Fort Providence Hockey Thrives with Growing Participation and Community Spirit

Fort Providence is buzzing with excitement as the local Hockey program continues to flourish, bringing together youth from the community and beyond. Last night, February 6th, the rink was alive with energy as 18 players took to the ice, showcasing their skills and passion for the game. 

This weekend, the youth will be participating in the Deh Cho Cup in Fort Simpson, a draft-style tournament that promises to be an exciting event. Fort Providence is proud to send 11 players, alongside 6 from Kakisa, totalling an impressive 17 participants. Coach Sydney Sapp expressed her pride in the program's progress, stating, “We have a diverse age group of youth of all different skill levels showing up every practice, being respectful and learning to love the game as much as I remember I did.”

Sapp, who is currently five months pregnant, has taken on the challenge of coaching with dedication and enthusiasm. “My biggest achievement is organizing Hockey in Fort Providence and having consistent attendance ranging from 14 to 18 kids a week after not having Hockey in the community for over two years,” she shared. Coaching her three children adds a nostalgic touch, as her own father was her first coach.

Her motivation to teach Hockey began with her children but has since expanded to include all the youth in Fort Providence. “I strive to make a difference in my community for myself and my family. We love our home, and I want to contribute as much as I can for everyone,” Sapp said. She aims to foster a sense of belonging among the players, encouraging them to take pride in being part of something meaningful.

The program has also seen strong support from Kakisa, with five players attending every practice, backed by their band and family members. This collaboration has helped build a strong bond among the players, focusing on providing the best experience for all involved.

Looking ahead, Sapp plans to expand ice time and introduce “Game Saturdays,” inviting surrounding communities to participate in friendly matches. “The first few practices focused on familiarity, comfort, and consistency. Now that we are more established, I want to provide more opportunities for the kids to experience the game and showcase their hard work,” she explained.

Fort Providence and Kakisa should be immensely proud of their young athletes as they continue to develop their skills and love for Hockey. With the community's support and the dedication of coaches like Sydney Sapp, the future of Hockey in Fort Providence looks bright.