St. Ignace Hockey Season Opens; Firehawks Begin 2nd Year

Hockey in St. Ignace this season began with mite initiation practice at Little Bear East Arena and Community Center Monday, October 8. The St. Ignace Hockey Association is fielding six youth hockey teams this year and offering free local participation at its mite and mite initiation levels.

Children ages eight and younger who are interested in playing hockey can register with the hockey association at no charge, although they will be required to pay USA Hockey fees. The Hockey Association is working to cover costs through sponsorships and fundraisers.

Mite initiation is an introductory course for children to learn the sport of hockey and learn how to skate. Parents must provide their children with their own equipment and register them with USA Hockey, a $35 fee.

The initiation program is being coached by Nathan Stenson of St. Ignace, with assistance from Missy Rickley, and the Hockey Association's Eric Danielson and Doug Goudreau.

The St. Ignace Firehawks, St. Ignace's midget AA team (ages 15-18) returns with a full 20-man roster and high expectations to improve on its 23-35-5 record from last year, and they are looking to make the playoffs again. District playoffs begin in February.

The Firehawks opened their season at home against the Battle Creek Bruins Saturday, October 13, winning 6-5 Saturday and playing to a 1-1 tie the following day.

The Firehawks will host the annual Battle at the Bridge Midget AA hockey tournament at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace Friday, October 26, featuring eight teams. Games begin at 4 p.m.

Local players on the team include Taylor Dykstra, Bryant Danielson, and Jack Goudreau. Other players hail from Petoskey, Cheboygan, Sault Ste. Marie, and Roscommon.

The Firehawks play in the Little Caesar's Amateur Hockey League, a talented and competitive league, said Mr. Goudreau.

The Hockey Association will also field a bantam team (ages 13-14), squirts (9-10), and a mites team (ages 8 and younger).

Mr. Goudreau said the association is still attempting to field a pee wee team (ages 11-12), needing six more players to fill the 12-person roster. Those interested in playing can call Mr. Goudreau at 643-9845 or Eric Danielson at 643-8422.