Girls hockey participation levels have grown nationally, and it’s no different in Rice Lake.

Following gold medals won by both the U.S women’s and men’s hockey teams in the Winter Olympics, USA Hockey was on track to surpass 100,000 registrations for female players. In Wisconsin, the state recently passed Michigan to become the fourth largest affiliate for female players after an increase of nearly 7% over the previous year to almost 6,000. Locally, the Rice Lake Hockey Association has grown its numbers for girls by 278% since 2015, with a total of 34 this past season.

Following two years of an 8 and under girls part-time team, the Rice Lake Hockey Association is expanding its program to also include a girls 10U full-time team. In the past two years, in addition to the co-ed opportunities for the girls, there have been monthly girls-only practices and team building activities. Last year Rice Lake held its first girls-only jamboree with three teams playing and it was a positive experience for the girls.

Rice Lake Hockey Association board member and girls hockey coordinator Kristi Barclay said there’s a new level of confidence the girls gain in playing together.

“There was a girl who came to a girls jamboree last year, and she played at a whole other level than we’ve seen all season in the normal co-ed context,” Barclay said. “It flipped a switch for her, and she brought it back after that and she was playing harder and practicing harder. There’s something about that environment that increased her confidence or made her feel like she could step it up a bit.”

Currently Rice Lake High School doesn’t have a varsity team, and athletes from the school compete with the co-op in Hayward. Previously at youth levels to play on a girls-only team, traveling outside of Barron County was also required. That’s one aspect of why it can be difficult to retain kids, and it’s not uncommon for interest in the sport to dwindle before girls reach high school when they see their friends playing other sports.

“It’s about providing more programs that continue to keep our youth involved,” said Dan Peeples, vice president of Rice Lake Hockey Association. “Trying to cut off that stat that’s out there, that you lose a lot of players by the time they’re 13 for various reasons. One of the reasons we lose girls in girls hockey is when there’s not a program that’s close and convenient for them.”

Barclay said representation has played a big role in the growth of girls hockey across the country and in Wisconsin. Whether it’s the Winter Olympics, the creation of the Professional Women’s Hockey League or the success of UW-Madison women’s team that has won two straight national championships, young girls are seeing women have success at the highest levels of the sport. Last year one of the 8U team building activities was watching a Badger women’s game together, and an idea for this upcoming season is attending a PWHL game of the Minnesota Frost.

In order to build interest in the sport, the hockey association has held Girls Try Hockey days where the girls can build friendships together on the ice.

“They feel specifically invited, and have that level of comfort,” said Barclay. “They’re seeing their friends. They feel more like it’s a space for them.”

The co-ed teams usually play around 35 games during the season but the 10U girls schedule is planned to be closer to 20, which provides more flexibility for other team activities. Ideally the roster would be around 11-14 girls, and Barclay expects they could have about 10-11 girls sign up this season. Based upon the ages of those currently registered, it’s more likely there’s another 10U team next year. If retainment is strong, a 12U team could be possible the year after.

Peeples said the expansion of programs is about providing a place for kids of any age a place to play up until high school, and with the girls program it can allow the association to draw athletes from beyond just Rice Lake and into the wider Barron County area.

The hockey association has a few events coming up this month for those interested to seek additional information. There is a pasta fundraiser and open house at the hockey area on Aug. 19 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The meal is by freewill offering. Registration will be available on site and representatives from the hockey association will be available to answer questions about the girls and co-ed programs.

On Aug. 30, the hockey association will host a girls hockey open house and Try Hockey Free night from 4-6 p.m. To register visit ricelakehockey.com. The event is for girls ages 4-13 when youth and their families can meet the coaches and teammates, ask questions about the girls program and try hockey for an hour with equipment provided.

“We’re excited about the program and excited to see where it goes,” said Peeples. “From an association standpoint, it’s great to have the girls program, but it’s also great to have some new folks come into the association as well and be a part of what’s going on with Rice Lake hockey.”

More information on the girls program, visit ricelakehockey.com/girls or email ricelakehockey@gmail.com with questions.