What began as a simple idea, sparked by a lack of girls-only options in summer hockey, turned into a full day of learning, laughter, and empowerment for 60 young female players on August 16 at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie.
Local coach and former University of Manitoba Bisons player Lindsay Blight organized the camp, intending to create a space where girls could develop their hockey skills, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive, all-female environment. By all accounts, she delivered.
“Honestly, it was a huge success," Blight says, reflecting on the day. "Everything ran so smoothly, from the organizing beforehand to the coaches and the skates. I was really, really happy with how the day unfolded.”
With 65 girls registered, the turnout exceeded Blight’s original goal. Participants came from across the Central Plains region and beyond, ranging in age from nine to 17. They were split into three groups (U11, U13, and a combined U15/U18), with each group receiving two one-hour ice sessions carefully tailored to their age and experience levels.
Each skate kicked off with a fun, fast-paced warm-up game before shifting into skill-specific development. From foundational skating drills, such as edges and strides, to more advanced puck control, shooting, and passing, players had the opportunity to work with experienced coaches, pushing their skills to new levels. Older participants were also given position-specific training, with forwards and defencemen splitting into smaller groups for targeted instruction.
Blight was joined by four of her former university teammates, each of whom brought a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the ice. Alana Serhan made the trip from Saskatoon, while Maggie Litchfield-Medd, Madison Cole, and Amanda Schubert travelled in from Winnipeg. The coaching crew included three forwards and a goaltending specialist, which allowed players to learn from women who have competed and now coach at some of the highest levels of the game.
“They did a fantastic job,” she notes. “So experienced, so adaptable, and if we needed to tweak something last-minute, they were able to pivot right away. The girls were lucky to have them, and I learned a lot from watching them as well."
One of the key features of the camp was the mid-day panel session. Held in Stride Place’s multi-purpose room, the discussion welcomed both players and their parents, offering a unique look into the lives and journeys of the five female coaches.
“I wasn’t sure how it would go,” she admits. “But we walked into the multi-purpose room and all 100 chairs were full. It was amazing. The parents were engaged, the players asked great questions, and it all just flowed so naturally.”
The panel covered a wide range of topics, including the various paths in female hockey, from Canadian university and college programs to NCAA Division I and III teams, community colleges, and European leagues. Coaches also shared insights from their own careers, including the sacrifices and rewards of high-performance sport, as well as the importance of resilience, teamwork, and time management.
“We talked about prep schools, what they offer, and the pros and cons,” she explains. “Beyond hockey, we also emphasized the value of being a multi-sport athlete, not just playing hockey 10 months of the year, but doing other sports too. It’s good for their development, both physically and mentally.”
The camp wasn’t just about sharpening skills; it also cultivated confidence. One of Blight’s main goals was to create an inclusive environment where girls, regardless of their skill level or experience, could feel comfortable and encouraged to participate.
And it worked.
“I had girls out there who were completely new to the game, but they weren’t intimidated. They tried everything, had fun, and just got to be themselves in an all-female space. That’s what it was all about," she notes.
By the end of the day, one of those brand-new players was so inspired that she now wants to register for minor hockey in town this fall, a moment that Blight says perfectly captures the spirit of the camp.
“That made the whole day worth it. If we can help even one girl find her love for the game, that’s the goal."
Parents, too, were left impressed, sharing kind words and gratitude throughout the day.
“They were so supportive, a few even told me how impressed they were with how organized everything was. I was nervous because people travelled in, paid a fee, and gave up their day. So it was rewarding to hear that,” she explains.
Blight, who will also be behind the bench this fall as head coach of the U13 AA Central Plains Capitals female team, is already planning for next year’s camp.
“I’m definitely going to try to do it again, and maybe even make it a two-day event. There’s clearly a need for it. The energy from the girls, the coaches, and the parents was just such a highlight of the summer," she adds. “When I was a kid, I played on boys’ teams because that’s all there was. Now, girls are seeing that they have a place in this game. And more importantly, that they have a future in it, whether that’s as a player, a coach, or a leader in their community.”
Blight hopes to host the camp around the same time next August, just before the hockey season ramps up. Until then, she’ll be focused on tryouts and the year ahead with her U13 AA team, many of whom took part in the camp themselves.
“I’m excited for the season, but I’m also really inspired by what we just did. I think this is just the beginning. For anyone looking to come out next year, try it even if you’re brand new. Come out, give it a shot. It’s all about building confidence, on the ice and in life. That’s what I hope this camp helps with.”
To connect with Blight or stay informed about next year’s camp, reach out by email at lindsayblight47@icloud.com, and for information about U13 AA Central Plains Capitals tryouts and female hockey programming, visit www.centralplainshockey.com.
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