Next week is Minor Hockey Week in British Columbia. And we at the Townsman/Bulletin plan on marking it in special ways.

Many of us take hockey very seriously in January and February, especially this year as the Olympics are on tap. Some only absorb the NHL playoffs. Some the WHL. Some the compelling World Junior Tournament.

But there are a great many among who take hockey seriously all year long — making plans through the off-season and going full bore through the fall and winter. These are the parents, the coaches, the volunteers, and most importantly the young players, who aren't necessarily dreaming of future NHL stardom, but who are out having fun, learning and enjoying this great sport, this integral aspect of Canadian culture that is part of us all, whether we like hockey or not.

Minor Hockey Week is a chance to salute those volunteers, coaches, parents and players, the ice makers, flooders and caretakers and the myriad others, who put up with the odd hours, the expense, the exertion, and who do it with joy. It takes a village to play hockey. And hockey is one of those things that keep the heat on in our long cold winter.