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| Going for Gold... | ...Women and Hockey. | ||
| by Sara-Jane Brocklehurst |
| The swish and scrape of metal on ice echoes through the arena. The invigorating frosty air keeps the women cool as they move from one end of the rink to the other, repeating the puck-handling drills. This is women's hockey and this is last year's gold medal BC Winter Games team, the Smithers Prime Truck Rentals Women's Hockey Team. I watch, with fascination, the athletic skill of these women on ice. No one would believe that, for half of these individuals, this is only their second or third year playing hockey. |
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| Hockey is traditionally a men's sport but now the game is popular with women. And why not? Think of how many women take figure skating at some point in their life. All they have to learn is how to handle the puck. A number of women have
played ringette or floor hockey, which certainly helps with the necessary skills.
I went to the arena and watched the team play against Prince Rupert, where they won 10-0. An exceptional game. I took the opportunity to talk to the coach, Craig Stewart and some of the girls, to find out what is the appeal of this sport for women. |
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Craig Stewart is in his second year coaching this medal-winning team. "Coaching female hockey is great" he exclaims, "the girls are really motivated and there is such a learning curve that you get to see so much
improvement." Craig finds that the women stress the fun component more than men. This doesn't mean they aren't competitive.  |
