WP Ice Hockey Association joins IIHF Global Girls campaign

On February 18, Western Province Ice Hockey Association, joined the International Ice Hockey Federation’s “Global Girls” initiative when they hosted the Cape Town leg of the international campaign, at the Ice Station, at GrandWest. This worldwide event saw female hockey players of all ages and skill levels taking to the ice, showcasing their prowess and passion for the sport.

The umpire drops the puck at the restart during Sunday’s “Global Girls” ice hockey game at GrandWest. Picture: Fuad Esack

The campaign saw matches featuring women and girls played around the world on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 16, 17 and 18 to unite the global ice hockey community by having players from around the world playing in the same game on different continents at the same time.

Team Pink’s Michelle Visser moves in to defend goal area during Sunday’s Global Girls’ ice hockey match. Picture: Fuad Esack

The weekend-long game between Team Blue and Team White players started with a prologue in several countries on Saturday before reaching Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North, Central and South America on Sunday.

Saturday’s “Global Girls“ match-up between the Pinks and the Blacks, at GrandWest, was a tight affair with the final score of 10-10 a reasonable reflection of the game. Pictured are Team Pink’s Kayleigh Weyers, left, and Michelle Visser, centre, moving in to defend against an attack by Team Black. Picture: Fuad Esack

Although played in the spirit of friendship and unity, Sunday’s match-up between the Pinks and the Blacks was a highly competitive. As the puck dropped and the game unfolded, spectators were treated to a display of skill, determination, and athleticism with both teams giving their all on the ice, resulting in final score of 10 – all.

Team Pink’s Dalene Rhode, right, goes on the attack during Sunday’s Global Girls’ ice hockey match at GrandWest. Coming up in defence is Team Black’s Kayleigh Els. Picture: Fuad Esack

“Beyond the final score, the Global Girls game in Cape Town was a testament to the power of sport in fostering camaraderie, empowerment, and gender equality,” said Salama Khan, vice-president WPIHA and women in sport for SA Ice Hockey Federation.

“By providing a platform for girls and women to showcase their abilities in a traditionally male-dominated sport, events like these inspire future generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly and unapologetically,” she said.