CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada has confirmed the dates and host communities for seven events taking place during the 2023-24 season, including the return of the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.

“Today is an exciting day for Hockey Canada as we announce seven events that play a critical role in the development of men’s, women’s and para hockey athletes, coaches and staff,” said Pat McLaughlin, chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “We hope that hosting these tournaments will help introduce new fans to the game, create lifelong memories for Canadians and have a positive impact in each community long after the medals have been handed out.”

The 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be played Nov. 2-11 in Charlottetown and Summerside, PE, marking the first time in the tournament’s 37-year history that it will be hosted in the province.

Featuring some of the best young women’s hockey players in Canada, the 2023 National Women’s Under-18 Championship will run Nov. 5-11 in Dawson Creek, BC, bringing the event back to the Peace Region for the first time since 2012.

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will compete for gold with three other countries at the 2023 Para Hockey Cup, which will be held Dec. 3-9 in Quispamsis, NB, marking the fourth Hockey Canada event that Quispamsis has hosted.

Top Canadian and international players will be showcased at the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge from Dec. 10-17 in Truro, NS, as the tournament returns to Atlantic Canada for the fourth time and to Truro for the second time.

In the spring, Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship will be decided at the Esso Cup in Vernon, BC from April 21-27, while the Men’s U18 National Club Championship will be played April 22-28 in Membertou, NS.

The best Junior A teams in Canada will take to the ice at the 2024 Centennial Cup in Oakville, ON, with the Oakville Blades hosting the national championship from May 9-19.

“We are thrilled to share the list of communities that will host Hockey Canada events during the 2023-24 season,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of strategic partnerships and community impact. “The support we have received from host committees has been outstanding and we are confident that participants, volunteers, partners and fans will have fantastic experiences at each tournament.”

Ticket information for all seven events can be found here. Tournament schedules will be announced at a later date. 

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has announced the dates and host communities for six events taking place during the 2022-23 season, including the return of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup and World Junior A Challenge for the first time since 2019.

The communities of Langley and Delta, B.C., will host the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge from Nov. 5-12, bringing some of the top young players in the world to Metro Vancouver.

The 2022 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup will run from Nov. 27-Dec. 3 in Bridgewater, N.S., marking the first time that the event has been held in the Maritimes since 2016.

A showcase of Canadian and international Junior A talent, the 2022 World Junior A Challenge will take place in Cornwall, Ont., from Dec. 11-18.

Two of Hockey Canada’s national championships will return to their typical April schedule in 2023, with the puck dropping at the Esso Cup in Prince Albert, Sask., on April 23 and the TELUS Cup beginning April 24 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.

The Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will be hosted in Portage la Prairie, Man., in May 2023, bringing Canada’s National Junior A Championship to Manitoba for a fourth time.

“We are excited to announce the host communities for six events taking place in 2022-23, and we cannot wait to bring some of the top hockey events in the world to fans across Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “Hosting events of this magnitude would not be possible without our incredible local partners, and we are very grateful for their support as we count down to puck drop.”

Tickets are available now for the 2022 World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall, Ont., at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets, while on-sale dates for the remaining events will be announced at a later date.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, become a Hockey Canada Insider, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada announced today that it has cancelled all summer camps for national teams through Sept. 1 due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the decision was made with the health and safety of all coaches, staff and participants as the top priority, Hockey Canada maintains a commitment and high standard of excellence to learning and coaching. As such, various programming and training sessions will be held virtually this summer.

“It is certainly disappointing to come to this decision for our summer events this year, but it is the right decision as we keep the health and safety of our participants a priority,” said Tom Renney, chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “There is level of camaraderie and learning that takes place in-person, but we have found a way to mitigate some of the impact and still share best-in-class experiences through virtual learning. The coaches and professionals in their field will continue to guide and lead our athletes so when we are able to return to hockey, they will be physically and mentally prepared and equipped to compete at the highest level.”

The following national team camps and programs will be delivered virtually:

• BFL Canada National Women’s Under-18 Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys (April 26 until 2021 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship)
• BFL Canada National Women’s Development Team Summer Camp, presented by Sobeys (May 3 until athletes return to university)
• Program of Excellence coach seminar (May 25-June 5)
• Program of Excellence goaltender development camp (June 9-12)
• Canada’s national under-17 development camp (July 19-25)
• Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Summer Development Camp (July 27-31)

Topics for virtual sessions will include at-home strength and conditioning plans, mental performance plans and check-ins, nutrition, dry-land skills, skating simulations, team-building activities, short-term international competition preparation and meetings with coaching staffs.

