In celebration of International Women’s Day, some of the focus was on female hockey in Saskatchewan and how the game has greatly grown thanks to the inaugural season of the SJFHL.
The introduction of the new league allows females to continue playing competitive hockey up to the age of 22 and includes a team representing West Central Saskatchewan, the Western Prairie Junior Klippers.
As the first ever season winds down with the yearend tournament this weekend in Outlook, Klippers players: Rachel Usselman, Mia Tough and Sarah Folk reflected on the season and how special it was to be a part of the team.
“Coming to Kindersley to play hockey was a once in a lifetime experience for me. Having that crowd on the home opener and just the support from family, friends, teammates, coaches and the community was, I’ve never felt so lucky to play hockey in that arena.” said #15 Rachel Usselman who plays defense for the team.
Adding to Usselman’s remarks, #15 Sarah Folk shared a similar response.
“It was just super exciting to be able to just keep playing. Playing for that team and the community in Kindersley was really nice. There's always lots of fans supporting when we had our home games, it was just super different than what I have played in the past in Saskatoon. Just super exciting to be able to continue playing competitive hockey after my final year of minor hockey last year.”
Finally, the Western Prairie Junior Klippers first ever captain in franchise history, Mia Tough gave her response to wearing the C and the honour which came along with it.
“It was very heartwarming, I was not expecting it at all, just because I never really grew up in that kind of way to see myself wearing the C for a hockey team, especially in a new season like this one.”
Once the year end tournament concludes this weekend in Outlook and the sun sets on this historic first season for the team and the league, one thing is for certain, the future is extremely bright for female hockey in Saskatchewan.
LISTEN BELOW: All three players joined Country 104 morning show host Aaron Harle to also chat about what the SJFHL will do for competitive female hockey in the province, and shared some advice for players interested in trying out and joining the league next year.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
