In a groundbreaking event aimed at transforming the landscape of girls’ ice hockey in New Mexico, the Genoveva Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe hosted the “Girls Take Over the Rink” event on February 1. The initiative, designed to foster a supportive environment for female athletes, saw each locker room uniquely transformed with signage and decor dedicated exclusively to girls, setting a powerful tone for the day.
“It was very fun to have all the locker rooms be for girls, and it just be all girls everywhere,” said Chantielle Hanson, president of the Los Alamos Hockey Association. Hanson, inspired by similar events she attended in New York, emphasized the significance of this transformation. “Because we’re so used to girls getting shoved into closets and janitor’s closets and bathrooms and other places,” she noted, highlighting the importance of creating spaces that recognize and celebrate female talent.
The event featured an hour-long series of clinics and scrimmages, divided into four age groups—from 8U to ages 13-19—providing a platform for young players to refine their skills in a supportive, all-girls environment. Kristina Lee, goalie coach for the new University of New Mexico women’s hockey team, led a group of female coaches in mentoring the players, helping to ensure that the next generation of hockey talent has the guidance and inspiration they need.
Ted Skinner, a representative for the Rocky Mountain District, remarked on the lasting impact of the event. “It was planting the seed to continue to play hockey,” Skinner said. He stressed that if even a portion of the 100 girls in attendance—among the 105 registered, including 10 from El Paso, Texas—continue playing, it would represent a significant boost for girls’ hockey in New Mexico. “They don’t have to quit playing hockey when they become teenagers and they get older, and they don’t have to play with boys if they don’t want to,” he added.
In a state where hockey is often described as a “hockey desert” — with only five rinks (two of which are seasonal) and limited competitive opportunities for girls — the “Girls Take Over the Rink” event marks a hopeful turning point. New Mexico currently has only 186 girls’ hockey players registered with USA Hockey, many of whom must play on boys’ teams due to a lack of alternatives. Events like this not only provide a dedicated space for girls to play but also inspire them by showcasing a clear path forward in the sport.
Following the clinics and scrimmages, the day concluded with two 40-minute games segmented by age group, giving younger players the chance to watch and learn from the older competitors. The event also included dinner and a commemorative long-sleeve shirt featuring the event’s logo, fostering a sense of community and pride among participants.
With plans to hold the event again next year—and possibly introduce a “Girls Try Hockey for Free” event in the fall—organizers are optimistic that these initiatives will continue to empower female hockey players across New Mexico and help build a more inclusive sports community.
For Hanson and her colleagues, the success of “Girls Take Over the Rink” is more than just a one-day event; it is the beginning of a long-term commitment to ensuring that every girl in New Mexico has the opportunity to pursue her passion for hockey in a supportive, dedicated environment.