Walnut Park Elementary School has been the home to a recreational ball hockey program for about a decade now, under the organization of Jamie Grenkie.
On Monday evenings, from 8 to 9:30 p.m., from October to May, ball hockey lovers from 13 years old to retirees gather at the school gym for some good old fashioned Canadian street hockey, but without the need to move out of the way of oncoming cars.
“It’s for all skill levels. We’ve had people that have never played hockey before, and we’ve had Steelheads show up,” said Grenkie.
He also pointed out that there’s not many organized activities that compare to the value of a $5 drop in hockey night.
“It’s a great cardio workout, I’d put this up against any cardio workout,” he said. “It’s completely fun and very cost effective.”
The other bonus is the lack of expensive equipment to get started playing.
“Bring indoor shoes and a stick, and you’re good to go,” said Grenkie.
There are likely still a few weeks left before the program wraps up for the season, depending on turnout. To find out what’s happening in the final weeks, call Grenkie at 250-643-1651.
“It’s been a great year this year,” he said. “Everybody’s had that street hockey experience as a kid; that’s what we do every single Monday night.”