In Lac du Bonnet, hockey is more than just a sport; it’s a vibrant part of our community’s culture. Thanks to a generous $27,000 donation from the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), our local arena is now able to add a female dressing room, creating a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. This initiative not only addresses a long-standing need but also symbolizes our dedication to promoting equality and encouraging more girls to participate in the sport.
Our arena has long been a gathering place where smiles, laughter, and excitement fill the air. It has always served as a bustling center of activity, from kids learning to skate to adults playing in local leagues. The addition of a female dressing room is a significant step forward in making sure everyone feels comfortable and included. Mayor Ken Lodge, who also serves as the Chairperson for the MMF Lac du Bonnet Local, emphasized the importance of the arena, saying, “From late fall through springtime, the rink is probably the happiest place you can find in the entire community.”
The idea for the new female change room originated from the Lac du Bonnet Rats hockey club, an old Manitoba Hydro hockey team. Red River Métis Citizen Adam Gorrie, vice president of the Lac du Bonnet Minor Hockey Association and a member of the Rats, recounted how the idea came to life. “We were brainstorming ways to give back to the arena, and the manager suggested a female dressing room,” Gorrie said. This spark of an idea quickly turned into a community-wide effort.
Fundraising played a crucial role in this project, with events like the annual “Fore the Rink” golf tournament making significant contributions. “One hundred and forty-four golfers show up and golf. We’ve sold out two years in a row now,” Gorrie mentioned, highlighting the community’s enthusiastic support. These efforts, combined with the MMF’s substantial donation, have made the construction of the dressing room possible.
The new dressing room couldn’t have come at a better time. In 2023, for the first time, Lac du Bonnet was able to field an all-girls U9 team. “We had too many U9 kids for one team and not quite enough for two,” Gorrie, who also coaches the team, explained. “We brought up two young ladies from the U7 team to make the U9 female team, and we had just enough to field both teams.” This milestone underscores the growing interest and participation of girls in hockey within our community.
Mayor Lodge hopes this project will encourage other local initiatives and demonstrate the power of community collaboration. “This project shows what can happen with simple collaboration, sharing of labor, and advice,” he said. The community’s joint efforts have not only provided a much-needed facility but also set a precedent for future projects. “The long-term impact is going to be very important,” Lodge added, expressing his belief in the potential for ongoing community development.
For Gorrie, the project is particularly meaningful as it aligns with his personal passion and commitment to the sport. “It was important for them to be comfortable and to be able to tell their friends that, ‘Hey, we have this space where we’re happy, we’re having fun, and maybe you should come join,’” he said. The new dressing room, set to be completed for the 2024/2025 season, will foster a more inclusive environment, helping to attract and retain more female players in Lac du Bonnet.