Sports

eagles

Jan12

Schedule set for North Central Basketball League

League organizer Mike Malowany of Redwater has set the schedule for the upcoming basketball season. The eight teams meet each other once during the regular season with an extra game against their closest rivals. That means a total of eight games for the H. A. Kostash Eagles starting with their home opener Wednesday, January 12 against the Redwater Renegades. It could be a tough game for the Eagles, one day after playing an exhibition game against Two Hills on Tuesday, January 11.

The Eagles' rookie season is a flurry of action, playing two games a week for four weeks, then into the NCBL playoffs. This all in preparation for ASAA league and zone competitions at the beginning of March. Here are the remaining NCBL games in the Eagles schedule: Monday, January 17 at Boyle; Wednesday, January 19 at Westlock; Tuesday, January 25, home vs. Leduc (CTK); Thursday, January 27, home vs.Boyle; Monday, January 31, home vs. Lamont; Wednesday, February 2 at J. P. II (Ft. Sask.); Wednesday, February 9 at New Sarepta.

Eagles players are now looking for sponsorship in the team's "Shoot-a-thon" fund-raiser that will be held in the new year. If you would like to sponsor a player or are able to help support the team in some way, call Coach Brecka at school, 656-3820, or at home, 656-2447.

On another note the H. A. Kostash Sr. Girls basketball team is looking for a volunteer coach for the 1999-2000 season. If you are interested please contact the school.

ringette

Jan12

Ringette was invented in 1963 in North Bay, Ontario by the late Sam Jacks. Since that time, modifications of the rules have been made to enhance the speed of the game. Nevertheless, teamwork is the main focus.

The game is very exciting. An ice-skating team sport in which players pass, carry, and shoot a rubber ring. In this non-contact sport, body checking is prohibited, getting the rubber ring into the opponent's net requires skill.

In Smoky Lake, the team is relatively new. Coach Phyllis Saaoway and assistant Dawn-Marie Tannas have worked hard to make this Canadian sport enjoyable to the Smoky Lake Stingers.

Mallory Carson, now in her second season, plays defense, but Mrs. Sadoway will be trying her at center. Games and practise are a great experience," says Mallory. "Travelling to different centers and meeting new people are lots of fun. Being at the Provincials in Fort McMurrary was really great, but I think hosting the games will be even greater!

Mallory likes the competition and it has cost her. During a couple of the games, she pulled a ligament in her ankle and received a stick in the face! Being among the youngest of the players has not held her back. She enjoys, "getting in the way" of the opposing team shooting for the net.

Tina George has been with the team from the very beginning. Playing for three years as the number one goalie, Tina enjoys the physical activity. "Ringette encourages team work. I like all kinds of sports, and Ringette in the winter." During the Provincial Games, last March, Tina kept her team m in the game. A game can go a long way with a good goalie.

Tina feels she has acquired valuable skills and plans to continue with Ringette in the future.