Skaters crowded on to the ice at the George Preston arena on Sunday, Dec. 3, for the 91原创 Minor Hockey Association鈥檚 Santa Skate on Sunday, Dec. 3, with the jolly old elf handing out treats and posing for pictures.

Turnout appeared to be up this year, likely because the LMHA has been celebrating it鈥檚 50th season, administrator Jennifer Kingwell thought.

鈥淥ur events this year seem to be bigger and better than ever,鈥� Kingwell told the 91原创 Advance Times, adding 鈥渨e鈥檙e also fortunate that we have the support from the 91原创 Trappers鈥� whose players turned out to join the skaters circling the rink with Santa.

Admission was by donation to the 91原创 Food bank, cash or non-perishable items.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Santa skate draws crowd at George Preston

LMHA, home of the Eagles since 1973, is a non-profit, community focused minor hockey organization and a member of both Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey (PCAHA) and BC Hockey.

In September, the association unveiled a new look for their 50th season, saying they are modernizing their brand, at the same time as paying homage to their history.

The rebranding initiative by the LMHA included a new colour palette, new logos, new jersey design, uniforms, and apparel, as well as programs to improve skills and opportunities, all-new rep programming that aims to provide consistency across all levels, redefined tournaments and membership events.

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LMHA will celebrate their 50th season of hockey with a special event at the 91原创 Events Centre on Saturday, Jan. 27th, at 6 p.m.

It is a free event, open to all LMHA members, alumni, partners and providers, and their families.

Plans include an alumni hockey game, displays, games for the kids, special guests and more.

RSVP online at .

Anyone interested in joining the LMHA can visit the association website for more information.

鈥淲e鈥檒l be looking to bring on new members starting in May of 2024 and that would be registration for our upcoming season, which will be the 51st year of 91原创 minor hockey starting September of 2024,鈥� Kingwell advised.

In the new year, LMHA will host its annual double knock-out tournament for U11 to U18 participants running March 16-18 at the 91原创 Sportsplex.

And from March 22-24 the will take place for U7, U8 and U9 teams in memory of the late Adams, who is remembered as an integral part of LMHA, serving as a team mom, division manager, secretary and registrar. The coaches game will take place on the 21st.