Girls hockey seeing growth in Gananoque, Ont.
Girls hockey is taking off in Gananoque, Ont.
In the last year the town has seen an uptick in the amount of girls of all ages signing up to hit the ice.
From skating to stickhandling, when it comes to hockey, 11-year-old Jude Campbell loves it all.
“I personally like shooting at the net and getting goals,” she says.
The centre for the under 13 Gananoque Royals team is one of a growing group of young girls in the town hitting the ice this season.
“If I have the puck and I’m skating I just feel like I’m on top of the mountains or something,” she explains.
This season, the Gananoque Royals have teams in the U9, U13, U15 and U18 divisions.
Before the pandemic, house league organizers say they saw a large drop in the number of kids signing up of all ages and struggled to fill teams, but this season saw more than a dozen new faces lace up, from ages of 7 to 18.
Samantha Kelly, the president of the Gananoque Girls Hockey Association, says a big part is the pandemic and people wanting to try out the sport.
“We were able to have a U9 team which we haven’t had in a few years. We were able to have two U18 teams which is fantastic. Our U13 team was massive,” she explains.
Ruby Campbell, who plays centre for the U15 Royals, says for her getting to know her teammates in her own hometown was the best part.
“This year, our team has like, a really strong bond,” she explains.
Campbell says having local female teams at all levels is important to inspire younger female players, and those who may be thinking of giving it a try.
“Looking to the U18 players seeing them successful seasons year-after-year and going, ‘Oh I want to do that.’ I want to be that successful,” she says.
Kayden Moorehead plays for the Under 18 team, and says she loves it.
“I feel empowered almost, because you can change the game by making a certain play or communication with your team,” she says. “It just makes me feel powerful.”
With more players set to sign up next year, the town’s league continues to grow, and the 16 year old hopes to keep the momentum going.
“It’s a really fun game,” she says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.