We are thrilled to be able to offer a full service 8U-16U girls program which provides players a fun, positive and competitive environment for all ages and skills. For the 2022-2023 season the Girls program will include:
Sno-King stands committed to supporting and growing female participation in hockey and offering a variety of competitive development programs for all skills and ages. Key highlights are below:
Growth & Participation: Girls hockey participation at Sno-King has increased by 150% in the last 5 years. To accommodate the growing interest this season, Sno-King expanded the girls program last season from six to eight girls teams with two 8U teams, two 10U teams, two 12U teams, one 14U AA team*, and one 16U AA team* (nationally bound). The local hockey community is also working together to offer 8U and 10U girls "super" weekends, in addition to strong female leagues for 12U, 14U and 16U+ select teams plus a variety of competitive Canadian teams and tournaments within driving distance.
Community Connection: Sno-King plans to support several initiatives this season that help build connection and community. These include celebrating Girls Hockey Night at the Seattle Thunderbirds game on January 21st, inviting select 8U players to skate during intermission at a Seattle Thunderbirds and Seattle Kraken game (as designated), offering frequent Try Hockey Free events and 8U Fun Skates plus supporting team fundraising for select teams. Additionally, highlighting the November 20th Women's Rivalry event (Team USA vs. Canada) at Climate Pledge Arena. Sno-King is also planning a End of Season Awards event to recognize players, managers, and coaches.
Expanded Resources: Given the tremendous growth in addition to the success of the Tier II teams last season, Sno-King continues to expand resources and coaching support for all age groups. The 14U & 16U Tier II girls teams have additional coaching, nutrition, and dryland support from experienced female role models in partnership with Hockey Director, Doug Kirton, Sno-King Skills coaches, and Goalie coaches.
Scheduling & Integration: We continue to focus on integration between players and teams to enhance player development at all ages. Examples include the weekly 8U-12U girls skills sessions, shared 14U/16U Tier II team development practices, and goalie clinics for all ages. Additionally, Sno-King was awarded the hosting of the Western Girls Hockey League (WGHL) kickoff weekend on September 23-25th, 2022, to over 30 girls teams who traveled from areas including Washington, California, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Read the press release here. We plan to work in coordination with other local associations to build ongoing opportunities for girls.
Mentorship & Volunteer Opportunities: We recognize the opportunity that girls hockey brings to future generations. With increased female participants in beginner hockey programs, we will continue to provide experienced players the opportunity to introduce, assist and mentor these new players to the sport. Thank you to all the volunteers who help with programs such as Try Hockey Free, Learn to Play and 8U Girls Fun Skates.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance: The Sno-King Scholarship program helps reduce the financial strain of the costs of participation in the sport of hockey. Funding is allocated from scholarship donations and various fundraising efforts. More information can be found here. To help fund the Scholarship program, donations can be made online at www.snokinghockey.com/donate. Please include a dedication to scholarships in the notes.
A special thank you to all the volunteers, managers, and coaches who dedicate countless hours inspiring and teaching these young ladies to reach their full potential.
If you have any questions about our Girls Program, please contact our Hockey Director, Doug Kirton at hockeydirector@snokinghockey.com.
Hockey Director
Girls Program Coordinator
14U Tier II 2X Pacific District Champions
BEGINNER HOCKEY
Girls are welcomed and embraced in our Beginner Programs! All of our players start here, and your daughter will be part of a group of children learning the best sport on earth. We will make sure she feels comfortable in our program and has a positive first hockey experience.