With the excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs over, thinking about hockey now may seem early.
However, South Cariboo Female Hockey League (SCFHL) president Kim Mills wouldn't mind knowing how many women are interested in joining the league this fall.
She notes women who register early can save up to $50 off their registration fees.
This year, she says, the teams will be playing Mondays, with game 1 starting at 6:30 p.m. and the puck being dropped for game 2 at 7:45 p.m.
Mills adds she would have called for registration earlier, but she was waiting for confirmation of ice times.
"These times have been made with the goal of having four teams this year. I'm hoping that all the members get recruiting and we have full teams."
The league's season will run from Oct. 3 to March 5, and all teams will have 17 games in the regular season with two playoff games. She has set aside the evening of Feb. 20 for any make-up games.
Mills says she attended drop-in women's hockey at the arena on Saturdays in the past, and over the years, she and a couple of women discussed the possibility of forming a league. Last year, it came to fruition
"We try to keep the teams as balanced as possible. We'll have experienced members and newcomers teamed up, so all the teams are more balanced."
The ages in the SCFHL range from 15 to 50 years. The exercise is phenomenal, Mills says, adding there is no hitting, but the games are competitive, and a lot of fun.
The registration deadline is Sept. 25. There are savings for early registration: $150 if paid by June 30; $175 if paid between July 1 and Aug. 31; and $200 if paid between Sept. 1 and 25.
The registration for goalies is $100, and the league is looking for four net minders this year. To register, women must be 15 years or older.
Players for the Solstice Heat, last year’s winners, will receive $15 off of their registration fees this year as their prize for winning the league in 2010/11.
Registration forms are available at Solstice Hair Salon, 270 Birch Ave., or e-mail Mills at kimmills4@shaw.ca. For more information, call Mills 250-395-2435.
"I also still have SCFHL [T-shirts] for sale at the salon; it's a fundraiser for us."
