By Heather Rast

The Jr. Roughriders played the Dubuque Stars on the opponent’s home turf at the new Mystique Community Ice Center on Saturday.  The $7.1 million facility opened in September 2010 and currently features a single sheet of ice.  The two Mite A-level teams, comprised of children ages 6-8, played two games termed “friendlies” designed to introduce players to the concepts of healthy competition and teamwork.

The first game, played at 10:30 Saturday, was won by the Jr. Roughriders.  The score was 2 to 0.  Jr. Roughriders goalie Jack Drahos played a tremendous game with 13 saves for the shutout.  The second game, played at 1:30, saw the Stars win 4 to 1.

Jr. Roughriders vs. Dubuque Stars

Jr. Roughrider Mite-A coaches are Jim Chaffe, Greg Collins, Scott Rast and Karl Djerf. Coaches draw on their decades of youth and amateur hockey experiences to teach players techniques and develop skills.  The players practice twice weekly and spend a third evening on the ice with the house league.

The typical progression for most children interested in playing youth hockey begins with instructional skating, moving on to instructional hockey.  House league hockey may follow completion of either instructional period, then continue into youth hockey teams which travel for competitive games.  Benefits of hockey include physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, teamwork, coping skills and responsibility, to name a few.

See more of Cedar Rapids’ best hockey amateur youth hockey this weekend at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.  The Jr. Roughriders are hosting the Jr. Roughrider Classic January 21-23.  Over 200 participants are expected for the games which begin Friday night on the OLY rink while the Roughriders host Muskegon on the NHL ice.

Jr. Roughriders Bethie Walker and Hayden Rast

Visiting youth teams hail from Peoria, Omaha, Des Moines, Waterloo, Mason City, Dubuque, Iowa City and Sioux City.  Games will be held at the Mite, Squirt A and Squirt B levels.

The Cedar Rapids Hockey Association will run concessions throughout the games which conclude with playoffs into Sunday evening.  The CRHA will use proceeds from sales as well as several raffles to benefit youth hockey programs.

Dozens of parent volunteers have contributed time and resources to coordinate a sporting event the Cedar Rapids community take pride in.  Many local businesses and corporations donated products or services to help support the tournament.  Sponsors will be recognized in a program available during the games.

The Mites-A team is sponsored by Loca Plumbers and Pipefitters 125.