The only loops and Lutzes these women might do on the ice are purely unintentional. They're here to compete.
By MARY COLLISTER
Published July 25, 2003
BRANDON - Some drive vans with baby seats and steering wheels sticky from spilled juice. Others work to heal the sick or defend the innocent.
Yet this diverse group of women comes together each week with a common goal: Play ice hockey.
"We love to skate," says Cari Brown of Valrico, program manager for the fledgling ice hockey team that calls itself MsConduct.
The 28 players, mainly hockey moms, are just trying to have a good time.
"Most of the women have no hockey experience," she says. "In fact many have never skated before, but once the skate hits the ice, they're hooked."
They are part of an in-house league that practices and plays mostly at the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon. The league hopes to form four teams by fall and be playing against teams from throughout the state.
The members, 14 to 40-plus, get out on the ice and give it their all.
"This is a developmental league," Brown says. "Most of us follow our children around while they play hockey and we decided we wanted to give it a try."
Brown, 39, is no stranger to the sport; she got her start in Detroit as a child.
"The canals would freeze and everything else would stop," she says. "My entire family would get out on the ice and play hockey."
In this league, experience is not required, says David Cole, director of fan development for the Tampa Bay Lightning. "This is not for the elite player. This is definitely a novice league."
Cole, who trains and coaches the MsConduct team, runs a weekly clinic to teach and refine basic hockey skills. "It doesn't matter how old you are, when you make that first goal it's exciting. "
He gets coaching help from several other Lightning staff members and volunteer referees, which also helps control the costs.
"This is a big hockey area," says Cole, who lives in Brandon.
Used equipment is readily available. Most players start with gloves, skates, a stick and a full-face helmet.
"You know you're hooked when you buy your first pair of (ice hockey) pants," Brown says.
Aren't some women afraid they'll get hurt?
Brown and Cole say their league doesn't allow "checking" - physically blocking another player - and that there have been no injuries.
Not shy about wanting to recruit players, Brown insists that if women don't have hockey fever after just one practice, the dollar beers and camaraderie will win them over.
If that's not enough, Cole says, there's the climate.
"This is an activity played inside, where it is nice and cool, there are no mosquitoes, and we never get rained out. It's also a great way to get a cardio workout."
Best of all, says Cole, "It's easy to learn the rules and the action is fast."
Pick up a stick
Interested in testing your skills on the ice? Females at least 13 years old are eligible to play. E-mail Cari Brown at cbrown99@tampabay.rr.com Team fees are $165 per person per 10-week session. One-hour weekly practice clinics cost $15 each.
Clinics are held at 7 p.m. each Thursday at the Ice Sports Forum, 10222 Elizabeth Place.
Register from 6 to 7 p.m. July 31 at the Ice Sports Forum. For more details, call 684-7825 and press 4 at the menu.
