In the past few years, the Grand Plains Minor Hockey Association has seen a significant increase in the number of players taking part. In 2015 and prior, there were just four teams and they were all Grand Plains Hawks.
Beginning in 2016 and going through today, there are now 10 teams total. That includes six Hawks teams and four Ice Dogs teams.
There has also been a ton of success for many of the teams. Both the Ice Dogs and Hawks have been medalling at the provincial level consistently over the last four years.
Cary Fillion who is the new Operating Partner at Cary Fillion's Twin Motors has not only been through all of it, but he's also the founder of the Grand Plains Ice Dogs program.
"It's been absolutely incredible. It honestly warms my heart," said Fillion. "It's so cool that the program just continues to improve. My only wish moving forward is that things continue like this. I know there will always be someone to make sure it does."
"There has been so much help throughout the years with the different age groups," he added.
Coming up this weekend, a select group of Grand Plains Ice Dogs will be getting some attention on the national stage. In between the first and second games tomorrow of Hockey Night in Canada, Hockey 24 will be highlighting the Grand Plains Bantam Ice Dogs.
Hockey 24 is a documentary created that features great stories coming from communities that are making a difference when it comes to the number of athletes playing the game.
On Sunday, November 17 during Rogers Hometown Hockey, a crew made their way to Dauphin and rented out the Rotary Arena. Videos were taken, pictures, interviews and so much more and now that will be featured tomorrow during Hockey Night in Canada.
"The girls were so excited when we got in the dressing room. It was really professional," said Fillion. "Everyone had their own parts to do and they all did great. I think people are going to be blown away when they see the final product."
Make sure you tune into Hockey Night in Canada tomorrow between the first and second games to see all that went down on Sunday, November 17, featuring the Grand Plains Bantam Ice Dogs.
