Providing an opportunity for other women to learn and enjoy the game that she loved is behind a women’s hockey camp in Alberni, camp coordinator Carly Haggard said.
More than 15 women participated in the two-day camp that was held at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Aug. 13-14.
The women ranged in age from 40-60 and came from all over Vancouver Island, with a couple coming from Port Alberni.
“Most of the women who are here are rookies but a few play at a higher level,” Haggard said.
The players learned game fundamentals such as skating, puck control throughout the camp.
“Skating is a challenge” Haggard said.
The camp falls on the heels of a week-long girls camp that was held in Alberni from Aug. 8-12.
Haggard coached the clinic with veteran women’s players Correne Bredini and Kate Germain, as well as newcomer Lisa Mullen.
Haggard coaches women’s hockey at the University of Guelph.
Bredini and Haggard played together at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
Germain played at Brown University and in Oakville, Ont.
And Mullen plays at Syracuse University in New York.
Mullen is a camp alumni, having attended when she was learning the game.
“It was fun watching her evolve as a player and ultimately a university player,” Haggard said.
“It’s rewarding to see these girl who attend our camps reach their goals.”
Women’s hockey has evolved since Haggard was the only girl to play in a boys league in Port Alberni. “But junior development is improving,” Haggard said.
“They’re developing as players at a lot younger age now than when I was when I started playing.”
“I’d like to show them what opportunities are out there for their education and professionally,” she said
reporter@albernivalleynews.com