The Parkland Female Hockey Program (PFHP) is making waves in the world of female hockey with the introduction of the Parkland Phoenix, an exciting new AA hockey team. This marks a major milestone not just for the athletes who will wear the Phoenix jersey, but for the entire Parkland region, where the spirit of the game is about to soar to new heights. Nicole Korpusik, the U13 Representative on the Parkland Female Hockey Committee, shared information about the groundbreaking initiative and the broader impact it will have on the growth of girls’ hockey in the region.
A New Era for Female Hockey
For many young female athletes, hockey has long been a passion. However, the pathways for girls in the sport have often been limited, especially in smaller communities. With the introduction of the Parkland Phoenix, that’s about to change. The name “Phoenix” was chosen intentionally to reflect a transformation, a fresh beginning for female athletes in the area, one that symbolizes resilience and growth. Nicole Korpusik is passionate about the opportunity the program provides.
“This is about more than just building a team. It’s about creating a movement,” Korpusik explains. “We’re rekindling opportunity, embracing new energy, and uniting the region with a commitment to hockey excellence.”
The PFHP covers the Parkland region including minor hockey associations from communities such as Canora, Churchbridge, Esterhazy, Fort Qu’Appelle, Indian Head, Kamsack, Langenburg, Moosomin, Norquay, Preeceville, Rocanville, Whitewood, and Yorkton. The program is designed to provide opportunities for girls of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to aspiring AA athletes.
“We want to foster an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages skill development and instills values like fair play, respect, and teamwork,” says Korpusik. “We aim to build confidence and inspire a lifelong love for the game.”
An Umbrella for Growth
Although the AA Parkland Phoenix team is the most visible aspect of the PFHP, Korpusik clarified that the program serves as an umbrella for all girls’ hockey in the region, not just for AA-level players. “A lot of people mistakenly think we’re only focused on the AA program, but we’re really dedicated to growing the game at every level,” she notes.
The PFHP’s primary goal is to help girls at the grassroots level. The structure allows players to remain with their home associations, while also creating opportunities to play with other girls from surrounding communities. This flexibility helps ensure that players can still compete on coed teams in their hometowns while also being part of all-girls teams when the time is right. For example, a girl from Langenburg might play on her coed U13 team but also be able to join a U15 girls’ team in Moosomin or a regional carded (tournament team).
This system addresses one of the key challenges in the Parkland region which is the lack of enough girls at younger ages to form full female teams. By working together, the various associations within the umbrella can offer more opportunities for players without the constraints of strict registration rules that often leave players without a team.
“We’re not creating competition between associations; we’re creating collaboration,” says Korpusik. “Girls don’t have to choose between their hometown teams and playing on a girls’ team, they can do both. This is about making sure there’s a place for every girl who wants to play.”
A Bigger Picture: AA, AAA, and Beyond
While the launch of the Parkland Phoenix is a major achievement, it’s just the first step in a broader plan to develop female hockey in the region. The PFHP has big aspirations, including restoring a AAA team to the area and providing more opportunities for girls to play at the highest levels.
“The ultimate goal is to create a system where girls don’t need to travel far or leave home to play female hockey. We want to create opportunities to progress from grassroots to AA, and eventually into AAA and even university hockey if that is what a player wants,” Korpusik says. If a girl has the talent and desire, we want her to be able to rise through the ranks without having to leave home.”
Korpusik pointed to the success of other regions, such as the Western Prairie Unity model, as a key inspiration for the PFHP. The idea is to build a strong foundation, one that supports players at every level and eventually leads to opportunities like university scholarships and national recognition.
“For many of these girls, playing hockey in university is a real possibility,” she explains. “The growth of female hockey in both Canada and the United States has opened up incredible opportunities, and we want to make sure our players have access to those pathways.”
Creating More Opportunities for Girls
One of the biggest challenges Korpusik mentioned is the lack of girls who are encouraged to play in certain positions, such as goalie. “We just don’t have enough girls stepping up to play goalie,” she says. “And without goalies, we can’t have teams. That’s something we really need to address.”
To help with this, the PFHP is working to provide more specialized camps, including goalie-specific camps, to encourage girls to try new positions and gain the skills necessary to fill these critical roles.
The Role of Coed Play in Female Development
While the focus is on female hockey, Korpusik emphasizes that there is value in having girls play with boys at a younger age. “Playing coed hockey helps girls become tougher and more competitive. They have to keep up with the boys,” she explained. “It builds a certain level of grit that can only help them later on.”
However, as girls grow older, the dynamics shift, and many are eager to transition to all-girls teams. The PFHP aims to provide that option, offering a welcoming and supportive environment where girls can build confidence and form lasting bonds with teammates.
“There’s something special about being part of an all-girls team,” Korpusik says. “The friendships they build, the support they receive, and the feeling of belonging. It makes them want to work harder and push themselves further.”
Getting Involved
For girls who want to get involved in the Parkland Female Hockey Program, Korpusik recommended starting with the local minor hockey association. “Reach out to your home association, and they will help connect you with the PFHP,” she says. “We’re also active on social media and our website is a great resource for up-to-date information.”
The PFHP’s website (https://pfhp.ca/parklandfemalehockeyprogram/) is a great palace to look for everything from registration details to upcoming events and opportunities. The program is also active on Facebook and Instagram, where players and parents can learn more about the league’s activities.
As for Korpusik, she’s thrilled to see the program take flight and is confident that the future of female hockey in the Parkland region is bright. “We’re just getting started,” she said. “But I have no doubt that this program will continue to grow and give girls the opportunity to rise, play, and soar.”
For more information on the Parkland Female Hockey Program and how to get involved, visit pfhp.ca. Those interested can also contact their local minor hockey associations.