Ron Hiscock is leaving town and I would like to thank him for his contributions to our league and wish him well for the future.
When I moved here in 1995, I was fortunate to become involved in the Yk Rec Hockey League. As I toiled for a bottom-dwelling team on the lowest rung, Ron was a member of Maddigan’s Millionaires in the high-tempo A Division. Ron and I have spoken at length about our hockey exploits and we both agree that Yellowknife has a rich hockey culture – both past and present -- and there is no reason to believe that the future will be any different.
On that note, it sure is great to have WIMPS as a venue for folks like us who have a little more weight and a lot less hair, but still want to keep on the move regardless of the odometer reading.
If you are a newly-minted Yellowknifer, here's a bit of a primer on our local adult hockey scene.
The Yk Rec Hockey League is the place to be for serious players of all ages. You will typically play twice a week, with all games manned by Hockey Canada certified officials and a scorekeeper.
The Yk Oldtimers League is reserved for old people, which is presently defined as males 35 years and older, and females who are old enough to buy beer. It’s a more dialed-back atmosphere compared to the rec league, at least in theory. There will be one referee to make calls, but there is no scoresheet, so if you want to brag about your great statistical season, you are going to have to make up your own stories.
The Wade Hamer Hockey League is more commonly known by the acronym WIMPS, which stands for Weekly Improvement of Mediocre PlayerS. It is the shinny league, open to adults of any age. Your present skill level can be Bambi, Expert, or anything in between.
WIMPS has a division which is open to adults of any age as long as it’s 45 years or older. The expectation is that your core will be at something above room temperature, but as a practical matter, as long as your cheque clears and you are old enough to know what a cheque is, you qualify.
Yellowknifer makes space available in its sports section for any group who wishes to publicize their sport. I am the WIMPS designated typist and am also responsible for herding the cats on WIMPS Thursdays. As such, I have two requests of Yellowknifer readers:
One, buy this paper and two, join WIMPS. As of my press deadline, I can tell you there are still openings available. On any given night, 20 skaters are considered a full house, and you can guarantee your spot on the ice for that night by becoming a registered member.
If you are not inclined to become a season ticket holder, there is an option analogous to standby flights or rush seating. If the number of skaters who actually show up is less than 20, people on the standby list, or 'casuals' as they are known in WIMPS parlance, will be allowed to play according to the room available. Up to one hour prior to our ice time, there will be a sign-up list in the rink lobby. Regulars will check off their name on arrival and casuals are asked to mark their names in the right-hand column. Fifteen minutes prior to showtime, the WIMPS overlord, or governor, will do the head count and make decisions accordingly.
Information about our league, including the season schedule, are available for download from our website. You are encouraged to contact any of the league officials directly if you have any questions.
It won’t be long before shovelling snow will be routine. That’s already the case at the Multiplex and Yk Community Arena.
It is my privilege to welcome you to WIMPS and the great memories that are sure to follow.