Esso Fun Day is a chance for young ladies all over Cochrane to lace up and try hockey.

Girls between the age of five to eight can experience the come-and-try hockey and come-try goalie event for on April 16 at the SLS Centre. Registration is free and available here

“We actually have been doing this for over seven years,” says Sarah Larooi with the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association. “This year we are focusing on those new to hockey with any girls who have never played.”

Participants just need a helmet with a mask, skates and a willingness to try.

“We provide all the gear if families don't have the option for hockey gear. We bring it with all of our female coaches and players and lots of volunteers in our community to make it a wonderful event.”

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The fun day has been instrumental in growing the female hockey program in Cochrane to 230 players.

“We have a consistent 15 per cent annual growth rate, where we see approximately 20 to 30 young female athletes join our program each season,” Larooi explains. “Seven years ago, we had fewer than 70 female players.”

A come-and-try goalie session is also open to all, with or without participation in other groups, and professional coaching is provided along with goalie gear. 

The program will feature an off-ice session by Cailin Morrison and Girls Be You, and a free snack will be provided.

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Female hockey has found major success in Cochrane this year as the U13A Jr. Chaos team became the first Cochrane female team to win a provincial championship.