INUVIK
Players on the Delta Divas women's hockey team will be lacing up their skates once again this year after spending a year on the bench.

Candace Seddon, centre in white, moves the puck through the opposing team's defence at a Delta Divas practice in 2010. - photos courtesy of Maia Lepage

"We didn't get an ice time last year that worked for all of us, so we decided to just let it go," said organizer Anne Kokko. "This year we got Tuesdays at 9:45, and that's looking like it's going to work for us."

The team had a registration night Sept. 24 but only a few women showed up. Kokko said, however, that several more women have come forward wanting to be part of the team since then, for a total of about 10 skaters.

"It's meant to be an inclusive team," she said. "Anyone at any skill level can come out. We have a huge range of skills. I had never played hockey before but I played ringette. Other girls have only ever figure skated."

Kristen Callaghan can attest to the warm welcome she got when she finally decided to join the team five years ago. She said after two years of being too shy or nervous to join, she signed up.

"I wish I had joined sooner as I quickly learned that the team is always welcoming to new players, both those new to hockey as well as providing great competition for those with more experience," she told the Drum.

"I think that's what makes our group perfect for all women interested in playing hockey in Inuvik. It's a fun time not just for the great exercise but also for the welcoming and challenging environment we provide to players at all skill levels."

Kokko said she hopes to recruit between 10 and 12 women to play on the team, a number that would allow for more flexibility to bring on drop-in players. The fees charged cover the ice time and there needs to be a minimum of commitment to keep the team going.

Callaghan said one of the main impediments to people signing up is a lack of gear. Skaters have to have gloves, a stick, and a helmet at the very minimum to play but many also get full gear for safety reasons, although the team plays non-contact. She said there is extra gear that can be lent out to new players if they let organizers know ahead of time. The only thing people really have to have for themselves is a pair of skates.

"I hope that this year we welcome back our regulars and have many more new players join us," she said. "They all bring something to the team, whether it is experience that they can share and help challenge each other, or enthusiasm for learning new or old skills. There is something for everyone and it is only more fun, the more of us there are."

Although this is her first year organizing, Kokko has some ambitious plans. She said she has heard rumours of women playing in Aklavik and Fort McPherson and she hopes that perhaps Inuvik can host a weekend in which players from surrounding communities can come and get in some games. While there would probably not be enough to have a full tournament, Kokko said there would probably be enough to get in some good games.

"That's what the girls are always asking for, they want to play more games," she said. "It's a good goal to have for the season, I think."

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