In the bustling hockey community of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, a quiet revolution is underway. The crack of sticks and swish of skates echo through what might look like any Canadian arena, but this one stands apart in a significant way.
Last weekend, Atlantic Canada’s first dedicated all-girls hockey facility opened its doors in Membertou First Nation, marking a pivotal moment for female hockey development in the region. The facility, years in the making, represents both a physical space and a powerful statement about the future of women’s hockey.
“This isn’t just about ice time. It’s about creating a space where girls see themselves represented in every aspect of the game,” explains Jennifer MacDonald, president of the Cape Breton Women’s Hockey Association. She watches as a group of 10-year-old girls lace up their skates, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and determination.
The $4.2 million facility comes after community fundraising efforts and support from all levels of government, including a significant contribution from the Membertou First Nation. What makes this arena unique isn’t just its focus on girls’ hockey but its thoughtful design elements created specifically with female athletes in mind.
The rink features six dedicated female dressing rooms, specialized training facilities, and walls adorned with images of women’s hockey pioneers alongside current stars. Photos of Nova Scotia’s own Blayre Turnbull, Olympic gold medalist with Team Canada, feature prominently.
“When I was growing up, we changed in boiler rooms and storage closets,” recalls Sarah Mitchell, a former collegiate player who now coaches U15 girls. “These young players will never know what that feels like. They’ll grow up with the message that they belong here.”
Statistics from Hockey Nova Scotia show female registration has jumped nearly 32% over the past five years, outpacing growth in many other provinces. The new facility aims to accelerate this trend while addressing persistent barriers.
Cape Breton’s hockey culture runs deep, but like many Canadian communities, ice time allocation has historically favored boys’ programs. A 2022 provincial sports participation survey found girls’ teams received about 30% less prime-time ice slots than boys’ teams of equivalent levels.
“It’s not just about having ice time, but quality ice time,” notes Terry Richardson, Cape Breton regional director for Hockey Nova Scotia. “When girls’ teams consistently get 6 a.m. practices or 10 p.m. games, it sends a message about priorities. This dedicated facility changes that equation entirely.”
The project gained momentum following Canada’s gold medal performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics, with several communities across Atlantic Canada watching Cape Breton’s initiative closely. Representatives from hockey associations in Newfoundland, New Brunswick and PEI attended the opening ceremony.
Twelve-year-old goaltender Maya Sylliboy represents the next generation this facility aims to nurture. A member of Membertou First Nation, she’s been playing hockey since age five.
“It feels different here,” she says, adjusting her mask. “Like this place was built thinking about us. The locker rooms aren’t an afterthought.”
The importance of representation extends beyond the physical space. The facility has hired predominantly female staff, including coaches, trainers, and administrators. A mentorship program pairs younger players with high school and university athletes.
This development comes amid broader changes in women’s hockey. The Professional Women’s Hockey League‘s recent launch has created new professional pathways, while increased television coverage has made female hockey stars more visible than ever.
Dr. Carly Adams, sports historian at the University of Lethbridge who studies gender and hockey culture, sees the Cape Breton facility as part of a larger transformation.
“Dedicated spaces matter tremendously,” she explained in a phone interview. “They challenge the assumption that hockey infrastructure is naturally male territory with women as guests. This facility makes a powerful statement that girls’ development deserves focused investment.”
The economic impact could be significant too. Tourism Cape Breton estimates the facility will attract approximately 12 tournaments annually, bringing visitors and revenue to local businesses during traditional off-seasons.
Not everyone views the development positively. Some community members questioned whether a gender-specific facility was necessary, arguing for more integrated approaches instead.
“We heard those concerns,” acknowledges MacDonald. “But the reality is that after decades of trying to achieve equity through sharing spaces, we’re still far from equal opportunity. Sometimes you need to create something new to change the landscape.”
The facility’s opening day featured a ceremonial puck drop with Emma Ongo, 93, believed to be Cape Breton’s oldest living female hockey player. In the 1940s, she played on harbor ice when women’s games were treated as novelty entertainment.
Watching today’s players take the ice, her eyes filled with tears. “They skate like they own the place,” she said. “Because now they do.”
As night falls on opening weekend, the parking lot remains full. Inside, a U18 team runs drills while younger players press their faces against the glass, watching intently. Tomorrow they’ll return for their own practices, in a space that tells them they belong.
For the girls of Cape Breton, and perhaps soon across Atlantic Canada, hockey’s future looks a little different now. It looks like them.