The online seminar delivery for both women’s programs will take place up to twice weekly, with critical information being communicated to athletes to allow them to continue to evolve as high-performance athletes in this new environment, and will utilize the strengths and experience of Canada’s National Women’s Program leadership to help connect one-on-one, athlete-to-athlete. The men’s programs will take place during the specified dates.

In the coming weeks, Hockey Canada will also be announcing the rosters and staff named to the national team programs.

HOCKEY CANADA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS & EVENTS

Following the March cancellation of the remainder of the 2019-20 hockey season, which included all national championships, Hockey Canada has worked diligently with the various host organizing committees to plan for the 2020-21 season and beyond.

“During these unprecedented times, Hockey Canada has had to make changes to its season schedule to prioritize the health and safety of all participants at our national events, impacting various host committees and communities across the country,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “We appreciate the support and dedication by our upcoming host committees to adjust our schedule for the next two hockey seasons, and we look forward to working with these communities to put on world-class events.”

The following changes have been made to Hockey Canada event hosting agreements following the cancellation of all spring events this season:

• Prince Albert, Sask., which was set to host the 2020 Esso Cup, Canada’s U18 Women’s Club Championship, will retain its hosting rights for the 2021 Esso Cup. Lloydminster, Alta., will host the 2022 Esso Cup.
• Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., and Cape Breton, N.S., were awarded the TELUS Cup, Canada’s U18 Club Championship, in 2020 and 2021, respectively, but Hockey Canada has worked with both communities and Members to re-assign future hosting. Cape Breton has been confirmed as the host in 2022, and Saint-Hyacinthe is being considered as the host in 2021 or 2023.
• The 2020 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, set to be played in Portage la Prairie, Man., will be hosted in Penticton, B.C., in May 2021. Estevan, Sask., will host Canada’s National Junior A Championship in 2022, with the potential for the event to return to Portage la Prairie in 2023.
• Niagara Falls, Ont., was selected to host the 2020 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala & Golf this June, but instead will host the 2021 edition of the event.

While Hockey Canada continues to work closely with local, provincial, territorial and national health authorities, the current event schedule remains unchanged for the fall and winter. This includes the 2020 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Oct. 31-Nov. 7 in Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I.; 2020 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Nov. 2-8 in Dawson Creek, B.C.; 2020 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup, Dec. 6-12 in Bridgewater, N.S.; 2020 World Junior A Challenge, Dec. 13-20 in Cornwall, Ont.; and 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26 to Jan 5 in in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has partnered with BDO to expand the local legacies of its national and international events through the launch of the BDO Goals for Kids program.

Every season, Hockey Canada brings three international events – the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, World Junior A Challenge, and World Sledge Hockey Challenge – as well as four national championships – the National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Esso Cup, TELUS Cup, and RBC Cup – to new communities across the country. The net proceeds from those events remains in the host communities as a legacy to allow them to invest in growing the game locally.

Working with its new international marketing partner, BDO, Hockey Canada is expanding that legacy through BDO Goals for Kids – a program that will see $50 for every goal scored at a national championship, and $100 for every goal scored by Team Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, World Junior A Challenge, and World Sledge Hockey Challenge – go back to the minor hockey association in that community to assist with offsetting equipment and registration costs for young players.

“Every season, at least seven communities welcome us and our athletes, and help us deliver success on and off the ice through our events. As part of our thank-you to those volunteers, we leave a financial legacy in the host communities to provide them with further resources to grow Canada’s game locally,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer for Hockey Canada. “BDO has shared in our passion for the game as an event partner with our IIHF events hosted on Canadian ice since 2012. We are excited to have them join us as an international marketing partner, and thankful for their support of the future of Canadian hockey through BDO Goals for Kids.”

