B2 THE FORESTER, Wednesday, September 3, 2008 At this point, OHA pilot Huskies hoping to expand The sport of women’s ment for a female hockey forward or not by Aug. 29. hockey is growing all over player is to be invited to a Practice starts Sept. 7,” said project is set for lift-off the country, especially in college or university to play. Wurdell. . The OWHA gives our girls He can be contacted at BY JOHN CUDMORE tral loop and its brothers in the north, The Huntsville Huskies that stage so the opportunity 789-6590 if anyone is inter- As the first wave of training camps east and west since player recruiting midget girls, aged 13-17, are may someday be there.” ested in playing. starts and stops begin this week, it for the 2008-09 season. The busi- entering their third season And now it is time to seems there will be no stopping the ness of recruiting players has been this fall, after placing fourth grow the sport so that more COME JOIN US: Catherine Ontario Hockey Association’s pilot conducted in the same manner as any over all of Ontario in the girls can play. Wurdell is project in the Ontario Provincial Jr. past season. In short, it is too early Midget C division of the extending an invitation out Scott of the Huntsville Hus- A Hockey League (OPJHL) from to use the pilot project’s potential Ontario Women’s Hockey to younger girls to come out kies girls’ hockey program achieving lift-off. profile as a selling point. Association (OWHA) in to form a peewee team, for is one player who has en- Otherwise known as the Cen- “It’s not a super league of elite only their second season last girls born in 1996 or later, joyed the experience. The tral Division, an eight-team division teams,” said Pietramala, speaking year. Their proud sponsor is regardless of hockey experi- hockey group is looking for within the OPJHL to be unveiled this on the issue of competitiveness, “but Muskoka Animal Hospital. ence. “We need girls who enough players to start a season, the project is well on the way a different division of like-minded “Since our first season enjoy sports, and who want peewee program. to its maiden flight when the puck individuals who think junior hockey in 2006/07, we have had to learn the game of hockey. drops for regular season play next should take a different direction.” so much fun and seen the We will teach hockey skills, month. Despite beefs from the other development of some amaz- teamwork, sportsmanship, It is difficult to imagine the pilot 29 teams in the OPJHL, who still ing athletes who, without competition, and respect - will not take flight for the 2008-09 apparently are considering appeals this team may have never many valuable lessons that season. to Hockey Canada and subsequent been part of a female hockey extend well beyond the Regular season schedules are in legal cases after being rejected by team,” said manager Earl borders of hockey and stay place and the group of eight teams the Ontario Hockey Federation last Wurdell. “I’ve heard it with the girls for their whole is pursuing its own commissioner month, the project has plenty of countless times - for girls, lives. We are building char- — St. Mike’s Buzzers’ Mike McCar- upsides. Few can dispute that issue. playing on a girls’ team is acter while having fun play- ron is the interim boss. The Central However, that core group as a whole just more special than a girl ing hockey.” Divisoin is about to announce a is still stuck on its own perception playing on a boys’ team.” So far the team has a full marketing program aimed at raising that the OHA rammed through the Wurdell also added that staff and several players, but the profile of the project. In addi- pilot without consulting its OPJHL they have already had a Hus- a few more girls are needed tion, Cardinal Sports Management teams. kies player go on to a U.S. to make the team a reality. has been hired as educational consul- That, more than being part of the college hockey scholarship. “We’ll have to make a tant to provide access to educational action, it seems is the sticking point “I think the compli- decision on the team moving opportunities for every player. And, in all of this matter. a busing contract has been secured “Each shareholder in the league for the eight teams, which include wants a say and to play a role in the the Stouffville Spirit and Markham decision-making in future changes HHUNTSVILLEUNTSVILLE DDOWNSOWNS Waxers, in addition to the Hurricanes in the direction of the league they GGOLFOLF & CCOUNTRYOUNTRY CCLUBLUB and Buzzers. fund,” said Port Hope Predators’ , Cobourg Cou- general manager Tim Clayden, also Vicki Hill- Golf Instructor a member of the OPJHL executive gars, Toronto Canadiens and Ham- (Canadian Golf Teachers Federation) ilton Wings round out the field committee. for the initial season. “(But) until Hockey Canada The Huntsville Muskoka Otters decides to hear an appeal, there is no GIVE YOUR CHILD THE LIFETIME GIFT OF SPECIAL EVENTS are not part of the new division, but question the pilot project is moving A POSITIVE SPORT EXPERIENCE IN A two of the teams – Stouffville and forward. Right now it is a series of NURTURING TEAM ENVIRONMENT Newmarket – are long-time division ongoing negotiations between part- Men’sMe Night rivals, which means the North Divi- ners and the OHA to resolve differ- Help your child become confident, motivated, physically and September 10 sion will have a different landscape ences. It’s down to the final touches mentally fit in preparation for the great adventures of life. for next year. to get the league back on track and Allow them the ROCKY ISLAND SWIM CLUB experience! Sponsored by All this aside, and perhaps most moving forward in a positive man- “Canadian Tire” (Pat Lynch) important, there is a vision toward ner.” ROCKY ISLAND SWIMMERS the future in place which would take At the same time, there is a dan- RANKED TOP TEN IN CANADA Every Other Wednesday Night the pilot project beyond its one-year gling carrot — be assured, there IN ALL 4 STROKES Must be 19 years or over are franchises sitting quietly on the 9 Holes of golf promise and perhaps alter the face of Coaching led by: Mary Ellen Peace-Hall junior hockey in the province. sidelines hoping this thing works — Dinner & Prizes “We believe in it because we and questions about the potential to Ontario Swim Coach of the Year for 1997/1998 $30 non-members believe in the concepts and where it join for the 2009-10 season should Province of Ontario Female Community Coach of the Year in 2000 could go,” said Hurricanes’ majority the project be extended beyond one owner Anthony Pietramala and one season. There is, you know, a distinct • Novice to National Level • Technique Tee times required for all events! of the key pushers of the project. possibilty the field will be expanded • Strength & Flexibility • Endurance • Fun! Everyone Welcome!!!! “We’re hoping to show the Ontario and certain teams could be shuffled Hockey League, CIS and NCAA this in and out of the mix. “If you live in Muskoka you can’t afford not to!” For further information or to is the way of the future.” “Who knows? It’s possible the For the upcoming season, at least, original eight may not be part of it in Registration at the Huntsville Centennial Centre, register for clinics, please call it will be difficult for fans to detect the long run,” said Pietramala. Saturday, September 13th, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on-ice differences between the cen- - with files from Brent Cooper or call 385-SWIM (7946) 705.789.1000 FFALLFALLALL SSTORAGESTORAGETORAGE RATESRRATESATES

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