This year, Ice Dogs hockey proudly introduced its first-ever all-girls team at the U13 A/BB level, composed of players born in 2012-2013. With the guidance of Coach Matt Belvisio, the team successfully came together and made an impressive debut.
The team kicked off their season by participating in the CCT Cammi Granato Showcase in Toronto from August 23-25. The girls started strong, dominating round-robin play by winning all four games—two on Friday and two on Saturday—securing a flawless 4-0-0 record and the top seed for Sunday's playoffs.
On Sunday, the Ice Dogs faced the Northern Spuds Lady Wolves, a team they had previously defeated 3-1 in their opening game on Friday. Despite falling behind early in the first period, the Ice Dogs fought back to tie the game 1-1 in the second period. A tightly contested third period and overtime left the score unchanged, leading to a shootout. In the sixth round of the shootout, the Spuds managed to score, ending the Ice Dogs' tournament run. Over the teams 5 games the Ice Dogs outscored its opponents 20-5.
Although disappointed by the semi-final loss, it was a tremendously successful weekend for this new team. The organization is excited to continue building the girls' program and has high expectations for this talented group as they look ahead to next season.