Stride Place was busy this past weekend with Hockey Manitoba's Program of Excellence top 40 U-18 and U-16 camps taking place.

Organiser John FergOrganiser John Ferg says the facilities in Portage are excellent for this type of event.

"Between the Canada Inns and the transportation, and the Stride Place facilities are excellent for this type of venue. We have two rinks going with multi-purpose room, on ice/off ice activities. It's a great viewing arena for evaluators and for the parents to see the players."

Ferg notes Portage is one of the places often talked about by Hockey Manitoba for hosting programs such as this. He comments of the effect events such as this have on our community.

"The spin-off effect for our community for hosting things like this is absolutely excellent. We've got over 80 players here, we've got about 30 staff and evaluators present. That brings a lot of dollars into our community and I really appreciate the fact that we're supporting our local businesses throughout the weekend."

Ferg notes over the weekend the environment at Stride Place was really competitive.

"These players know what they're playing for; they're competing for a chance to play on a Team Manitoba team. Having the two programs together, with the U-16 and the U-18; the U-18 being the premiere program. But they've sure been a great mentorship for the younger girls, and the younger girls look up to the older girls."

He adds how the girls interacted with one another was absolutely excellent.