On Friday, September 27, Kindersley played host to an exciting match between the University of Calgary Dinos and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, showcasing the talent and skill of women’s hockey at the university level. This event, organized by Kindersley Minor Hockey, aimed not only to entertain but also to inspire young girls in the community to pursue their dreams in the sport.
With a commitment to promoting women’s hockey, Kindersley Minor Hockey expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the game. “Thanks to everyone that came out to watch some high-paced female hockey action,” the organization stated. “A special thanks goes out to all the volunteers who helped make this happen, and most importantly, to the Huskie and Dino organizations for making time in your busy schedule to come play in our town!”
Local player Caitlyn Perlinger, who currently plays for the Dinos, was particularly excited about the opportunity to return to her hometown. In an interview, she shared her journey in hockey, starting from when she began playing at the age of five in Kindersley. “I went through the minor hockey system and then in peewee, I switched to the West Central Wheat Kings and played with the boys. I also played with the boys in Bantam AA. Then, in midget, I moved to Swift Current for three years to play with the AAA Wildcats. And now I'm here in Calgary.”
Caitlyn reflected on the significance of the game in Kindersley, saying, “It’s quite exciting. I haven’t played in Kindersley in about five years, so it’s great to have my family and friends come out to watch me play without having to travel far.”
The importance of encouraging girls to get involved in hockey is not lost on Caitlyn. She emphasized, “With the emergence of the PWHL, it shows girls that they have an endpoint with hockey and that they can make a career out of it. I remember when I was about ten years old, there was a game in Kindersley, and I thought, ‘I want to play university hockey when I get older.’”
Caitlyn also noted the growth of female hockey in the region. “Now there are AA teams for girls in peewee and bantam within the Kindersley area. You can see how the numbers have progressed in female hockey in West Central Saskatchewan. When I was that age, we didn’t really have those teams to play on.”
The match served as a reminder of the potential pathways for young female athletes in Kindersley and beyond. By witnessing the high-caliber play of university athletes, young girls were inspired to dream big and see hockey as a viable career option.
As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere was electric, leaving many in attendance hopeful for the future of women's hockey in Saskatchewan. With events like this, Kindersley Minor Hockey is not just promoting a game; they are fostering a culture of empowerment and possibility for the next generation of female athletes.