Brookings Registry Looking for new hockey players

BROOKINGS-Brookings Rangers, Brookings Ice Skating Association (BISA) and Rounds Construction Company have recently joined forces and announced that this fall, all players under the age of 8 or all first-year players under the age of 14 can play free hockey for the upcoming season.

This means that all boys or girls under the age of 8 or all first-year players, boys or girls under the age of 14, will be given free registration to the Brookings Rangers, and they will also receive most of their hockey equipment for free.

“We’re really excited to offer this for next year,” Brookings hockey director Justin Kirchhevel said. – This opportunity is unique to Brookings, and we are excited to see new faces on the ice this fall. In addition to being the cheapest association in South Dakota, we can now also offer free hockey, and that’s just one reason BISA is the best organization in the state. “

Kirchhevel said the idea came about when he met Rounds Construction’s Jesse Rounds and discussed their experiences as Ranger hockey players and what was needed for the next level of Brookings hockey.

“Rounds and I returned (to Brookings) at about the same time and wanted to figure out how to take the next step in growing and maintaining,” Kirchhevel said. “We used to have bigger numbers, but today athletes have specialized in one sport much earlier now, which makes our numbers shrink as we age. So we’re trying to keep our numbers at younger levels so we can keep a larger number of players overall as we get older. Fatigue happens in every sport, but we do our best to fight the problem and change the trend we see in sports in general. “

Rounds generously donated funds to launch and launch this project, which will have a lasting impact on BISA and the growing hockey community in Brookings.

“We’re changing the perception that hockey is an expensive sport and is only for certain families who are willing to spend time and money,” Kirchhevel said. “Yes, we travel on the weekends, but for younger children you are only on the road a few times a year and you can also play tight in the house. We have a great organization that is willing to work with families to make it affordable and allow them to gradually take our travel program into account when the kids start a league match at the age of 10 or 12. “

“When we travel, it’s like the family you grow with because you’re with the team and their families throughout your Ranger career,” Kirchhevel added. “In other sports, you have teammates. … In hockey, you create a family and these relationships last a lifetime. The best thing about Rangers hockey is that our alumni give back to make sure we care about the traditions and experiences we had to grow, which is why this Rounds family donation is so amazing and we want to share it with more families in our community. “

Kirchhevel said he expects the numbers to rise this fall, and registration is encouraging so far.

“We just want to give kids a chance to play hockey,” Kirchhevel said. “It’s our goal, it’s simple. Grow hockey in our community and give these kids a chance to be a part of a sport that teaches them life lessons on and off the ice. Winning a few state championships there is just a cherry on top.”

The ranger season starts to pick up here at the end of the month, and the registration deadline is August 31st. Registration documents will be completed on September 28 and September 29 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on both evenings.

“Hot Hockey Nights” will officially begin the season on October 14 at the Wilbert Event Center. The hockey night includes lotteries, games and prizes, including Ranger Yeti Tumblers and collectibles, as well as a custom Ranger painting by John Green.

For more information, visit the Brookings Rangers Facebook page or brookingsrangers.com. Contact Justin Kirchhevel at [email protected] to all questions.

Contact Addison DeHaven at [email protected]