Thunder Bay Queens Hockey Organization

In a landmark moment for female youth hockey in Northern Ontario, the inaugural Northern Boreal Select Series, hosted by the Thunder Bay Queens brought together four formidable teams – the Halfway Motors U18A Thunder Bay Queens, U15AA Thunder Bay Queens, Fort Frances Muskie Girls, and the Kenora St. Thomas Aquinas Saints. Over an exciting weekend of hockey, the young female athletes showcased not only their skill and determination but also the rich talent pool present in the region.

The round-robin format provided an opportunity for every team to display their abilities, promoting a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie. All matches were closely contested, and the event commenced Friday evening with a thrilling 3 on 3 overtime in the opener between the Halfway Motors U18A Queens and Fort Frances Muskie Girls.  Despite the delay in Kenora's arrival caused by adverse road conditions, they remained undeterred and leaped into action and engaged in two exciting games on Saturday and took part in the afternoon skills competition. Their triumph came in the consolation game on Sunday morning, securing a 3-1 victory against the U18A Thunder Bay Queens.

In Sunday’s championship matchup, the U15AA Thunder Bay Queens faced off against the undefeated Fort Frances Muskie Girls. The U15AA Queens wasted no time asserting their dominance, seizing an early lead in the first period. Before the period's end, they added another, setting the stage for an uphill battle for the undefeated Muskie Girls.  Fort Frances, resilient and determined, emerged from the intermission with a renewed sense of purpose. Their response was swift as they opened the second period with a quick goal, narrowing the gap to just one. The competitive spirit of both teams was on full display as they traded chances. However, the Thunder Bay Queens, undeterred by the Muskie Girls' resurgence, responded with a goal of their own, ending the second period with a 3-1 lead.  

The third period unfolded with opportunities on both sides.  As the clock wound down, Fort Frances, trailing by two goals, pulled their goalie in a desperate bid for a comeback.  The move ignited a flurry of chances for the Muskie Girls. The U15AA Thunder Bay Queens, rallied around their netminder, Scarlett Lappage and displayed unwavering teamwork, holding firm against the late-game surge. The Northern Boreal Select Series concluded with the U15AA Thunder Bay Queens emerging victorious.

Heartwarming this weekend was the tremendous support from the local community. Spectators turned out in large numbers, cheering on the teams, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting local female athletes. The success of the Northern Boreal Select Series was made possible by the generous support of local sponsors and funding from the CEDC Tourism Development Fund. This backing played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event and further emphasized the community's dedication to promoting and nurturing youth sports and opportunities. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the event sponsors, arena staff, volunteers, and teams for their participation. Their collective effort and enthusiasm contributed to the overall success of the showcase, creating lasting memories for players and spectators alike.

As the inaugural Northern Boreal Select Series concludes, the Thunder Bay Queens and their fellow participants can reflect on a memorable event that not only showcased the talent within Northern Ontario but also strengthened the bonds of community and sportsmanship. The success of this series sets the stage for future editions, promising continued growth, and success for female hockey in the region.