The new U9 Thunder Girls Hockey Fundamentals program has been running successfully for over a month in the Ottawa Valley, offering young girls the chance to develop their skills and love for the game. Since its launch in late September, 19 girls have been taking to the ice in Cobden on Thursdays and Petawawa on Saturdays. The program has attracted participants from various local areas including Petawawa, Pembroke, and Eganville.
For many of these girls, it’s their first experience with organized hockey. Some participants are newcomers to the sport, having previously been part of the First Shift program run by Monica McGinnis. This initiative gave young girls their first opportunity to learn hockey in a welcoming environment, and many have since joined the Thunder program. The First Shift program’s focus on all-girls hockey has helped the girls become comfortable on the ice, and now they are enjoying their time as Thunder players.
“It’s amazing to see the progress many of them have made in such a short period,” said Coach Jon Murray. “Not just on the ice, but in building friendships off the ice too. Hockey isn’t only about the game, but about the community and culture that comes with it.”
The importance of programs like U9 Thunder is clear. Research shows that one in three girls quit sports by their teenage years, compared to just one in 10 boys (womenandsport.ca). The U9 Thunder program plays a crucial role in keeping girls involved in hockey and helping to grow the sport in the Ottawa Valley.
The program is already seeing the positive impact of its efforts. Coach Murray highlighted the success of the younger Thunder teams, including the U11 and U13 teams, which have already secured tournament victories. The younger girls look up to the older players, many of whom have come back to help as ice helpers. Some of the older girls are even sisters and cousins of the U9 players, creating a strong family-like atmosphere.
“It’s about growing the game, and the success of the PWHL last season has opened many eyes,” Murray added. “We hope to build on that and see more girls joining hockey in the Ottawa Valley.”
The U9 Thunder Fundamentals program is designed for girls under the age of 9. The girls practice as a group and are divided into two teams for games. At the start of the season, they play half-ice games, and in January, they will transition to full-ice play. The program will also include exhibition games against other teams and a weekend-long tournament in East Ottawa.
To follow the U9 Thunder program and other Thunder teams, visit girlshockey.ca.
(Written by: Emma Butler)