Female Huskies, Leon’s Heavy Equipment and Aurora Veterinary solidify their relationship with a multi-year agreement to take female hockey to new levels. 

 

Leon’s Heavy Equipment together with Aurora Veterinary have come to a monumental agreement that will support female hockey – Huskies program – within Fort McMurray Minor Hockey for the next four years, with an optional two year extension.  Over the four year sponsorship term, Leon’s Heavy Equipment and Aurora Veterinary have committed $30,000 per year that will provide support to the four female travel teams, two Intro to Hockey U9 teams, local events such as  World Girls Hockey Day,  female player & coach development and a scholarship program.

VP Operations JodyAnn McSkimming is very excited about this announcement. Growing female hockey in our community has been a priority for Fort McMurray Minor Hockey over the past number of years. Hockey is more than just a game; it builds confidence in players, it brings families together and teaches life skills to our kids. With the growth of our Huskies program, girls of all ages can experience a team environment with their female peers.     

Dr. Leslie Powell wrote “My husband, Leon Arsenault and I moved to Fort McMurray in 2004 and we have made it our home ever since. We established our businesses, Aurora Veterinary Clinic Ltd and Leon’s Heavy Equipment Ltd, here on the premise that we’d be able to fiscally donate to this town that has provided us with a loving environment in which to raise our children.

The first day I arrived in Fort McMurray, I noticed it’s natural beauty, especially it’s boreal forests. Within a short time, we were welcomed into the community, joining in events like the Transwest Christmas party as Santa and Mrs. Claus. We were fortunate to attend the amateur live theatre at Keyano, galas and other fundraisers. We were immersed in snowmobiling and other outdoor events.

It wasn’t until several years later, when our son, Gavin, decided to play hockey that we were introduced to a whole new and exciting world of team sport. Leon and I were impressed with how well Gavin was received into this world. We noticed him building confidence, not just in his physical skills but with his leadership, friendship and respectful interaction with others. The hockey team became “family”. Not just for him, but for ourselves and our three daughters.

It was then that our daughter, Emma decided she’d like to be more integrated into that “family”, playing the sport itself. Since then, Leon and I have conversed with other parents and we’ve agreed that our daughters should have the same opportunities as our sons. Hockey isn’t just a physical activity to strengthen our fitness. It is a lifestyle that teaches our children about how to take care of their bodies and minds. It builds confidence and leadership skills. It provides friendships that develop into lifetime relationships.

We are very blessed as a family to help our community’s daughters achieve this purpose and to break barriers. They have the opportunity to play and interact with other like minded female players in a league of their own, the “Aurora Huskies”.

I personally am very proud to extend this support to include scholarships to further their opportunities and future endeavors. As a veterinarian and a business woman, I am so very pleased and humbled that I have been given this opportunity to provide support to a young lady, furthering their development and dreams.”

McSkimming stated “This support will ensure the success of the Female program’s Growth. We were accepted as a pilot into the East Central Alberta Female Hockey League and we have seen just how behind our female development has been compared to other communities. This support allows us to introduce a Technical Advisor to the program, help us to secure and certify more female coaches, and support new parents into travel hockey by keeping costs to parents low as we build the program. “ 

Brianna Davis ( U18 Huskies Goalie) said “ I am very excited to be able to be able to play against other all female teams. I have become very close friends with all my teammates. Over the years I have questioned if I was going to continue to play, with this league I plan to continue and graduate out of the female program.”

“Everyone has inside of her a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be, how much you can love, what you can accomplish, and what your potential is.” – Anne Frank

 

 

 

You are invited to attend the formal announcement and ceremonial puck drop. It will take place this weekend as the U15 Aurora Huskies take the ice, 2:15pm Saturday October 23@ the Frank Lacroix Arena.

Posted in Female Development