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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
With no NHL on television members of the Fort Simpson Men's Rec Hockey Association are encouraging men to try the sport first hand.

Men's Rec Hockey in Fort Simpson draws quite a crowd. Attending a practice on Nov. 27 are from left, back row, Dwight Hardsity, Jeff Cholette, Bill Blyth, Liam Hardisty, TG Wilson, Gordon Thompson, Loren Ducharme, Travis Hanna, Taylor Speed, Chris Stipdonk and Chris Hewitt, middle row, Tyler Bradbury, Darren Hardisty, Clifford Antoine, Sheldon McKay, Nathan McPherson, Rylan Hardisty-Gillis, Raymond Horassi, Shawn Gillis and Steven Thompson, front row, Josh Allen. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The association has already started its season in the village. Participants meet on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m.

"We play hard for three periods of 25 minutes," said Kele Antoine, a member of the association's executive committee.

Thrown into the mix

More than 40 Fort Simpson residents have registered so far this season. The association normally has approximately 55 participants and welcomes newcomers to the village or the sport.

"We are all very supportive of new players because we are trying to regrow the sport in Fort Simpson," said Antoine.

New players can expect to be thrown right into the mix because there's no better way to learn, he said. At each practice the men are divided evenly into two teams for a pick-up game. White and black jerseys are provided as part of the registration package.

Young and new players receive coaching while the games are in play, said Antoine. For complete novices, the association suggests ways to get more experience, including joining in on minor hockey practices.

Fitness and staving off winter blues are two of the association's main focuses. Antoine, who's been playing hockey since childhood, got involved in men's rec hockey at age 16. He began by carrying hockey bags and starting tracks for the members until they let him play.

Having been part of rec hockey for almost 20 years, Antoine said he likes socializing with the other players and having fun.

"It's a good creative output," he said.

"Creativity can come from sports and competition."

Unlike Antoine, Shawn Gillis joined men's rec hockey last year with almost no previous experience.

Gillis said many of the men who play in the association are his friends and they bugged him to try it out. They were supportive when I joined, he said.

Developing skill in second season

Gillis couldn't skate well when he started and it's a skill he's still developing. Now in his second season Gillis tries to get out to every practice.

"It's probably one of the best things to do in the winter in Simpson," he said.

In addition to the thrice-weekly practices, the association also promotes participation in out-of-town tournaments. The association fundraises to pay tournament registration fees for players who want to form teams to travel, said Antoine.

The association holds its own annual tournament and also regularly sends teams to tournaments in Fort Providence, Yellowknife, Fort Smith and Tulita.

This year the association is also focusing on having more nights where a formal game of hockey replaces the normal pick-up game. This way people can come and watch the game, said Antoine.

The first formal game will be on Nov. 29 to raise awareness about Movember.

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