CANORA - The Parkland Female Hockey Program (PFHP) has announced “a new, initiative designed to grow and support female hockey players across the Parkland region,” in a release.
Nicole Korpusik, a member of the Parkland Female Hockey Committee, said the program was started a couple of years ago, but the original vision “got a little lost.”
“We revised the agreement and established a board of directors made up of representatives from the communities that have signed on to participate,” said Korpusik. “The result? An incredible group of people who all share the same values and commitment: to work together and ensure that girls of all ages and abilities in the Parkland area have the opportunity to play hockey.
Participating Minor Hockey Associations include: Canora, Churchbridge, Esterhazy, Fort Qu'Appelle, Indian Head, Kamsack, Langenburg, Moosomin, Norquay, Preeceville, Rocanville, Whitewood and Yorkton.
Korpusik said in the Parkland region, the number of girls participating in hockey has grown steadily in recent years.
“We need to make sure that growth continues. With Sask Hockey’s addition of the U15 AA league and now U13 AA, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have enough players to fill those rosters. But just as important is making sure girls playing at the A level also have strong, supported teams to join. This isn’t just about promoting AA hockey—it’s about giving girls the opportunity to grow and learn the game together, across all ages and skill levels.”
This program aims to create opportunities not only for communities to collaborate and ensure girls have a place to play, “but also to grow the game in a way that makes girls feel like they truly belong,” said Korpusik.
“We hope to see an increase in all-female camps, ‘Try Hockey’ days, and other events designed to promote the game and build confidence through connection.
“We absolutely support and appreciate the opportunities girls have to play on boys’ or co-ed teams, and we hope those experiences are positive. However, there often comes a time when girls simply want to play with other girls—and when they do, we often see a whole new level of effort, joy, and confidence emerge!”
The PFHP will administer the new Parkland female AA program – and it will support the development, management and administration of all female A and carded teams of participating minor hockey associations, according to the release. All female teams participating under the PFHP umbrella will register with Hockey Sask and the SaskFHL through Yorkton Minor Hockey as it has been designated the registering center by Hockey Sask.
The PFHP is also announcing the launch of a new female AA hockey team: Parkland Phoenix. The name Phoenix was chosen “with great intention. In mythology, the phoenix is a powerful symbol of transformation - reborn new and brighter. That spirit of renewal, resilience, and relentless growth reflects exactly what this program stands for. After challenges, changes, and uncertain times in the landscape of female hockey, the Parkland Phoenix emerges with purpose, passion, and pride.”
The PFHP adds, “This isn't just about building a team. It's about creating a movement-rekindling opportunity, embracing new energy, and uniting our region under a renewed commitment to female hockey excellence. The PHFP mission is to provide female athletes with opportunities to develop their skills, ignite their love for the game, and compete at a level that inspires.”
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