Get into the great Canadian female game: Several development activities planned for national championship in Dawson Creek

There will be plenty of opportunity for girls and women of all ages and skill level to get into the great Canadian game at the 2012 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Dawson Creek, B.C. 
 
Development activities will be held in and around the EnCana Events Centre, where the puck drops on the eighth such national championship Nov. 7-11, and are being hosted in partnership by Hockey Canada, BC Hockey, the Dawson Creek Minor Hockey Association and the City of Dawson Creek. The various development programs will offer local players – whether young or old, rookie or veteran – the chance to learn from some of the very best women’s hockey talent from across the nation.  
 
A series of minor hockey evenings will take place during the tournament’s preliminary round from Wednesday November 7th to Friday November 9th. 

The opening evening will offer a coaching clinic with Bernie Reichardt, Hockey Manitoba’s Director of Development, who has been involved in hockey for over two decades at the provincial, national and international levels. She will lead a one hour session both on and off the ice on Wednesday November 7th from 6-8 p.m. at Kin Arena. 

On Thursday November 8th there will be a Hot Stove Night at the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre Boardroom from 6-7 p.m. featuring an assortment of mini presentations with a question and answer period. Select Under-18 National Team coaches will present, along with special guest Mel Davidson, a former National Women’s Team Coach who led Canada to a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. All coaches in attendance will receive free admission to Thursday’s 7 p.m. match-up between Ontario Red and British Columbia. 

Friday November 9th a Referee Mentorship Program will take place, also from 6-7 p.m. at the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre Boardroom. There will be presentations from Hockey Canada Supervisory staff and other National Team referees. The selection of officials assigned to the Championship is set to take place as well. All referees in attendance will be admitted to Friday’s 7 p.m. game between Team Atlantic and British Columbia free of charge. 

To register for any of these three programs, please email recreation@dawsoncreek.ca or call (250) 784-3604.  

The Experience a Dream program is another opportunity for young female hockey players to be a part of the Women’s Under-18 Championship and get a first hand look at what it’s like to be part of a high performance team. 

Prior to the semi final and medal matches on Saturday November 10th and Sunday November 11th respectively, selected pee wee aged players will get to experience off and on ice warm up with a competing team, in addition to standing on the blue line for the national anthem. Participants will also receive two complimentary tickets to the game. 

Those interested should contact Lisa Ward, Special Events Hockey Canada at weezyward@gmail.com. 

Another initiative taking place is Minor Hockey Night on Thursday November 8th. Minor hockey players wearing their team jersey will be admitted into the game for free accompanied by a paid ticket holder.   

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the wisdom of successful players, coaches and officials who have left their mark on Canadian female hockey. The Women’s Under-18 Championship is your chance to watch the future stars of tomorrow compete for national supremacy, showcasing elite athletes from coast to coast.