COLD LAKE – The Lakeland Jaguars, an all-female hockey program, have been selected to once again host the U18 Female B Hockey Alberta Provincial Championship that will take place in Cold Lake from March 30 to April 2.
The U18 B Female provincial tournament will host eight of the best U18 Female Hockey Teams from across Alberta.
The Lakeland Jags competing for the provincial title for the second year in a row include athletes from the City of Cold Lake, Bonnyville, Cold Lake First Nations, Elizabeth Métis Settlement, Pierceland, Sask., Frog Lake First Nation, and Goodfish Lake First Nation.
Last year, the Jags not only hosted the U18 tournament but dominated the competition, earning the title of 2022 Provincial Champions.
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The provincial tournament will take over the ice at the Cold Lake Energy Center. As such, the Lakeland Jaguars program, which runs under Cold Lake Minor Hockey is seeking sponsors and financial support to hire referees and help cover the cost of hosting the tournament.
“Girls' hockey is the fastest growing sport in Canada right now and our Jaguars program is no different. We are growing in numbers every year and believe that hosting provincials is not only a great way to showcase female hockey but is also a great way to help us continue to grow our female hockey program for years to come,” read a letter signed by the Jaguars’ sponsorship chair Shawn Metchewais and tournament chair Kyla Nuttall, that was sent to local municipalities seeking financial support.
The chairs’ noted that the Lakeland Jaguars are proud to have all-female hockey teams playing at every hockey level in its program.
Recently, the City of Cold Lake, MD of Bonnyville and the Town of Bonnyville have approved varying levels of grants and sponsorships for the upcoming tournament.
The City of Cold Lake council approved a Community Incentive Grant in the amount of $4,760 to support hosting the 2023 provincial tournament, confirmed Terra Dimion, an assistant for Community Services, Planning and Development for the City.
The MD administration similarly approved a $1,000 sponsorship request for the hockey event through the municipality’s Donation, Sponsorship and Recognition Policy, stated Esther Quiambao, the general manager of Planning and Community Services for the MD.
The Town of Bonnyville council approved a $250 contribution for the event. The amount was due to the fact that the tournament is being held in another municipality. The Jaguars had sought a $1,000 sponsorship from the Town.
