Steinbach Minor Hockey is hoping for a late surge in registrations for the coming season. President Tim Friesen says their numbers are down considerably so far this year with 152 kids signed up compared to 187 last year. He adds that has prompted them to extend the registration date.

"Our early registration was supposed to end September 1st. We've now decided to extend it to September 4th, just to give people a few days, once they get back from the long weekend and summer vacations, to get signed up before the $50 late registration fee kicks in."

It currently costs $700-$900 to register for minor hockey, depending on the age group. Friesen admits that is a big lump sum, but adds those numbers are a little deceiving.

"With the number of hours these kids spend on the ice from the middle of September until the middle or end of March, your cost-per-hour for the activity, once you break it down, is one of the lower ones out there."

Enrollment in minor hockey has seen a decline in recent years. Steinbach Minor Hockey reports it had 200 kids registered five years ago. That dropped to 187 last year and could fall further unless there is a late increase in registrations.