We recognize there are a lot of questions regarding the pilot U18AAA program. This page is designed to help clarify some of those questions and help you make an informed decision as to whether this may be the right choice for your player or goalie.

Is this a new Franchise?

The short answer is no. More specifically Hockey Nova Scotia has created this team as a pilot expansion team. The pilot is set examine the feasibility of an expansion team in an area that seems to have more eligible and qualified players for the U18AAA level than are places available.

Is this a Riptide Team?

This pilot is not a Riptide team in the traditional sense. Just like there is no Force U18AAA team. The U18AAA league operates on a franchise model, so the clubs are not 'owned' by a specific Female Association. As a pilot, Western Riptide was asked if they would administer the team in the pilot year. If the team ends up wearing Riptide Jerseys this season it will be an effort to reduce costs, not a indication of ownership. We have a brand design prepared if a sponsor is found that is committed and clear that the uniform may only be active for a single season.

What is the catchment area?

Since the U18AAA league runs on a franchise design and this is a pilot team, there is no defined catchment area. The intention is to build the team out of players from all areas. Players that were either not successful in making one of the existing 4 Nova Scotia teams, players who may have been overlooked, and high end players who may not have tried out for the existing teams. As an example this would include girls who have been developing in the existing U18AA programs will be key to its success.

Is this team for Western Riptide and Valley Wild?

The short answer is not exclusively. Any female player born in 2008, 2009, and 2010 would be eligible to participate. The hope is to make the program accessible to players from Metro East Inferno, Metro West Force, Valley Wild and Western Riptide. It could also be an option for players from Fundy Highland, Quad County and Cape Breton if they didn't make the teams in their regions. (Selects/Lynx) Although, clearly the accessibility would be more challenging. 

Why is the team located in Chester?

Although the original communication was to host the team in Chester/Bridgewater that may not be entirely accurate. Chester was targeted because of its relative accessibility to the Riptide, Force, Wild and Inferno catchments. It was also selected for the purpose of showcasing high level female hockey to different region. As we look at the demographic of interested players and goalies, we are attempting to secure ice based on the projected make up of the team. We hope to solidify the standard practice locations ASAP. The arenas being approached include Chester, Windsor and various Metro arenas. The Sunday home games will be out of Chester. The off-ice training location will be in the Metro Area.

Will this be a true U18AAA program and a positive experience for the players and goalies?

Our intention is to run the highest quality program. This includes significant practice time, professional coaching, exceptional goalie coaching, an off ice conditioning program, community engagement, mentorship, personal leadership development, and a commitment to building the most engaging team environment these players will ever experience.

Our Mission is to bring together an experienced and dedicated group of players and coaches to create a highly competitive and the most cohesive U18AAA Female hockey team.

Who will be coaching?

The coaching staff will be lead by Rufus Sweet. Rufus carries an immense amount of experience coaching at all ages and all levels in both female and coed. This includes being the Head Coach of multiple MWF U15AAA teams with great success in Provincial competition. Rufus has also organized summer hockey teams and travelled all over Canada, the States , Virginia, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy and many others. Many of his former players have gone on to play university hockey all over Canada and the USA. The core of his philosophy is coaching players to be better people, better hockey players, and to be community minded. Rufus’ most recent accomplishment was being recognized with HNS’s Denny Deveau Award. This annual award is presented by Hockey Nova Scotia's Female Council in recognition of an individual for outstanding leadership and contribution to the advancement of the female game in Nova Scotia. Rufus is currently building his bench staff as we prepare for tryouts.

We look forward to seeing you come out.

For more information contact Chris Hayes at;

chayes@westernriptide.com