MINOT -- In their first year they can barely stand on skates. The Mites program, for kids age 4 and 5, offers an introduction to hockey. From there the Minot Hockey Boosters program offers plenty of chances to advance.
“We’ve got a little over 600 kids, from the Mites to Junior Gold, which is high school age,” Brian Bauman, program director for the Hockey Boosters. “We have three girl's teams and 20 travel teams.”
This past Sunday the Minot Wolves Pee Wee’s were on the ice. Pee Wee’s are 11–12-year-old skaters, most of whom broke in as Mites and are progressing through the program.
“In the beginning we introduce them to the game of hockey. It’s another outlet for something to do and have fun,” said Bauman. “As they get older, they are able to move on to play at the highest level they want to play, be it high school, juniors, college. Wherever they desire to grow up and play.”
Teams are sorted by age and skill level. That way no one that wants to play hockey won’t have an opportunity to do so.
“We provide a place for everybody that want to play at any level,” explained Bauman. “The program continues to grow. We have a couple of kids playing in the United States Hockey League, a couple in the North American League, and a couple still playing Division 1 hockey.”
Bauman credits the success of Minot State and Minot High boy’s and girl’s hockey, and the Minot Minatauros, a North American Hockey League junior team, with creating goals for young players.
“The better they do, the more kids are interested in playing,” said Bauman. “Kids get excited when they go to a Tauros game or a Minot State game and see the light show and everything.”
MINOT WOLVES HOCKEY MISSION STATEMENT
To inspire teamwork, pride and life lessons in the lives of all of our members.
The strength of the Pack is the Wolf........
The strength of the Wolf is the Pack!
