A look of what it's like being a girl who plays hockey

Hockey is a male-dominated sport, but the Aurora team has two junior girls, Alice Hesmondhalgh and Sami Bjelopera.

First a look at Alice Hesmonhalgh. She began playing 2 years ago. She likes to play hockey because she likes the sport, the people and the atmosphere. Hesmonhalgh likes to be on a team with fewer girls because that is less drama.

Next a look at Sami Bjelopera. She began as a figure skater. A friend introduced her to the sport and Bjelopera feel in love with it. She loves the fast pace and challenge that comes with playing. Bjelopera has been playing for six years, three of which she has played competitively.

Bjelopera said this about her experience.

“[It has been] definitely positive. We’ve had some great seasons together so far. We listen to our own music and talk and stuff. All of the guys wait until the last minute to get ready but we put on some of our gear and then walk around and chill with everybody else. It’s a lot of fun.”

Both girls suggest more girls should join hockey. They do not feel like outsiders so if that is what has been holding other girls back, know it shouldn’t.

Hesmonhalgh said “There are no difficulties being a girl in the sport. We are all treated the same and ‘one of the boys’!”