The hockey landscape is changing.
Just ten years ago, if you were to spend some time at the hockey rink, you’d see boys of various age on the ice surface, with the stands lined with the sisters of the players trying to stay occupied and entertained until the game or practice ended.
That has changed.
The Kanata Girls Hockey Association Tournament was in Ottawa this past weekend, with 97 teams battling it out across five facilities in the city, competing for glory.
iPlayHockey was on site to take in the tournament and noticed something. The script was flipped and it was now the brothers in the family that were taking in their sibling’s hockey game, and they’re excited about it too. There were plenty of noisemakers and screams of encouragement for their sister in key situations.
There wasn’t always so much opportunity for young girls looking to get involved in the game. Not so long ago, it was either playing with the boys, or not playing at all for girls in many Canadian cities. The girls who didn’t want to be on a team with the boys were simply forced into trying another sport or activity, and that was that.
Now, more than 1,500 players compete in the Kanata Girls Hockey Association Tournament and the buzz inside the Richcraft Sensplex was incredible.
When discussing the game with parents in the stands, they made note of a few things. First, the girls all want to show the boys that they can do anything they can, and even do it better. Second, they want the same opportunity that the boys do, and they’re definitely headed in the right direction on that front. Lastly, an interesting tidbit from one passionate parent – hockey fans globally are upset about the NHL’s lack of involvement in the upcoming Winter Olympics. However, the best women’s hockey players from all around the world are still going to be there, and plenty of amazing talent is going to be on display.
With the iPlayHockey staff having been in hockey rinks everywhere throughout our lives, we can definitively say the game is changing. And it’s for the better.