Teams from the Shawville District Minor Hockey Association (SDMHA) kicked off their seasons on Saturday at the Shawville arena in front of a packed home crowd.
The rink was buzzing with Pontiac pride as 12 Lions teams ranging from U7 to U18 laced up against opponents from across the Outaouais. Results were mixed, as Lions teams took home four victories and six losses throughout the day.
SDMHA president Collin Hines said in his three years as president, registration numbers have gone up from around 150 players to around 230. This year, he said the club has seen a jump of about 25 players again.
“I think the demographic has changed a little bit – more people moving from the cities into smaller towns,” he said, adding that the organization has expanded by three teams this season.
He said a new initiative from Hockey Quebec meant to shrink roster sizes means his association has four teams at the U11 level this year, which gives kids more ice time and touches on the puck.
Saturday’s home opener also featured other activities, from a BBQ run by Lions volunteers, to a visit from the Ottawa Senators’ Street Team, to a vendor market upstairs in the Lions hall.
Hines said this year’s event, the second year in a row the association has hosted an all-day home opener for all of its teams in Shawville, was a resourding success.
“It went really well last year. It was a great fundraiser for us, and it’s just about bringing the kids out and having a good time. Hockey is not just about what happens on the ice, it’s about the community,” he said.
While the Shawville ice took slightly longer this year to be ready than in previous years, Hines said the association is grateful to have ice to skate on.
“We have ice to play on – what more can we ask for?” he said, adding that as the future of the Shawville arena is uncertain, what is important to minor hockey is not having a break in service.
“A break in service would be detrimental to us,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to an exciting minor hockey season.
“We’re just happy that it’s rolling now and hope everybody has a great season and enjoys themselves.”
