Why come to South Kent? Why be part of the Lightning? It’s a question I have been asked by a few parents over the last couple of months. After some thought and various conversations, I think I can sum it up by simply saying:
“Because hockey matters in South Kent”
It’s a simple answer that needs to be unpacked a bit. South Kent is and continues to be a hockey hotbed with an equal focus on development and an enjoyable experience. If you glance up on the walls in the Blenheim arena and read some of the names, you quickly realize that there is a long history dating back decades and continuing today. Many of the names call the South Kent home and give back to a program where the majority of them began their hockey journey. Whether it be NCAA, CIS, Major Junior, Team Canada, Women’s leagues, Semi Pro and the NHL, South Kent has been the starting point for dozens of accomplished players. More importantly, as many of these players call Blenheim and South Kent home, they return with their knowledge, passion and most importantly perspective for Canada’s game.
This past year in South Kent saw a U13 Rep team make it to the OMHA Championship tournament, a U9 MD team make it to the Shamrock league finals over almost 20 other Centres, and a Local League Four Counties League championship at U13.
We have a long history of development in South Kent and we encourage players to seek opportunities at higher levels if they wish. Over 50 South Kent players found themselves on AAA, A and Girls hockey rosters this past year which points to our development model at younger ages. Numerous coaches from South Kent coach at AAA and higher levels as well.
We have a large and active Board with an extremely healthy financial profile due in part to the generous help of the Ridge Landfill Community Trust. This allows us to keep our user fees low compared to other centres and offer more ice per team/player than most other organizations.
We are proud of all of our successes regardless of level in South Kent. Qualified on ice help is a distinguishing characteristic of our program. This leads to optimal skill development and most importantly, an enjoyable experience. All players, regardless of skill level, have their playing days come to and end. Our hope as a Board is that the experience is a positive one that encourages people to give back to the program. This is clearly evident in our coaches, on ice helpers and Board members. Most importantly, the smiles on young sweaty faces leaving the Blenheim and Ridgetown arena give us the feedback we need and tell us we are on the right track.
Feel free to reach out to the convenors of various age groups for more information. Ask around, do your research and as the saying goes: “if you know, you know…”
Welcome to hockey, welcome to South Kent!
Chris Knight
President