Northwestern Polytechnic says it will launch a women’s hockey team beginning this fall.
President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Sheane said many local female hockey players have limited opportunities to continue playing after turning 18 and graduating from high school. She added the institution has seen growing demand for a team in recent years.
“This really was a community initiated initiative for NWP. We were approached by female hockey supporters in the region and our community,” Sheane said.
Sheane said the program is already more than 90 per cent full, but students interested in playing are still encouraged to apply.
“Hockey is a big endeavour of course, there are many more opportunities for male hockey athletes to play and not as many for female athletes,” Sheane said.
The team will compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). Home games for the Wolves will be played at the Design Works Centre this season.
Officials say Northwestern Polytechnic students and staff will have free access to games once the season begins this fall.
The home opener is scheduled for Oct. 9.
