"Seeing how much girls' hockey has grown within the past few years, that definitely gives you that extra push to keep going."
On February 6, Team Canada and Team USA Women's Hockey teams met in a showdown for the Rivalry Series at Scotiabank Centre. Over 10,000 fans cheered for Team Canada, and cheered especially for Stellarton, Nova Scotia's Blayre Turnbull, who scored a goal to tie-up a tight game. While Team USA took the win that night, the Rivalry Series was an epic event for Halifax fans of all ages. More importantly, the Rivalry Series was important for young women and girls in hockey. With the tremendous success of organizations like Hockey Canada and the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), women's hockey is growing to unprecedented heights across the country and around the world.
At Scotiabank Centre, we know that the interest in the game begins at the community level. With the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame, Scotiabank Centre sponsored Up Close & Personal with Team Canada on February 4. The evening was a chance for our community to meet Team Canada players and hear from coach Troy Ryan, assistant coach Kristin Cheverie, and key players like Blayre Turnbull and Sarah Nurse on the experience of representing Canada on an international stage. On February 5, Hockey Canada and Hockey Nova Scotia teamed up to invite Halifax-based U-18 AAA players to watch Team Canada practice at Scotiabank Centre. It was a unique chance for local female players to realize the opportunity of playing at advanced levels and continue shaping the future of women's hockey. But don't take it from us! Watch below:
