This women's hockey tournament has an all-female referee crew, marking a 1st for N.L.

Corner Brook is set to host the 2024 U18 Female Atlantic Championship, and for the first time in Newfoundland and Labrador, the entire officiating staff arewomen.

The tournament, which starts Thursday, gathers the top teams fromeach Atlantic province for games spanning four days.

"It was a very important that we try our very best to have all female officials on the ice," saidtournament organizer Jennifer Park."And we were actually able to accomplish that, which is absolutely amazing."

Women from across the country were brought in to police the games with travel expenses covered in order to make theall-female crew possible.

"When you have females out there officiating it just makes you more comfortable, it makes you feel more at home," Park said.

Suiting up for the host team Western Warriors isAllie Hancock, who sits at the helm of the club as itscaptain.

"It's really cool to see not only girls playing the game, but girls enforcing the rules of the game, too," she said.

Hancock saidshe hasbeen playing hockey since she could remember. Her dad, a former player himself, encouraged her to get involved.

But, Hancock said,she plays not only to make him proud, but also because she loves how the game brings people together.

"I think it's an amazing experience, especially for some of our girls who, you know, haven't maybe left the island to play such a high level hockey before," she said.

Inspiring more options in hockey

Danielle Mills, the provincial female co-ordinator for Hockey N.L. officials, will be supervising the tournament, off the ice, with her baby daughter by her side.

She saidhaving female officials on the ice shows young women there are more career paths in hockey open to them.

"On a growth piece, I guess even if some players take interest in officiating, that can further grow our program as well, especially if they're done playing hockey," Mills said.

Hancock saidtheall-female tournament, with players and supervisors, is meaningful because it recognizes the work and dedication of female athletes.

"And even just in little Corner Brook, compared to the rest of the world, you can see the female programs just skyrocketing, which is amazing," she said.

Listen to the full interview with CBC Radio's Newfoundland Morning:

CBC Newfoundland Morning10:28She shoots, she scores: A female hockey Atlantic championship is taking the ice in Corner Brook

If you want to witness some top-tier hockey talent, Corner Brook is one place to do that this coming weekend. The Under-18 triple-A female Atlantic Championship is taking place. The tournament features players at the highest level of minor hockey from across Atlantic Canada. For organizers, this event has been a long time coming.

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