Canadian junior hockey history will be made today (Sunday) at South Surrey Arena, when four officials form the first-ever all-female officiating crew and will work the BC Hockey League game between the Surrey Eagles and Langley Rivermen.

Grace Barlow and Megan Howes will referee the game, which starts at 4 p.m., while Melissa Brunn and Colleen Geddes will work the lines.

B次元官网网址淏eing on an all-female crew is both exciting and comfortable,B次元官网网址� said Barlow in a BCHL news release issued Sunday.

B次元官网网址淭hese women beside me have been my friends, as well as my colleagues, for years. Getting the opportunity to make history with them is an honour. I hope other young women can watch this game and know that all aspects of hockey are for everyone.B次元官网网址�

The BCHL, as well as other junior B次元官网网址楢B次元官网网址� leagues across the country, has had female officials before, but never an entire four-person crew made up of women.

B次元官网网址淭o share the ice with strong athletes is one thing, but to skate alongside strong female athletes at this level is another. I am tremendously proud of our journey thus far,B次元官网网址� Howes said.

Howes and Brunn have both previously officiated BCHL games, while Barlow and Geddes are in their first seasons in the league.

B次元官网网址淭his is another step towards a more inclusive approach to hockey,B次元官网网址� said Vanessa Stratton, female officiating lead for BC Hockey. B次元官网网址淭hey are leaders for the next generation of young female officials and that is something to be so proud of.B次元官网网址�

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