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Hockey Moms….and non-Hockey Moms, or women who just plain love the
game of hockey….grab your sticks and gear and head for Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena……”Chicks with
Sticks” has arrived in Jamestown. What is “Chicks with Sticks” you ask ?? It’s a women’s senior
recreational hockey program, like the one recently featured in USA Hockey’s monthly magazine. The term “senior”,
according to USA Hockey refers to women out of college and older. ” However, Chicks With Sticks is open to any female
wanting to learn the game 18 years or older. Many of these players are Hockey Moms who have moved from the stands to the ice
to play the sport they have come to love. The recent USA Hockey article caught the attention of a local female hockey player
and some hockey moms who have been interested in learning to play. Up until recently, if a female wanted to play adult hockey,
her only choice was to play on one of the men’s team.
These ladies decided it was time that they continue their growth and join
the expansion of local hockey programs, which recently added three girls programs and a sled hockey program. Earlier this
summer, these ladies took to the ice at Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. “We’re looking for ladies interested
in learning to play hockey…this are a developmental team” says Mary Stocum, one of the organizers. “We hope
that in the future we can add a competitive team as the interest and women’s skills increase.”
Ice Hockey is considered one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. right
now. Twenty years ago the trend started with the USA Men’s team winning the Gold medal. However, in recent years, it
has been Women’s hockey that’s getting a lot of attention….again due to a gold medal at the Olympics. According
to USA Hockey statistics, the number of female hockey players has grown from about 5000 in 1990 to over 39,000 currently.
Recreational teams for women’s hockey are one of the fastest growing areas of ice hockey.
The Chicks With Sticks ladies are currently practicing on Saturday nights
from 7:10-8:30 PM at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. The players currently range in age from mid twenties to mid forties.
All agree its great fun and good exercise. Although full equipment is recommended, women only need skates, gloves, helmet
and a stick to take to the ice. Currently the “Chicks With Sticks” program is looking for a local sponsor(s),
to help defray the cost of ice and to help purchase equipment that the women can rent. “We would like to add another
20 or so women to the program” states Mary Stocum. Anyone interested in the program or has used hockey equipment to
donate can contact Mary at 484-1157or by email at chicks_with_sticks04@yahoo.com
August Ice times:
7th 7:10pm to 8:30pm
14th 7:10pm to 8:30pm
28th 7:10pm to 8:30pm
Septmember Ice has not be confirmed yet. I will post it as soon as
I get it.
Cost is $10.00 per skater. Helemt, skates, sticks and gloves
required.
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