The Female Division in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) is growing next season.
The league announced plans today that will see the Female Division take on a new look with the insertion of a full, competitive regular season game schedule, along with post-season games to determine a division champion and the addition of a few significant flagship programs.
“The CSSHL is very proud to announce the enhanced female divisions,” said CSSHL chairperson, Andy Oakes. “This is a great step in the organization of meaningful competition for the schools in Canada and specifically at this time the schools in Western Canada. In the coming weeks and months, more programs will be announced for both the prep and varsity divisions.”
The look of the female side will be similar to that of the male, with the Female Division to be split into Prep and Varsity, offering a competitive balance at each level. At this time, the division will be comprised of Edge School, Notre Dame Hounds, Okanagan Hockey Academy and the Pursuit of Excellence. Existing members, Banff Hockey Academy, Northern Alberta Xtreme and Shawnigan Lake School will also be included, with divisional alignments yet to be determined.
Sport school programs have had tremendous success in the development of female student athletes in recent years, with many moving on to the National Collegiate Athletic Associaton or Canadian Interuniversity Sport levels, as well as representing Team Canada on the international stage or their respective province on the national stage.