Photo provided by Norfolk HERicanes | U15B Team
The Norfolk HERicanes are celebrating 25 years of giving girls and women a place to play hockey in the community.
The organization will mark the milestone Saturday, September 19, with an anniversary celebration at the Waterford Arena. Hockey games will run from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., along with local vendors, anniversary merchandise, treats and an alumni game.
HERicanes registrar Melanie Luke has a special connection to the milestone. She joined the organization as a Grade 8 student and played until finishing high school.
The organization has grown to include players from U9 through senior, with six rep teams, four house league teams and a senior competitive team.
Luke said girls hockey also creates a community that extends beyond wins and losses.
Former coach Bobbi Ann Brady is also looking back at how far girls hockey has come locally.
Brady was involved with the organization in its early years and said girls needed another option as they got older. Creating more opportunities for them to play together was a natural step.
Today, young players can look beyond minor hockey and see women competing professionally.
Luke shared what it was like taking HERicanes players to a sold-out PWHL game.
Luke will be lacing up for the alumni game on Saturday and had this message to share.
The September 19 celebration will bring current players, alumni and families together to recognize how far the HERicanes have come in 25 years.
Written by Jeremy Hall
