Mayo hockey club hoping to get facility closer to home
A NEWLY-FORMED hockey club in Castlebar are hoping to secure a hall in the county town and sponsorship to help the them continue excellent early growth.
Castlebar Stingers Ice & Inline Hockey Club was formed at the end of September and is running learn-to-play and learn-to-skate programmes for those starting out in the sport. It was created out of love for skating sports, not just for the younger athlete but one for people of all ages.
The Stingers name is inspired by the sport being played fast (it is among the fastest sports in the world) and with black and amber colours on the club logo similar to a bee.
The club’s mission is to promote and encourage the development of various skating sports, in particular the promotion of inline hockey and ice hockey, mainly for children and teens but also adults, in cooperation with other sports clubs.
Every participant in their sessions, regardless of age, thanks to getting the right training will gain confidence and achieve goals, and instill a love for inline hockey, ice hockey, roller skating, and ice skating.
Currently operating out of the Bohola Community Hall, they are looking to get a place at An Sportlann, with its larger hall able to facilitate the increase in numbers and more opportunities for training. Word of mouth from the training in Bohola has ignited interest in areas like Swinford and Kiltimagh, with kids from these areas coming down for training.
Even in the fledgling months, they have made a tremendous impact. They are a part of the Irish Ice Hockey Association (IIHA) and now compete in the Irish inline hockey winter league at Under 15 and Under 13 level. In their first action on October 29, the Under 15s recorded wins in a tournament against established sides like Cork Wolverines and Dublin’s Flying Ducks B.
The Under 15 league began on November 19 and while they lost 5-1 and 8-6 to Ducks B and Cork Wolverines, the Stingers were competitive for large periods of the game
“The kids are incredible,” said Justyna Fabia, one of the coaches at the club. “They enjoy it so much and we hope to be able to grow more and more.”
The club are running learn to skate lessons from age four to adult as well as learn to play lessson for Under 18s in Bohola, with the information available at www.castlebarstingershockeyclub.ie.
If you are interested in getting involved or to sponsor the club, email info@castlebarstingershockeyclub.ie or message Castlebar Stingers Ice & Inline Hockey Club on Facebook.