Get puck into hockey

THE Torquay Tornadoes are looking to recruit new hockey players under the age of 10 through its eight-week Hookin2Hockey program.

Designed by Hockey Australia, the program gives young boys and girls the opportunity to learn the basic skills of hockey, all the while having fun and making friends along the way.

Torquay Hockey Club president Andrew Crowley said the club had been running the program for about eight years, with up to 40 children attending annually.

“Basically they learn the introduction to hockey interaction, learn some skills and over the period of the program they’ll improve and hopefully they’ll go on to play competitions.

“It’s been designed so that it leads straight into the hockey season, which starts after Easter.”

Hookin2Hockey is integrated into the start of the playing season through the club’s training program, giving children the option to transition into the competitive side.

Program co-ordinator Georgina Sayer said Hookin2Hockey was a great way to try out a new sport.

“We have a great program and we have seen some players go all the way from the Hookin2Hockey program and now playing in our men’s and women’s first division premiership teams. They have become life-long hockey players.”

The program kicked off yesterday (Wednesday, March 11), but keen players are invited to sign up.

To register, head to hookin2hockey.com.au.

The program costs $89 per person and includes a pack with a stick, ball and shin pads.