The sounds of laughter and the scraping of skates filled the Morris Multiplex Sunday afternoon as 28 young girls between the ages of six and 12 laced up, many for the first time.
The Red River Wild team hosted an all-girls event for the third year with the hopes of increasing interest in female hockey in southern Manitoba.
Organized to introduce young players to the world of hockey in a safe, supportive, and fun environment, Grow the Game allows girls to try hockey at no cost, with all equipment provided, enabling the event to be accessible to all.
“So many people come together to make this event possible,” shared organizer Lindsay Ewbank. “Most of the equipment is borrowed from Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreational Council or loaned for the day by hockey families.”
Sponsors Western Harvest Bean, Town of Morris, Morris Bigway, Morris School, and River City Express provided snacks, drinks, and swag bags for the participants.
Parents of current Red River Wild players and the girls themselves volunteered their time on and off the ice to make the day successful.
“We have roughly 25 volunteers help out at these events,” said Ewbank.
“Having all-female teams evens the playing field for the players,” she shared. “On co-ed teams, boys will always get more ice time. Hockey is a great way to be active year-round and make friends.”
Harlow Muller, 6, tried hockey for the first time at the event.
“I want to score a goal today,” she said, a big smile on her face.
Dad Charlie says the plan is to put Harlow in hockey next fall, if she wants.
“I love hockey, grew up with the sport, and have no preference what kind of team she’s on, as long as she’s enjoying it,” he said.
Ewbank’s daughter Kaydence was one of the original nine players that started playing female hockey with the U9 Red River Wild four years ago. She now plays on the U11 team and was able to share her skills with other youth last weekend.
“By helping out, I get to see other people enjoying the sport. I’ve made a lot of friends playing hockey,” shared Kaydence. “We aren’t split into two change rooms and [players] bond in the dressing room as much as on the ice. I get to stick with my best friends because we play on the same team.”
Elena Daman, 9, attended the Grow the Game event last year and is now finishing up her first year of female hockey. Mom Sara says that “seeing the team spirit, having the U11 players cheering them on, and playing their first game increased Elena’s interest in the sport. She now has confidence in what she does, loves having something to look forward to, and ultimately, hockey has showed her what being a team player is.”
The afternoon included two one-hour ice sessions broken up by an hour in a classroom setting to share information about the Red River Wild team that includes girls from Rosenort, Morris, and St.Jean.
The ice sessions focused on gaining confidence on ice, with hockey equipment, basic drills, and ended with an inter-squad game.
“Female hockey builds a closer friendship [than co-ed teams],” shared Daman. “The girls give each other compliments, boost one another’s confidence. There is also a different dynamic: boys are more competitive, rough. Female hockey doesn’t have contact and I don’t have to worry about my daughter getting into a fight. Elena doesn’t have to go to a game wondering ‘Is someone going to want to fight me today?’ There is relief in that.”
