The masks may hide the smiles, but everyone is happy to be back on the ice. After many months of meetings and planning, two teams of female players from the Chilliwack area are ready for the puck to drop.
This year the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association has a group of U13 and U15 players on all- female teams practicing and playing against other all-female teams in the Fraser Valley.
“Things look quite different right now,” said U15 head coach Scott Street, “but we’re trying to keep things as normal as possible. We follow extensive COVID-19 protocols before, during and after the practices and games.
“Parents aren’t able to watch the games at this point and there won’t be any tournaments this year, but we’re looking forward to a great season of team play and player development.”
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This year, the two CMHA female teams play two or three other teams in their ‘competitive cohort,’ then have a couple of weeks of practiced followed by another three week game rotation. By the end of the season, teams hope to complete 24 games.
“We are thankful to the City of Chilliwack for working with us to provide a safe place for teams to practice and play,” said CMHA president Lee McCaw. “This season will be unlike any other, but we’re still able to introduce the game of hockey to those just starting out and help experienced players reach new levels.”
For more info on the CMHA female hockey program, phone 604-858-6031 or email femalecoordinator@chilliwackminorhockey.com
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eric.welsh@theprogress.com
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