Female hockey is thriving like never before at the Greater Trail Minor Hockey Association (GTMHA), with a record-breaking 80 female players registered this season from U7 to U18.
The impressive milestone has led to the formation of four all-female teams for the 2023-2024 season — a first in the association's history.
“We’ve seen incredible growth this year,” said Jen Duckworth of GTMHA. “It’s truly been a great season for female athletics in our community.”
The four all-female teams include the U7 Golden Girls, U9 Jr Cats, and both U13 and U18 Wildcats squads.
In addition to these teams, 16 other female players have been competing in the rep and mixed house leagues, highlighting the diverse ways girls are getting involved in the sport.
Last year, GTMHA celebrated the introduction of its first all-female U11 team.
While numbers didn’t allow that team to continue this season, new ground was broken with the creation of the U7 and U9 girls' teams for the first time ever.
“It’s important to support female players, no matter where they choose to play,” Duckworth said. “Some girls still prefer mixed teams for various reasons, and we’re here to back them 100 percent.”
The rise in female participation is attributed to several factors, including the influence of the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and growing word-of-mouth enthusiasm within the community.
“Whether it’s from the excitement of watching professional women play or simply hearing from friends, the interest has been amazing,” Duckworth noted.
“It also helps to have a tremendous group of volunteers and coaching staff pushing for growth and equality for these girls. Without them, this would not be what it is today.”
Beyond GTMHA, female players from the Trail area are making waves across the region.
Local girls compete with teams like the U15 Wildcats in Castlegar and the West Kootenay Crusaders, while others have progressed to hockey academies, collegiate programs, and even professional play internationally.
“This area has produced some incredibly talented female athletes,” Duckworth said. “Some have gone on to play around the world and now coach at the university level. It’s inspiring to see how far they’ve come.”
To foster interest in hockey among newcomers, West Kootenay hosts all-female hockey days in Trail, open to anyone wanting to try the sport.
GTMHA also organizes a “Try Hockey Day” event each September, providing an inviting environment for young girls to explore the game.
“These events are perfect for anyone curious about hockey,” Duckworth said. “They’re fun, welcoming, and a great way to get a feel for the sport.”
Looking ahead, registration for the 2024-2025 season opens in June.
Families can find more information at www.gtmha.com or through GTMHA’s Facebook page.
“Next season is shaping up to be just as exciting, if not more so,” Duckworth added. “We’re thrilled to welcome new and returning players to the GTMHA family.”
As female hockey continues to gain momentum in Greater Trail, the message from the community is clear: the future is bright, and the opportunities for young female athletes are endless.
GTMHA female players roster
U7 Golden Girls: Beck Borsato, Briella Russell, Brinley Philipzyk, Claire Bell, Everlee Pressacco, Hazel Laface, Heidi Tyson*, Lillian Mackenzie, Lily Neil*, Luella Kissock, Max Lauzon, Mckenzie McLeod*, Millicent Price*, Shae Loughlin
U7 Blue Thunder Falcons: Sadie Hannah
U7 Firehawks: Maja Windbiel, Charlea Windbiel
U9 Red Raptors: Madilyn Pressacco
U9 Jr Cats: Alba Brinson-Kerr, Brooklyn Philipzyk, Niya Lee, Adalina Scott, Whitney White, Palmer Marcotte, Jordana Laratta, Nova McIntyre, Molly McMartin, Hadley Cranston, Adelina LeRose, Aubrey Bozzer*, Brooke Bell, Chasey Stanton
U9 Jr Knights: Nora Johnson, Emma Boutin*
U11 Gladiators: Hazel Saban, Esme Brooks, Everli Johnson, Morgan Hamilton
U13 Rep: Dolma Gauthier
U13 Titans: Peyton Kruchen, Jayci Halifax
U13 Bandits: Charlee Tyson
U13 Wildcats: Aspen Cotter*, Olive Ehman, Natalie Abenante, Olivia MacDonell*, Emilia Stroud, Isabelle Morris, Maci Deadmarsh, Georgia Flux, Adrienne Fayant, Ella Ballarin, Zoe Swankhuizen, Maci Bozzer*, Abigail Nephin, Tia Nicholls, Avery Valin, Nevay Hadikin
U15 Titans: Avery Gagnon*
U15 Puck Pirates: Elyssa Piccolo*
U15 Rep: Lacey Duckworth
U18 Wildcats: Brennin Sjoden, Bailie Jones, Mya Morissette, Alyssa Dickson, Juliette Leroux, Emily Maniago, Rebecca Hough, Erika Miller, Jordyn Hollis, Ava Morrison, Mya Griffiths, Brooke Robertson, Briana Reimer, Makayla Kravski, Kezia Zamec, McKenna Ross, Ivy Benbow, Hailey Hutt*, Jadyn Ferreira
*Missing from photo
