Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele hosts weekend hockey camp for kids

Young hockey players are honing their skills in Winnipeg this weekend at a hockey camp hosted by Jets centre Mark Scheifele in support of KidSport.

The first annual 24-7 Intouch Mark Scheifele Hockey Camp offers mentoring from Scheifele, Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson and some of the city's top hockey coaches to boys and girls between the ages of five and 12.

"As a kid, sports was so important. It was the biggest part of my life," Scheifele said.

"If I wasn't at school, I had a basketball in my hand, a hockey stick in my hand. No matter what, it was always about sport, and to give those kids a chance to play is awesome."

The hockey camp is raising money for KidSport Winnipeg's programming. Scheifele is also hosting a golf tournament on Monday.

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Originally from Kitchener, Ont., Scheifele was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2011 NHL entry draft.

He is an athlete ambassador for the non-profit organization, which aims to remove financial barriers so all children can play organized sports.

"I still remember that age, you know, getting the chance to actually skate with the Kitchener Rangers … it was always pretty awesome," he said.

"I looked up to them as pretty big role model, so it's pretty cool having the shoe on the other foot."