Hub Staff

Thanks to sponsor Esso, many local girls got the chance to play hockey for their first time March 20, at the Plex, as a part of Esso Fun Day.

In it’s second year in Saugeen Shores, Esso Fun Day is an initiative to get more girls into the rising sport of women’s hockey across Canada. Esso provides jerseys for participating athletes, covers insurance costs as well as ice rental, Rotary hall space and refreshments following ice time.

The girls got to meet Peewee, Novice and Atom coaches as well as other experienced players who were on hand to help out the new prospects, give them tips, and show skills. After learning basic hockey skills, and participating in an obstacle course on the ice the girls played in a scrimmage match to end their time adjusting to the new sport.

Organizer and girls Peewee and Novice Coach, Shawn MacDonald said Esso Fun Day introduces new girls to hockey, and is about recruiting kids to the sport in or outside of Saugeen Shores, as there are Novice teams in Grey and Bruce that welcome new players.

“Last year we had 16 [new players], and I think that ten play this year. We had 16 register this year but a couple of them haven’t shown up,” said MacDonald at the event, adding “there are brand new girls out there and it is definitely growing.”

He added that the 2015-2016 hockey season is the first year there has been a girls’ Novice Division in Saugeen Shores. “This year the novice team is going to provincials, three teams out our league have qualified, and we [Novice Division] are just going for the experience. Maybe if we get a bunch of [new] girls out of today, we may be able to make two Novice teams next year. We’re trying to start at the bottom and build it up,” said MacDonald.