Ottawa 67's host inaugural EmpowHer Hockey Fest
It is not every day you get to meet an Olympic gold medalist or hold the hardware.
"The gold medal that Jill had it was heavy," Katrina Poire said.
A special moment for these young hockey players, who met Canadian hockey player Jill Saulnier.
"It’s an Olympian, it’s like the only chance to meet one," said 9-year-old Leah Blais.
"The best part of winning a gold medial is sharing it with people watching you achieve that," said Saulnier, who joined the EmpowHER Hockey Fest hosted by the Ottawa 67's.
"I almost get emotional seeing a bunch of them skating around, smiling, and enjoying the game. It’s cool. It’s something I never experienced and an honour to inspire the younger generation.”
The EmpowHER Hockey Fest hosted by the 67's is the first of its kind in the Ontario Hockey League.
More than 90 minor hockey players took part in the day, rotating between on-ice, team building and classroom sessions. Local female hockey players and members of the Ottawa 67's led the event.
Girls ages 7 to 13 filled the Arena at TD Place, ready to showcase their skills and further develop their game.
"What do you tell yourself every game?" Aly Antsey asked her daughter Syrah.
"I am brave," said the seven-year-old, who was one of the smallest players out there. But that didn’t intimidate the goalie.
"I think she really wanted to be out here, making big saves. Just seeing that it’s really exciting and you love to see that stuff," said 67's goalie Collin Mackenzie.
"We were reading statistics about drop out rates in sports and girls and it’s high, so I think we have to take the time to encourage them and show them they’re appreciated,” Antsey said.
Those who continue playing the game hope to inspire and grow the next generation of hockey players.
"Visibility is huge," said Jessie Eldridge, who plays in the PWHPA. "In the women’s game, the talent is there, the passion is there, so I think running things like this is all we can do."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Israel orders new evacuations in Gaza's last refuge of Rafah as it expands military offensive
Israel ordered new evacuations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah on Saturday, forcing tens of thousands more people to leave as it prepared to expand its military operation deeper into what is considered Gaza’s last refuge.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.