Photo by Marcel Vander Wier
Top: TIPS OF THE TRADE 鈥� Lily Gontard shares some hockey strategy with her new teammates at last night's scrimmage at the Canada Games Centre. Bottom: INTRODUCTIONS 鈥� Members of the Whitehorse Women's Hockey Association share a conversation prior to their first scrimmage Wednesday night.
The Whitehorse Women's Hockey Association is enjoying an unexpected boost in popularity this season.
The Whitehorse Women's Hockey Association is enjoying an unexpected boost in popularity this season.
Total membership numbers are currently at 107 women, 20 more than last season according to league president Vanessa Bogaert.
"We do have the highest interest rate yet, which is great,鈥� she told the Star, prior to the association's first scrimmage action. "We also have a waiting list this year.鈥�
An influx of hockey-playing women moving to Whitehorse could be a reason for the sudden surge, Bogaert suggested.
The Kitimat, B.C.-native made the transition herself, two years ago.
"We've got women from complete beginners that have never put on skates to women that have been playing for 40 or more years.鈥�
The league that began in 2005 will once again ice six teams, marking the third consecutive year it has achieved that mark.
"We do have a solid base of women that have been playing since the beginning,鈥� Bogaert said. "We definitely have a lot of ice time. There's six games a week currently, which is fabulous.鈥�
The league does its best to promote a fun-loving atmosphere for players of all skill-sets.
"You have to have fun when you're playing a sport,鈥� Bogaert said. "Otherwise what's the point? You want to enjoy yourself, meet new people, and learn a new skill, or improve upon a skill that you currently have.鈥�
The season runs from mid-October to mid-March, followed by a playoff tournament.
The majority of games will be played at the Canada Games Centre, except Sunday matinee matchups, which will be hosted at Takhini Arena.
"It's a fairly long season,鈥� Bogaert said. "Each team should work out to play 38, 39 games, which is amazing.鈥�
One issue is the lack of female goalies. Five are currently registered to play in the six-team league.
"We're going to rotate the goaltenders through for the first bit and hope that we do find interest from some other women in the community,鈥� Bogaert explained.
The association recently held a variety of developmental clinics, including a referee certification camp that was attended by five female referees and one male.
Thirteen referees are now on the association's list.
"It's going to be good. The fact that there's 13 refs to be able to juggle throughout 116 games is great,鈥� Bogaert said.
The league currently has no sponsors, but the association's vision is to become known as a competitive league and one day expand to two divisions.
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Comments (3)
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flyingfur on Oct 11, 2012 at 2:12 am
With little or no hockey on TV to watch maybe I'll catch a couple of the ladies' games. Probably more fun to watch anyway.
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Steve Blom on Oct 9, 2012 at 9:32 am
Really awesome to see the GREAT Canadian game being embraced and open to everyone. Great story!
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Pamela Morrissey on Oct 5, 2012 at 1:38 am
Hi, I've played in Vancouver, Whitehorse, and Kingston, Ontario, and the Whitehorse Women's League is the best women's hockey hands down. It could even be the best in the country?? Great women, great organization and tons of heart!! I miss you all. I hope to be back in Whitehorse one day, and when I do, I'll be out there on the ice with you all again. Have a great season everyone!!