Competition and friendship found on River Cats team

By Lindsey Stuckless

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—While girls have been lacing up their skates to play hockey in Haldimand for many years, it wasn’t until the Haldimand Girls Hockey Association was created in 2006 that they had a chance to play among themselves, without joining a co-ed or boys team.

The first year of the Haldimand River Cats was a single novice team of 7-8 year olds. Players came from all over Haldimand and beyond. This year, 166 players registered to play for the River Cats.

Coach Todd, who chose not to share his last name, said he became involved with the organization when his daughter wanted to quit hockey: “She was about to give up on hockey and I asked her to give girl’s hockey a shot. She loved it from day one. She has created tight relationships with her River Cat friends, and has grown as a hockey player, which she would never have done in boys hockey.” He said when girls play against each other they are more likely to dominate play and step up to become better players. His daughter, now 18, helps coach the younger River Cats teams. Coach Todd says developing as a hockey player is just part of the organization, as the girls also gain friendships.

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“School is full of individual competition, and social media pits girls against each other,” says Todd. “In hockey, they are a team. They enjoy each other’s individual accomplishment, because that is what makes the team stronger.”