Grant-A-Week WINNER
Brandon Female Hockey Team

On Saturday, April 21, 2001 the Brandon Female Hockey Program hosted an Esso Fun day Clinic at the Canada Games Sportsplex. This free clinic was designed to provide a no-pressure chance to try the Female Hockey Experience and it featured on and off-ice instruction. Fifty-two girls registered for the event and were separated into two groups according to age.

Sami Jo Small, MVP Goaltender for the Canadian National Women's Team was our guest instructor and motivational speaker. Sami Jo spent time with all of the participants on and off the ice. Our day ended with Sami Jo presenting our participants with their Esso Fun Day Certificates.

Everyone enjoyed pizza and pop and we had several draws for door prizes, which had been donated by local sponsors. Coaches from our local female hockey program provided the on-ice instruction, as well as members of the Senior Ladies hockey team.

The participants were taught the basic skills of the game, incorporating some fun and challenging drills. The ice sessions ended with a 15-minute scrimmage. Oranges, PowerAde and cookies were served to our hard-working girls at the end of their ice-session. During the off-ice sessions, the participants were introduced to each other.

Sami Jo Small was the lead instructor off-ice and provided the girls with information about playing hockey and of her accomplishments. The girls enjoyed constructing their own hockey cards and colouring some hockey pictures. They also did some exercises which required them to think, co-operate and to work as a team. Parents were allowed to watch the off-ice session and to listen to Sami Jo's motivational talk.

Parents and participants provided very positive feedback on the day. Some parent comments included: "It was perfect", "It was a chance for the girls to try hockey without feeling bad that they were just beginners", Excellent coaches", Well organized", A job well done!", "Lots of fun!", Great day!".

The event was very successful due to the efforts of all of our volunteer coaches, off-ice personnel, members of our local female teams, our sponsors, and of course our very special guest, Sami Jo Small.

Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity contact us