They take their team name from a Greek myth about a nation of warrior women, and they're getting ready to hit the ice.
The Penhold Amazons are holding tryouts on Sept. 26. Their first home game is scheduled for Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Penhold Regional Multiplex.
The Alberta Junior Female Hockey League team fell just short of hitting the championship playoff round in the 2011/12 season after winning the previous year.
This year a number of players are expected to be back.
“We have about half of the team returning,” said Tracy Leiper, the team's general manager.
A good crop of so-called rookies will fill out the rest of the roster, she said. She noted many of the new players they're expecting to try out actually come with a great deal of experience playing for other teams.
The Amazons are one of 11 teams in their league.
“This league is only four years old,” she said, noting the equivalent men's league is much older and has 16 teams.
The women are tough hockey players. Leiper noted during last season's playoff round against the Lethbridge Jr. Eagles that one game went to three overtimes.
“It's really competitive,” she said. The Amazons were just shy of making the championship round last season and were the league victors the season before.
Those in Penhold who want to watch some great hockey and support their local team will find the fee a good deal.
“It's $2 for admission,” she said. She said the seniors from the drop-in centre run the gate for them, once even driving out to Caroline to volunteer for the team.
Each year community attendance at the Amazons' home games has grown, she said. This year they're doing board development and hope residents will consider joining.
“We're looking for people if they're interested,” she said.
The team is already planning fundraising efforts for the year including programs and a pub night later this fall.
