Okotoks Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)  is introducing some help to ease the burden of hockey registration fees for parents.

OMHA Administrative Assistant Lindsay Graw says a payment plan will be offered this year.

"The executives feel strongly that they don't want any child left behind," Graw explains. "So they felt that by offering a payment plan for the upcoming season it may help to relieve some of the financial stress that some families may feel during hockey registration time."

Graw says that this year, parents will still have the option of paying their fees in full. If they choose the new payment plan option, half of the registration fees will be paid at the time of registration while the remaining half will be split into two equal payments due on July 31 and August 31. That way, she says, all the registrations can be paid up before the kids step onto the ice for the first time in September.

OMHA divisions run from Initiation all the way up to Midget and include Female, Shinny and House league teams as well.

Jamie Steer, OMHA Operations Coordinator, says while they've seen growth in all divisions, there's been a big jump in house program participation. He says families seem to like the option of having kids play hockey with less of a time commitment.

"Rather than having to practice twice a week and play two games on the weekend, it's one practice a week and one on the weekend," Steer points out. "I think for a lot of families that are doing multi-sports and have lots of kids, it's a great option to be able to play the great game of hockey and not have to give your whole winter away."

He says that the association is looking forward to being able to utilize the new ice surface at Pason Centennial Arena when it opens in 2018.

"We're looking forward to a new season and I guess the other exciting news is the new arena is going to be ready in January," he says. "It's well-needed for Okotoks minor hockey with our ever-growing numbers. Thanks to the Town for stepping up and twinning the Centennial and enabling us to be able to get every kid into hockey that wants to play in Okotoks."

Registration for the upcoming minor hockey season opened Monday, June 12 and closes July 16.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com