Thunder Bay Queens Hockey Organization

The Thunder Bay Queens recently showcased their skill at the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) Provincial Championships, leaving a lasting impression with their stellar performances across multiple age categories.

Amidst an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, the U13 Thunder Bay Queens, the youngest squad in attendance, showcased extraordinary skill and determination. Their electrifying performance led them to clinch the silver medal, narrowly missing out on the gold to the formidable Stoney Creek Sabres, the province's top-ranked team. Despite their valiant effort, the Queens came up just short with a final score of 3-1. Their silver medal triumph marked a significant achievement for the team and organization, as it had been 11 years since a Queens team last played for gold and the youngest competitive team to medal. Adding to the camaraderie and spirit of the event, all five travelling Queens teams were in attendance to cheer on their U13 counterparts. Their collective presence electrified the crowd, creating a memorable atmosphere of unity and encouragement within the Thunder Bay Queens organization.

The Queens' success at the U13 level was not the only highlight of the weekend. The Mallon's Play It Again Sports U18AA team advanced to the quarter-finals, facing off against the Waterloo Ravens in a fiercely contested match. While their journey ended at this stage, their performance underscored the depth of talent and competitiveness this team has shown all year. In addition, the presence of the BFL U15A Queens, the U15AA Queens, the Half-Way Motors U18A Queens, and the U22 Queens at the championships exemplified the breadth of talent and dedication within the program. Throughout the tournament, the Queens showcased resilience and sportsmanship, maneuvering through intense competition marked by numerous ties and slim point differentials. Despite the challenges, they demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level and left a lasting mark on the tournament.

The success of the TBWHA Thunder Bay Queens is owed in part to the support of the Thunder Bay Hockey Community, a heartfelt thank you extends to Lakehead Minor Hockey Association, Thunder Bay Minor Hockey Association, and the Thunder Bay Kings for their support of the interlock games and exhibition series, providing the Queens teams with invaluable opportunities to play and compete locally. These opportunities, made possible by the commitment of our dedicated coaches, managers, and volunteers has built a strong foundation of competition within the local hockey community that has fostered the Queens' success and has been instrumental in the program's growth and accomplishments.

The significance of the Queens' achievements highlights the strength and vibrancy of women's hockey in Thunder Bay. Their performances serve as inspiration for aspiring young female athletes in Northern Ontario, reaffirming their status as a prominent fixture in provincial hockey circles. With gratitude for the support received and determination to tackle future challenges, the Queens are poised to continue their pursuit of excellence, further solidifying their place among Ontario's elite.

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.