Ranchland hockey league hopes to generate interest
Since about 1972, senior hockey players from communities including Fort Macleod, Nanton, and the Kainai and Piikani Nations have enjoyed being in their own hockey league.
There’s a large draw for participation in the Ranchland hockey league as it gives hockey players who finish the junior levels, minor pro and college a place to still play contact hockey.
“It allows these players to keep their competitive edge, as some players have to sit out a year to play with the U of L,” says Jason Hueppelsheuser, past commissioner of the league and past player, in an email.
Hueppelsheuser loved his days with the hockey league and feels it’s important to have hockey for adults in every community. There are many people who would be willing and wanting to play, but often there’s nothing available for senior hockey.
“I believe that every community should have a team in southern Alberta. Areas like Crowsnest, High River, Okotoks, Brooks, Lomond, Taber, Siksika and Brocket. In northern Alberta, senior hockey is strong and there are many teams, which fluctuate from time to time, but very consistent,” he adds.
The average game in the Ranchland hockey league will bring in anywhere from 75 people up to 500 with the league record being more than 2,500 in 1997-98. Hueppelsheuser believes it was Lethbridge Red Wings playing Kainai Braves.
Interest in the league from a new perspective has been low over the years.
“Siksika and Brocket have expressed interest in joining next year, but until they show up to an annual meeting in the summer, it is only hearsay,” adds Hueppelsheuser.
Keeping interest in the league has been challenging as Hueppelsheuser says for any senior league it’s mostly by word of mouth that new players join.
“The interest for any senior league is word of mouth to new players coming into the area from current players. The Facebook page and website are also huge for the league and keeps the name out there for communication,” adds Hueppelsheuser.
Currently, there are four teams in the league: the Nanton Palominos, Fort Macleod Mustangs, Piikani Regulators and Kainai Braves.
Over the years, Hueppelsheuser says the league grew to eight teams. It was fantastic to be involved. However, local communities need to have managers that want to start up a team.
“It is a lot of work, but the reward to the community if kept going is huge. It is like having a junior team in your community at a third of the cost,” adds Hueppelsheuser.
He says the Palominos have been around for 70 years, Fort Macleod/Lethbridge Red Wings for 25 plus years, Piikani Regulators for two years and the Kainai Braves (or other teams) for 25-plus years.
“The league has three senior AA titles to its name — Brooks won the first one, Fort Macleod and Nanton just over two years ago, with the league having several senior B titles to its name.”
Hueppelsheuser says he loved being a part of this league as both a player and the commissioner and would recommend any hockey player be involved.
“It is a great league to play in. (I) encourage any player who still has the drive to play, as you won’t be disappointed. I was involved for 22 years and it was some of the best experiences in my hockey career. I met awesome people whom I still have contact today,” adds Hueppelsheuser.
League officials are also looking for a local commissioner to join the board as the current one is looking after three leagues in total. Anyone who may be interested in being the commissioner is asked to email ranchlandhockey@telus.net.