Girls hockey takes centre ice at Flamborough’s Winter Chill finals

It’s been a cool competition in Flamborough all weekend, and today things heated up on the ice.

The Flamborough Falcons hosted the final day of the Winter Chill girls hockey tournament at Harry Howell Arena.

“It’s not just for boys and it’s a girls sport too,” said Abby Strech, player for the Brantford Ice Cats.

The Flamborough Falcons Winter Chill Tournament skated into its final day at Harry Howell Arena after 82 teams competed, bringing together girls’ teams from across the region — all chasing one thing.

“We already have one silver medal and we’re really hoping to get a gold,” said Madelyn Ford from the North Halton Twisters.

But the Twisters aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure.

“A little nervous but I think we just have to play hard,” said Khloe Martin from the Brantford Ice Cats.

CHCH News dropped by the arena to see the Brantford Ice Cats and North Halton Twisters battle it out in the Under 13B finals.

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“They are playing very well. They’ve really come together as a group. They’re skating hard and they’re playing a good game of hockey,” said Darryl Ford, North Halton Twisters U13B head coach.

“We go in there with the same mentality, same attitude. And you know, hopefully the chips will fall in our favour,” said Rodger Martin, Brantford Ice Cats U13B head coach.

Tournament organizers say the Winter Chill has grown into a major showcase for girls hockey — and today’s finals are the icing on the rink.

“We’re really proud to be part of women’s hockey and growing the sport, and just getting our girls out there, feeling empowered,” said Sara MacDonald, tournament director.

At noon, both Twisters and Ice Cats hit the ice, bringing their A-game to the finals. And in the stands, fans are bundled up and fully invested.

“It’s intense. It’s exciting for these girls, it’s exciting for us moms. They’re really putting all their effort in, hoping to bring home a good medal today,” said one parent.

With the final buzzer signaling the end of the game, the North Halton Twisters skated away champions two to nothing, proving they could handle the pressure and chill.

“It was the best game they’ve played all year. It was awesome,” said Ford.

Win or lose, today was about more than just the scoreboard. It was about teamwork, confidence and young athletes showing just how far girls hockey continues to grow in our community.

From the bench to the boards, the energy in the arena proves the future of girls hockey is in good hands.

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