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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 30, 2008 - 31 Oak-Land Ford Lincoln 2008 2008 Registration Now Open DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER THIS WAY: Canadian women's hockey team player Becky Kellar gives out some instructions to the Oakville Hornets tyke Red Devils during Sunday's practice at Canlan Ice Sports. Volunteers Needed! 905-845-2571, Ultimate experience for Hornets squad By Adam Johnston SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The Oakville Hornets tyke Red Devils had an opportunity to learn the game of hockey from a few of Canada's best players Sunday, perhaps catching a glimpse of their future as well. The house league team, comprised of five-, sixand seven-year-old girls, won the Royal Bank of Canada Ultimate Hockey Experience contest by submitting a collage of photographs representing their love for the game. That "ultimate experience" included a meet and greet session with three Canadian Olympic women's ice hockey team members, Jennifer Botterill, Becky Kellar and Jayna Hefford. After the two-hour reception, the Olympians ran the girls through a fun, and informative, hour-long practice at Canlan Ice Sports. The practice began with a quick warm-up skate, followed by a game called `Dancing Island'. Dancing Island seemed like the hockey version of Simon Says. The Olympians would bark out commands -- for example, if Dancing Island was called everyone must skate to the centre-ice circle and show off their best dance move -- and the last girl to complete it would be escorted to the penalty box. The last two participants in the game competed in a centre-ice dance-off for Dancing Island supremacy. "I think it's a pretty special opportunity for us," said Botterill, an 11-year veteran of the national team and the all-time leading scorer at Harvard University. "We remember what it was like to be that age and when you got out there you just had a big smile on your face. It's still fun for us to get out there." Several basic skating, shooting and passing drills followed while keeping the light-hearted mood alive. The outgoing personalities of the Olympians may have appealed more to the young Hornets than the trio's on-ice accomplishments. "I think some of them don't realize yet (who the Olympians are)," said Red Devils coach Dominick Hardy. "I think when they see the Olympics, and they see them on TV, then they'll realize and get a little more excited." While the Olympians' intent was on fun and participation, Botterill might have been on a scouting mission as well. "I was impressed," she said, regarding the talent level of the girls at such a young age. "You're obviously going to have a variety of skill levels, but for the most part, overall, I was very, very impressed." -- For slideshow coverage of the event, visit www.oakvillebeaver.com and access the Photo Slideshows feature ord Lincoln A COMMUNITY EVENT FOR EVERYONE! Registration open for field hockey program Registration is being held for the Halton Field Hockey Club Youth League for girls between the ages of eight and 14. The 10-week program runs from May through July on Saturday mornings (no long weekends). The season will start off with an introductory skills development session on Saturday May 3 at 10 a.m. until noon at the Oakville Sports Centre Dome, North Service Road just west of Third Line. Guest coaches include former Canadian women's team player Robin Leslie-Spencer, who will join the coaching staff for the season opener. No experience is needed. The session is for all players registered for the season, as well as girls who would like try it out before committing to the season. Players are asked to bring a field hockey stick, shinguards and a mouthguard. Gym or soccer shoes are appropriate. For those wishing to try it out, sticks will be available for your use. To register, contact hfhc_youthprogram@hotmail.com or call Jen at 905-220-5174 to ensure enough equipment is available. Season registration form and details are available at www.haltonfieldhockey.com. Senior Men's 35+ Recreational Soccer League Expanded For 2008 Season Limited number of spots available Begins Late May only $ 150 Thanks to our Major Sponsors: CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED SCHIEDEL Contact Frank 416-807-3664 frank@soccerweb.ca Commercial Banking Oakville Men's Soccer Club www.soccerweb.ca Business Services inc. Network Solutions for Business