WHEN JIM PETERS took over managing the Peanut-Novice hockey program at the North Shore Minor Hockey Association, one of the first thin the little skaters between the ages of six and eight gs he insisted on doing was making sure that were going to have a good time. thana third leg ofa tripod. blending the program which had started with 70 kids Since most of them would be learning to skate for the first time, Peters decided that he would have to break away the second year types who had mastered skating and put them into.a separate Novice program. . Previously the Association had grouped all kids in the tiny category together so the teams were ‘evenly’ ‘balanced. However, that ‘evenly’ created problems. What was happening was that the kids who had never skated before were not getting much action en the ice during games. The kids who had been around for a year were, naturally, handling the puck and passing only to those youngsters who could use the stick as something more for Valentines Day. Valentine's Day is Monday, February 14. The beautiful look of fresh flowers. The beautiful scent of Arpege. All in the FTD® Fragrance 'n Flowers” Bouquet. $25° . The Blossom Shop 3077 WOODBINE DRIVE EDGEMONT VILLAGE, N.V 987-2606 Send your love with special ®Regiatersd trademark Florists Transwond Oelivery Association ©4963 Florists Transwortd Dewwory Ansociation ) care.” Sunday ews February 6, 1983 Tel. 985- 2131 CAHA standards, the young skaters are learning the basics while having fun. In answer to charges that packings. a novice team ended up with only 45. Peters decided on a new format and a new intent which he put into writing: ‘The intention, in the peanut division, is to emphasize fun and participation as well as introducing -and developing good, sound, basic hockey skills. Importance is placed on good sportsmanship and team spirit while en- couraging personal pride and satisfaction in each individual for his con- tribution and importance to the team.’ Since putting these ideas into practice, Jim’s program has grown to 97 youngsters. Peters has found that the youngsters who do net skate or handle the puck well, are ‘not as discouraged this year because they are kept together, all learning at the same speed. And the kids with the experience are able, for their part to learn at their own level. To date there is one team of novice players coached by Rick Van Rikxoort. for whom Peters has nothing but ‘ praise. Next year, with the way the first year kids are ‘ advancing the division expects four novice teams. Since there is no com- petitive league for youngsters at this level, novice team plays exhibition games against teams from West Van, Hollyburn, Burnaby, Hastings and Killarney. With a total of 13 coaches all certified at level I] of the encouragement for the young skaters and to allow them to progress at their own speed. He points out ‘elite’ team, the association BUSINESS ¢ AUTO REAL ESTATE The North Van program is attempting to provide--a skilled -recreation-— activity that will encourage young benefits of skating. Peters just shakes his head. The quiet spoken manager sees the program as being the one best designed to keep up enthusiasm and YOUNG KIDS learn the ropes with other children who have a similar amount of experience, so they don’t feel intimidated by playing with kids older and more experienced in hockey. Above, the fundamentals of stick handling, at itleft, a young goalle gets some encouragement from his coach, GOLDMART Valentine Specials STUD EARRINGS 10 K GOLD FLOATING HEART GOLD, PEARL & DIAMOND PENDANT Pre-inventory sale in progress savings to 60% GOL DIWINAT 146 West 14th St. No Van: is out for the fun-of the kids— and that coaches have been let go or reprimanded for becoming too competitive with their charges. grand opening special 39 inch Moon Gravity Rebounder in “83 with rebound exercise weignt loss maximum strength buliding stress) on joints weight We guarantee the ® beat product at the best price We havo a d 5. complete selection of rebounders, tapes. records, booka, etc — while supply lasts — 2 year warranty - made in Canada Here are 5 reasons to bounce back 1 Burns almost double the calones used e running of swimming for maximum Exercises every cell in your Dody tor Removes up to 86% uf the bearing | CANADA'S LARGEST SELECTION OF ..-REBOUNDERS AND-TRAMPOLINES | 4 388 Main Street, North Van 980-4118 With—+he—inerease—in ---- numbers and the enthusiasm shown by the kids and their coaches, it would appear to be a successful program.