HuskieFAN

By Wray Morrison

Title sponsor announcement

The planning continues for the 2024 USports Women’s Hockey Championship

May 23, 2023 | 2:52 PM

Excitement continues to build on the U of S campus as, for the first time in its five year history, Merlis Belsher Place will host a Canadian University Hockey Championship. The 2024 GFL USports Women’s Hockey Championship, presented by Connect Energy, is slated for March 14-17 in Saskatoon. U of S president Peter Stoicheff, Huskie Chief Athletics Officer Shannon Chinn and representatives from both GFL and Connect Energy were in attendance for the title sponsor announcement on Tuesday.

With little to no turnover on the Huskie roster, the host team is expected to be a formidable contender in the eight team tournament. 2023-24 will mark goaltender Camryn Drever’s sixth and final season with the program. “We’ve got started on our off-season training program already, so we are looking forward to the year,” she said. The Edmonton product was asked to reflect on her journey as a Huskie and have her career end with hosting nationals. “It’s something you never thought you would get the opportunity to do. There is a lot of nerves.”

Third year defender Emily Holmes is another experienced Huskie who helped Saskatchewan win a bronze medal at the 2022 national championships in Prince Edward Island. “I’m just so blessed”, said the Saskatoon product. Holmes believes former Huskies can play a big role between now and March of 2024. “To host a national championship is a different feeling because of the alumni. They have really come together. I think I can do something really big here.”

The theme for the event is SEE THEM, BE THEM. “This is about amplifying women in sport”, said Chinn. “The impact of hosting this event will reach far deeper than our campus community. The legacy of this championship will be our lasting commitment to change and providing a pathway for young female athletes to achieve greatness.”

There are ways for Saskatchewan hockey fans to get involved with the event as a volunteer. Those interested can visit www.huskies.usask.ca/seethembethem. Tournament chair EJ Babey says the host committee is in search of about 100 volunteers for the event. “This event is really about tying the community to the university”, said Babey. “These are our future leaders. We are going to have these athletes out in the community, talking about and promoting the event.”

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Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 GFL USports Women’s Hockey Championship, presented by Connect Energy. Great crowds are expected for the four days of competition. “That’s probably one of the, if not the, most exciting things about this event”, said Babey. “We are going to have to a great hometown team to cheer for.”

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wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @wraymorrison