Local Organization Building A Love For Hockey In Young Girls

The Chatham-Kent Girls Hockey Association is looking to inspire a new generation of young, female hockey enthusiasts through their FUNdamentals program.

“This program is a great opportunity for girls in our community to develop skills and a love of the game in a non-competitive and supportive environment,” explained Jenny Sheppy, the Chatham-Kent Girls Hockey Association’s Early Development Executive.

“Our goal for the girls was to learn about hockey, skill development, team building and most importantly to have fun.”

This year, the program had 16 girls ranging from 4-11 years of age, many of whom will now join the Chatham-Kent Crush organization at the U9, U11, and U13 levels next season.

According to Sheppy, she believes the girls and organization in the FUNdamentals program, which is an introduction to hockey for those who do not have experience, met and exceeded their goals.

“In the time that myself and the volunteers worked with the girls we noticed an improvement in skill level and an increased confidence on the ice to take risks. They have a better understanding of the game now. We work strictly on a volunteer basis and we couldn’t have achieved the level of success we did if not for the player mentors that came each week to help the girls in the program. They provided so much encouragement and lots of one-on-one support.”

The 6-week program, which will be offered again this year through the Chatham-Kent Crush, features qualified instructors, and player volunteers in the organization who teach the youth basic skills on ice, and work on off ice activities as well. There is no age restriction, only an interest in experiencing hockey.

The Chatham-Kent Girls Hockey Association will be holding another FUNdamentals program this Fall, and the organization is encouraging all girls who are interested in joining hockey to check our their website at www.CKGHA.com for details on registration as it becomes available in the next month.