A group of Chestermerians banded together to prevent COVID fatigue and boost community morale, with the Hump Hockey initiative.
Every Wednesday, the group got together with the goal of getting people exercising again and improving the overall mental health that was been impacted by the pandemic.
Brent Ladds and former Chestermere resident Peter Carriere started the group last year, but because of COVID restrictions had to shut down the initiative.
This year, the group fulfilled their goal and got through a full season of hockey every Wednesday afternoon.
“The fact that we were able to bring together individuals of a multitude of skill levels, backgrounds, and respect all of that while playing a game that can often separate these elements very quickly. I am pleased to tell you that everyone respected those differences and had a great deal of fun with the undertaking,” Ladds said.
March 30 was the group’s last game of the year.
“The program was initiated to encourage seniors exercising and mixing the group with some younger players to keep it interesting,” Ladds said.
The oldest player in the group is turning 80 this year, while the youngest is in their 50s.
To celebrate, player Tim Reid created a trophy presentation after the game, that Councillor Shannon Dean and Councillor Sandy Johal-Watt presented.
“We were thrilled to have Councillors Dean and Johal-Watt on hand to present our first ever Chestermere Winter Cup,” Ladds said.
The group is encouraging anyone interested in registering to reach out to Peter Carriere at plc_17@hotmail.com, or to Brent Ladds at brent@in.on.ca.
