The Fremont Ice Association, in conjunction with a private donor, hosted the first GIRLS ONLY Hockey Day on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Sidner Ice Arena in Fremont.
The event SOLD OUT quickly with 40 girls, some currently playing hockey or interested in learning to play hockey, ranging in ages from 4 to 14. Equipment was provided for those needing it and the event will consist of skating skills, drills, and station-based activities. The event concluded with an all-girls scrimmage. About half of the participants had no experience at all with the other half having some or limited experience, proving growth is possible with events like these.
Participants received a water bottle and a jersey, designed by Center Trophy, and sponsored by Tactical 88, City Ventures and Rocket Car Wash.
Midland Women’s Hockey alumna Kamryn Hayhurst, who now teaches in Fremont, as well as Maggie Marcotte and Karenna Grothmann, visiting from out-of-town, helped at the event along with Sidner Ice Arena’s Angie Wyle. Fremont Flyer Lauren Koborg, who plays 14U competitive hockey in Fremont on a boys team, and is a freshman at DC West, also helped at the event.
Her mom, Erin, said hockey helps Lauren honor her late father, who also loved the game, in addition to life skills developed.
“I’m so proud of Lauren and all the girls choosing to play ice hockey,” Erin Koborg said. “I really enjoy seeing Lauren’s hard work and determination materialize into more opportunities to grow and develop on and off the ice.
“Thanks to hockey, Lauren tackles life with confidence and a growth mindset."
The Midland Women's Hockey Team took on Jamestown University later in the day and all the girls participating in the Girls Only Hockey Day received free admission to the game and to Cosmic Skating after the game. USA Hockey numbers showed last time the movie Inside Out was in theatres, which features a female hockey player in the movie, hockey participation numbers of girls went up. With the recent release of Inside Out 2, it is expected even more growth of the girls game will happen. This is in conjunction with more girls collegiate teams as well as the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), which is now looking to expand into other markets in its second full successful season.
The Fremont Youth Hockey Association and Sidner Ice Arena host many Intro to Hockey events throughout the year, this is the first that will feature all girls and is a great precursor to National Girls and Women in Sports Day being celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
The initiative was not about "organization or affiliation" and was created to introduce girls to the sport of hockey or improve upon their skills. The goal of the Feb. 1 event was to become a springboard to next fall for dedicated blocks for a girls hockey initiative with skills and drills as well as scrimmages.