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Girls Hockey Weekend Has Global Impact

By Minnesota Hockey, 10/12/15, 11:15AM CDT

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Girls’ and women’s hockey took center stage this past weekend as the entire world celebrated the IIHF’s Girls’ Hockey Weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The fifth annual event featured 22 host sites in Minnesota, over 140 across the United States and included events in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Girls’ Hockey Weekend has grown to such an extent that several associations now host entire days or even a weekend full of events. Apple Valley Youth Hockey celebrated girls’ hockey on three consecutive days, incorporating a variety of events including a volunteer session at Feed My Starving Children, going to Gopher Women’s Hockey game and hosting intra-squad scrimmages. This year Chaska Chanhassen hosted an entire day of activities that featured special events for both current girls and potential new players.

“CCHA was honored to be a host site for Girls’ Hockey Weekend and join female hockey players from around the world to celebrate the great game of hockey,” said Heather Nelson, event organizer for Chaska Chanhassen Hockey Association. “We see firsthand how hockey is more than a game and what it can do for these young ladies.  Those success stories are what it is all about!”

Girls’ and women’s hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and with the continued success of events like Girls’ Hockey Weekend and Try Hockey For Free day, that trend will continue in Minnesota for many years.

To relive all of the excitement, check out the photos below or visit USA Hockey and IIHF Hockey for details on events around the globe. 

Minnesota Host Sites:

Chaska Chanhassen Hockey Association

The Chaska Chanhassen Hockey Association (CCHA) and high school Stormhawks team celebrated USA Hockey/IIHF Girls’ Hockey Weekend with a fun packed day of events at the Chaska Community Center on Saturday, October 10th.   Female hockey players of all ages gathered to share their passion for the game of hockey and honor those that helped pave the way for girls’ hockey.

The girls participated in a variety of events including a social/breakfast at Synergy in Chaska, a Stormhawks locker room tour and creative project table, yoga/mediation and strength/agility conditioning classes, a sports visualization course, nutrition and good fuel for athletes informational table, autographs and pictures with Stormhawks players.  The rink lobby also housed several informational tables with details on local partners.  

Bemidji Youth Hockey / Bemidji State University

Bemidji Youth Hockey and the Bemidji State University Women's Hockey team co-hosted an event for girls in their community and the surrounding area. The participants had the opportunity to attend the Beavers' game against Minnesota Duluth, take part in the intermission activities, meet Bucky the Beaver and had an autograph session with the Beavers following the game. 

More Photos: