LAC LA BICHE - Over 50 kids participated in a three-day hockey camp that was a huge hit among the U7 to U17 young athletes who took part, last week in Lac La Biche County.
A group of 10 professionals, collegiate hockey players and coaches from Bellz Edge Elite Hockey Camp hosted the event from July 26-28 at the Bold Center.
“It was a really good three days. The kids had a lot of fun, the parents are happy and Bellz Edge did an exceptional job with our kids.” said Andrea Ulliac, organizer and volunteer.
The elite camp style experience allowed the group to not only hit the ice and play the game, but also learn skills that included goaltending, nutrition and in-classroom theory lessons for athletes from the ages of four to 17 for the first time in the community.
“We had about 53 kids sign up so I think for our first year that was a great number. I think this is definitely something that our community wanted, needed and they received it. It exceeded my expectations,” said Ulliac.
“It’s really nice to have an event like this in our hometown,” without having to travel to other communities, she added.
Wrapping up the weekend, there was one prize the group of 53 had to look forward to. During each camp, a few athletes that excelled were awarded their names on a Stanley Cup replica.
“They give the Stanley Cup out to one kid in each of the groups and their names will go on the cup with the location they participated alongside a special sweater,” explained Ulliac. The honour was awarded to Lane Higgins in the U7-U9 division and Cooper Okrianec in the U11-U17 group.
“I have had many parents already asking about next year…we are looking forward to seeing what we can plan again annually,” said Ulliac.
