Skaters crowded on to the ice at the George Preston arena on Sunday, Dec. 3, for the Langley Minor Hockey Association’s Santa Skate on Sunday, Dec. 3, with the jolly old elf handing out treats and posing for pictures.
Turnout appeared to be up this year, likely because the LMHA has been celebrating it’s 50th season, administrator Jennifer Kingwell thought.
“Our events this year seem to be bigger and better than ever,” Kingwell told the Langley Advance Times, adding “we’re also fortunate that we have the support from the Langley Trappers” whose players turned out to join the skaters circling the rink with Santa.
Admission was by donation to the Langley Food bank, cash or non-perishable items.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Santa skate draws crowd at George Preston
LMHA, home of the Eagles since 1973, is a non-profit, community focused minor hockey organization and a member of both Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey (PCAHA) and BC Hockey.
In September, the association unveiled a new look for their 50th season, saying they are modernizing their brand, at the same time as paying homage to their history.
The rebranding initiative by the LMHA included a new colour palette, new logos, new jersey design, uniforms, and apparel, as well as programs to improve skills and opportunities, all-new rep programming that aims to provide consistency across all levels, redefined tournaments and membership events.
READ ALSO: Langley Minor Hockey Association unveils new look
LMHA will celebrate their 50th season of hockey with a special event at the Langley Events Centre on Saturday, Jan. 27th, at 6 p.m.
It is a free event, open to all LMHA members, alumni, partners and providers, and their families.
Plans include an alumni hockey game, displays, games for the kids, special guests and more.
RSVP online at www.langleyminorhockey.ca.
Anyone interested in joining the LMHA can visit the association website for more information.
“We’ll be looking to bring on new members starting in May of 2024 and that would be registration for our upcoming season, which will be the 51st year of Langley minor hockey starting September of 2024,” Kingwell advised.
In the new year, LMHA will host its annual Langley Cup Tournament double knock-out tournament for U11 to U18 participants running March 16-18 at the Langley Sportsplex.
And from March 22-24 the third annual Jean Adams Memorial Tournament will take place for U7, U8 and U9 teams in memory of the late Adams, who is remembered as an integral part of LMHA, serving as a team mom, division manager, secretary and registrar. The coaches game will take place on the 21st.