Thorhild and Redwater host Female Hockey Day

By Brandie Majeau
Hockey Alberta has created an initiative of an annual Female Hockey Day, established in
2018, it encourages the celebration of female hockey players and aims to further support their
growth and development. This is a province wide program with up to ten community
associations receiving grants from Hockey Alberta to host their own Female Hockey Day
celebrations. Thorhild and Redwater Minor Hockey joined forces, received one of these grants
and invited girls aged 5-18 to register to attend an afternoon of girl power and hockey.
Thirty young women registered for the experience. Most registrants have been playing
hockey between 2-5 years, however four of the participants had never played before. Many
parents and volunteers of the Female Hockey Day expressed surprise at the overwhelming
response, pleased with the great turnout. The event kicked off with free pizza and popcorn as
the Professional Women’s Hockey League game was broadcast onto a giant screen for the
youth to enjoy, cheering on their favorite teams and players. Each girl was also gifted swag bags
full of treats and goodies (including team head scarves) handed out to commemorate the
occasion.
The afternoon progressed as each player donned their skates, helmets, and gear and
headed to the ice for half an hour of skills & drills followed by a half hour friendly game. The
freshly groomed rink became a flurry of scraping skates and gliding pucks, the smack of sticks
against ice and rubber connecting with boards. Experienced players took their warmups
gracefully, pausing occasionally to encourage younger players in puck passing and stick
handling. Coaches called out orders, some players exuding confidence while an occasional
wobble of uncertain ankles showed trepidation. As commented by a viewing parent of a new
player, the process is so exciting, but intimidating.
Redwater and Thorhild Minor Hockey worked together to put on an amazing event,
highlighting what Female Hockey Day is all about. The young ladies coming together on January
28, epitomized encouragement and support, and the empowerment that comes with it. These
are the youth of a next generation of future women athletes. They are setting the foundation
for their future and defining themselves with strength, endurance, team commitments and
leaderships skills. These are a group of young ladies that will stand tall and proud as they learn
from their challenges and look back upon the memories of their growth and a shared love of
the game.