WINNIPEG — They work together as a team even though they’re not your standard shinny squad.
Students from Shaughnessy Park practice side-by-side with the Sisler Spartans at least once a week. The high school hockey team cuts their workouts short to teach the rookies.
“We’re getting kids more involved in hockey and also in sports,” said Spartans forward Miguel Valente. “Getting them out, moving and staying active. Stuff like that.”
The partnership between both schools started this season. Even though it’s just a few months old, the results can already be seen.
“Those are the days we don’t have an attendance problem because they’re all here ready to go,” said Shaughnessy Park principal Dennis Mogg.
A good chunk of Shaughnessy park students can’t afford to play organized hockey.
“Our school has inner city characteristics,” said Mogg. “There’s some poverty and some social issues. With that, comes the inability to play hockey.”
It’s why the Spartans chose to assist by donating their time and finding equipment for the kids to use.
“If we can show them how to be an adult and get mature, we thought this was one of the ways we can do it,” said Spartans head coach Chris Ridgedale.
Aside from coaching, the practices are also a chance for the players to pass on their passion for hockey.
“We love the game,” said Spartans defenceman Rookie Stevenson. “We want to teach them what we know. We grew up playing it.”
And for prospects, an opportunity to skate with the pros…or pros in their eyes.
“They’re bigger and they play on the team,” said Shaughnessy Park student Lauren Luzon. “It makes you feel like you’re part of that team.”
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