Posted on Fri, Oct. 16, 2009

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Group looks to broaden kids' interest in hockey

BY MATT BROWNING

Eagle correspondent

Ask any Wichita Youth Hockey Association board member why it's been so difficult to get youth hockey going in Wichita, and you're likely to get the same answer: Exposure.

Hosting the Junior Kansas Hockey Cup at Wichita Ice Center this weekend is the first step in what the WYHA hopes is a more aggressive approach to getting more exposure.

The tournament features teams from Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Springdale, Ark., with three age divisions: Squirt (ages 9-10), PeeWee (11-12) and Bantam (13-14). Every team is guaranteed four games.

"This is something we have always wanted to do but never had the time or the funds to do it," said WYHA board member Heather Beavers. "We finally decided to make it happen no matter what the obstacles were going to be."

The WYHA is used to dealing with obstacles.

Only 135 kids are playing hockey this season, which is down from 180 last season.

Rob Weingartner, who played for the Wichita Thunder in the mid-90s and now coaches WYHA, feels like the Thunder's poor performance of late has had a direct impact on youth hockey's dwindling numbers.

"The kids looked up to us (the Thunder players) when I was playing and with the way the team is struggling now, it's hard for kids to get excited to play," Weingartner said. "I have an 8-year-old playing, and by expanding this association, it gives him and others an opportunity to play a sport that is not common to the area."

The WYHA has worked diligently to promote the Junior Cup. It made up more than 50,000 flyers and sent them to surrounding areas.

The youth hockey season started Oct. 12, but it's not too late to sign up to play this season, regardless of experience.

"There are so many different ways to learn about the sport of hockey," Beavers said. "My sons are always bringing friends to watch their games or practices to hopefully get more kids involved."

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