New team positive for program

Published on Sunday, November 29, 2009 9:08 AM MST

harry lipsiea | sidney herald
Ranger Goalie Jordan Tyler for the girls 12 and under team watches the puck go by against Bottineau, N.D., Nov. 20.

A new 12 and under girls team has given the Richland Youth Hockey program a renewed sense of optimism.

“I think the new team is going to have a huge impact on our program,” Damon McLaughlin, who is the team’s head coach and the president for the Richland Youth Hockey program, said.

The team will serve as a feeder program to the 19 and under team that has seen great success in the past several seasons.

“We are going to be teaching a lot of the same concepts, but at more of an elementary level. It’s going to be great to have girls competing against girls their same age,” he said.

The formation of the team is not a new idea Dennis Moore, Richland Youth Hockey director of programs, said.

“It’s something we’ve wanted to do the last several seasons,” Moore said. “This is the first year we’ve had the projected numbers to do it.”

One of the reasons for an increase in participation is the success the 19 and under team has seen the past couple of seasons.

“Any time you win, it’s going to be good for your program. Winning breeds interest, and I think that has helped with numbers,” McLaughlin said.

Currently the 12 and under team has 14 players out.

“I am happy with the numbers this season,” McLaughlin said. “I think there has always been some girls who wanted to try hockey, but haven’t went out because of the difference of age.”

The team kicked off its season Nov. 20 with a hard-fought 4-0 loss to Bottineau.

“I think the formation of the team is great for the entire program,” McLaughlin said.

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