What is it like to play girls’ hockey?

Sports Advocate

By Evelyn Currie, Grade 10, L.C.V.I.

The Lindsay Lynx Girls Hockey Association uses the catchphrase “Serious Hockey, Serious Fun” for a reason.

The Lynx Association brings a whole different meaning to girls’ hockey. It is so great for girls just wanting to have fun and to achieve a future in sports.

Lynx hockey helps to create friendships between girls from different parts of the Kawartha Lakes area. It gives these players a second family that they didn’t know they needed. A lot of girls start at a young age and others start later in their childhood but no matter when they start, they almost always find a great group of girls.

Some girls don’t always get the same attention in male-dominated leagues, but the Lynx gives them a spotlight, a chance to play with friends and gives them the attention from coaches and potential recruiters that they deserve.

Under 18 Lynx players, Rylyn and Mya Banks love girls’ hockey. “The transition was difficult but after I got used to actually being passed to, I loved it,” Rylyn Banks said during a practice.

Head Coach Greg Banks and Assistant Coaches, Brian McDermott and Brian McArther coached the Under 18C Lindsay Lynx team last season and were asked what they loved most about coaching girls’ hockey.

“Seeing my daughters play on a boys’ team during their younger years and then progressing over to girls’ hockey, and me being a part of that development is special to me. Also, being able to coach other girls to make sure they are able to play so we can grow the sport,” said Coach Banks.

“I love the fact that I grew up coaching boys’ hockey, through the years, it is amazing to see how far the sport has come for girls’ hockey,” said McDermott.

“I am proud to see that girls’ want to play hockey, I’m glad that they enjoy it,” said McArthur.

No matter what team you have played on before or if you didn’t even play, you’ll still have fun no matter the circumstances and these memories you make will last a lifetime. That is why the Lindsay Lynx Girls Hockey Association is so important to our community because it gives girls the confidence to break down barriers and play in a male-dominated sport.

For more information on the Lindsay Lynx Girls Hockey Association visit www.lgha.net.