Klippers hockey school propels local kids

By Jordan Parker

The Kindersley Klippers may be a competitive force on the ice, but they also give back with their storied hockey school.

Head Coach Ken Plaquin and team members of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team put kids first for a week every year, even during COVID-19.

“Last year, we ran one at the beginning of the pandemic, and it went quite well. This was before masks and before we knew the seriousness of it all,” said Coach Plaquin.

“This year, knock on wood; we’re doing one at the tail end. We don’t have to wear masks, and all the players and coaching staff are fully vaccinated. We want things to run as normal and allow these kids to have fun, get back on the ice and forget for a while.”

The Klippers Hockey School runs from August 23 to 26 this year and will feature Ironhorse Kindersley Klippers Hockey Skills and Drills. It’s open to those aged five to 16.

“This has been a huge thing in Kindersley as far back as I can remember. It’s been a community event that kids in the region know,” he said.

“Even our own players love to come back early before the season and help. This is all part of what we as an organization do.”

He said hockey is an absolutely huge thing in Saskatchewan and always has been.

“Whether it’s boys, girls, four-year-olds or senior men, it’s a huge part of our lives. In most places in Saskatchewan, that’s just the way it is,” said Plaquin, who played his junior career in Humboldt.

“People just get so excited to be on the ice. In small-town Saskatchewan, you spend your summer farming, and you spend your winter playing hockey.”

Seeing the kids get so excited to be playing and watching their sheer joy is always great for Plaquin and the Klippers players involved.

“It’s just so nice being in the rink, and I enjoy the school. With five-and-six-year-olds, it’s refreshing, raw and amazing. They might just be starting out, and it’s incredible to see how much fun they have,” he said.

The benefits of the camp are both for those who register and for the coaches and players who spend time on the ice with them.

“It’s one of the biggest things we do as an organization and one of my favourite things as a coach. It’s also great for our Junior A players to give back and remember where they came from,” he said.

“To be there, and see kids put skates on for the first or second time is important. We see kids start their hockey dreams and enjoy their time on the ice. This is a part of our culture, and we enjoy giving back.”

There are still spots available in the upcoming camp, and for more information, visit https://www.klippershockey.com/hockey-school.

Photos courtesy Kindersley Klippers