OLDS — The Olds College Broncos women’s hockey team has earned a special place in the local hockey community, and has recently partnered with Olds Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) through a mentorship and skill development program.
In this program, Broncos women’s hockey athletes and coaches will participate and lead team-building, conditioning, skill development and information sessions for OMHA female participants, parents and coaches.
The partnership will be a phased approach with a focus on mentorship and culture for the 2024-25 season. It also includes a rebrand for all female hockey teams within the OMHA where they will compete as the Broncos, while the male OMHA teams will remain the Grizzlys.
Trina Radcliffe, senior manager of athletics and wellness at the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, is elated about the new initiative.
“Any time our Broncos athletes can be mentors and role models in our community only strengthens their ability to be leaders and provides them the opportunity to give back to their sport,” Radcliffe said.
“The OMHA female teams and Broncos women’s hockey have always had an unofficial partnership, supporting one another at games and tournaments and having our athletes as guest coaches and it will be amazing to see the transition play out over the next couple years.
“Our hope is that this elevated partnership and rebrand of both Olds College Broncos Athletics and Olds Minor Hockey’s female program will help grow female hockey in our community and highlight the opportunities that our youth can strive for as they grow through this amazing sport.”
Each season, the OMHA ices female teams in the U11, U13, U15 and U18 divisions with approximately 70 players spread across the four age groups.
Levi Ogilvie, female hockey coordinator for the OMHA, is excited about the prospects of the expanded partnership.
“Creating a partnership with the Olds College Broncos will benefit not only Olds’ resident female hockey players, but female players from surrounding communities,” Ogilvie said.
“These college athletes are great mentors and role models, and having the support staff of the college is going to be so beneficial for our program.
“Not only do we want the best development for our athletes on the ice, but it’s the culture of becoming the Junior Broncos that excites me the most.
“This is a transition moving in the right direction to help grow the female program, and I can’t wait to see it grow and build.”
Matt McKnight, head coach of the Olds College Broncos women’s hockey team, believes there are plenty of opportunities for the partnership to grow.
“Olds Minor Hockey approaching our women’s hockey program to form a partnership moving forward is a win-win,” McKnight said. “Our team is excited for the opportunity to get involved with minor hockey and help grow the female hockey culture at OMHA.”
The Olds College Broncos women’s hockey team’s 2024-25 campaign will begin on Friday, Oct. 4 in Red Deer, with the home opener set for Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. against the NAIT Ooks at the Town of Olds Sportsplex.
- Geordie Carragher is a sports Information coordinator for Broncos Athletics.