Jim Krahn, the Calgary office managing partner for BDO, joined Hockey Canada and young minor hockey players as well as media personalities in Calgary on Wednesday to officially launch BDO Goals for Kids, and make the program’s first donation. A kick-off ball hockey game was hosted at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre, the home of Hockey Canada in Calgary; the young players and participating members of the media put their best moves on display, helping deliver a BDO Goals for Kids donation of $1,000 to minor hockey in the city.

“As fans of the game, we couldn’t be more delighted to partner with Hockey Canada,” said Pat Kramer, CEO of BDO Canada. “Hockey is such an important part of Canadian culture, integral to communities from coast to coast. The inclusion of the BDO Goals for Kids program allows us to give back to these communities and help ensure more kids get the chance to play and develop their skills.”

The first two events where on-ice goals will count towards BDO Goals for Kids come in November when Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, B.C., co-host the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and Quebec City welcomes the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.

About Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada is the governing body for hockey in Canada and a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), with a membership through its 13 member associations of over 700,000 players, coaches and officials. Hockey Canada is a not-for-profit organization that creates leading-edge hockey development programs for its members to deliver in communities across Canada; provides consistent rules and regulations and various other membership services from coast to coast to coast; manages numerous regional, national, and international hockey championships and events; and leads the operation of all teams that represent Canada in international ice hockey competition. Hockey Canada’s mission is to “lead, develop, and promote positive hockey experiences.” For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook and Twitter.

About BDO
BDO is a leading provider of professional services to clients of all sizes in virtually all business sectors. Our team delivers a comprehensive range of assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory services, complemented by a deep industry knowledge gained from nearly 100 years working within local communities. As part of the international BDO network, we’re able to provide seamless and consistent cross-border services to clients with global needs.

ELAINE CHULI
Stoney Creek Sabres career – 2010-12
All-time statistics – 99GP 1.70GAA .930SV%
Awards/honours – eighth all-time in PWHL history in GAA
Current team – University of Connecticut (Hockey East)

Hockey Canada History
2012 – National Women’s Under-18 Team – IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship – gold medal
2011 – National Women’s Under-18 Championship – Ontario Red – gold medal

Memories of Stoney Creek
“The coaches always pushed us to be better. Whether your goal was to play for Team Ontario or Team Canada or NCAA Division 1 or CIS, they were going to help you get there. I just had pride playing for that program knowing that they cared about where we went after Stoney Creek.

“Our coaches, Glenn Boles and Stacey Marnoch, gave us a real sense of what the next level of hockey might be like. Whether it was having us stay in a hotel with our teammates instead of parents, getting ourselves to practice an hour early or sending us email directly instead of to our parents, they put the responsibility on us.

“There was no [defining] moment where we won the PWHL or provincials, but we always had a chance to win. Our coaches did that for us. That was the most fun – just always knowing you could beat any team.”

Four young women have the chance to make “herstory,” potentially joining just one other player who has won both the National Women’s Under-18 Championship and the Esso Cup, Canada’s National Female Midget Championship.

The events are Hockey Canada’s only two female national championships, and the only player to accomplish the feat thus far is Michela Cava of Thunder Bay, Ont., who won the gold medal with the Midget AA Thunder Bay Queens at the 2010 Esso Cup in Regina, Sask., and at the 2011 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Saguenay, Que.

Valérie Audet (St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Que./Nord, Midget AAA), Tammy-Lee Corbeil (Mirabel, Que./Nord, Midget AAA), Alyson Matteau (Blainville, Que./Northwood School, U.S.) and Ève-Audrey Picard (Longueuil, Que./St-Laurent, RSEQ) all know that they can’t accomplish the double victory alone, and relish in the opportunity to represent the Québec along with all of their teammates.

Audet, Corbeil, Matteau and Picard all played for LHFDQ Nord, also representing Québec, at the 2013 Esso Cup this past April in Burnaby, B.C. In the gold medal game against the North Bay Ice Boltz, the Ontario representatives who were considered the team to beat. In front of thrilled fans and TSN television cameras, the LHFDQ Nord erased a two-goal deficit to win 5-2, with three goals coming in the span of two minutes, and all five goals in the final period.

Picard was named Quebec’s player of the game, contributing a goal and an assist to the gold medal game score sheet.

“It was great because, we weren’t the team that was supposed to win,” Picard recalled. “Each game, we played great as a team, and we proved that we never give up, and made it to the finals and had a great comeback.”

“Every game was a team win,” she said.

