes living in a small town so great.”
And what’s on tap for next year? It will be as busy as ever (and maybe even more so). The Association will be implementing Half-Ice Hockey at the Tyke level, which is a Hockey Canada guideline to promote more puck time and an emphasis on skill development.
Meanwhile, there are three tournaments already on the schedule for 2018-19, including the John Henry Memorial Tournament for Local League teams (Oct. 26-28, 2018), the Strathroy Rep & AE Olympics tournament (Nov. 8-11, 2018), and the Strathroy Jr. Rockets Jamboree – Tyke, Initiation Program (Feb. 15-16, 2019).
Contributions by Heidi Lalich and photo by Luis Photography
