From sidelines to centre ice, a new women’s hockey league faces off in Fredericton

Christa Mullaly has always been a hockey mom. Both of her kids grew up playing, and she was right in the stands cheering them on.

It was such fun to watch that around six years ago she decided it was her time to lace up the skates. So, she and other moms took to outdoor rinks to skate around and build their skills.

But there wasn’t an opportunity to play real games without high-level competition.

Now, she has spearheaded an actual recreational league for women over 30 in Fredericton, the first of its kind for the city.

“Play is so foundational to who we are as humans and it is so good for us,” Mullaly said. “I hope that it inspires women to get out and play.”

Christa Mullaly has been planning and organizing the RWHL for around three years, collaborating with the city to secure ice time. (Abby Russchen/CBC)

The Fredericton Senior Recreational Women’s Hockey League, or the RWHL, dropped its inaugural puck on Oct. 18 at the Grant-Harvey Centre. Players will continue to face off in two games every Sunday evening until the end of the season next spring.

It’s targeted for women who started playing as adults, returning to the game after hiatus, or who already play in other women’s leagues and want more ice time in less competitive games. 

“I don't think it's ever too late for women to get back to the sports they loved when they were younger,” Mullaly said.

New women’s hockey league in Fredericton fills gap for adult women

Angela Wickett, president of the Central Female Hockey Association, an association that represents and supports all female hockey from ages seven to 18, said she hasn’t hit the ice since 1999. But after learning about the new league, she knew it was time to get back out there. 

“Hockey was always my first