Completion of the new water-based field brings the count at the Bathurst complex up to three, and increases the opportunities for juniors to practice and play their hockey.

Strong playing numbers are another reason respective Bathurst Junior Boys and Girls Hockey Association presidents Anthony Clark and Sue Watterson are excited.

“In boys hockey we’ve seen a growth of about 20 per cent. I think people are cottoning on to the fact that hockey is a really fun, safe, community-based sport,” Clark said.

“We can utilise the new turf on Saturday mornings for our minkey, under 7s, under 9s and under 11s,” Watterson added.

“It’s outstanding to see the new field finished because we get opportunity to develop skills and play the modern style of hockey.”

Clark and Watterson are also proud of the association’s junior district programs.

Over the weekend Cooke Hockey Complex played host to the Boys Under 18s State Championships.

A young Bathurst team showed the benefits of that program against stiff competition. 

“Bathurst has really punched above its weight in district boys and girls hockey over the last couple of years,” Clark said.

“It was fantastic being here on Monday night seeing the boys and girls enjoying high quality training at that district level.”

It’s still not too late to get juniors involved in a new season of hockey.

Boys hockey from under 11s to 15s is played on a Friday night from 4.30pm to 7pm.

“We have some exciting games and formats, music, a great fun atmosphere there,” Clark said.

Women’s junior hockey takes place on a Saturday morning.

Under 18s play from 8.20am, under 15s from 9.35am, under 9s play from 10.25am, under 13s from 10.50am, under 5s and 7s from 11.25am, while under 11s play at either 11.50am or 12.40pm.