The first year the Battle River Knights (BRK) Minor Hockey Association, with includes players from Sedgewick and from Killam, has been able to have a female hockey team, the Atoms, they will also be hosting the Atom Girls Provincials March 17 through 19.

“BRK has many girls throughout its program, and the core of them at this age group,” says Association President Kelvin Tuftin.

Tuftin says this is the first provincials hosted by the Association, and, “We couldn’t be more excited. The fact that it is with our newly created Female Atom team makes it even more fun and interesting.

“We were able to form a provincial committee in the fall, with Ted Djos as our Chairperson.

“From there, we created a Hockey Alberta Provincials Bid Package in the hopes of being awarded a Provincial Championship. Kim Borgel was instrumental in leading and preparing the package.”

Tuftin says the schedule will be split between Killam and Sedgewick’s arenas, “Which is great for the two communities.”

An opening ceremonies banquet will be held at the Killam Community Hall on the Friday, with two-time olympic gold medalist in Women’s Hockey, Carla MacLeod as the speaker.

The official opening ceremony will take place on the ice at the Killam Arena Friday evening, where all teams will be introduced, and special guest Olympic Hockey Player Shannon Szabados will have a chance to speak, and will drop the puck to start the tournament.

“We are very excited and thankful to have these two ladies attending,” Tuftin says.