Innisfailian Taryn Baumgardt, a member of the world championship gold medal winning Canadian U-18 team, will be strutting her stuff Dec. 22 at the Innisfail Arena.
The Innisfail Minor Hockey Association will be hosting a “Girls Discover Hockey Day” Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. at the Innisfail Arena in partnership with Hockey Alberta, TrueMark Energy Services, and MacCaban Corp.
“We expect to see 30 to 40 hockey players come out for the afternoon,” said Elwin Wiens, executive director of the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association. “Our goal is to expand our program and create awareness of exactly what girls hockey can do for an athlete.”
Officials with the Innisfail Minor Hockey have repeatedly stated how proud they are of the development and success of its female program. Last year, the midget female team was league champions and the bantam female team was the provincial champion.
Planned activities include skills training, demonstrations and playing time. Alumni of the Innisfail Minor Hockey program will be present to talk about the opportunities to continue the development of their hockey skills. Innisfail alumni have gone onto play for the Red Deer College Queens, AAA and NCAA teams.
Baumgardt, current member of the NCAA Quinnipicac Bobcats from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, will be on hand to share her experiences and passion for the game.
“Hockey Day is not just for Innisfail players, but also for players in Caroline, Olds, and the surrounding area. We have a good facility, and want to see as many kids enter the program as possible,” Wiens added.
Participants will receive a free hockey jersey, and enjoy a party time with our special guests and other participants. Players without helmets, gloves and sticks, will be provided with equipment.
“This is our first time doing a day like this,” Wiens commented. “Other groups have put on introductory hockey sessions, and they have gone well. We look forward to seeing how many hockey players we discover on the 22nd.”
To register for the Girls Discover Hockey Day, email [email protected] or contact the Innisfail Minor Hockey Association through their website http://www.innisfailminorhockey.com/.
