Ktunaxa Hockey Program connects the past with the present

The Ktunaxa Hockey Program that started on Thanksgiving weekend in 2016, continues it's success, and has just named the captain of the program.

Connecting the past with the present, the last captain of the Windermere Elks, Pete Nicholas, personally passed on the captaincy 'C' to Jacob Beattie of the Ktunaxa Hockey Program.

Nicholas was the captain for the Elks during their last season in 1985-86. The Elks was an all Ktunaxa senior mens hockey team. With excitement, Nicholas passed on the captaincy. He was thrilled that the program is running and the good that it is doing for the children, teenagers, and community.

However, Nicholas cautioned that there is responsibility that comes with being the captain, that it is an honor to be named the leader of a team.

Beattie was surprised with the news and feels a lot of pressure that comes with the honor of being named the captain. He knows that he needs to make an effort to be a leader, example, and mentor on and off the ice for the players.

Beattie has a connection to local hockey. His grandpa, Jim Ratcliffe was a goalie for the Kimberley Dynamiters (and is pictured here in a 1966 team photo). He is also related to Scott Beattie, head coach and general manager for the Dynamiters during the 2005-08 seasons.

There was additional excitement at the Ktunaxa Hockey Program yesterday because the Hometown Hockey crew was in attendance.

Lead photo by Marie Laska.