Interest in female hockey is growing throughout British Columbia, and Lac la Hache is seeing greater participation from the ladies.
For the second consecutive year, the Rolf Zeis Memorial Arena is home to the South Cariboo Female Hockey League and its four teams – Blue Steel, Hot Tamales, Storm Chasers and Black Menace.
The league invites players 16 years old and up to join.
League spokesperson Heather Wood, who plays for Blue Steel, says they have several players in the 50 year-plus age range.
While most players come from the South Cariboo, a couple of dedicated women make the drive from Hanceville, in the Chilcotin, each week to play.
Lac la Hache is a perfect place to be centred, says Wood, because being less busy than the arena in 100 Mile House, the league is able to get prime ice time. They play each Monday at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.
There’s no such thing as practices, so all of their time is spent playing games. There are no coaches, either, and the women, who represent a wide range of skill levels, learn from each other, Wood explains.
“It’s a great chance to get exercise, meet new people and improve your skills. It’s a good learning environment.”
There’s room for the league to grow and Wood says they’re looking ahead to next season. Anyone who thinks they might like to give it a try can contact Kim Mills at 250-395-2435.
