A weekend dedicated to hometown hockey netted big smiles and community pride at the Jasper Arena January 9-11.

From the smallest skaters to the biggest beauties, all of Jasper’s minor hockey teams hit the ice for Jasper Hockey Days. Visiting teams included Hinton (U7, U9, U15), Edson (U18), Valemount (U18), Barrhead (U11) and Sherwood Park (U13).

“This weekend is about more than hockey — it’s about coming together as a community, filling the stands, and celebrating the players, families, volunteers, and fans who make Jasper hockey so special,” said Jasper Minor Sports president Grant Bradley.

Kicking off the exhibition tournament before the U18 contest between Jasper and Valemount on Saturday, special guest official Michal Wasuita dropped the ceremonial puck.

Bradley told those gathered that Wasuita’s generous contributions have helped keep Jasper kids skating in recent years.

“He and his late mother Connie’s contributions are a big part of why Jasper youth sporting programs have been able to succeed over the past couple of decades,” Bradley said.

Jasper Hockey Days Hometown Hockey Weekend was the latest beneficiary of community support. More than two dozen local businesses and organizations donated time, raffle prizes, human resources and money to ensure a successful event.