Image: Kate Johnson

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Girls hockey in Chilliwack takes off

Chilliwack launches first-ever U18 Warriors female rep hockey team

Sep 16, 2025 | 1:22 PM

CHILLIWACK — Inspired in part by the success of the upstart Professional Women’s Hockey League, the Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association announced that it has formed its first-ever U18 Warriors female rep team.

According to a statement from Chilliwack resident Dale Johnson, the milestone represents a historic step forward for the community and reflects the sport’s rising popularity across Canada.

The new team will play its inaugural game this Saturday, Sept. 20, providing momentum for girls hockey in Chilliwack and beyond.

“This is more than just a new team, it’s a sign of how far the female program has come in Chilliwack,” said Dale Johnson, director of the Female Program for Chilliwack Minor Hockey. “For years, girls in our community have been asking for opportunities to compete at the highest levels, and because of the efforts of many people over many years, we’re proud to make that a reality this season.”

“The U18 roster features players who were part of the very first teams when Warriors female hockey was relaunched in Chilliwack eight or nine years ago, back when there were only enough girls for a single team,” said head coach Scott Street. “To see those same players now leading the way at the rep level is inspiring. They’ve gone from learners of the game to leaders of the game. This group is full of athletes you would be proud to know and their passion and dedication to mastery is remarkable, and we hope to build a foundation of hockey excellence and personal development for the players who will follow.”

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The U18A Warriors team joins a strong lineup of female hockey in Chilliwack, including recreational teams at the U18, U15, U13, and U11 levels, plus a pair of U9 squads.

Johnson says the female program has grown 40 per cent year-over-year, with just around 110 players now competing across seven teams. This significant increase in participation reflects both the growing strength of the program and the demand for opportunities for girls to play competitive hockey close to home. The growth at the U9 level also gives hope for a strong future.

“There is a lot of excitement in female hockey right now,” added Johnson. “From the 6, 7 and 8-year-olds who registered after attending a ‘Try Hockey’ event, to our teens competing at the rep level, the girls are pumped up and ready to represent Chilliwack.”

Opportunities Still Available

• Goalies: Email femaledirector@chilliwackminorhockey.com if you’re interested in attending a Learn to Play Goalie event.
• U13 level: The program is still looking for players born in 2013 and 2014 to strengthen its roster.
• U9 level: Registration also remains open, and late registrants are welcome.