The Clarence-Rockland Girls Hockey Association (CRGHA) celebrated girls’ hockey at the Clarence-Rockland arena with their Lightning in November event over the weekend, including an official first look at a sponsored staircase in the arena’s stands. 

More than 500 hockey fans made their way to the arena to enjoy a silent auction, face painting, games, scavenger hunts and, of course, Ontario Women’s Hockey Association girls’ hockey games and a six team U9 jamboree, all in support of the Clarence-Rockland Lightning.  

“We were really pleased to reintroduce Lightning in November,” said CGHA President Rob Stevens. “This year our registrations are up, and girls are coming back to play hockey after a rough few years caused by the pandemic.” 

The big event of the day was the unveiling of the sponsored stairs at the arena, newly painted with the CRGHA Lightning logo. With much of the attention going to men’s hockey, Stevens said the organization is particularly proud to see the girls celebrated in such a way. 

“It’s a big step for our girls to know they are seen and represented at our local community arena,” said Stevens. 

The weekend festivities were wrapped up with the National’s Lightning Night, where Rockland’s Junior A team hosted the girls at their Remembrance Day game Saturday evening, defeating the visiting Smith Falls Bears 6-5. 

“It was a big success for our associations,” said Stevens.