Before a hockey player can succeed, they must master skills and skating techniques.
That's what the Innisfail Eaglettes program teaches its youngsters just starting to learn the game.
“I've been helping out Innisfail minor hockey with their four- and five-year- old children -- boys and girls. They learn how to skate and play hockey in full equipment,” said Bernie Vanderham, head coach for the Eaglettes. “We introduce them to the sport. They're baby eagles.”
The Eaglettes practise once a week on Friday afternoons at the Innisfail Twin Arena. Joining him in his coaching duties are several other volunteer coaches and his son Logan, an assistant coach.
Every year about 40 kids, between the ages of four and five, join the Eaglettes program, he noted.
“We teach them hockey skills and how to stay upright because when we start we are mostly upside down,” Vanderham said with a chuckle.
The Eaglettes' season starts in mid-October and runs through to March, and focuses on basic skills and skating.
“We don't really stress games, but work more on skills so they learn to skate,” he said, noting different levels of athleticism in players. “You got a couple of players that have the puck and eight that are discouraged because they can't get it, but if they're all in a lineup doing a drill they all think they're a star,” he added.
“I don't concentrate much on game play but on skill development. We bring them along and introduce them to the game slowly,” he added.
During the season the Eaglettes strut their stuff during the first period intermission at an Innisfail Eagles game, said Vanderham.
This year it will be at a home game on Jan. 29.
“We've been doing that for a few years, just to show off our skills that we've learned so far,” he said. “It's basically the kids' first game in front of people so they get pretty pumped up for it.”
Vanderham also noted the Eaglettes do the same for a Red Deer Rebels game every year and will hit the ice at the Enmax Centrium for a game on Feb. 13.
Vanderham said the program teaches young children about the ups and downs of playing sports and also helps introduce them to a few life skills.
“They have to be willing to get up and fall down. You get up one more time after you fall down and you did a good job,” he said. “It just teaches them some basic life skills. It teaches them about commitment and perseverance, and out of it we have some fun skating.
“We try to keep it as entertaining as we can, yet it's all about skills,” Vanderham concluded.
Bernie Vanderham
"You got a couple of players that have the puck and eight that are discouraged because they can't get it, but if they're all in a lineup doing a drill they all think they're a star."
