The fifth annual Timbits all-star game was yet another display of the skills learned and excitement that has been built over the course of the past hockey season.
Two teams made up of St. Paul’s youngest hockey players suited up and took to the ice at the Clancy Richard Arena on Feb. 26. Although the game featured some impressive scoring, fast skating, and a few wipeouts, the overall goal of the event, and the Timbits hockey program, is to simply have fun.
“It’s a program that helps develop basic hockey skills at a very young age, keeping the main goal as being fun,” says St. Paul Minor Hockey Association Timbits program coordinator John Zappitelli.
With two kids in St. Paul Minor hockey, and one more who can’t wait to be like her big brother and sister, Zappitelli has experienced the Timbits All-star game in the past, and says this year’s edition was another great event.
“It’s always an event the initiation and Timbit kids look forward to playing in,” says Zappitelli. “This is a night where we show case our graduating Timbit kids that are moving up to the novice level and also to showcase our graduating midget players.”
The stands on Friday were filled with parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends cheering on the mini hockey players. At both ends of the rink, were two volunteer goalies from the St. Paul Midget hockey team. A small group of midget hockey players helped the game run smoothly on the ice too.
Caydence Bohn was one of the graduating Timbit players this year. She decided to join hockey after going to last year’s Timbit all-star game, proving that not only does the event benefit current players, but it also helps recruit more kids to the program.
“After I watched the all-star game, I asked my mom and dad if I could play hockey, and they said yes,” says Caydence.
Although she admits she was nervous before the big event on Friday, Caydence says the nervous feeling went away once she got on the ice.
Caydence clearly enjoyed her first season of minor hockey, and already has plans to return to the rink next season.
“When I first started hockey I scored a hat trick and a lot of goals, so I just liked hockey,” she says, adding, “I like my team lots.”
Right after the game wrapped up, the Timbit players were asked to stay on the ice, where they were each presented with some goodies, including a medal. The graduating Timbit players also each received their novice jersey for next year.
“The most important part to this program are the volunteers and parents that dedicate their time to help these kids play one of the Canada’s greatest sports,” says Zappitelli. “I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
Having been involved with the Timbit program for three seasons now, Zappitelli says he’s always happy to hear parent feedback as the season wraps up.
“It’s always nice to hear what the parents and coaches have to say about the program, and it’s usually the same thing every year – they can’t believe how much the kids improve throughout the hockey season.”
Friday also offered St. Paul Minor hockey a chance to thank some of its biggest sponsors. A special thank you is offered to Nicole Leroux, the event coordinator who plans the Timbits all-star game on an annual basis.
This year’s graduating midget players include: #3 Logan Hellquist; #14 Nathan Skyrpan; and #15 Levi Labant.
