Montreal Victoire’s Dara Greig joins Fort Smith hockey camp

Montreal Victoire forward Dara Greig joined Fort Smith youth and the town’s women’s hockey team for a development weekend ahead of her PWHL preseason training camp.

Greig, who is from Lethbridge, joined the Hi-Tek Development coaching team for the October 24-26 camp. The PWHL season begins on November 21.

“It was really exciting to get her here. I think it brought a lot of excitement, especially in our female hockey players,” said Bobby Bourque, president of the Fort Smith Minor Hockey Association.

“It was great how they were able to see Dara’s hard work and the skill and dedication that led her to play some university hockey, and then off to the PWHL last year.”

Fort Smith minor hockey ordinarily runs a skills camp each October. Last year, a second camp in December was added – run by Hi-Tek – which Bourque said went so well that the organization was invited back for the latest event.

“It gives the kids a chance early in the season to work on some skills, pick some things up that they can work on throughout the year,” he said.

“And I think it’s an opportunity for coaches, as well, to see how some smooth practices run, how they keep kids moving the whole time on the ice so we’re not wasting time with kids standing around, not learning.”

Fort Smith minor hockey has around 70 players registered. Roughly the same number attended the camp, including two players each from Yellowknife, Fort Resolution and Hay River.

The Fort Smith Fury, the town’s women’s team, also took part in the camp.

Bourque said that gave some adult players an opportunity to experience drills and he added the women’s team is a “great supporter of minor hockey,” teaming up on initiatives throughout the season.

The camp was run with help from Air Tindi, Fort Smith Métis Council, the Mackenzie Recreation Association and parents volunteering.

Bourque told Cabin Radio the event had helped to build excitement for the season ahead.

“In the last week, we’ve probably had eight people register that are new to hockey,” he said.