Sask. hosts U-18 women's hockey championship for 1st time

Saskatchewan is hosting the best young female hockey players this week in the National Women's Under-18 Championship for the first time.

Kelly McClintock, the general manager of the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, said hosting the tournament will help showcase female hockey in the province, as well as encourageothers to get involved.

"This is a stepping stone for these young ladies because all of them are being considered for the national under-22 team," McClintocktold CBCRadio's Morning Edition. Four Saskatchewan girls have already played on the national under-18 team, she added.

Team Saskatchewan beat Team Atlantic 3-0 in their opening game on Wednesday.

McClintock said it's positive to see young girls and boys watchthe first few games to witness how strong the women's game has become.

"I think across the country, numbers [of women's hockey player]are fairly level, but I think what we've seen in my 22 years is the calibre of the play is significantly higher," McClintock said.

"That's the key thing: These kids are starting earlier in the game ... they're staying in it longer, they're spending more time on skill development, and they're a lot better hockey players today than they were 22 years ago."

Stephanie Markowski, a 15-year-old defenceman for Team Alberta, had a goal and an assist in the first game. It's an impressive debut for the youngest player in the tournament.

"I see the game growing year-to-year," Markowski said. "When I was watching as a kid, it was pretty good but now, when I watch the Olympics, it's crazy how much it's blossomed."

Markowski began playing at age five, on a boys team. She said that meant better competition, but it's fun bonding with other female players in later years.

Regina is home to the tournament this week at the Co-operators Centre.

Saskatchewan plays Ontario Blue tonight at 7 p.m. CST. They'll be back on the ice Friday against Team Ontario Red on Friday at 7 p.m.

The gold medal final is on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Every game is being streamed online. You can find more information here.