Members of the Wheat Kings hockey team participate in Soldier for a Day at CFB Shilo on Sept. 12 in a series of team building exercises including small arms training, obstacle course maneuvers and the combat force race. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News
The opportunity for young hockey players to experience the Soldier for a Day program at CFB Shilo is a circumstance to create camaraderie and team bonding, the Assistant Coach of the Wheat Kings, Mark Derlago said on Sept 12, during a day of activities.
More than 75 potential hockey stars from the Brandon Wheat Kings, Virden Oil Capitals and the Waywayseecappo Wolverines experienced the team building and esprit de corps events from September 11 to 13.
Lieutenant Brian Poole of G3 Ops and Training Base and Headquarters said the events are a way to maintain community connections with neighbours. The experiences have been running for years and requests for the Soldier for a Day activity will be considered based on needs and capabilities.
“We are part of the community of Brandon. This is a good opportunity to create strong community relations between the area and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), specifically CFB Shilo,” he said.
Derlago said the team has been participating in the day for the past five years, which allows the players to see what it’s like on Base. Some of the players were participating in activities on an army base for the first time.
“I think it’s good team bonding. I think it’s a team atmosphere out here. They have to help each other out,” Derlago said.
Players from all three teams participated in a day of tackling through obstacle course training, including rope climbing more than 20 feet high, trench maneuvering practice and wall ascents. Small arms training and the Combat Force Test/Race.
“SAT is what we use to practice our marksmanship principles without having to fire live rounds. We use a laser system,” Lt. Poole said.
Fourth-year Wheat Kings player Brett Highland shared his perspective and said he finds the activity extremely beneficial.
“I don’t think there is a better setting for bonding, team building and teamwork than the military. We come out here, get to know each other and work together it’s awesome,” he said.
The Canadian Armed Forces is a viable career option for athletes pursuing fitness, teamwork, camaraderie and sports. So, the functions are great for recruiting to show an element of army life.
Rookie to the Wheat Kings and also to the Soldier for a Day event, Emerson Clark said he didn’t expect this type of activity when he signed up for hockey.
“It’s tough and it’s tiring … it’s pretty hard but it’s fun,” said the first-year player.
For more epic photos of Soldier for a Day check out Shilo Stag on Facebook
Members of the Wheat Kings hockey team participate in Soldier for a Day at CFB Shilo on Sept. 12 in a series of team building exercises including small arms training, obstacle course maneuvers and the combat force race. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Members of the Wheat Kings hockey team, fourth-year player Brett Highland and rookie Emerson Clark give thumbs-up during Soldier for a Day at CFB Shilo on Sept. 12. Hockey players participated in a series of team building exercises including small arms training, obstacle course maneuvers and the combat force race. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Members of the Wheat Kings hockey team participate in Soldier for a Day at CFB Shilo on Sept. 12 in a series of team building exercises including small arms training, obstacle course maneuvers and the combat force race. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News
Members of the Wheat Kings hockey team participate in Soldier for a Day at CFB Shilo on Sept. 12 in a series of team building exercises including small arms training, obstacle course maneuvers and the combat force race. Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News