BARRHEAD - Sport is more than about competition. It is also about fun.
That is what Barrhead Fun Hockey is all about: fostering fun and fair play and giving youth from five to 17 years old who might not necessarily have the opportunity to participate in the sport because of costs.
FunTeam Alberta, Fun Hockey's parent organization, was founded in 1991 by Dr. Randy Gregg, a defenceman who played for the University of Alberta Golden Bears and spent nine seasons with Edmonton Oilers, helping them win five Stanely Cups, before ending his NHL playing career with the Vancouver Canucks. In addition, Gregg had stints of professional hockey in Japan, as well as with the Canadian National Team.
Typically, the Barrhead Fun Hockey program has between 90 and 110 players.
Barrhead Fun Hockey president Stacy Irwin and vice-president Darryl VanDasslaar, who took over from longtime organizers Shawn and Penny Stephani, said this season they have 140.
"We are a volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible, community-based sports opportunities for children and their families," Irwin said. "Our club focuses on offering a less competitive, low-cost environment where young athletes can develop their skills keeping with FunTeam Alberta principles and values and the fun in hockey."
VanDasslaar said the season started in October, but games and tournaments didn't begin until November.
He said Fun Hockey teams usually have one weekly practice on Tuesday evenings and play games on Saturday in Barrhead or nearby communities within an hour's drive, such as Fort Assiniboine or Linaria, which the Neerlandia Fun Hockey uses as a home base.
"We encourage our players to have a love of team sport and enjoy working and playing with their peers. We focus on developing their individual skills, as well as their skills within their team," Irwin added.
She said that to help keep registration costs down (this year, Fun Hockey's registration fee was $225), the organization relies on the help of volunteer coaches and referees.
"We have many coaches and board members who have dedicated years of service. We also have a few new faces each season," Irwin said. "We encourage all families to participate where they can, including some older players, and even referee little player games. This leadership and engagement brings the whole league together."
She added every year, Barrhead Fun Hockey ends its season with a fun event. This season, they will attend an Oil Kings Western Hockey League game when they play Prince Albert on March 15.
Although Irwin said there is close to a month left in the season, organizers are already planning for next year.
Registration for the 2025-26 Fun Hockey season will start Aug. 1.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
