SPHL Mississippi RiverKings

Jr. RiverKings Ice Hockey League Returns for Second Season

October 30, 2003 - SPHL (SPHL)
Mississippi RiverKings News Release


SOUTHAVEN, Miss.—You may catch a few parents singing "ice, ice, baby" this fall and winter while their children are happily slicing pucks down the arena ice at the DeSoto Civic Center during the Jr. RiverKings second annual season and hockey clinics.

Parents may find they get more than just the promised advantage of instruction by ice hockey professionals (CHL Champion Memphis RiverKings players). There is also the more important advantages of learning to work as a team, having positive role models and learning discipline.

The league is organized and run by RiverKings team captain Don Parsons, with help from other RiverKings players for coaching and refereeing. The teams also encourage the involvement of parents as coaches and support staff. Maddox Foundation in Hernando serves as financial backer.

"I've always said when kids play hockey they learn good sportsmanship and teamwork," Parsons said. "It's more than a lesson in athletics, it's good citizenship. They learn how to treat other people while still excelling, and they learn how they can do really well and still lose if they don't play as part of their team. It teaches them how to work together with other people."

The 2003-2004 Jr. RiverKings ice hockey program begins with four ice hockey clinics on Nov. 10, 17, 24, and Dec. 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven. Ages 10 and under will skate from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and ages 11 and up will skate from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Beginning Dec. 8, the league will begin a 10-game season with playoffs. Teams will be formed based on age and skill levels. The teams will practice Mondays 5-7 p.m. at the DeSoto Civic Center, with additional practices and games scheduled according to ice availability. Girls and boys ages 4 to 16 are welcome.

"We always have a good number of kids who are learning to play hockey for the first time," Parsons said. "All the kids get instruction in basic strides, turning, how to skate backwards, stick handling, puck control, drills, shooting and passing skills. It goes pretty fast. We have a good time."

Required equipment includes helmet with cage, elbow pads, shin guards, mouth piece and shoulder pads, gloves, skates and a stick. The Jr. RiverKings will provide jerseys and pucks.

The league is also looking for volunteers to help coach teams, man the Jr. RiverKings table at RiverKings games, and help with post-game skates after RiverKings games. The post-game skates are open to the public. All proceeds from the game ($3 to rent skates, $2 to get on the ice) benefit the Jr. RiverKings.

"From a personal standpoint, working with kids is fun and rewarding," Parsons said. "I hope that I can make a difference in the life of at least one child."

The league is also a way for businesses to fulfill community investment projects by sponsoring a youth team. Leagues like the Jr. RiverKings and its brother league, the Jr. StreetKings roller hockey league, benefit larger areas than just individual neighborhoods.

"Hockey is fun, and it keeps kids off the street," Costa said. "If we start now building our kids up, we will have good citizens when they are adults. Positive youth sports programs create a ripple effect in the regions surrounding our communities."

To print out a registration form, visit the Web at www.riverkings.com and click on the Jr. RiverKings icon on the right hand side. Mail form to Jr. RiverKings, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, MS, 38671. For more information call the RiverKings office at 662-342-1755. Cost is $350 if registered before Nov. 10. Late registration is $400. Scholarships are available on a limited basis for families who cannot pay for registration and equipment.



SPHL Stories from October 30, 2003


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