The Jackrabbits Program
Jackrabbits is an outdoor ice program designed to teach skating and hockey skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. The program is open to boys and girls ages five to eight (kindergarten to grade three). The program is run solely by volunteer parent coaches whose own children are also in the program.
Jackrabbits is an independent program and is not affiliated with community club hockey or minor hockey organizations. Jackrabbits is not meant to replace or compete with these programs. Rather, Jackrabbits draws families to the rink who are looking for a low-key introduction to the game.
The Jackrabbits Philosophy
The Jackrabbits program uses a variety of drills, relay games, activities and scrimmage hockey games to introduce children to skating and hockey. Jackrabbits is a family-oriented program, and parents are encouraged to come out onto the ice with their children (laced up, of course). Score is not kept at Jackrabbits hockey.
Jackrabbits History
The Jackrabbits concept has its roots in cross-country skiing. The program was ported to the hockey rink by Ted Bigelow and a group of people at the Riverview Community Centre here in Winnipeg. In 1998, Jim Oswald and several others brought the program out to Charleswood, and the Roblin Park Jackrabbits were born. The program is now offered at numerous community centres throughout Winnipeg and we encourage you to support your local Jackrabbits program.
Jackrabbits at Roblin Park
The Jackrabbits program at Roblin Park is now in its tenth season. We are fortunate to have some of the best outdoor ice conditions at Roblin Park, and the ice makers work hard to get the ice in early and keep it going well past the first spring thaws. Each Saturday afternoon is a carnival of sorts as the children enjoy the skating loop and toboggan slides after hockey. You do not have to live in the Roblin Park catchment area to participate in the Roblin Park Jackrabbits program.
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