Get ready for the “Battle of Kincardine” at Great Lakes Challenge tournament

Kincardine is once again bringing women's university hockey to Bruce County.

The Great Lakes Challenge was created to bring young elite athletes, from small towns to big cities, to the area to participate in a tournament-style weekend. The committee members behind the challenge use this event not only to showcase the amazing area but also to support community events and groups.

The event runs from Friday, Sept. 28, to Sunday, Sept. 30, with players coming from Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, as well as international players from the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

The tournament features the University of Regina and the University of Lethbridge of the U Sports Western Division; and York University and Brock University of Ontario.

These four talented university teams of young women will perform a level of women's hockey that young girls don't get to see in the area. It's a fast-paced, physical and skilled brand of hockey.

This year's tournament definitely has some local ties to it. Brock University is coached by Kincardine's Margot (Verlaan) Page and the University of Regina is coached by Kincardine's Sarah (Howald) Hodges. Playing goal for the Regina Cougars, is Morgan Baker of Kincardine who played for Kincardine Minor Hockey and the Saugeen Maitland Lightning.

The Saturday night game at 7:30 p.m., between Regina and Brock, is being billed as the “Battle of Kincardine.”

There are other local connections, with players from Mount Forest, Mitchell and Kincardine who have all played for the Saugeen Maitland AA girls hockey association based in Teeswater, Howick and Wingham.

For more information, check the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/events/308110523326957/