Girls three-on-three hockey returns for third season
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Tamara Bull’s Tillsonburg Girls Three-on-Three Hockey League offers a unique spring hockey experience.
“It’s our third year and it’s grown from the first two years,” said organizer Tamara Bull. “Numbers are really great – I’m getting calls and emails every day.”
In addition to the local girls, Bull has been taking registrations from organizations like the Norfolk Hericanes, Woodstock Wildcats, BAD (Belmont, Aylmer, Dorchester), Zorra (Thamesford/Embro), and Ingersoll.
“Unbelievable,” said Bull, “and it’s because there is no girls-only three-on-three in those centres. People have heard about us and think it’d be great to play three-on-three with only girls, to try it out.”
There will be four girls-only divisions this year, starting with four teams in the youngest age group of novice/atoms. There will also be four peewee teams and four bantams.
“Ideally, I’d like to have four midget teams, but my numbers aren’t quite there yet,” said Bull, hopeful the oldest age division will see more players added. “I’ve heard good things, so we’ll see.”
The eight-week three-on-three season begins next month with the first games played Wednesday, April 24.
Games are Wednesdays, for bantams and midgets, and Saturdays, for novice/atoms and peewees.
“I was able to get some more ice this year,” said Bull, noting games were limited to about 40 minutes last year. This year she was able to reserve a full ‘hour’ (50 minutes plus ice cleaning) for each game.
“So I was really grateful for that.”
Last year, she said, some games only lasted 35 minutes, and there was no scraping of the ice between games.
“I did the best I could to make use of the time I was given.”
When it came time to reserve ice this spring, Bull was quick to jump on it back in January.
“I sent an email on January 1st,” she laughed. “So we’re all good this year.”
The format for ice rentals changed this year, she said, with new application forms.
“I got the hours I need, so I’m happy.”
Bull has several valuable supporters in the Tillsonburg community which she wanted to thank, and at the top of the list is All Seasons Sports Exchange.
“I would say he’s my event sponsor,” said Bull.
GOALIES FREE
Goalies get a special deal in Tillsonburg Girls Three-on-Three – it’s free.
“Goalies can play for free,” nodded Bull. “They have enough expenses with all their equipment, so I’d like to make sure it’s the one break they get.
“Last year I had so many goalies I had to turn a couple away. Two more came in today (Monday) – every day I’m taking calls and getting registration forms. I have spots right now, but…”
As the league’s operator, Bull has ‘ownership’ status. But it doesn’t feel like it, she said.
“I’m just a hockey volunteer,” she laughed. “No… it feels like just another volunteer group that I’m part of, organizing and putting an event together. It’s just another project I’m working on. Another project with a passion. Anything I do, I try to do with a passion. I want people to enjoy their experience and get the most out of it.”
You can contact Bull for more information at tamara.bull@sympatico.ca or 519-688-0853.