Hockey season is back and so is the Esso Fun Day - a chance for all female hockey players who are registered with the Thompson Minor Hockey Association and those who just want to give it a try to get to together on and off the ice.
"It's just about promoting female hockey," says organizer Brenda Dawyduk. "It's a chance for girls who are thinking about playing hockey to get on the ice."
This year's Esso Fun Day goes Oct. 3 at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena and runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Players who can't make it for the whole day are still invited out - and it's free.
"We kicked off female hockey in Thompson four years ago with an Esso Fun Day and it was a huge success," said Dawyduk, recalling that 50 players attended that camp and most of them ended up registering. "There will be a full day planned, including on- and off-ice sessions, prizes and free lunch."
The event is also great for parents who want to figure out if their daughter is interested in hockey before shelling out a lot of money for equipment and registration fees. The focus of the day is to introduce players to the basics of hockey and to try the game without having to make a commitment to sign up for a season.
"Parents aren't always sure what female hockey is about," said Dawyduk.
And if a player does decide she wants to pursue hockey further, there's an opportunity to sign for minor hockey.
On-ice activities are led by instructors with coach-level certification assisted by other on-ice role models, such as older female hockey players who can share their experiences and skills with newcomers. The newly formed Norman Wild midget AA female team will be on the ice with the girls this year.
No equipment? No problem - just give Dawyduk a call in advance and she'll try to borrow some.
"If you want to play girls' hockey, come out," Dawyduk says.
