Dek hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports in Quebec.
The Frontière Dek Hockey League, which started in 2022 in Hemmingford and Saint-Chrysostome with 44 players, has expanded faster than a slap shot to reach over 650 players this season across seven municipalities – including Franklin, Lacolle, Saint-Michel, Sainte-Clotilde, and Napierville.
Devon Watt, who is one of four founding volunteers, explained that despite its rapid expansion, the league is still primarily managed by volunteers in collaboration with municipal recreation employees. She describes the fast-paced sport, which is played mainly outdoors on enclosed surfaces, as “glorified ball hockey,” or a safe and accessible version of street hockey.
This season will be the first for the municipalities of Franklin and Lacolle. Watt said that with more players joining each year, they are happy to welcome new teams. “Last year we had five surfaces, and every single surface for every single minute of our scheduled time was booked,” she explained.
Registration for the upcoming season will close on April 13 for children between the ages of 3 and 18 years of age. Each team is guaranteed 10 games, team practices, and the opportunity to play in the end-of-year championships. The league is fully bilingual, and parents can register with an affiliated municipality regardless of where they live.
Players need a stick, a helmet will full face protection, shin pads, and hockey gloves. “It is for everyone; no matter the level they want to achieve, we have a space for them,” Watt said, noting the league offers both competitive and non-competitive sections.
This season will also mark the introduction of an all-girls division for players aged 11 and up. Watt explained that they wanted to encourage girls to keep playing, noting that statistics show girls tend to drop out of sports after age 12. “This will give them a chance to find a place to get their footing,” she said, suggesting that the more physical play on mixed teams can be intimidating.
The regular season starts on May 19. Registration is now open online at dekfrontiere.com.