That win marked Quebec’s first-ever gold at the Esso Cup, which started in 2009 with the inaugural tournament in Calgary, Alta., where Hockey Canada’s head offices and home arena are based.

Corbeil who was only 14 years old when she and her Esso Cup teammates won the gold medal. She is now 15 years old, and will be one of the youngest players at the 2013 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, which is also being held in Calgary, at the Markin MacPhail Centre in Canada Olympic Park. She brings solid experience with her to this year’s under-18 nationals, having played with a Bantam boys’ team before joining the Midget AAA LHFDQ Nord girls’ team.

Audet finished the 2013 Esso Cup with an impressive 11 points in seven games, topping all other players in the tournament.

“It was very amazing, to be able to compete against good teams and very fun to do,” Audet said of her Esso Cup experience. “Going to the championship was a very big step for me.”

Winning two national championships within less than seven months of each other would be an incredible opportunity not just for these four players themselves, but also for their entire team, and the province they’re representing on the ice.

“It would be great to accomplish that, but it would be a team win and it wouldn’t just be my name there,” Picard said.

Québec has never won a gold medal at under-18 nationals, so Audet, Corbeil, Matteau and Picard could help create another first in women’s hockey for their province. Québec has collected six silver medals at the tournament, so certainly has the potential to make it gold this season.

And after lasts year’s disappointing fifth place finish, Québec’s young stars plan to better that outcome.

“I’m not scared or nervous, but very excited,” Matteau said of the upcoming tournament.

“I am looking to win the gold,” Audet added. “To work hard every shift and work hard for my teammates and work hard to represent my province.”

Québec’s first game is against British Columbia on the opening day of the 2013 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, with the puck dropping at 1 p.m. MT. Follow all the action at www.hockeycanada.ca/nwu18.

The tournament will include eight provincial and regional teams; defending gold medallist Ontario Red will play in Group A with Manitoba, Quebec and Saskatchewan, while Group B features Alberta, Atlantic, British Columbia and Ontario Blue.

Alberta and British Columbia face off in the tournament’s opening game Nov. 4 at 10:30 a.m. ET, while Ontario Red will take on Quebec in the opening day’s feature game at 7:30 p.m. ET. The top two teams from each group in the preliminary round will play in the semifinals Nov. 7, with the bronze medal game and gold medal game both scheduled for Nov. 8.

All preliminary round games, placement games, semifinals and the bronze medal game can be seen live via FASTHockey webcast at www.hockeycanada.ca/nwu18c, while TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters for Hockey Canada, will broadcast the gold medal game.

Hockey Canada, the OWHA and Town of Huntsville also announced full-tournament, 18-game ticket packages are now available for just $50. For more information on ticket packages, including how to purchase, CLICK HERE.

“As a committee, we are extremely honoured and excited to be hosting this prestigious event,” said Wendy McConnell, chair of the host organizing committee. “Ticket packages are on sale and today’s big launch will kick things into high gear moving forward. Huntsville boasts a very colourful sporting history, and to be hosting a Hockey Canada event in our community is absolutely the best thing that can happen here.”

“The OWHA is thrilled to partner with Hockey Canada and the Huntsville host committee to bring this exceptional level of hockey to the area,” said Fran Rider, president of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association. “Spectators from far and wide will be entertained by the intensity and skill of the participants whose sights are set on gold medals and national supremacy.”

The 2015 National Women’s Under-18 Championship will bring together teams made up of the best female hockey players born in 1998 or later. The tournament serves as an important platform for Hockey Canada scouts, who will evaluate candidates for the Canadian team that will compete at the IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championships, as well as at other international events.

The 2015 tournament marks the third time Ontario has hosted the National Women’s Under-18 Championship since its 2001 inception in Trois-Rivières, Que., joining previous host communities Kitchener (2007) and Napanee (2008). The National Women’s Under-18 Championship is held annually, although it is replaced by the Canada Winter Games every four years.

The 2015 National Women’s Under-18 Championship is the first of two major women’s events Ontario will host during the 2015-16 season; the 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship comes to St. Catharines, Ont., from Jan. 8-15. For more information, including how to purchase a full-tournament ticket package, visit www.hockeycanada.ca/2016niagara.

