The Chilliwack Warriors female hockey team capped off a solid season with a second place finish in the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association’s midget C playoffs.
Chilliwack travelled to Port Moody Sunday to face the Tri-City Predators in the championship game.
Warriors goaltender Teagan Ackland-Gaetz made several huge stops, but the offence sputtered in a 3-0 loss. The team worked hard to create opportunities, but couldn’t connect. Maddison Krulicki, Heather McGhie, Amanda Schreurs, Mackayla Madden, and Isabella Gagnon did great work on the boards and in the corners, while centres Taylor Allenby and Shantel Andrews lurked in the slot.
Graduating forward Kelsea Clemonson was unable to attend the final.
At the other end of the rink, Warriors blueliners Kristy Ricard, Keanna Esau, Victoria Gagnon and Angelique Basson were as solid as they’ve been all year.
“Female hockey is growing in the Lower Mainland” said coach Shannon Bettles. “Parents and athletes are now learning of the opportunities female hockey can bring to young girls and women, not to mention lifelong friendships, fitness and fun.”
Bettles coached alongside Michael Gaetz and Rob Schurers. Tricia Ackland managed the team.
The Warriors silver medal performance comes at a time when the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association has just released its plan to support the growth of female hockey.
CMHA recently altered its registration policy to remove the minimum number of players for team formation and eliminate fees for smaller than average teams.
As well, CMHA created a committee which will propose and implement strategies to promote female hockey in Chilliwack.
CMHA has committed up to $3500 per year for the next two years towards activities proposed by the committee and approved by the board.
Contact Bettles by phone at 604-787-4329 or by email at sbettles42@hotmail.com for more info.