Some young girls had an experience of a lifetime this weekend, taking part in a one-day hockey camp led by women they can look up to.
It wasn’t just about learning new skills; it also provided a chance to grow the game, with players hitting the ice and learning from athletes who have carved their own paths.
“I think I started skating when I was about six, started playing with a team when I was about eight,” says Jessica Adolfsson of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) Ottawa Charge. “I started in boys’ hockey. So, just seeing girls actually being able to play girls hockey is just freaking amazing, to be honest.”
About 250 girls in that same age group took part in the Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest in Halifax; a returning hockey camp which travels coast to coast.
“The thing that they’re doing here is pretty amazing,” says Adolfsson. “I want to be a part of it, and I want to support the next generation.”
“It’s great,” says Jacqueline McCarron, a mother of two. “I’ve been coaching hockey since my oldest started, so seeing this amount of girls on the ice at one time is incredible.”
There were two thrilling parts to the day for her daughter Soraya: “Training and making friends.”
That was a common denominator for others, too.
“I’m having a lot of fun being with my friends,” another girl said.
It wasn’t just about lacing up the skates, some first-time players were even able to score some free gear.
While the drills and activities were perhaps the most enjoyable for some, there was also off-ice training and a classroom-like setting. There girls were provided an opportunity to ask mentors questions, including what makes a good teammate.
“I have really awesome teammates and they’re always really excited to see me,” Adolfsson answered. “They make me feel seen and heard.”
To keep the inspiration flowing, the girls got to pose with the Walter Cup, the top prize in the PWHL – creating a new goal for the next generation.
“I think it’s super important,” says Adolfsson. “You need goals, right? You need goals to aim towards. Goals are like a magnet that pulls you in. So, I think (the PWHL) is a magnet for every girl that aspires to be a great freaking person and a great freaking hockey player.”
The young girls also got a chance to get autographs from Adolfsson and several Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women’s athletes who play for Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie.
The chance to be there provided the girls a new sense of inspiration.
“It means a lot,” says Summer Radcliffe, who just heard from some of the mentors. “It gives me courage and to hopefully teach other people how to play hockey.”
Some now have their sights set on playing professional hockey one day.
“Yeah, I want to go in (the PWHL), I want to be in it,” says Brett Wilson.
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