Women’s hockey exhibition a treat

Local hockey fans had the chance to see some high-quality women’s hockey here last weekend.
The fact the two exhibition games—the first an 11-0 win by the Thunder Bay Queens over the local Northwest Stars on Saturday night and the second a 6-1 win by the University of Winnipeg Lady Wesmen over the Queens on Sunday afternoon—were held on the same weekend as a girls’ Atom and Novice hockey tournament was no coincidence.
Organizers wanted to show local girls what hockey is like at a higher level.
“Everyone benefited from the game,” said Clint Barton, who arranged to have the Winnipeg and Thunder Bay teams play here. “The local girls were able to play hockey at a higher level [while] the Queens were able to work on certain players and set plays.”
The game also gave the Queens’ coaching staff a chance to see what’s up and coming, added Barton, whose daughter, Sarah, is in her last year with the Queens.
Each game attracted about 300-400 spectators.
Just as the Stars got the chance to play a higher-level team, the Queens, made up of girls aged 15-17, had the opportunity to play against 18- and 19-year-olds—or older—in their second game Sunday afternoon against the Lady Wesmen.
“The team played really well,” said Queens coach Bob Baird. “I’m pleased with their game.”
The Queens next will play another exhibition series in Duluth, Mn. before taking part in the Ontario Winter Games in London in March.
The Lady Wesmen, meanwhile, will represent Manitoba at the national women’s hockey championship March 10-14 in Sherwood Park, Alta.
Both local fans and the parents of Queens players told Barton they were very pleased with the exhibition games. He called it a worthwhile venture, though a lot of work.
“I hope somebody takes it on next year,” he said. “A lot of people got their eyes opened.”