A celebration of girls hockey at Mariners Centre in Yarmouth.

Fans got loud for the U18-A Western Riptides Sunday morning, as they shut-out the Metro East Inferno Blaze 4-0.

The team is one of several Western Riptides clubs with player representation from Yarmouth County.

Fans chanted ‘Go Yarmouth Go!’ And held signs.

Fans hold signs at the Western Riptides game in Yarmouth on February 1, 2026 (Acadia News)

Interest in women’s hockey rising

Apryl Bonia organized the get-together, she helped start ‘Club WHY,’ a local women’s hockey group in 2024.

She says it’s important for girls to see all the avenues they can take.

“To have young girls see that there is a place where they can play after U18, and for little girls to see there is something they can aspire to and play at that level,” said Bonia.

Bonia says Club WHY has grown from 40 players to 100 this season.

“We went from just practices, now we have an actual league with five teams. We also have a ‘Lil Chicks’ program where lots of U7 and U9 players can come play and build connections and friendships.”

She says the game is building in the area.

“We had some good teams 10-15 years ago with high school and junior high, then it phased out a little bit. It’s nice to see this U18 group, and we have strong groups coming up. Club WHY has been successful and there’s a lot of interest in playing.”

Yarmouth once hosted a ‘Chicks with Sticks’ female tournament every year, Bonia says she’s interested in bringing that back someday.

“I think it’s coming, I just don’t know when.”