Young P.E.I. hockey players ‘inspired’ by new U-18 female teams

Female hockey players on P.E.I. will have more opportunities to play at a high level this season — and hockey fans will have two more teams to cheer for. 

Prince Edward Island will have two teams joining the under-18 Maritime Major Female Hockey League. They’ll join six other teams based in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Long ago, the Island’s best under-18 male players had the chance to play. travel Play in a Maritime League. It’s a first for the females. 

Erin Ostridge is the chair of Hockey P.E.I.’s female council. said It’s something that’s been in the works for many years.

Hockey P.E.I. is very focused on this. To grow the female game, and have our female players play at the highest level. Our younger girls can see the possibilities and get great exposure even though they are playing at home.

The new P.E.I. was launched by the Summerside Western Capitals owners and Charlottetown Islanders owners. franchises. 

Western Capitals’ general manager Pat McIver said His club is committed to developing female hockey and has the experience. 

“We already rent buses. We already buy equipment and such like things. We can help families keep their costs as low as we can. Our expertise can help you with this.

The girls who were participating in Wednesday’s Summerside camp summer camp received good news.

“I look up a lot to female hockey players, so I would like to see there be an NHL for women, not just boys.” said Maria DesRosiers, a 10-year-old.

Grace Poirier, nine years old, said that she felt like girls should be given more opportunities to join higher leagues because they have the better skills.

McIver says that the teams are now coordinating sponsors and volunteers, and preparing their branding and schedules. said. Before the October games start, tryouts will take place. 

Some of their younger fans already look forward to the day when they get a chance at trying out. 

Poirier: “It makes it feel just really inspirational, how I can push my self to the top,” Poirier said.

“It makes my heart happy.”