The Columbia Valley Rockies Main Camp is taking place this week. This is an opportunity for many young men to take to the ice in the hopes of wearing a Rockies’ jersey for the upcoming hockey season.

These boys spend a little over three days together in a dorm-like setting and will go through the first bonding phase of the season. Yes, some of them have played together before and have already formed the friendships that will likely last for life. And no, all the players that come to camp are not going to be on the team when they lace up their skates for the first game of the regular season in Golden on September 14. But they are becoming friends and that is one of the biggest side benefits that sports of all kinds offer.

Soon the hockey players who are selected to continue to play for our local hockey team will need homes.

I know that it is a tough decision for many. First of all, do you want to have the bother of an extra person in your house with a bit of a different schedule perhaps than your norm? Then you have a choice, what kind of extra person would you like to have in your home?

The CV Rockies are looking for some billet homes, so is the International Student Program. Having hosted both hockey players and international students, I know it is a tough decision. What I think I can safely promise you is that your life will be enriched beyond your expectations if you do choose to take one of these young people into your home. We can all use another friend can’t we?

In the meantime if you’re a hockey fan, be sure to get yourself down to the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena tonight (August 1) and watch some camp games. Three one-hour games start at 6 p.m.  There are also games during the day beginning at 8 a.m. today and tomorrow (Thursday, August 2) for you early-birds. And keep your calendar free for Saturday, September 15. The date has been declared Columbia Valley Rockies Day and along with the season home opener, there will be an alumni game to take in as well as many other activities. Stay tuned!