IWHL kicks off year with tip-off tournament

A fast-paced hockey league for Island women is looking for any players who want to get back into the game.
The Island Women’s Hockey League will be kicking off its season with the opening tip-off tournament this week at Gateway Arena in Borden-Carleton.
League president Dawn Moase said the games are open to the public, and also provide an opportunity for anyone potentially interested in joining the league to get a glimpse of the action.
“We’re really looking forward to the season and this weekend. If people want to come out and see what it’s all about we’d love to have them,” said Moase.
The IWHL will lose a team this season with Rustico deciding to join a separate recreational league.
Currently, the IWHL consists of four teams – Southside Lynx, the Tyne Valley-based Western Wild, Charlottetown and UPEI.
Moase said the league hopes to include the Holland College team, which is playing in the opening tournament, in some games this year as well.
Moase said the league fills a void by providing a more competitive outlet than what’s usually offered in recreational hockey.
It’s well-suited for players who have outgrown the minor hockey level, but are still looking for some faster-paced action.
“It’s a little bit of a higher level of hockey, which is great. There is a need to have that because we have players coming out of minor hockey that still want to play at that level,” said Moase.
The season includes about two games a week, as well as a playoff tournament, and wraps up in mid-March.
Moase said there is still room in the league for both individual players and potential teams.
“There are some teams that still don’t have a full roster, they’re out scouting and willing to take on new players,” said Moase. “We’re open to any suggestions and we’re open to any new teams or players.”
Moase said anyone interested in signing up for the league can contact her at [email protected]

[email protected]
Twitter.com/Mitch_PEI

Schedule
Island Women’s Hockey League tournament schedule:
(All games in Borden-Carleton’s Gateway Arena)
Thursday, Oct. 19
9 p.m. – Western vs. Southside.
Friday, Oct. 20
7:45 p.m. – Rustico vs. Charlottetown.
9 p.m. – UPEI vs. Holland College.
Saturday, Oct. 21
12:45 p.m. – Charlottetown vs. UPEI.
2 p.m. – Western vs. Holland College.
3:15 p.m. – Southside vs. Rustico.
4:30 p.m. – Holland College vs. Charlottetown.
5:45 p.m. – Western vs. Rustico.
7 p.m. – Southside vs. UPEI.
Sunday, Oct. 22
11 a.m. –  Championship game (TBD).