This weekend, the Women's Hockey team is heading to Jasper for a special event, Women's Hockey Day in the Rockies. They'll be facing off against Red Deer Polytechnic in a highly anticipated league matchup at the newly renovated Jasper Arena. But this game is about more than just competition. It's about inspiring the next generation of female
athletes, growing the game and celebrating the strength of women's hockey.
Head Coach Brenden Jensen recognizes the significance of this event, not just for his program but for the entire ACAC and the broader hockey community.
"It's a great opportunity for our program and the ACAC, as well as Red Deer, to be part of such an event. Not only for their community and everything they've gone through this summer but also for women's hockey at the college level. This is a chance to showcase and grow the game in a meaningful way," he said.
The Women's Hockey team, along with Jasper's local hockey community, hopes to use this game as a platform to empower female athletes, inspire young players, and highlight the importance of women's hockey. This event isn't just a one-time showcase it's the beginning of what is set to become an annual festival, designed by women, for women.
Beyond the inspiration, this event plays a crucial role in the growth of women's hockey within the ACAC. Coach Jensen acknowledges the challenges that hockey faces compared to other collegiate sports but sees this as a great step forward.
"Our conference isn't as big as court sports or the other sports in the ACAC, so events like this help put us on the map. Hopefully, this sparks interest and creates momentum, not just for hockey but for other sports and schools as well," he said.
This matchup is shaping up to be one of the biggest crowds of the season, with an expected 500 fans in attendance. The team is preparing for the energy and adjustments that come with playing in a new environment, but Coach Jensen believes that the atmosphere will
be a huge advantage.
"I think the environment will fester a really positive atmosphere for us being able to go out and execute a strong game plan," he said.
The Women's Hockey team has had an outstanding season so far, currently sitting second in the ACAC with a 15-4 record. Their matchup against Red Deer Polytechnic is set for Saturday, February 1st, at 7:00 PM.
The excitement doesn't stop there; on Sunday, the team will be hosting a coaches clinic in the morning and attending the Female A U13 gold medal game. They will take on the special honour of selecting the MVP and the Heart and Hustle award winners for the two teams competing.
This weekend is about more than just hockey. It's about representation, opportunity, and inspiring the next wave of female athletes. And for the Women's Hockey team, it's a chance to be part of something bigger than the game itself.