CALEDONIA—The Haldimand Rivercats are marking 20 years of girls hockey in style with a celebration of both their history and bright future.
“What started out 20 years ago as a small group of parents in Haldimand County looking for an opportunity for their daughters to play with their friends in all-female hockey has grown from a few teams to 15,” said Rivercats President Jason Topp.
This year, the association is icing 14 teams ranging in age from 7 to 21 years old.
“In the past five years we have grown to as many as 16 teams in a given year,” said Topp. “We have over 200 players and 50-plus volunteers registered to our association.”
Rivercats teams play in competitive and local leagues that span across southern Ontario. The local league plays in the Greater Hamilton Girls Hockey League, while the rep teams face a wider field of competition in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association’s (OWHA) Southern League.
The Rivercats have earned many notable achievements during their two decades.
“Two seasons ago we had our U11A team win the OWHA Southern League,” said Topp. Several Rivercats teams have also qualified for the OWHA Provincials. “As recently as four years ago we had our U13 team make it to the Bronze Medal game of Provincials, where they unfortunately lost.”
Behind the scenes, the association runs on volunteer dedication.
“Without the support of the coaches and members of the executive this wouldn’t be at all possible,” said Topp. “We have coaches that help with multiple teams. We have executive members that no longer have kids in the association but have such a passion for the game that they are always willing to help…. They are working behind the scenes each and every day, working to make the girls have the best experiences possible.”
To mark its 20th season, the Rivercats is hosting an Opening Day celebration that coincides with the IIHF World Girls Ice Hockey Weekend on October 18, 2025. The event features games from U9 to U18 teams, along with a full slate of family-friendly activities.
“We are going to be giving these girls an opportunity to watch their fellow Rivercats play and be there to cheer each other on,” said Topp. Planned activities include a photo booth, giveaways, and a BOGO coupon book fundraiser. “We will have some amazing off-ice activities, some really neat Rivercats crafts to be made, some awesome Rivercats swag available, a chance to get some tickets to the Canada vs. US women’s hockey game, and a really awesome event called Skate with the Rivercats.”
That skate will hold special meaning.
“Most of the girls in the association got started with a Skate with the Rivercats,” he said. “It gives these girls an opportunity to have friends come and see what it is like playing girls hockey. Interact with each other. See the smiles and the joy they get from playing with their friends.”
Opening Day also features team photos and merchandise from 426 Apparel, like Rivercats Croc charms. For more information on this event, visit rivercats.ca.
Looking ahead, the association plans to build on its momentum with the first annual Haldimand Rivercats Winterfest tournament.
“This is going to draw teams from all across Ontario for an amazing weekend of hockey and incredible off-ice bonding opportunities,” said Topp. “If you speak to any player, tournaments are the greatest memories they have, so we are going to make sure that these girls participating in this tournament will leave with smiles on their faces and coaches and parents asking to come back again.”
As Topp summed up, “It’s all about giving these girls the best experiences possible, both on and off the ice.”
