For the first time in the long history of the Shooters Pub Prince George Rec Hockey League, guys and gals will be playing together.
The new novice division which begins this week will be made up of female players of all abilities as well as males who are new to organized hockey.
"We've never had a women's division and we've never offered an opportunity geared towards ladies play and entry-level guys who want to learn the game," said P.G. Rec Hockey League administrator Al Hines. "Some of the girls have already been playing in higher divisions. We have enough players now for three teams and I'm hoping to get up to four or five times. It's really for guys who don't have a lot of background in hockey and their skill set meshes with the ladies."
The novice division is open to players aged 16 and older.
Novice teams will play games until the end of March but the players will also engage in skill development sessions throughout the season, starting tonight at Kin 1.
"Interspersed with the games will be skill development nights where they will work with people who will help them improve everything from skating and passing to positional play," said Hines.
Interested players should contact Hines by calling 250-612-3933, or email [email protected]. Registration for the season will cost about $600 for 36 ice times.
Tonight's meeting in the Kin 1 meeting room will explain the program and will precede the on-ice scrimmage at Kin 1 for players in full equipment, which will help organizers pick teams of equal ability.
Hines said the Prince George Cougars have stepped forward as the major sponsor of the novice division.
Games in the rec league started this past weekend, a few weeks earlier than normal, to allow for an extended break during the Canada Winter Games, which will take up all available indoor ice in the city from Feb. 13 to March 1, 2015.
