Play like a girl | Stories

Edmonton is truly a hockey city. From the NHL’s Oilers to the WHL’s Oil Kings, to the many local leagues for all ages and skill levels, hockey is at the heart of our community. Beyond the players, countless fans, families, referees, volunteers and organizations all play a key role in supporting the game.

But what you might not know is that women’s and girls’ hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports. In 2023, the Edmonton Female Hockey Alliance (EFHA) was created to give girls more opportunities to develop their skills and compete at higher levels. The Women’s Ball Hockey of Edmonton league now offers competitive and recreational opportunities year-round.

“I love that there are options for women of all ages and skill levels to play hockey in Edmonton,” says Kyla Lane, 32, who is a goalie for several hockey and ball hockey teams.

“If you’re inspired by the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) or always wanted to play hockey but never was given the opportunity, I hope you’ll do it now.”

We spoke to a few players to hear how they got their start and what they see for the future of their sport in our city.

A 12 year old girl in a dark blue hockey uniform with a wolf crest, holding a hockey stick.

Lexie Villarica, 12

Experience: “I started playing when I was five. My older brother played hockey, and that made me want to play too. I met Natalie Spooner in March 2019 at the Girls HockeyFest program and she showed me that I could play for Canada or a college if I stayed playing hockey. Now the PWHL gives me another goal to reach.”

On the girls hockey community in Edmonton: “I’ve mostly played hockey with boys up until this year. My coaches always made me feel a part of the team even though I was sometimes the only girl. (Shout out to Coach Peek, Coach Kondo and Coach Korthuis.)”

“The hockey community is small in Edmonton. I know a lot of the girls I play against, which is nice. Some of my best friends I’ve met through hockey.”

“I could see it getting a lot bigger over the years and maybe a PWHL team in Edmonton one day. “

Favourite thing about playing hockey: “I love competing with my friends and of course, winning. It is the best when I try my hardest and we succeed as a team.

Pre-game rituals: “I always make sure that I have my hair braided and I have a pre game hand shake with one of my teammates.”

Favourite hockey memory: “Going to Las Vegas with my all girls spring team in 2023 where we got to play against teams from all over the US.”

Anna Hackman, 33

Experience: “I started hockey very young because my older brother played, and I hated wearing the costumes and tights in figure skating. When I was 20, a friend introduced me to ball hockey as a way to stay in shape in the summer and have been playing ever since.”

Favourite thing about playing ball hockey: “The people! I’ve been fortunate enough to have been on teams with some of my favorite people. Having protected time each week to see them, and compete with them, is truly so amazing, especially as I get older and my life demands require more time and energy.”

Favourite ball hockey memory: “Winning silver at the 2016 National Championships. Our team was ranked last, and it was many of our first time playing at nationals. No one knew who we were and we had very little respect entering. We absolutely grinded and played our hearts out, and won some very tight games to win the silver.”

Future prospects: “A new girls’ ball hockey league is just starting, which I think is a sign of a healthy sport growing. I’ve seen it grow in size and in competition immensely since I began. We are lucky to have such a strong women’s program in Edmonton and I would love to see it evolve further to having more dedicated floor time and a dedicated rink for ball hockey. We currently send teams to provincials and nationals each year, but as our program continues to grow stronger, I hope that we garner more respect at the national level for the talent we have in Edmonton.”

A woman wearing a hockey jersey and holding a helmet smiling in front of a yellow wall.

Heather Rootsaert, 52

Experience: “I started playing 26 years ago. I’m a phys-ed teacher and I’ve always loved playing sports. I was looking to try something new, and after a failed attempt at flag football, a teammate suggested I try ball hockey. I went to a beginners’ clinic, where I was told I should play centre since I like running, and I’ve been a centre ever since.”

On the ball hockey community in Edmonton: “It’s a very tight-knit group. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of players meet their partners, who then got married and now have families. We shared our kids’ clothes as they grew up together.

Favourite thing about playing ball hockey: “I love staying active and the running is a great workout cardio. I have a busy family life, and ball hockey on Sundays is just for me. I also love being part of a passionate team.”

“I play year-round and in 26 years, I only remember one game being cancelled, so the players, referees, and volunteers are all committed to showing up.”

