Woodstock Wildcats annual Rep tournament a success

U11B won gold with a 3-1 win over the Bluewater Hawks. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

55 teams participated in 125 games last weekend at the 28th annual Wildcat Rep tournament held in Woodstock and surrounding areas. Close to 900 girls hit the ice, including 13 Woodstock teams and two teams from Michigan

“We were able to have such a successful tournament thanks to a dedicated group of board members and parent volunteers,” said President Sarah Morrison.

“A huge shout-out to our Ice Director, Darryl Wharram, for securing space at multiple arenas and putting the game schedule together,” she added.

Due to the sheer volume of teams, the tournament scheduled games in Norwich, Thamesford and Embro, along with the three ice pads in Woodstock. The tournament featured teams from U11 to U18 in A, B, BB and C divisions.

Thirteen Woodstock teams participated with four earning gold medals and four losing in championship games and settling for silver.

Morrison said feedback she received was generally encouraging, with visiting teams enjoying the Friendly City.

“Lots of positive comments on the flow of the tournament, support and assistance from tournament volunteers, and not too many complaints about officiating. Many teams that participated were returning teams from the last several years. They return each year due to the other teams that the tournament draws, as well as its overall being organized and well-run.”

The Wildcats program has grown tremendously over the last few years, mirroring the success of girls' hockey across the country, thanks in part to the high-profile Professional Women’s Hockey League and the success of local player and Olympian Ella Shelton.

“It is amazing to see so many new players each year,” explained Morrison. “Some start young in our 'Kittens' U5 program, but we are also seeing girls starting the sport at the U13 and U15 level, which is great to see. When the Wildcats first started 30 or so years ago, we only had a few teams, and now we have 405 registered players ranging from U5-U18.”

Morrison explained the only challenge facing the program is a lack of ice time, as the city currently has three ice pads.

“We are really hoping for a new, dual-pad arena so that more girls can play hockey.”

During the tournament, the Wildcats collected donations, raffled PWHL tickets and sold Wildcat items with all proceeds donated to a London Devilette player who is fighting a rare form of cancer.

“The total donation is over $3,000. I am very proud of our hockey community and the way they rallied for this family. A huge thank you to our association treasurer, Jenn Skevington, for organizing this donation,” said Morrison.