The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Two teams of roughly 10 players covered, as best they could, the ice surface at the Whitney Forum over the weekend. While chasing the puck from end to end and scoring a few goals, the women of the Flin Flon Ladies Hockey League were out on the ice for another good time. The women meet once a week, typically at the Creighton Sportex, for a practice and scrimmage. Sunday afternoon threw a twist into the regular practice time as the women had a Family Day, which allowed children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and even parents on the ice. After playing two periods with a team wearing maroon and the other team dressing in grey, the ladies invited everyone to lace up their skates and take a few laps. Player Brenda Russell says while there were a few little ones on the ice showing off their hockey skills, others were figure skating and some where just leisurely skating. "It's an opportunity for women to bring their family...out to share the fun of being on the ice together," says Russell. "The practices (are at) 9 p.m., so that rules out the opportunity of the younger kids being able to watch," she says. "It was an afternoon of fun and family time," she says, adding that this was the first event of its kind for the program. As for the hockey itself, Russell says it's a fun way for women to get involved in something. With roughly 40 ladies registered to play, the league follows scrub rules as far as teams go Ð make them up minutes before each game. On average, 24-28 players are dressed at any given practice Ð some of whom have past hockey skills and some who don't. "Some of us have played...senior women's hockey," Russell says, noting that it was all out of town in either different communities or university. Some of the players are out on the ice to bring back the skill they once knew, while some are out to understand the game a bit more while watching their children play on the ice. The players' ages range from 16 to those who are 50 and above. With one year of development under their belts, Russell says they hope for the program to be able to not only continue next year, but grow as well. "It's based on fun," she says. "It's an opportunity for women to learn about the game of hockey....and everyone says how much fun they are having." After taking a look at everyone on the ice, Russell says there is a noticeable improvement in all of the players. "Everyone has improved and they are able to sit and watch the game now," she says. "Now they understand the rules of icing and off-side." With the players understanding the game a little more, Russell says it's a "development on and off the ice."
