The Pavilion to host Girls & Women Have the Edge hockey event on March 17
March 5, 2024
The Pavilion is gearing up to host the third annual Girls & Women Have the Edge hockey event on Sunday, March 17.
This is a free opportunity for girls and women ages five years old and up to come together, try hockey and meet new people with a shared interest in ice sports. Hosted by Bend Park and Recreation District, the event features a special guest for 2024 – Megan Bozek, a two-time Olympian and four-time world champion for the U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey team.
Registration is required for the free event scheduled from 3:30-7 p.m. on March 17. Participants will be placed in three groups by age: 5-11, 12-18 and 18+. The event is open to those trying hockey for the first time and beginner level players. All equipment including skate rentals are provided.
“This introductory hockey event aims to grow the game of hockey through on- and off-ice programs that introduce beginners to basic hockey skills in a positive and fun environment,” said Clare Gordon, facility manager at The Pavilion. “As someone who took up hockey a few years ago, the benefits of offering introductions like this are valuable.”
Since opening in 2015, The Pavilion has seen growth in its youth and adult hockey programs, including from women and girls. Most notably, there was an increase in girls joining the Learn to Play Hockey program this year.
Girls & Women Have the Edge will share opportunities to play ice hockey, learn about fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork and develop a lifelong love of sport. The event will be led by BPRD’s Learn to Skate and hockey coaching staff alongside the Bend Rapids youth hockey club, USA Hockey, Seattle Kraken staff and Megan Bozek.
Bozek is a two-time Olympian and four-time world champion for the U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey team. A University of Minnesota graduate, Bozek was a part of NCAA championship teams with the Gophers women’s ice hockey team in both 2012 and 2013 and was named a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Top-3 Finalist and also earned WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Learn more about The Pavilion programs and open skate opportunities.