They are a part of minor hockey history on the Sunshine Coast.
An all girls' midget-level team made their debut recently playing the first game at home. They lost the contest 4-1 to Abbotsford, but the game was about more than winning and losing - it was making history as the first girls' team to play on the Coast at that level, giving a group of young hockey players the chance to continue playing the sport they love.
The team has been organized and managed by Nancy Palmer and Kristy Pike with Pike's husband Trevor helping out coaching alongside Kenneth Jenkins, who is also helping to coach.
Palmer said this is a chance for midget-level-aged girls (13 to 18) to play at home instead of travelling to the Lower Mainland.
"Girls on the Sunshine Coast start hockey with the boys at age five and some end up quitting after pee wee at about age 12," Palmer said. "Their choice is to play on the women's league with all ages at a less competitive level or travel to the North Shore. Our vision was to start this team and give the girls the opportunity to play with their friends at their own age and level."
The call for players went out in August and by early September Palmer said the roster was filling up fast.
"We have a pretty dedicated group. The enthusiasm is really high," added Pike.
"The team is really a developmental one. The goal is to play at least one game every month, and hopefully we can grow the numbers and have two teams next year," Palmer said. "We have some girls who have played rep hockey, some that are beginners too. The idea is for them to play, continue to develop their skills and continue to play hockey."
Both Pike and Palmer wished to offer thanks and praise to the Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association for all their support.
"Dave Rose from the association spoke to the team before our first game. He said the girls were a part of history, that this was a milestone. The girls were really excited to hear those words and get that encouragement," Pike said.
The team practises every Monday night at 8:15 p.m. at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre and they are always looking for players. To find out more about the team or to join, contact Palmer at 604-740-9911 or Pike at 604-740-6919.
The team's next game is this Sunday, Feb. 22, in Sechelt at the Sunshine Coast Arena against Richmond. Game time is set for 5:15 p.m.
