Some of the best female hockey players in Canada are in Grande Prairie this week for an exhibition tilt against the Midget AAA Storm. The National Women’s Hockey Team is working towards the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang in February, and has won the last four gold medals.
“Our play against the Alberta Midget Hockey League is instrumental in our team’s preparation for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games,” says general manager of national women’s teams programs Melody Davidson. “This series is a great opportunity for fans across Alberta to be a part of Team Canada’s journey to PyeongChang and the support we receive from communities across Alberta will certainly fuel our team as it moves forward.”
The women are playing 24 exhibition games against Alberta Midget Hockey League teams as Hockey Canada whittles down the roster for the Olympic Games. Friday’s game at Revolution Place is part of the Esso Series, but is also a regular series game for the Storm and worth two points in the standings.
“Great memories will come out of this series for the players as the move forward in their careers,” remarks AMHL vice-president Bobby Olynyk.
The series started Tuesday in Calgary, with Team Canada taking down the Airdrie Bisons 9-1. Puck drops at 7 p.m.
The Grande Peace Athletic Club expects the game to be competitive. The last time the women were in town in 2013, the Storm won the game in overtime.