A new pickup ice hockey league for girls ages 10 to 14 is giving middle school players across Northern Virginia a chance to compete in an all-girls setting at Haymarket Iceplex.
The NOVA Girls Ice Hockey Pickup League, founded by Warrenton physician Dr. Christopher Chang and coach Kara Given of A and K On Ice Coaching, runs sessions of five to 10 full-regulation games with referees. Games take place at the rink at 15155 Washington St. in Haymarket. Organizers balance teams by skill level each week so beginners, intermediate and advanced players all get equal ice time. Full gear is required, and at least one year of recreational team hockey experience is needed.
Chang and Given started the program to address a common drop-off point for girls in the sport. Limited all-girls teams often leave recreational or intermediate players with only coed options, while the introduction of full body checking can discourage some from continuing. The league uses volunteer female coaches whenever possible to provide role models. Players can prepay $75 for a five-game session or drop in for $25 per game.
Thirteen-year-old Eleanor Craig, who has played goalie for six years mostly on coed teams, said the all-girls games mark her first chance to skate with only other girls. Organizers say they hope to expand to a high school division or additional age groups based on demand.
Sessions continue through the spring and summer. Details and registration are available at novagirlshockey.com or through the league’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
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