Over the past two seasons, Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey has invested in the growth of skills and development as well as the female hockey program, hosting programs such as ESSO Girls and coordinating female scrimmages with Powell River Minor Hockey on both home and away ice. These programs have led to the growth of female players in SCMHA, thus encouraging the idea of a female program.
Historically, females phase out of SCMHA at the Bantam level, either quitting the sport altogether or leaving the Coast to play elsewhere, but the association is striving to sustain these strong athletes until the end of their minor hockey career – and beyond.
The 2019-20 season will be the start of a new era with SCMHA, beginning with an all female, Atom-aged team (nine and 10 year olds) and leading to the eventual goal of having a female team in every division from Novice to Midget.
Females are taking over the Gibsons ice arena Aug. 6 to 9 as the season kicks off with the first Blues female hockey camp, featuring guest coach Owen Pighin, director of female hockey for the Delta Hockey Academy and head coach of the Bantam Prep Female Team, along with another ESSO Girls program. The ESSO Girls program encourages all females aged five to 15 to come give the sport of hockey a try for free. Gear is provided.
Developing a new hockey program does not come without financial commitment. SCMHA is currently seeking sponsors to help get the program up and running. For more information on how to donate, or further information regarding the camp or the female program, please contact Kori Hudrick, SCMHA female lead: [email protected]
– Submitted by Melissa Tripp
