We're proud to spotlight B&C Building as a sponsor for this event! With over 20 years of experience in the local building industry, B&C Building has been a steadfast supporter of the Bend community every step of the way. Their commitment to quality and community makes them a true partner in building a stronger future. Thank you, B&C Building, for your support!
Girls Have the Edge
A Hockey Experience for Girls and Women, by Girls and Women!
Brought to you by the Bend Rapids and Bend Park & Recreation District, Girls Have The Edge is a fun, all-girls event designed to introduce girls and women to the excitement of ice hockey! Whether you've never skated before or already has a passion for the game, this is your chance to experience hockey in a welcoming, supportive, and exciting environment.
When: Sunday, March 2, 2025 - 3pm to 7pm.
Contact: Clare@bendparksandrec.org with questions.
Where: The Pavilion, in Bend
Cost: FREE
Experience Level: No experience required!
-----> REGISTER HERE <------
AGENDA
3:00 - 4:00 Check In and Gear Fitting
4:00 - 7:00 On Ice Practice with Coaches
What to Expect:
⛸ Intro to Hockey Fundamentals & Fun Games – Learn the basics of the game in a supportive, all-girls environment! Our coaches and mentors will guide participants through:
✔ Skating, stopping & edges
✔ Shooting, passing & stick handling
✔ Game skills & teamwork
Skate, Shoot & Have Fun – Hit the ice with confidence and experience the joy of hockey firsthand!
Find Your Hockey Community – Hockey is more than a sport—it’s about teamwork, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime.
What to Bring:
If your skater has her own hockey equipment, please bring it. If not, no worries! We’ll have gear available for her to use at the event.
Clothing: Please wear comfortable, non-bulky layers under hockey gear, such as:
✔ Yoga pants or athletic leggings
✔ Base layer top (like a fitted long-sleeve shirt)
✔ Thin calf or knee-high socks
Weather Reminder: This is an outdoor event, so please dress accordingly to stay warm before and after being on the ice.
Event Details:
Where: The Pavilion, Bend
Cost: FREE!
⛸ Experience Level: No experience required!
Date: March 2nd
Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Spots will fill fast—register HERE!
Haley Skarupa
Deschutes Women's Hockey Team
Special Guests & Mentors:
This event is made possible by an incredible team of women dedicated to growing the game, including:
Deschutes Women’s Hockey Club
⛸ Bend Rapids players
USA Hockey development coaches
Seattle Kraken representatives
This year we are proud to announce Haley Skarupa will be joining us!
Haley Skarupa is a 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist. As a player, Skarupa spent 10 years as part of the U.S. Women’s National Team Program (2009-2019), highlighted by helping Team USA earn gold at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. She was also part of U.S. gold medal teams at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship and the 2011 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. Skarupa, who played four seasons (2012-16) for Boston College, also competed professionally in the NWHL for the Connecticut Whale (2016-17) and Boston Pride (2017-18). She also played in the PWHPA for Team Women’s Sports Foundation and Team Sonnet from 2020-23.
Haley Skarupa joined the staff of the U.S. Women's National Team in October 2023. In her role as head scout, she is responsible for identifying, evaluating and recruiting potential players for the various levels on the U.S. Women’s National Team, including the Olympics, Women’s World Championship, Select Series and Under-18 Women’s World Championship.
Previously, Skarupa spent time working with the Washington Capitals as a hockey ambassador, assisting the Capitals marketing and youth hockey department in efforts to expand girls and youth hockey development opportunities within the Mid-Atlantic region.
Why Hockey?
Builds Confidence & Leadership
Hockey is a fast-paced, dynamic sport that teaches girls to think quickly, work as a team, and trust themselves. The discipline and teamwork learned on the ice translate to success in school, relationships, and future careers.
Strength & Fitness
Hockey develops full-body strength, agility, endurance, and coordination—all while having fun! The sport keeps players active and engaged in a way that feels more like play than exercise.
A Perfect Cross-Training Sport
Hockey is one of the best cross-training sports for athletes in soccer, lacrosse, skiing, and more. It enhances balance, reaction time, and cardiovascular fitness while improving overall athletic ability. Many elite athletes credit hockey with sharpening their speed, agility, and endurance.
Lifelong Friendships & Community
Girls who play hockey develop lasting friendships, a strong sense of community, and valuable life skills like perseverance and teamwork. Plus, the growing world of girls’ hockey means new opportunities to play at all levels, from youth leagues to college and beyond!
Bend Rapids Youth Hockey players
Thank you to our sponsors!
While girls' sports often receive less attention and support compared to boys' sports, the impact of investing in young women athletes cannot be overstated. Statistics show that women have historically been underrepresented in sports, with their participation rates and longevity in athletics being significantly lower than their male counterparts. However, these incredible companies recognize the value of supporting girls in sports, understanding that empowering young women through athletic opportunities fosters confidence, teamwork, and resilience that last a lifetime. We are incredibly grateful to these sponsors for their commitment to uplifting and investing in the future of girls' sports.
Chalked Creative
Visit WebsiteWe're thrilled to highlight Kristen Buwalda, owner of Chalked Creative. Kristen is a local graphic designer who is generously donating her skills to support Girls Have The Edge! Her creativity and expertise are bringing our vision to life, helping make this event even more special. We're grateful fo rher support in championing girls' hockey- thank you, Kristen, for being part of our team.
Sunriver Brewing Co.
Visit WebsiteWe're excited to have Sunriver Brewing Company as a sponsor for our event! As a local brewery with multiple award wins, including Brewery of the Year at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival, Sunriver knows what it takes to build a strong team—whether it's on the ice or over a great meal. Their dedication to community and exceptional beer makes them a true partner in our mission. Thanks for your continued support, Sunriver Brewing!
Knife River
Visit WebsiteWe’re proud to have Knife River as a sponsor for our event! Based in Central Oregon, Knife River is a leading provider of construction materials and services, known for their dedication to quality and community. With a team of over 5,700 employees, they’ve been instrumental in building strong, lasting infrastructure across the region. Knife River’s support of our event helps make it possible, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment to strengthening our community. Thank you, Knife River!
About the Rapids
The Bend Rapids is a USA Hockey sanctioned program located in Bend, Oregon. The goal of our program is to passionately foster the growth and development of young athletes through the sport of ice hockey, transcending beyond the rink to build a vibrant and supportive community.
Youth development is a core focus of ours, extending beyond the arena to cultivate character, teamwork, and resilience. The Bend Rapids focuses on age-appropriate training and skill-building for 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U teams. Our dedicated coaching staff is not only committed to refining hockey skills but also to instilling values that will shape our players into confident, responsible, and empathetic individuals. We believe that by nurturing the whole person, we contribute to the formation of well-rounded, successful citizens.
In addition to fostering the growth of hockey across all age groups, the Bend Rapids is deeply committed to expanding opportunities for female players within our program. We recognize the importance of inclusivity and strive to empower young women by providing them with a space to thrive, compete, and develop their skills in a supportive environment. By prioritizing gender diversity in hockey, we aim to inspire the next generation of female athletes and demonstrate that the rink is a place where all players—regardless of gender—can succeed.
In essence, the Bend Rapids is more than a youth hockey organization; we are a community of passionate individuals dedicated to nurturing the next generation of athletes and fostering a love for the sport. Together, we strive to create a legacy that transcends the scoreboard, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our athletes and the community we proudly serve.