I would encourage anyone who wants to learn hockey to come out and give it a try.” “There are kids who started in our organization at 3 years old, and we have adults who participate in the beginning group.
This way, “we can accept people of all ages,” says McGrew. Instead, players are separated by skill level. Unlike most hockey organizations, Mount Shasta Youth Hockey doesn’t have enough players to separate them into age groups. Having a rink – which is undergoing an expansion and will soon be NHL regulation size – right in his hometown is helping him gain the skills to get there.
His dream is to one day play professional hockey. “I love getting out there and playing with my team,” says Derek, who plays the important center position. Though he also plays baseball and football, Derek loves winter because hockey is his passion. McGrew’s 11 year-old son, Derek, has been playing since he was a toddler. “Once they play hockey, they can’t get enough.” “We pride ourselves on the fact that the kids can borrow most of the equipment they need to play,” says McGrew, the program’s head coach and youth hockey director for four years. Money shouldn’t be too much of a barrier for those who want to play the sport in Southern Siskiyou County. However, his family couldn’t afford all the expensive gear, so he was unable to play until he was older. Youth hockey coach Chris McGrew said he’s loved hockey ever since he began watching it as a kid. Members of the Mount Shasta Ski and Snowboard Team will smile as they whiz down the slopes at Mount Shasta Ski Park, and youth hockey players will enjoy the perfectly crisp weather while they hone their skills at Siskiyou Ice Rink in Mount Shasta. If the wishes of millions come true, skiers, snowboarders, and budding hockey players in Northern California should have a lot to smile about. T he entire population of California is crossing its fingers for a precipitation-filled winter season.