In years past, there have been girls hockey teams from Yellowknife that have travelled south to play in tournaments representing the Yk Minor Hockey Association.

Those teams were select teams in the sense that they were invited to play SA国际影视传媒� there hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 been a standalone development team with proper tryouts.

But thatSA国际影视传媒檚 all changed and there is now officially a proper female development team for the first time in the U13 age category.

The team of 15 players and three alternates was rounded out earlier this month and theySA国际影视传媒檒l be known as the Summit Air Spitfires thanks to the airline jumping on board and sponsoring the team. TheySA国际影视传媒檙e one of several businesses in the community that has given the team support in getting off the ground.

Ryan Nichols is the teamSA国际影视传媒檚 head coach and he also came up with the idea of having such a team.

He said it was about time a female development squad came to be in the city.

SA国际影视传媒淚n years past when I was coaching the Midnight Petroleum girls (team), I would have almost 40 girls on the ice at one time,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭he female player population has grown so much SA国际影视传媒� some of the girls have been playing for around four to five years now SA国际影视传媒� and the interest and skill is there. I thought it was time for a true development team.SA国际影视传媒�

Like all of the other development teams, players had to declare their interest in trying out when signing up to play this season; Nichols he had around a couple dozen girls give it a shot this year.

Those who didnSA国际影视传媒檛 make the team or chose not to try out are now playing with the DT Electric U13 program, he added.

The Spitfires will be playing together for the entire season and will be in the associationSA国际影视传媒檚 U13 division for league play. When they travel, they will be playing in female-only tournaments.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e definitely going to Wickfest in November (in Calgary Nov. 30 to Dec. 4),SA国际影视传媒� said Nichols. SA国际影视传媒淥ur team manager is looking for some more female tournaments we can enter. ISA国际影视传媒檇 like to get the girls to three tournaments this season if we can, but that all depends on what works with our schedule and fundraising.SA国际影视传媒�

Even though most of the girls on the team have several years of playing experience under their belts, Nichols said it may take a bit of getting used to a new schedule.

SA国际影视传媒淭heySA国际影视传媒檙e all coming from one practice and one game a week and going into a heavier schedule, so there may be an adjustment,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭heySA国际影视传媒檙e used to playing mixed teams, but they all have the skill level needed to compete.SA国际影视传媒�

In the past, development teams have given players the chance to get noticed when playing down south, which means opportunities to play in the south.

Nichols said giving the girls a showcase for southern scouts isnSA国际影视传媒檛 the goal, but if it happens, thatSA国际影视传媒檚 great.

SA国际影视传媒淭he longer we can keep these girls together, the better,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a great opportunity to play with with and against girls all the time because the female game is different than the menSA国际影视传媒檚 game. They have a chance to do something special and show those coming up that thereSA国际影视传媒檚 something for them if they stick with it. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 also a chance for them to get better prepared for tournaments like the Arctic Winter Games and Canada Winter Games.SA国际影视传媒