Ladies are here to Play too
By Bobby Roy
Posted -26 second ago
For any women who didn't have the chance to play Canada's game growing up, because of a variety of reasons, it doesn't mean it's something one may regret forever.
Leduc is offering a second chance for women who missed out on their first time playing hockey growing up.
The Canadian Amateur Recreation Association (CARHA) Learn to Play Ladies Hockey program is underway at the Alexandra Arena on Wednesday nights with 10 sessions running from 9:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Dec. 7. The first session started on Oct. 5.
If one is worried their skating, puck handling or other hockey skills aren't up to par, there is no need to worry in registering for this program.
"I'm definitely going to start with the basics of hockey. First off learning the proper stance, how you would hold your stick and most importantly the skating aspect of it," explained Jolan Naismith, head instructor of the program.
Having an interest in the game and the want to learn is the base of what this program is all about for its participants.
"This program is a good opportunity for those who have an interest in hockey, but who haven't found the right opportunity to get involved. This is a great opportunity to try it out in a very non-intimidating environment," explained Jackie Kamlah, manager of program services at the Leduc Recreation Centre (LRC).
The program provides not only the chance for women 18 and older to learn hockey skills, but also an opportunity for social and recreational interaction.
"This programs creates a good combination of all those," added Kamlah.
The age of the participants in the program range from 20 to 40 years old, added Naismith, which shows women are looking for an outlet to play Canada's game.
"I think if you get the women involved it will get the girls involved."
Not being to find a league, team or even an outlet to play is something Naismith knows all too well about.
"When I was young it was hard teams to play on, so I had to go to Edmonton. The more we can expand the easier it will be for kids to get involved," said Naismith, who is a National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) coach.
Even if the ladies might not become the next Hayley Wickenheiser, they will gain knowledge about the game, which they will likely use in our hockey crazy society.
"It's not just the game of the sport, it's the game of the society. The team atmosphere and the camaraderie one gets from hockey is second to none," said Naismith.
The program was created after the LRC group had a meeting in Ottawa with the CARHA, where they inquired about setting up a Learn to Play Ladies program in Leduc in early 2011.
After months of meetings to set up the program in Leduc it was born earlier this fall. To date there are seven ladies registered for the program with local instructor Jolan Naismith, who played at Augustana College and St. Francis Xavier in Halifax, leading the sessions at the Alexandra Arena.
This program is also a means for expansion of adult programs in Leduc, said Kamlah.
"We're right now in the process of expanding our recreation program base."
Since the program is in its infancy, the focus will be on working on basic hockey skills and creating a fun atmosphere for the participants.
"This is a great opportunity to try it out in a very non-intimating environment. At this points it's about learning the basics, learning the game on a very hands on way," said Kamlah.
"I hope they get a lot out of it," added Naismith.
Although the program is underway, there is still room for more participants.
"If anyone else wants to give it a try there is room. We're excited to see what it'll bring," noted Kamlah.
The cost to register for the program is $135 per person.
For more information about the program or to register call 780-980-7120 or visit leduc.ca/ezrec.