Women's Hockey Teams Focus Training Camps In BC

Over the course of the next few months you will see an increasing amount of Olympic flavor here at your friendly neighborhood hockey history blog. Undoubtedly the majority of that content will focus on the men, but as long time readers of mine know I like to give the womens' game attention as well.

Swedes Come To Okanagan

I found this story of interest: Last week Team Sweden announced they would focus their pre-Olympic training in Kelowna, the mecca of the British Columbian Okanagan region. Team Sweden will train in Kelowna from Aug. 16 to 29 at Rutland Arena and then return from Jan. 21 to Feb. 4 to train at Memorial Arena.

Head coach Peter Elander said "I was looking for a Canadian town with a solid elite ice hockey environment, a walkable town centre, great training facilities and a first-class hotel."

Was there any other choice besides Kelowna? I think not.

Canada Trains In BC, Too

The Canadian women have already held a "boot camp" in northern BC, in Tumbler Ridge, waterfall capital of the province.

Now most tourists would never choose Tumbler Ridge over Kelowna (though I would) because it is so isolated. But that is exactly what Team Canada was in search of. The 26 players who are fighting for 21 roster spots spent 3 weeks up north in July, spending 6 hours a day running the Alaska Highway, increased flexibility with yoga, built strength with Tai kickboxing as well as lengthy on-ice sessions.

Be sure to check out the above links for good reads.