By Tracey Hittel
Coming out of the deep freeze with a chance to chase a winter spring in the harbour and do some king crab fishing, perhaps even some stream fishing for steelhead as well.
Being the time of year when preparation begins for the spring season, I took a drive down to MK Marina to check the boats in the new year - it was bitterly cold and windy.
Haisla village was silent, except for a single elder taking a stroll all bundled up. “A penny for his thoughts” crossed my mind - I could see his leathered skin had many miles of experience on it. How times have changed since he was a boy.
A winter pass-time here in Kitimat is the Canadian sport of curling, and thanks to the Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club for having a facility to provide a year-round service for all to enjoy.
Once a competitive curler, I enjoy the camaraderie of the game and visiting with club members and new curlers. Having a facility such as this allows junior curlers to advance to provincial and Canadian levels in the game.
This is thanks to hard-working volunteers, parents’ commitment to the game and the kids that want to be champions in the sport.
Over the years I’ve watched many of our young curlers turn competitive and in particular, our local girl/women curlers have excelled. Local curler Taylor Reese-Hanson is one example of the importance of sport in Kitimat and providing continued finances to the facility goes a long way.
Taylor championed a high school girls provincial team and that trickle down effect produces more like her in the community. Having a victory in team sport gives you confidence in life as well.
Thanks to DOK for keeping these dreams alive, not only for me as a proud supporter of the game and club here in town, but also because it allows me one night a week to have a night out with the fellas.