As far as girls and women's hockey has come, there's still progress being made. This season, the Exploits Female Minor Hockey Association will become the province of Newfoundland and Labrador's first ever all-girls hockey association.
Previously overseen by organizations in Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishop's Falls and Botwood, the new association, which is set to field teams in 2025-26 is another major milestone for the development of girls and women's hockey in Atlantic Canada.
“It’s a step towards putting a focus 100 per cent on growing girls’ hockey and having it governed by a team solely looking at female hockey,” said Hockey NL Executive Director, Craig Tulk in a news release.
According to Tulk, girls and women's hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador has risen above 30% in the last five years, which is the second highest, per capita, level of registration in Canada.
The Exploits Rapids teams will run all-girls programs from the U-7 level up to U-15. According to the inaugural association president, Greg Pardy, they are hopeful the launch of an all-girls' organization will create more growth.
“We are committed to establishing a consistent schedule, provide quality coaching and make the Rapids brand one that young girls and families can be proud and excited to be part of during the hockey season,” said Pardy.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for growth, inclusion, and excellence in the sport, and we look forward to building a strong future for female hockey in the Exploits."
Newfoundland and Labrador has had representation at the highest level of women's hockey with Maggie Connors playing in the PWHL with the Toronto Sceptres. She'll be joined next year by another product of the province in Abby Newhook who was a draft pick of the Boston Fleet.
The hope is this organization will spark more associations to form in the province. It's a point that was brought forward by the Hockey NL Female Council
“This is a change we hope will encourage further member associations to form that have objectives to provide a quality program for girls as we continue to address the six key barriers to growing women and girls’ hockey in Canada as reflected in the Hockey Canada discussion paper released last fall," said Sara Taylor, council chair.
The Exploits Rapids will drop the puck for the first time ever this Fall.