The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) Timbit Beginners participated in their end of the year “Jamboree” on Saturday morning at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena in Batavia.
The rink was divided into three areas with teams playing four 12-minute short games on either end of the rink while other teams participated in skill drills at center ice. Miles Meyer assisted with the national anthem on his electric guitar.
This year the Beginner Program consisted of 69 registered players. They are coached by Brian McCarthy along with Nick Harris as well as many other dads, family members and several GAHA student coaches serving as on-ice helpers. The players have been on the ice since early October thru today. About 23 joined the program in early January after participating in the November USA Hockey Try Hockey for Free Event.
During practices they run through drills established by USA Hockey’s American Development Modules. Six stations are set up around the rink and a different drill is introduced at each station. The players move from station to station.
GAHA is thankful for the sponsorship of their Beginner Program by the local Tim Horton Shop managed by Dave Lumberg. They provide the jerseys for all of the players as well as Timbit donuts for our special functions throughout the year.
At the end of the Jamboree the GAHA organization offered a free family skate for the Beginner Program until noon and the McCarthy rink staff and management provided free rental skates for those participating.
