Residents have a rare opportunity to watch the highest calibre women’s professional hockey in Canada this Sunday right here at the Cochrane Arena, 609 4th Ave. N. by the Cochrane High School.

The league-leading Calgary Infernos of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) will be in town to take on the defending league champion Markham Thunder on Sunday, Dec.2 and it’s doubling as a fundraiser for the girls' hockey program of Cochrane Minor Hockey.

Between the two teams, there will be at least 15 Olympians on the ice, says Lorne Bremner, of Cochrane Minor Hockey’s female program, including players from Canada, US, Finland, Russia and Japan.

While game time isn’t until 1 p.m., there’s plenty of activity beforehand so you may want to arrive early. Hot dogs will be available in the parking lot and there will be nets set up for anyone who wants to play a little ball hockey.

There will also be a Hot Stove Session starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Cochrane arena with Rebecca Johnston, of Team Canada, Brianna Decker of Team USA, Venia Hovi of Team Finland, Shannon Miller, head coach of the Inferno and NCAA Division 1 coach of the five-time national champion University of Minnesota/Duluth team.

Team Canada's Rebecca Johnston is part of the Hot Stove Session prior to Sunday's game. She's pictured here at a scrimmage against the AC Avs in the pre-season.

During the game, they’ll be a 50-50 draw in support of Cochrane girls hockey. There’s also a post-game autograph session.

“This is a phenomenal chance to make some money for Cochrane girls hockey,” says Bremner. “What we’ll do with that money is support programs for our players, so they’ll get extra training, extra ice time, extra dryland sessions and goaltending training. We’ll put that money right back into Cochrane girls hockey.”

The Inferno are burning up the ice in the CWHL and are at the top of the standings with a 9-1 record. They’re coming into the weekend on an eight-game winning streak.

“They’re really ripping it up and Markham is the defending champions so it should be a really exciting game,” says Bremner.

When you buy tickets online, $5 from the $15 admission charge goes directly to Cochrane’s program. You can purchase yours at https://www.showpass.com/game-12-calgary-inferno-vs-markham-thunder/. Enter “Cochrane Girls Hockey” in the discount code to ensure $5 of the admission goes to local girls hockey.

Tickets may be available at the door but it is recommended you buy them in advance to guarantee entry.

“Hopefully we can make this a big deal and get them to want to come back. We’d love to turn this into an annual event and fill the barn.”