By Holly Santman
Growing Participation in Girls’ Hockey
Hockey skates are becoming a popular choice for many young girls, reflecting a notable increase in their participation in the sport. Tyson Davis, head coach of the 16U AA Hyland Hills Jaguars, emphasizes the transformation he witnesses when these girls hit the ice: They’ll get on the ice and somehow just come alive.
Opportunities on the Rise
With the recent expansion of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and the emergence of various women’s leagues, opportunities for aspiring hockey players like Surrey Schumacher are blossoming. Growing up in a hockey-centric environment, Schumacher began playing in boys’ teams at six years old. She reflects on her journey: I was around nine or 10 when the first girls’ team at Hyland came back.
Revival of Girls’ Hockey at Hyland Hills
Hyland Hills has revived its girls’ hockey program, which had previously been disbanded due to low player numbers. Davis reports a positive trend, stating, We had 124 girls play last year and the year before, and there are more coming in.
He notes the shift in participants, mentioning, You used to always see figure skaters, and now a lot of these girls are on hockey skates.
More Than Just a Game
The benefits of joining the team extend beyond just learning the sport. As Schumacher outlines, It’s helped me grow to be organized and timely and make sure everyone is always included.
The experience also teaches resilience, as Davis points out the challenges inherent in the sport: Statistically, there’s about 160 mistakes per team, per game.
Building a Community
Both Davis and Schumacher stress the importance of community. Schumacher states, I love the community and the family. I walk through here, I know so many familiar faces.
This close-knit atmosphere fosters connections that extend beyond the rink.
Inspiration Through Visibility
As attention on women’s hockey increases, so do the possibilities for young girls eager to become part of the sport. Davis shares how exposure to high-performance women athletes can significantly impact aspiring players, stating, When they can see that other girls play the same sport, boy, do they come to life.
He highlights the joy of attending professional games, which serve as a source of inspiration for young players wondering about their future in hockey.
Upcoming Events to Encourage Growth
The Colorado Amateur Hockey Association is set to participate in an event titled Girls in the Game, occurring on August 16 at the University of Denver’s Hamilton Gymnasium. This free event aims to inspire and empower girls to explore various careers in sports, from coaching to sports journalism, under the guidance of CBS Colorado Sports Anchor, Romi Bean.
