SEMO WILDCATS SHARPEN SKATES FOR NEW SEASON

When the weather gets cold, the SEMO Wildcats simply go with the flow.

The local hockey organization is preparing to begin another exciting season for youths ages 18 and under.

The season starts Nov. 2 and continues into early March. While the league is nearly filled, league organizer Bill Mercer said newcomers are still welcome.

"Most of them seem to pick it up pretty fast," said Mercer. "With very little exception, they all seem to enjoy it. It's a fast sport with a lot of action."

The league has five age divisions: Mites (8 and under), Squirts ((9-10), Pee Wees (11-12), Bantams (13-14) and Midgets (15-18).

The Mites and Squirts are essentially non-checking and play the bulk of their games at The Ice in Cape Girardeau. The upper three divisions allow checking and travel to St. Louis and other areas for games.

To attract youngsters into the sports, the organization can generally provide equipment in the Mites division to hold down costs. With the league providing helmets and padding, the child must just provide his own skates, stick and mouth piece.

"It's essentially to get them started and let them decide if they like it," said Mercer.

Mercer said the cost per player for a season is $300. The bulk of that money goes toward ice time with either two practices or a practice and a game each week.

Mercer said a lot of kids have never ice skated and are a little intimidated about the sport.

"A lot of kids have never ice skate, but have rollerbladed, and there seems to be a lot of crossover," said Mercer. "A lot of them that rollerblade seem to pick up ice skating very quickly."

For any further information on Wildcat hockey, or to register, contact Mercer at 651-5230.