Girls Have the Edge

The annual Girls Have the Edge event continues to grow and introduce the sport of ice hockey to more girls (and now women) in Oregon. We are happy to share that the event continues under the leadership of the dedicated staff at the The Pavilion in Bend with support from the Bend Rapids and enthusiastic volunteers from this amazing Central Oregon hockey community and beyond.

The 5th annual will be March 22, 2026. Beginners will be introduced to basic hockey skills in a positive and fun environment. Girls & Women Have the Edge will share opportunities to play ice hockey, learn about fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork and develop a lifelong love of sport.

Join the Bend Parks and Recreation Learn to Skate, Learn to Play Hockey, and Youth Hockey league staff, alongside the Bend Rapids youth hockey club, USA hockey staff, Seattle Kraken staff for the Girls Have the Edge, a super fun, all-girls event to learn about the joy and thrill of ice hockey!

Whether you've played a little or not at all, this event is a fun, zero-pressure opportunity to visit with coaches and other female players, try on gear, hit the ice in a comfortable environment and even pair up with an adult female mentor. So many reasons to give hockey a try!

When:  Sunday, March 22, 8:30am - 12:00pm

Cost: Free

No experience required, gear available to use for the event at no charge!

Register with BPRD Activity #: 110300 

Registration / Check-In at 8:30am

Ages 5-11: 9:00am - 9:45am

Ages 12-18: 10:00am - 10:45am

Adults (19+): 11:00am - 12:00pm

Volunteers wanted! Must complete Volunteer Application on BPRD website.

EVENT HISTORY

In 2021 the Bend Rapids Steering Committee, with the goal of growing the sport in Central Oregon, applied for a grant from USA Hockey and Oregon State Hockey Association. The grant was approved and the inaugural Girls Have the Edge event took place on April 2, 2022.   Rebecca Johnson from the Canadian National Team headlined the event sharing her love for the sport and introducing it to nearly 40 girls.  Read the press release.

• PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE 2022 AND 2023 EVENTS. 

Thank you to the following people who were instrumental in getting this project off the ground. 

• Cindy Tisher (Grant Writer / Volunteer Cord)
• Stacy Dib (Event Lead / Volunteer)
• Christy Dimmig (Goalie Development Coordinator)
• Aaron Olson (Chair)
• Didrik Johnck (Communications)
• Erin Foote Morgan (Civic Engagement Consultant )