CARLYLE - Carlyle’s Jason Dixon was president of the Moose Mountain Minor Hockey League for the past two years and was pleased with the 2021-22 season.
Being the father of four young hockey players, Dixon volunteered for the position and was selected unanimously.
The league has teams in 16 communities throughout southeast Saskatchewan: Alameda, Arcola, Bienfait, Carievale, Carlyle, Carnduff, Kipling, Lampman, Oxbow, Redvers, Wawota, the White Bear First Nations, Estevan, Milestone, Radville and Weyburn.
Most communities have teams in all five age groups: U9, U11, U13, U15 and U18.
Dixon thoroughly enjoyed his tenure as league president. “Cancellation of games from COVID, especially in January, was our major stumbling block, but all the games were rescheduled and played. I had little in the way of issues concerning suspensions and the like.
“Going forward, my biggest concern is the lack of referees. In our league, we had close to 1,000 young hockey players but only a small number of referees and linesmen. We must continue to encourage them, mentor them and keep them in the system.”
To end their seasons, the U9s and U11s had year-end tournaments. League playoffs for the other divisions consisted of best of three series. League winners were as follows: Carlyle Cougars in the U9s, Estevan Vipers for the U11s, Wawota Flyers for the U13s, and Radville Nationals in the U15s and U18s.
Added Dixon: “We had a competitive league with high calibre players that would fit in on any AA team. Instead, they chose to play closer to home which made them more locally entertaining. Teams in our league also did well in provincials. The Redvers Rockets U13s made it to the “C” South Final as did the Carlyle Cougars U15s.
“The Carlyle Cougars U18s made it the “C” South Final, the Kipling Royals U18s the Provincial “C” Final, and the Redvers Rockets U18s won the Provincial “D” championship. Our league provided a high quality and competitive brand of hockey.
“The crowds were fantastic, and these young athletes attracted many fans and provide countless hours of entertainment. And, finally, a big thank you to all the coaches, gate workers, pot of gold sellers, kitchen crews and the maintenance men and women that live and work in southeastern Saskatchewan.”
Dixons’s executive for this year included vice-president Kirk Himmelspach, secretary Scott Smith, treasurer Dawn Faber and past president and league commissioner Darcy Singleton. The website was updated regularly with game schedules, standings and statistics. Kristy Colpitts was the statistician for U9 and U11, Karen Fischer for U13 and U15, and Melissa Dixon, wife of Jason, for U18.
All are Carlyle Minor Hockey League mothers.
It is Carnduff’s turn to form the executive for the 2022-23 season.