For more information on the 2015 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, please visitwww.hockeycanada.ca/nwu18c or follow along via social media at www.facebook.com/womensu18 or www.twitter.com/hc_nwu18.

As Canada’s National Women’s Development Team and Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team hopefuls hit the ice for selection camps this week, there is no shortage of players with National Women’s Under-18 Championship experience on the camp rosters.

Of the 80 players competing a chance to wear red and white, 59 are alumnae of the U18 nationals, including players from all eight provincial and regional teams, and 25 who will have a chance to play at a second or third national championship this November in Calgary.

The list includes seven players who helped Ontario Blue win its first U18 national title last fall in Dawson Creek, B.C., and 12 players who won a combined 18 gold medals with Ontario at the 2008, 2009 and 2011 tournaments.

NOTE: Some Ontario players have participated in the tournament with both Ontario Blue and Ontario Red, and are counted with both teams in the totals below.

CANADA’S NATIONAL WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT TEAM – U18 NATIONALS ALUMNAE

Alberta (1) – Eden Murray (2011, 2012)

Atlantic (3) – Alexis Crossley (2009, 2011); Shannon MacAulay (2009, 2011); Jillian Saulnier (2007, 2008, 2009)

British Columbia (4) –Kayleigh Fratkin (2007, 2008, 2009); Jordan Krause (2011); Julia McKinnon (2011); Kimberly Newell (2011)

Manitoba (5) –Christine Bestland (2007, 2008, 2009); Shelby Bram (2009); Ashleigh Brykaliuk (2011, 2012); Karissa Kirkup (2011, 2012); Halli Krzyzaniak (2011, 2012)

Ontario Blue (7) –Erin Ambrose (2008); Hannah Armstrong (2008); Hanna Bunton (2011); Shannon Doyle (2007); Sarah Edney (2009); Jamie Lee Rattray (2007); Laura Stacey (2009)

Ontario Red (12) – Erin Ambrose (2009, 2011); Hannah Armstrong (2009); Hanna Bunton (2012); Mellissa Channell (2011); Hayleigh Cudmore (2008, 2009); Shannon Doyle (2008, 2009); Erica Howe (2009); Rebecca Kohler (2011); Carly Mercer (2008, 2009); Jamie Lee Rattray (2008, 2009); Laura Stacey (2011); Kelly Terry (2008, 2009)

Quebec (6) – Gabrielle Davidson (2008, 2009); Chloé Desjardins (2008, 2009); Catherine Dubois (2011, 2012); Sarah Lefort (2011); Vickie Lemire (2011); Cassandra Poudrier (2007, 2008, 2009)

Saskatchewan (2) – Emily Clark (2011, 2012); Shelby Nisbet (2007, 2008)

CANADA’S NATIONAL WOMEN’S UNDER-18 TEAM – U18 NATIONALS ALUMNAE

Alberta (2) – Jessica Healey (2012); Karly Heffernan (2011, 2012)

Atlantic (1) – Jennifer MacAskill (2011, 2012)

British Columbia (7) – Brielle Bellerive (2012); Alyssa Erickson (2012); Samantha Fieseler (2011, 2012); Micah Hart (2012); Hannah Miller (2011, 2012); Sarah Potomak (2012); Lauren Spring (2011, 2012)

Manitoba (1) – Danielle Krzyszczyk (2011, 2012)

Ontario Blue (7) – Victoria Bach (2012); Rebecca Leslie (2012); Ainsley MacMillan (2012); Mackenzie MacNeil (2012); Kirsten Miller (2012); Hailey Noronha (2012); Lauren Williams (2012)

Ontario Red (4) – Taytum Clairmont (2012); Kassidy Sauve (2012); Lauren Wildfang (2012); Breanne Wilson-Bennett (2012)

Quebec (3) – Alexandra Labelle (2011, 2012); Stephanie Lalancette (2011, 2012); Ève-Audrey Picard (2011, 2012)

Summer also means development camps for the eight teams leading into the 2013 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Nov. 6-10 at the Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary. More than 250 players are attending camps, hoping for a chance to be in the national spotlight this fall.

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – For defenceman Alexa Ranahan (Salmon Arm, B.C.) and forward Hannah Miller (North Vancouver, B.C.), there was truly something magical about putting on that jersey with the maple leaf for their very first time, when they played for Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team against the United States this past summer.

