(UPDATE) NEBC Predators get started at Calgary’s Wickfest tournament

Update, 5:45 p.m., November 7th: This story has been updated to provide a statement from U-13 Lee Avery, and to add the U-18 Predators inclusion in the Wickfest tournament.

CALGARY, AB — Northeast B.C.’s premier girls’ ice hockey program has dropped the puck at one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.

Both the U-13 and U-18 Northeast BC Predators female hockey programs are in Calgary at Wickfest from November 7th to 9th, playing teams from Alberta, B.C. and Ontario.

Named after former women’s national team member Hayley Wickenheiser, Wickfest offers more than just four games for its teams, according to the event’s website.

Presented as a festival, Wickfest also provides team-building activities, training sessions and more.

The U-13 Predators fell in their two games on November 7th, while the older squad will take on the Edmonton Storm in their first contest at 7 p.m. on Friday evening.

U-13 team head coach Lee Avery said, despite the defeats, his squad is having an “awesome time.”

“The girls are staying super positive and honestly having a blast,” said Avery. “The energy here is unreal and it’s such a great experience for them. 

“Being in an all-girls environment has been such a positive thing too for all of the girls. The vibe is so encouraging and empowering, you can see how much they love being part of something that’s just for them.”

Beginning in 2009, Wickfest has grown to be showcased in several cities in North America, including in Milton, Ontario and Surrey, B.C., and there are plans to host one in Las Vegas in 2026.

More details about Wickfest are available on the event’s website.