COLD LAKE - In a milestone for the hockey community of Cold Lake, the U15 Lakeland Jaguars are gearing up to host the U15 Female Tier 1 Provincials at the Energy Centre from March 28 to 31. This event marks a significant moment as it is the first time Cold Lake is hosting female Tier 1 provincials.
Marcy Bordeleau, chair of the event, and Carolyn Hall, co-chair, are thrilled to welcome six of the top teams in Alberta to compete for the provincial banner.
“The atmosphere of being at a provincial championship is pretty special for the athletes and their families,” says Bordeleau. “Hosting the event gives us the opportunity to showcase the Lakeland and contribute to the hockey community by hosting an amazing event.”
Opening ceremonies, scheduled for March 29 at 6 p.m. at the Energy Centre, promise to be a highlight for all attendees.
But beyond the thrill of competition, Bordeleau and Hall are also excited about the broader impact the event will have on Cold Lake and the surrounding region.
“Teams will be in Cold Lake for four days or more. Direct impact includes local spending at hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers [and more],” explains Hall.
The significance of hosting such tournaments in the region extends far beyond economic benefits. It is also about nurturing the growth and development of girls' hockey in the community.
“The 2024 U15 Female Tier 1 Hockey Provincial Championship is an excellent showcase for the Female Hockey program in our community. The Lakeland Jaguars hockey program continues to grow in numbers each year. The provincial tournament will highlight some of our amazing local female hockey talent and encourage more of our youth to join the Jaguars program,” says Bordeleau.
Providing opportunities for young female athletes to compete at the provincial level is paramount for their development.
"Competing at the highest level builds confidence in these young female athletes and can encourage them to try out for more competitive teams in other areas. Competing at higher levels also encourages female players to stay active and stay in sport,” she says.
“These athletes are great role models for younger athletes and will inspire them to follow in their footsteps."
In Cold Lake and the surrounding areas, initiatives are in place to encourage participation and interest in girls' hockey. Hall points out, "Female hockey is growing rapidly in our area. For the first time in the Lakeland, we have a U13AA female program that started this year and are hopeful that it will expand to other age groups as well. There are many female camps and female spring hockey teams in the area. All of these events are encouraging participation and interest in female hockey.”
And when it comes to community support, Cold Lake stands out.
“The community has shown tremendous support in the last few years, enabling the Lakeland Jaguars to host provincials three consecutive years in Cold Lake – two years at U18 and this year at U15," Hall proudly states.
