BC Hockey has confirmed that the local Female Midget Hockey team will host the 2010-2011 Female Midget Provincial Championships. 

The championships will be held March 19-25 in Invermere and entail an opening and closing ceremony, a team banquet and lots of great hockey. The banquet for the championships will take place the evening of March 19 with games starting on the morning of March 20.  The opening ceremonies will take place the evening of March 20.

“As a team, we are excited to welcome up to nine teams from the eight regions of British Columbia and the Yukon and to challenge ourselves in pursuit of the Provincial Championship title,” said team manager Louise Helmer. “As residents, we are eager to showcase Invermere and the surrounding area to the rest of the province.  Nine teams with an average of 18 players per team, most with families in tow, will undoubtedly provide a positive economic impact on our community and promote and inspire future revisits.  Each team will be required to play one game per day, leaving a lot of spare time to explore our beautiful valley and surrounding areas as well as to frequent our local businesses and shops,” Helmer added.

Along with the championship comes a great deal of responsibility and organizational issues for the local minor hockey association. “Our team is financially responsible for all costs associated with the hosting of the championships.  To be successful, a tournament of this size will require the support of our community.  This is a special event and we would like to invite businesses and individuals alike to be a part of it.  Take advantage of this opportunity to advertise your business, become a game sponsor, volunteer your time to help at the actual games, donate a prize to our raffle table, give a cash donation (small or large) or even just come out and watch some great hockey at the arena…oh, and please don’t forget to cheer for the hometown girls,” Helmer said.  Anyone interested in helping the Columbia Valley Rockies’ female midget hockey team make this a positive and memorable event, for all in attendance and our valley alike, please contact Louise Helmer at 250-342-5306 or Kim Westergaard at 250-342-5820.One of the extra reasons Helmer feels events like this are important to have in the local area is the way it promotes a healthier lifestyle for younger residents.

“It is also our hope that such an event will also encourage other young children to participate in a sport of their choice and to aspire to be healthy, active athletes.”