Pre-game rituals: “There are a few things I do every game; for example, I sit in the same space in the dressing room and I open the gate on the bench. It’s little things, but the team has come to expect them from me, and they notice when I’m not around to do them.”

Favourite ball hockey memory: “I love the experiences as a team and the fun of road trips together for tournaments or provincials. The camaraderie that comes from sharing rooms and meals together, and celebrating goals on and off the court, like finding out a teammate is having twins, and then learning I was pregnant too!”

Future Prospects: “I’ve seen a lot of changes over 26 years. When I started, I think there were seven teams, and now we have close to 40 teams. This growth allowed the league to build new divisions, which created a place for everyone, as well as making the teams and games more balanced. I’m proud to be a part of the growth.

A 12 year old girl in a dark blue hockey uniform, holding a hockey stick

Photo courtesy of Sophie Dowling.

Sophie Dowling, 13

Experience: “I started playing when I was four years old. I got involved with the Canskate program and joined TimBits Hockey.”

Favourite thing about playing hockey: “Everything! Getting to play with new teammates, the feeling of scoring a goal, being able to clear your mind when you step onto the ice.”

Favourite hockey memory: “When I won two gold medals in one Minor Hockey Week with two different groups of girls, that was very memorable.”

Future Prospects: “Since I started playing hockey, I have played on all-boys teams, then progressed to a mixed team with a few girls on it. Now, I play on an all-girls team in an all-girls league. I feel the league has expanded with a lot more opportunities for girls and more participation.”

“I see a lot more all-girls teams being created for all ages and it’s inspiring.”

Kyla Lane, 32

Experience: “I started playing hockey when I was four years old when I saw my older brother playing. I went along to all of his practices and loved being on the ice.”

“I started playing ball hockey when I was 20 years old. A colleague was looking for a goalie for their ball hockey team. I was desperate to get back to hockey and always had a fascination with goalies, so I joined the team. I was awful at first, but I kept showing up and practicing, and now I play as a goalie on multiple women’s and men’s teams. I’ve even gone to A Nationals for women’s ball hockey. I’m so glad I said yes to the opportunity and wasn’t afraid to try something new!”

On the women’s hockey community in Edmonton: “Ball hockey is especially a great community to be a part of because it’s very tight knit and there’s a lower barrier to entry. Ice hockey can feel intimidating to learn if you’ve never played before, but ball hockey is such a great and inclusive sport for those who love hockey but don’t skate or can’t afford to play ice hockey.”

A woman in ball hockey goalie equipment sits on stairs in an arena.

Favourite thing about playing hockey: “Hockey has always been a form of therapy for me. The game has gotten me through some of the hardest times of my life and also is the reason for some of the best times in my life. As a new mom, the importance of having hockey, my teammates, and the hockey community as a whole has been a game changer for my mental and physical health postpartum.

As adults, our lives are busy and sometimes challenging but having hockey, or any sport, as an outlet is crucial. From the physical activity you get playing hockey to the community you find in your teammates — there’s truly nothing like it. Many of my best friends, and even my husband, are thanks to the friendships I’ve built in hockey. For many of us, hockey is so much more than a game.”

Future prospects: “Women’s hockey in Edmonton has grown so much since I started playing over 10 years ago, and it’s only going to continue doing so.

It’s never too late and you’re not too old. You’ll never regret taking the opportunity to learn and I can guarantee you that you’ll gain a new confidence in yourself and a community of women that you never thought possible.“

Favourite ball hockey memory: “I subbed in net for a team of women that had just started playing hockey. I normally play in the higher divisions, but they couldn’t find a goalie so I offered to play for them and it ended up being one of my favourite games.”

“As soon as I got into the dressing room, I could sense the excitement from them. For many of the women (mostly in their 40s and 50s) it was their first season playing hockey. They were asking me questions and sharing how nervous they were. We ended up losing the game, but it was some of the most fun I’ve had playing hockey. The women were all laughing and smiling and just so happy to be there playing the game.”

“They didn’t care how good they were or what the score was, they were just women finally playing the game they’ve always wanted to. It was an incredible reminder for me that it doesn’t matter how old you are or what your skill level is—the game is for everyone.“

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Resources

Edmonton Female Hockey Alliance

Minor Female Hockey

Women’s Ball Hockey of Edmonton

Her Soul Shot: a community for women in sport

Why Edmonton Play like a girl