And after beating their American rivals 2-1 in the annual three-game series, Ranahan and Miller made sure to bring that magic back to British Columbia, to share with their provincial teammates, and impress home crowd fans at Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Dawson Creek, B.C.

Traditionally an “underdog” team at nationals, British Columbia set a specific goal for itself going into this year’s five-day tournament, and skated away from the elite female hockey event at the EnCana Events Centre with full bragging rights of having accomplished that goal.

“Our goal as a team was to make the semifinal game,“ Miller said of what represents a major step forward for the top under-18 female players in the province.

“Our goal was to get into a position to win a medal, which means winning a quarter-final game to get into semifinals,” BC Hockey female high performance coordinator Bruce Tuck elaborated prior to this year’s national championship. “So top four.”

It was that specific goal, because British Columbia finished fifth at the 2011 National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Saguenay, Que., and has only once finished better than that, winning the bronze medal at the inaugural Jan. 2005 national championship.

That is, until now.

British Columbia beat Quebec 4-2 and edged Alberta 2-1, both very competitive teams, to earn a spot in semifinals and ultimately play for the bronze medal at this year’s National Women’s Under-18 Championship. The west coast “underdogs” played with some serious bite, displaying skill and speed in front of local fans who cheered them on until the final buzzer.

In the end, B.C. only fell 3-0 to always impressive, seven-time defending champions Ontario Red, claiming a very respectable fourth place finish at the 2012 National Women’s Under-18 Championship – just as promised.

“This is the best Team B.C. that I’ve played on so far,” said Miller, who travelled to Saguenay for last season’s national championship, and also represented her province at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, N.S. “We really pulled together as a team,  all lines are firing, and we’re doing all the little things right.”

Ranahan added that this year’s British Columbia contingent was “a really tight knight group.”

“We’re pretty strong this year,” said Ranahan, who also played alongside Miller at last year’s under-18 nationals. “We have a lot of depth … and a lot of different styles of play.”

Tuck agreed “depth” is a key component to British Columbia’s steady development within the female game, at both the national and international levels. “It will definitely support us down the road.”

British Columbia becoming a hotbed for hosting female hockey events, including the National Women’s Under-18 Championship in Salmon Arm both in Jan. and Nov. 2005, as well as in Nov. 2009 in Surrey, will also help grow the women’s game across the province, he said.

“There is a fair bit of publicity generated, so locally, always with small communities, you hope it has a direct impact,” he said. “We’re hoping that with that type of exposure, there will be more and more interest just in the general population for female hockey.”

Having players such as Miller and Ranahan, and 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship gold medallist Jordan Krause (Kelowna, B.C.), lead the way for up-and-coming young west coast women’s players is also key to ensuring British Columbia’s future success on the ice.

“They’ve seen the competition at the next level up,” Tuck said. “The really have a good understanding, so when they’re under pressure they definitely know how to handle it better, and just the exposure and experience they’ve had helps.”

And of course, there’s also the joy in sharing that special feeling of wearing that jersey on the ice while representing your province – or your country.

“The way we did it made it so special,” Ranahan said of lifting that Team Canada jersey over her head and then her equipment in unison with the other 21 members of Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team in Calgary, Alta., this past August – including Miller.

“Seeing all the girls in the room, putting it on at the same time, was probably the coolest moment ever in my 16 years,” Ranahan said. “It was amazing, and it felt really rewarding to finally be in that jersey.”

Miller’s memory of that whimsical hockey magic mirrors that of her fellow British Columbian.

“The first game of that series, we all kind of sat back and got dressed, got our shoulder pads on, and no one put their jersey on right away,” she recalled. “We all put our jerseys on together, as a team.”

The women’s hockey spotlight will be back on British Columbia next April for the 2013 Esso Cup, Canada’s National Female Midget Championship, in Burnaby. So what advice do Miller and Ranahan have for the country’s top female Midget teams, who will be representing their regions and provinces, including host team the Fraser Valley Phantom of the BC Hockey Female Midget AAA League?

“When you do get the opportunity to show yourself at nationals or a big tournament when people are watching, you really need to … capitalize on those,” Miller said. “Make the best out of every minute you have on the ice.”

The puck drops in Burnaby, B.C., on .