“Does everyone know what crossovers are?” asked Portage College Voyageurs forward Blair Hawes at an Atom “C” Rangers practice last Wednesday night.
As the kids nod, Hawes tells them how to do the next drill with speed and precision. The young players line up on Centennial Arena’s rink, and begin skating and crisscrossing their feet once they get to centre ice.
The rest of the practice continues in the same fashion, with the hockey player giving the kids words of encouragement or tips on how to do the drill better.
“He really is good at working with the kids, and they pick up things from him that really help them out as players,” said Mark Cameron, the team’s coach, who helps Hawes run the Wednesday night practices.
The Voyageurs player has been to every Wednesday practice since the nine and 10-year olds hit the ice for practice, and has helped coach practices once a week, on top of studying Carpentry at the College and playing and practicing for the Voyageurs.
The Voyageurs forward says the best part is seeing the kids progress week by week.
“It’s great to see something ‘click’ inside of them when they learn something and I like helping them become better players,” said the Selkirk, Manitoba-native.
The Voyageurs player was approached by one of his carpentry teachers who has a son on the Atom Rangers team and was asked to help coach. Jumping on the opportunity to help out his new community, the 22-year old began teaching the kids the ins and outs of the sport. And he also has picked up a few fans along the way.
“He is really nice and he lets us do fun stuff like shooting, practicing wrist shots and positioning,” said 10-year old Brailey Martin, who has been to almost every Lac La Biche Voyageurs game this season.
Having played hockey since he could barely stand up on skates, Hawes says he likes to help out kids and make sure they are enjoying themselves.
“I always make sure they’re having fun,” said Hawes.
