BANFF – Women’s hockey in Banff is growing.
For a second time in five years, the Rundle Women’s Hockey League (RWHL) is expanding, adding two more teams in 2024-25 from six to eight.
Puck drop for the new season is Oct. 6 at the Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre.
“We’ve been really fortunate that we’ve always had a lot of grassroots interest in the league and we’ve never actually had to advertise for players,” said Karli Fleury, a league organizer and player.
“I think players have had such a great experience that they’ve brought their friends or just word of mouth of other people looking to play hockey and join.”
For the upcoming season, the adult league now has 104 players, which is roughly 13 per team aged from 18 to late 60s. Each team will play in 21 league games and then playoffs in winter 2025. The skill levels vary from former university athletes to those picking up a stick for the first time.
The RWHL offers a mix of competitive action and friendly environment, said Fleury.
“We continue to see that spread of age given that it is people that are in their 30s or 40s or 50s that are sharing this experience with their friends still,” said Fleury.
Earlier this year, the RWHL was nominated for a Banff YWCA Change Makers award for innovation for “fostering inclusivity and community and community in hockey.”
A key community-builder for women continuing in sport, interest has always been high for the RWHL since its first season in 2019-20 when the league formed after the town’s drop-in hockey program became increasingly popular.
Kaylee Ram, a league player and Banff councillor, said the consistent growth is not surprising and “undoubtedly a testament” to the community Fleury, and co-organizers Brittany Laidman and Penny Lawless have created.
She added the league’s pillars of inclusivity, team spirit, and safety are the foundation of creating not only safe space for all who identify as female, but additionally, an opportunity welcoming those to try a new sport alongside many others.
“It’s important to recognize that the winter months really can feel long with the sun setting early – so the chance to have a scheduled activity to not only benefit your physical health, but your mental as well; important is an understatement,” said Ram, in an email.
“Every year all the players express their extreme gratitude to Brittany, Penny, and Karli because what they’ve created is not only so important for an opportunity for comradery - but to exercise the body and mind in perhaps a familiar way for some, or a new way for others.”
During its inaugural season, four teams took the ice: the Vixens, Shrews, Jills and Minks. By 2022-23, two more were added: the Luna Wolves and Nanny Goats.
The names of the two new teams will be revealed in the coming weeks.
As of now, the league is at capacity; however, those interested in the league are encouraged to visit the Facebook group Rundle Women’s Hockey League, or email [email protected].
“Things may change with some players, and of course, we’ll keep them in mind when we have registration in the following season,” said Fleury.
