By Tyler Marr

Students, police score stronger relationships in friendly hockey game

Mar 21, 2018 | 8:00 AM

Cheers of “Go Warriors” echoed from the stands Tuesday, as a floor hockey team from Won Ska Cultural Public School took on an unusual foe: the Prince Albert Police Service.

For the second year, officers and students went head-to-head at the Alfred Jenkins Field House in the name of friendly competition and strengthening ties with youth. Won Ska is part of the P.A. Outreach Program, which offers cultural and spiritual education programs for at-risk youth. Executive Director Rhonda Durand said the experience is great for the students, as it gives them an opportunity to see police in a completely different light.

“I think there is a lot of misunderstanding on the part of our youth with the role of police in the community,” she said. “It is important that they see police as people that are available to them as a resource, not just a punitive agency.”

The second-annual matchup was scheduled, she said, after overwhelming positive feedback from the students and police last year. She said giving the police a chance to engage in friendly competition, have lunch and learn the stories of the students helps them better do their jobs, too.

“It helps them to see and get to know these kids, so when they do encounter them in the community they see them as more than just a kid walking around. They remember that they are still kids at heart and they are looking for good mentors and good examples in the community,” she said.

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

14h ago

WORLD SOFTBALL

Group stages officially set for Men's Softball World Cup in P.A.

20h ago

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

Apr 23, 2024

Sgt. Josh Peterson, SWAT team leader and captain of the police team, echoed Durand’s comments, saying the officers had a lot of fun interacting with the youths. He said he hopes the friendly game makes officers a bit more approachable to the kids when they are in need.

“The community looks to us,” he said. “Anytime we can provide leadership or try to be a good example and show that we are people too, certainly we will take advantage of that and this is a great opportunity.”

The officers were slightly outplaying the students, though Peterson gave high praise to the Won Ska netminder who made a number of big saves. He said the police likely had a slight advantage, as the SWAT team plays floor hockey monthly.

“But they are certainly making us work,” he added.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr