Girls lace up for fun, skill-building hockey day
Heart warming giggles and the sound of skates carving across fresh ice filled the rink last Sunday as a group of young female hockey players gathered for a special development and fun day organized by coaches; Brittany Vrooman and Marla McGregor and in partnership with U15 Westman Wildcats. The event brought together 20 girls 4-8 years old from a number of different hockey associations, giving them a rare and exciting opportunity to skate, play, and compete with and against one another. A highlight for the young skaters was the chance to share the ice with their local idols; U15 AAA Wildcats Emma Cornock, Ivy Nelson, Hailey Davidson, Aubree McKinnon, and Hailey Hauser, as well as U18 AAA Westman Wildcat Charlie Shearer and U18 Holland Rocket Charlee Neale.
For Vrooman and McGregor, the motivation was simple: confidence, connection, and a whole lot of fun. “We changed things up a little bit this year by holding it at the beginning of the season instead of the end feeling that they would be a fun way to kick off the start of the hockey season and the players would be able to put their newly acquired skills to practice,” said Brittany.
“We wanted to give these girls a day just for them,” the organizers shared. “They all belong to a co-ed team throughout the season, so this is an opportunity to bring the girls together, build friendships, sharpen their skills, and build confidence.”
New this year was the “dry land” training at the Glenboro School gym where they took part in fun drills promoting dexterity, fast feet and coordination.
The dry land training was followed by the girls heading back to the arena for a team lunch and some fun activities to promote bonding and strengthen friendships. The rink became a space for empowerment, where effort mattered more than perfection.
Parents and volunteers filled the stands, proudly watching as the girls showcased not only improving skills but also determination, teamwork, and plenty of smiles.
“Days like this help them gain confidence and see themselves as strong, capable hockey players;” said Coach Vrooman.
Coach McGregor added that seeing the players support one another on the ice was the true highlight of the day. “They encouraged each other all afternoon and that’s what it’s all about.”
As the final buzzer sounded, the young players left the ice with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the seasons ahead. Meanwhile, as they stepped off the rink, the U15 girls were gearing up for their own game against Yellowhead. Prior to the game, the young girls formed a tunnel for the players to skate through, sharing good luck fist bumps with their role models.
As well as the young skaters enjoying the day learning, the volunteer veterans also enjoy the experience. U18 Holland Rocket Charlee Neale commented excitedly, “I’m very grateful to have been invited for the second year in a row to help out with Girls’ Day at the rink. It’s always such a great experience being out on the ice with all the girls and just skating, chatting, and seeing how much fun they have. I really enjoy getting the chance to share what I love about hockey with them when they are at such a young age and hopefully inspire a few to keep playing hockey when they are older.”
A tired but very happy Coach Vrooman summed it up perfectly: “It was a busy day, but it sure was a fun one.” That sentiment was shared by players as well, including four-year-old Scarlet McMaster, new to the hockey ice, who exclaimed enthusiastically, “I loved it!”
PHOTO CAPTION: There were 20 girls from age 4 to 8 years old learning hockey and life skills from several local heroes that play for U15 and U18 teams in the area. Sessions were held at Glenboro School and Arena.
