In a display of skill, determination, and breaking gender norms, three teenage girls have become integral members of the North Delta U15 A1 hockey team. Sofia Sangha (goalie), Myelle Johnson (defence), and Maddie, (right wing), have shattered a few stereotypes and proven their prowess on the ice in a sport traditionally dominated by males.
Coach Gord McBride has high praise for the girl’s work on the ice. “I’m really proud to say that it’s been a great experience having them on our team. They are bright, mature and very easy to coach. I’ve really enjoyed having them on our team.”
In the beginning, as the roster was being built, the coach had a big decision. “As the head coach of the team, I was given the tough task to form our team from a large group of players that tried out for the team. They all played extremely well during the tryout process and earned their spots on their own merit. They’ve continued to improve as the season has gone on and proven they can play at this level.”
It was talent he was looking for. Females have always been able to play with the boys. The North Delta Hockey Association currently have a very large female enrollment, especially in the younger levels.
Rob Reid, president of the association welcomes girls to consider hockey as their sport of choice to play on a team with. “We have 5 ladies on one team in U15C. They came out and helped with our practice with the new to hockey U6s. We had a few girls away this weekend but we actually have 10 girls in our U6 (5-year-old) program. We are trying to build up the game and entice more female players to the sport. We use the hash tag #toomanymenontheice”.
McBride added, “Typically females transition to house hockey or female hockey (where there is no hitting) at this level. Having two players and a goalie at the U15 A1 rep level is a bit unique.”
Myelle Johnson plays defence on the team. “I think that being a part of a co-ed team is really good for my development as a player. The pace of play with boys is generally faster than with girls so it’s great for development (no offense to the female associations). You also have to keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings or you’re going to get hit.”
Sofia Sangra, in the net as a goalie, agrees. “I feel that when you are on a co-ed team you get to experience a better range of skill levels. Some teams are better than others and that provides a better challenge and helps me improve and get better.”
”At first it felt a little odd at the beginning of the year, because of the new environment but throughout the last few months I have become more comfortable with this group and have even been able to make more connections with certain people. I have played co-ed hockey since the beginning however we have not had three girls on one team before so this season is special.” Sofia added.
Wearing #12, as a right-winger, Maddie Wing added, “I have always played on a traditionally male team ever since I was little so it wasn’t a huge change when I was chosen to play for the U15 A1 team. I was somewhat nervous at first for what the season would bring and how I would develop as a player and a person. U15 rep is the 1st year that includes body checking so I was a little nervous but overall i was very excited.
I think the advantage of playing on a co-ed team is the environment, the people around you can change your play drastically. The coach’s have all been great, especially with so much help from so many of them. I find the boys have less drama, we have a lot of fun and they push me to play at my best. Also playing in a “hitting” league with co-ed gives you a sense of hockey with and without body checking as it is not allowed in female hockey.
I’d say the pros of being on a traditionally male team is seeing a different side of hockey and can widen your opportunities and options as a player. Not many cons if i’m being honest other than sometimes the chirping as we call it in hockey from other teams and push back during games from the opponents boys toward me just because I am a female, don’t worry, nothing that hurts my feelings. But what they don’t know that all it does it push me to be better and work harder to prove to them i can do whatever they can do.
It’s also very good to have a team you know will always have your back and be there for me through the wins and the losses.”
Playing in an integrated male and female league all my life, I am starting to see so many more females playing in Co-Ed and it’s good to see girls on other teams we play and to see a them doing well.” she said.
Coach McBride said, “The pace of play is definitely faster and with hitting it can be very physical. We play many competitive boys teams with a schedule of close to 60 games so they are playing a very high level of hockey. Most of the females have played in our association for many years already so by now they are part of the fabric and fit in seamlessly.”
