by Kyle Wells [email protected] VIDEO – Brand new jerseys are brightening up the ice for the Powell River Lockerooms, an all-female hockey program that is entering into its third year in the rink.
A lot of girls feel nervous to try the sport when faced with the prospect of playing against boys, so this program gives them the opportunity to play in an more comfortable environment. They practice one day per week, where they work on skill development such as skating and puck handling.
Last year girls from the program played a few games against house teams and went to one tournament. The program has now doubled in size and 21 players registered at the start of this season. Girls of all ages are welcome but most are between 10 and 14 years old.
“We try to keep it fun for the girls and just help them gain the confidence in themselves and skating,” said Traci Abbott, female development coordinator for Powell River Minor Hockey. “Each girl is challenged to their own ability and wherever their comfort zone is.”
Every person on the ice is female in the program, from the players to the coaches to the assistants. Coach Jodi Mastrodonato joked that it’s a “no boys allowed” club but said that having the program entirely run and participated in by females helps the young players.
“It’s really a positive experience and they get a lot more touches with the puck because they don’t have boys taking the puck,” said Mastrodonato. “So they’re developing very quickly. You’ll notice a change within three weeks.”
Mastrodonato said she finds that many girls do not get the early start in hockey like boys do and by the time they decide they want to try it, the boys are often far ahead in terms of skills. This makes joining a regular house league intimidating. Many of the girls who go through this program end up playing in the coed house league.
This year the team is donning new uniforms from its sponsor, The Lockeroom Sporting Goods. The uniforms are red, a colour picked because it looks “mean,” because the players like it and because it’s the colour of Team Canada, explained Mastrodonato. It features the Powell River Kings “P” logo.
“It’s nice because they’re all out there, they all look good, they all look sharp,” said Abbott, “whereas in the past we’ve just gotten whatever was left over for jerseys.”
A “tryout” package is available for the program, which offers four practices for $50. If the player enjoys the four practices and wants to continue that $50 is put toward the overall registration fee. Players can register online. For more information readers can call Abbott at 604.485.5889 or email [email protected].
