by Hockey PEI Communications // @HockeyPEI // Thursday, March 27th, 2025
As Chair of Female Council, and someone who has worked alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate volunteers, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth and progress of female hockey on Prince Edward Island. Our collective goal has always been to advance the female game, and the results over the past few seasons are proof that we are making a difference.
This year, we have 116 new female players saw the highest number of U11A teams ever on PEI, with 17 teams competing—a record that highlights the growth and strength of our female program. PEI continues to lead the country with the highest per capita rate of players in female hockey. These numbers demonstrate the impact of the tireless work and dedication of our volunteers, who have committed themselves to creating opportunities for female athletes.
A Decision Made with Care and Consideration
The decision to adjust the format for this year’s provincial weekend was not made lightly. Female Council carefully considered multiple concerns from previous seasons and improve the overall experience by considering March Break timing, formats used in other provinces, and balancing equality vs. equity in the co-ed and female streams. With fewer teams in the female stream, applying the same format as the co-ed divisions applying that structure often resulted in a scenario where only a small number of teams missed out on provincials.
This information was communicated clearly and consistently throughout the season. Minor Hockey Presidents were informed at the Fall Workshop in October 2024, all team managers at League Meetings held in October 2024, and the details were shared publicly on the Hockey PEI website and Facebook in January 2025 when a call for Provincial Hosts was put out. Very limited concerns were raised during this time.
Unfortunately, just 72 hours before the Weekend of Champions is set to begin a volume of concerns are now being expressed upon seeing the schedule. This reaction has been incredibly disheartening, especially considering the thoughtful approach we took to develop and communicate a format that was intended to celebrate and elevate the female game.
A New Vision for the Weekend of Champions
Our intent was never to take away from the incredible efforts of these young athletes. Instead, we aimed to create something new through the Weekend of Champions (a concept where the top teams moved forward, the atmosphere was female focused, and the accomplishments of the athletes celebrated. Not all teams can move forward to provincials. The idea was to give regular season games more meaning, allowing the teams that qualified through their performance during the season to come together in one location and compete for a championship banner. Is this different from the co-ed program yes but is not about providing less it is about providing or trying something more and yes
different.
A Commitment to Moving Forward
As with anything new, we understood that this format would need to be reviewed and refined. Every successful initiative had a "first time," and this change was no different. Our goal was to create something better, and we are fully committed to revisiting the format after the Weekend of Champions based on respectful and constructive feedback received.
Despite the backlash and misunderstanding, we are fortunate to have a committed Council and dedicated volunteers who continue to show up and will ensure that this weekend is a success, driven by their passion for these young athletes and belief in the importance of female hockey.
Sincerely,
Robyn McCormack
Chair, Female Council
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