Canadian Communities Excited to Celebrate 3rd Annual World Girls’ Hockey Weekend

Hockey Canada has teamed up again with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) for the World Girls’ Hockey Weekend taking place Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, October 11 through October 14, in rinks around the globe. In its third season, the IIHF developed the program with the goal of growing the women’s game at all levels and in all participating countries.

New this year, the event includes the Long Game Initiative featuring four of the longest-running female games ever running from the east to west coast. A total of 1,584 players on 88 teams will play in 44 games across the country, running continuously at the Atom through Midget age levels. Puck will drop at 7am NT in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and the final face-off is at 4pm PT in Parksville, British Columbia. Aside from the bench, 264 officials, countless coaches and volunteers will also be involved across the country. Click here for the full Long Game Initiative schedule, including times and locations in your area. Game updates all weekend can be found at www.hockeycanada.ca/wghw.

“World Girls’ Hockey Weekend continues to get bigger and better every year, and we’re incredibly excited to incorporate the first-ever female long game into this year’s festivities,” said Hockey Canada’s female council chair Joanne Hughes. “From the east coast to the west coast, girls and women of all ages will be lacing up their skates and picking up their sticks this weekend to have fun and help the female game continue to grow both in our own country and around the world.”

In arenas across the country, World Girls’ Hockey Weekend is a great way to introduce girls and women to the game in a positive, safe and supportive environment. Additional activities hosted by female and minor hockey associations include Esso Fun Days, skills sessions, coaching clinics, officiating clinics, and information sessions, bring-a-friend days and many other fun ways to get out onto the ice, and into the great Canadian game.