ST. PAUL - After a one-year hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Timbits All-Star Game was back at the Clancy Richard Arena on Friday.
The night included two 20-minute periods of action, with plenty of goals scored and smiles on the ice. The event sees St. Paul Minor Hockey's youngest group of players - those in the U7 level - show off the skills they've been learning over the past few months.
In net for Team White and Team Red were two graduating U18 players.
And while the night offered the opportunity for St. Paul's youngest hockey players to shine, the spotlight was also on five hockey players who have spent a number of years wearing the St. Paul Canadiens logo.
While the U7 hockey players took a break to enjoy hot chocolate and Timbits during the intermission, St. Paul Minor Hockey President Bryce Balmer spoke about a new initiative that is being offered through the association, thanks to funds received from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, along with Hockey Alberta.
St. Paul Minor Hockey received $17,000 from the grant program "to assist with areas in our program, including equipment, development programs, player attraction and retention... We decided to initiate a scholarship program that is designed to give back to graduating midget (U18) players that played in our association and are now moving onto their life after high school and minor hockey," explained Balmer.
The funds are meant to help with post-secondary expenses or other training that is required to get out in the workforce.
This year, the selection was kept simple. Minor hockey decided to award each of the five graduating U18 hockey players with a scholarship. For future years, a selection committee made up of board members, coaches, teammates, and others will choose recipients based on criteria that will focus on academics, volunteer time, "as well as effort, attitude and commitment both on and off the ice."
This year's recipients include: Evan Songer, Julian Renauld, Damian Langevin-Whitford, Nicholas Siewiertoka, and Emma Ostpovich.
Balmer affirmed that the scholarship program would not be possible without the support of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation and Hockey Alberta.
After a second 20-minute period, again filled with scoring, cheers, and some impressive puck handling, the U7 hockey players gathered on the ice to accept medals and St. Paul Canadiens toques, along with jerseys for the U7 players who are moving up to the U9 level next season.
To wrap up the night, RCMP Cpl. Bobby Burgess - dressed in red serge - presented the hockey players with a mini Stanley Cup.
