By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
The Southern Aroostook Minor Hockey Association or SAMHA is looking to increase the number of girls in their youth hockey programs.
“Girls hockey is the fastest growing sport,” said Darcy Lorom, SAMHA volunteer. “We are calling out to all girls to step out of their comfort zone and try something that is new and challenging.”
SAMHA programs are designed with fair play, which means, everyone regardless of skill receives equal playing time.
“Just as important is the fact players have an equal chance to build their skills and confidence on the ice,” added Lorom.
Tea Wilde, a young hockey player whose older sister Anessa and brother Alex both play in SAMHA, said, “I like to play hockey because it gives you energy, strong muscles and helps your body.”
Wilde’s sister Anessa added, “I like hockey because it’s fun. It’s an opportunity to play co-ed and be challenged by some really athletic boys. The exercise helps in other areas, too; I’m also a dancer and I play many other sports.”
Another girl player, Natalie DeLucca plays because she has brothers who play, as well.
“I like to play because it is fun and I like to skate fast,” she said. “ I also wanted to try because my brothers like is so much that I thought I might, too.”
With the primary focus on adding an increased number of girls, Lorom knows from experience, as her 7-year-old daughter is playing.
“She began in the Learn to Skate Program two years ago,” explained Lorom. “She played on the Mites a year ago and will do so again this year. She loves the freedom of gliding on the ice. She loves doing drills and skills on the ice as a coed unit.
“The cool part is at that age there is never a question of whether you are a boy or a girl playing — the fact is you are just one of those kids who wants to play,” added Lorom.
“I love hockey. I like to skate fast with my friends,” said Lorom’s daughter Sophie. “The boys are my friends too. They are nice to me. I like to play games and have my team score.”
But through the competitiveness springs new friendships.
Danah-Rae Carmichael said, “I enjoy hockey because it’s all about teamwork and playing with your friends, joking, and having fun at the same time is what it is all about.”
Freshman Elizabeth Ward says it is hard to explain why she loves hockey.
“I’ve been skating since I was two and playing the game since I was four,” she said. “My second home is at the arena. My winter weekends are spent playing hockey, going to public skate, or stick time.
“The sound of your skates crunching the ice underneath you is my favorite sound,” she added. “I love the speed and the ability to feel like you can fly. In no other sport do you have to skate around and use a stick. Almost everyone is born with the ability to throw, kick, or run, but hockey skills are learned and developed.”
Both of Ward’s older brothers, Ben and Brandon, played hockey so she grew up watching and learning the sport.
“I would encourage other girls to play hockey, because the feeling you get when you score your first goal, lift the puck for the first time, or beat one of the guys on your team in a race is indescribable,” she said.
Ward also plays soccer and softball.
For those girls (and guys) who want to try hockey before committing to a team, SAMHA will hold a “Try Hockey For Free Day” on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Millar Civic Center in Houlton Community Park.
For more information go to SAMHA Hockey Group on Facebook.
