Hockey participation in Canada is declining but female players are on the rise.

Leagues like the Central York Girls Hockey Association are growing the game, celebrating female pro athletes and supporting the future of hockey with community events like their recent inaugural Golf Fundraising Tournament at the beautiful Whitevale Golf Club on August 15, 2019. 

It takes a village...

96+ golfers and hockey lovers 

Central York Panther leaders and players

Countless volunteers 

Forward-thinking sponsors

TSN and CTV sportscaster Rod Black

Pro women's hockey players Jamie Lee Rattray, Megan Bozek, Erica Howe, and Laura Stacey

Whitevale Golf Club staff 

An amazing turnout in support of girls' and women's hockey! 

Women have long been advocating for equitable inclusion in sport. What's often overlooked is the vital role that men play in female sport participation and leadership. This event was packed with passionate men who generously donated their, time, energy and money to advancing girls and women in sport. A special thanks to the dads, uncles, grandads, brothers, coaches, refs and all the other men who cheer us on from the boardroom to the ice, the green and everything in between. 

In this photo: Hockey Pros Jamie Lee Rattray (Markham Thunder and Team Canada), Erica Howe (Markham Thunder and Team Canada), Megan Bozek (Markham Thunder and Team USA), and their friend Robert Gasper.  Laura Stacey (Markham Thunder and Team Canada) was also in attendance but not seen in this photo as she had to run to the airport.

Iconic TSN and CTV sports commentator Rod Black hits the green and inspires a community

TSN and CTV sportscaster Rod Black has called almost every sport in his career including the Toronto Blue Jays, Canadian Open Golf, curling, boxing, the Olympics, and most recently the successful NBA Championship playoff run of the Toronto Raptors. Rod teed it up on the course and at dinner as he amused and inspired participants with his keynote speech. 

Other special guests included Dan Church, current head coach of the York University Lions Women's Ice Hockey Team.  Dan also found great success as coach of the Canadian Women's National Ice Hockey Team that won a gold medal at the 2012 IIHF Women's World Championship. 

Thank you to the player volunteers!

In this photo: Charlie and Courtney. Others players (Madison, Claire, Emma, Lauren, Katie) and Kim (a Panther mom).

CYGHA executive and board members do their part

Key CYGHA executive and board members came out and showed support including Richard Clarke (President), Mark Dubeau (Vice President Rep), Brad Protocky (Vice President House League), Steve Dempsey (Coach Mentor and Intermediate AA Head Coach), and Bruce Keyes (Director, Player and Coach Development). 

Whitevale Golf Club (Durham Region's best kept secret) 

Situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the historic Whitevale Golf Club was founded in 1955 and played their first golf game in 1958. At this beautiful golf course,  members enjoy history alongside a new clubhouse and practice facility. For the Central York Panther's tournament, Sean DaSilva, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the club, offered up a high-quality golf experience and was supported by the genuine hospitality of Whitevale's staff. Find Whitevale Golf Club in our Athlete Advisor, your business directory for all things active.

Raised Edge: The power of apparel in sport

The official Pantherwear provider, Raised Edge stepped up as Title Sponsor of this event and was a big part of making it happen. Find Raised Edge in our Athlete Advisor and order your Central York Pantherwear today!

SeeWhatSheCanDo: Hole sponsor and passionate supporter of CYGHA

As CYGHA players, we know first hand the amazing impact this association has had on girls and women across the York region.  We were thrilled to be a hole sponsor and media partner at this event and personally meet each of the golfers.

Shout out to all the other hole sponsors who helped make this event happen.

Along with Athletify Physical Health featured in the photo above, additional hole sponsors included Nelson Aggregates, The Miller Group, McLean Hallmark Insurance Group, NTR Newmarket, Brian Sametz - Real Estate Representative, and the Toronto Marlies.  These hole sponsors are showcased in the Athlete Gallery below.

Explore local and elite-level hockey and golf game coverage, athlete stories, tips, and advice

The CYGHA: Celebrating 25 Years of Serving York Region's Female Hockey Community

Explore recreational and professional women's ice hockey articles 

Hone your golf game and catch 2019 CP Women's Open coverage

Athlete Gallery

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Find the CYGHA and Whitvale Golf Club in our Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Post your upcoming golf tournament in our SWSCD Hub.  Start a golf group in our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Golf activity page.  

Share your own golf tournament moment directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.