Letter to the editor | Help save women's hockey at UNB
Dear Editor,
Please consider the things in this letter. I hope that you too, believe that sports are a great avenue for our young people. They gain leadership skills, build friendships and learn how to work as a team.
Most athletes, when encouraged, will chose to stay in this province because they are proud of their heritage and see New Brunswick as the best place in the world to live and possibly raise their own families some day. If given an opportunity. A photo was taken after the Leo Hayes Lady Lions won the Provincial NBIAA Championship last weekend. It represents two different generations and genders. Neither have much in common.
The grey-haired gentlemen prefer quiet things, no iPODS or text messages throughout their day. But they have something in common that stretches beyond what they ever considered possible. Granddaughter's playing hockey.
Most of these men have had sons that played the sport at different levels in the ‘70s and ‘80s They have coached their sons and helped develop hockey in Fredericton. They now stand behind their granddaughter' by attending every home game, helping them get to practices and so much more. They are so proud of these girl's accomplishments. They have moved with the times and have decided that girl's hockey is excellent.
Unfortunately any of these young women who are dreaming of a future at a University that considers itself progressive and leading edge, have been deemed not worthy of wearing the Red and Black at University of New Brunswick.
Most of these young women and many others who are making plans for their future will consider other opportunities for athletic and academic excellence. They are saddened by the fact that they WILL NOT have the chance to play in front of some of their greatest fans and heroes –their granddads – in the future.
You see with the recent decision to drop some programs to club status by UNB has produced a two-fold sentence. Most programs will continue at both the AUS and CIS level. Unfortunately, this cannot be said of the women's hockey program. The sport for women is basically and ultimately eliminated.
There are no plans to assist these girls in the future. UNB plans on INVESTING MORE into established teams. I certainly do not want to take away from the men's hockey team's success, but this came through good marketing, recruiting and program initiatives.
It took dedication. It took resolve. The young women, who have the same passion and dedication for the sport have been left in the lurch. They feel like second class citizens, having their dignity and aspirations crushed by an establishment that considers itself liberal.
How sad that the administration of UNB could not see the development and growth of the fastest growing sport for women in Canada. How sad that they have considered hockey important, but only for male's. How sad and upsetting as a parent to tell your daughter that they have no athletic future at a university she had dedicated her post secondary schooling to.
My daughter did not look at any other university and was overjoyed by the prospect of playing upon speaking with the coaching staff. We need you support. Not just for my daughter, but for all girl's in the province that love the game and want to stay here.
Our girls just need an opportunity and place to play. Their goals are clear. This is their moment. They will win at the AUS level in a few years. They would also hope to see a medal at the CIS level. They are not asking for scholarships. STU had 12 New Brunswick women on their roster. U de M had 16 in the previous season! These young women, New Brunswickers, will live here and will give back to the community. They will run businesses, become nurses, doctors and police officers. They would wear their red and black jerseys with pride. They will give back to the university in years to come.
They may even say, I am proud to be a UNB alumni, but not until they see equality and fairness. This will occur only when the varsity women's hockey program is reinstated. Maybe it is time to look to Title 11 to protect all students. Let's be fair UNB, fair to all.
New Brunswickers, if you have a moment, look at the online petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/UNBWH/petition.html for more supporter's from across North America and beyond
Sincerely,
Dawn Allaby,
Maugerville
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