After two years' hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the 24th Annual Richmond Ice Classic Tournament kicked off last weekend.
Hosted by the Richmond Ravens Female Hockey Association, the tournament attracted 1,000 female athletes and 66 teams to the Richmond Ice Centre to play 143 games – all of which were officiated, for the first time at the event, by all-female referees.
Forty of those teams were from out-of-town, travelling from as far as Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Oregon.
And there was some local success for the Ravens, with their U15 C2 team taking home the gold medal – beating the Victoria Reign - while the U13 C1 and U15 C1 teams both grabbed the silver.
The youngest players played small-sided games on half rinks and all received participation medals, while the older teams, from ages nine to 18, competed to earn spots in championship games on Sunday.
"We are especially proud that all 143 games of the tournament were refereed by all-female officials,” said Mark Kusec, Richmond Ravens tournament director.
“This is a new achievement for the Ravens, and full credit goes to our referee-in-chief, Lolly Gagnon, and all of the fantastic young officials who participated.
“For many of the participating teams who travelled, it was their first hockey tournament ever, and for some it was their first time seeing other female hockey teams.
“For a few guests, it was even their first time seeing the city or the ocean. And for some of the oldest players, this was their last games of minor hockey ever, which made it extra meaningful."
