Maggie played ringette in Summerside for eight years, but said this past season they’re no longer able to play because of fewer girls on the team.
It’s World Girls Hockey Weekend on P.E.I., and events are taking place across the Island.
Maggie was one of almost a dozen girls to attend the come-try-hockey event hosted by the Credit Union Place on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s good to let other people know about it. It gives girls a chance to try hockey because they might not have otherwise had an opportunity.”
Maggie effortlessly skated around the rink for drills and exercises; however, using a hockey stick and puck were components of the sport she would have to become familiar with, she said.
She and other girls would be playing bantam hockey.
“I’m happy with it because I love skating. I might even like hockey better, and it’s fun to mix it up.”
Fourteen-year-old Julia Johnson faced the same situation as her friend, Maggie, when it came to their ringette team, but she was eager to learn a new sport.
“I’ve always loved hockey, so I thought I would come try it.”
Julia said the event was beneficial in working on her skills, and she encourages other girls who are interested in hockey to hit the ice.
Steve Dyer, board member of the Summerside and Area Minor Hockey Association, said their goal is to encourage new girls to get out and participate in the sport.
“It was open to anyone who maybe hasn’t played hockey or wanted to get some extra ice, or break in new equipment,” said Dyer.
The number of female players has declined on the Island, he said.
“Events like this are important to grow those numbers again. Hopefully as we get going they’ll continue to enjoy it and tell their friends.”
He was impressed with the different skill levels and hard work on Sunday.
“A lot of the girls don’t know there’s an opportunity for them to play on an all-girls team, and it’s to get them active, and to get them back into the game of hockey.”
At the Gateway Arena in Borden-Carleton on Monday, there will be a bantam four-on-four tournament beginning at 9 a.m. and an Esso Fun Day at noon.
Maggie played ringette in Summerside for eight years, but said this past season they’re no longer able to play because of fewer girls on the team.
It’s World Girls Hockey Weekend on P.E.I., and events are taking place across the Island.
Maggie was one of almost a dozen girls to attend the come-try-hockey event hosted by the Credit Union Place on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s good to let other people know about it. It gives girls a chance to try hockey because they might not have otherwise had an opportunity.”
Maggie effortlessly skated around the rink for drills and exercises; however, using a hockey stick and puck were components of the sport she would have to become familiar with, she said.
She and other girls would be playing bantam hockey.
“I’m happy with it because I love skating. I might even like hockey better, and it’s fun to mix it up.”
Fourteen-year-old Julia Johnson faced the same situation as her friend, Maggie, when it came to their ringette team, but she was eager to learn a new sport.
“I’ve always loved hockey, so I thought I would come try it.”
Julia said the event was beneficial in working on her skills, and she encourages other girls who are interested in hockey to hit the ice.
Steve Dyer, board member of the Summerside and Area Minor Hockey Association, said their goal is to encourage new girls to get out and participate in the sport.
“It was open to anyone who maybe hasn’t played hockey or wanted to get some extra ice, or break in new equipment,” said Dyer.
The number of female players has declined on the Island, he said.
“Events like this are important to grow those numbers again. Hopefully as we get going they’ll continue to enjoy it and tell their friends.”
He was impressed with the different skill levels and hard work on Sunday.
“A lot of the girls don’t know there’s an opportunity for them to play on an all-girls team, and it’s to get them active, and to get them back into the game of hockey.”
At the Gateway Arena in Borden-Carleton on Monday, there will be a bantam four-on-four tournament beginning at 9 a.m. and an Esso Fun Day at noon.