CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada will once again team up with the International Ice Hockey Federation and fellow member nations for World Girls’ Hockey Weekend, taking place Oct. 10-12 in rinks around the globe.

Now in its fourth season, the IIHF has developed World Girls’ Hockey Weekend to help grow the women’s game at all levels, and in all participating countries.

In Canada, this year’s event includes the return of The Long Game on Saturday, Oct. 11, which features five female games running from east to west. In total, more than 2,000 players on 98 teams will play in 49 games across the country, which will run continuously at the Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Midget and Senior levels.

The first puck drop is set for 9:30 a.m. NT in Stephenville, N.L., and the final face-off is at 7 p.m. PT in Whitehorse, Yukon. For the full Long Game schedule, including times and locations in your area, please CLICK HERE. The Long Game score will be cumulative across the country, with updates available at at www.hockeycanada.ca/wghw.

“After the success of The Long Game last year, we could not be more excited to make it even bigger and better, adding more games, more teams and more players,” said Joanne Hughes, chair of Hockey Canada’s Female Council. “World Girls’ Hockey Weekend is truly a nation-wide event, not just with The Long Game but with so many other development activities, and it’s fantastic to watch how Canadians support the events and support the continued growth of the women’s game.”

In arenas across the country, World Girls’ Hockey Weekend is a great way to introduce girls and women to the game in a positive, safe and supportive environment. Additional activities hosted by female and minor hockey associations include Esso Fun Days, skills sessions, coaching clinics, officiating clinics, information sessions, bring-a-friend days and many other fun ways to get out onto the ice, and into Canada’s game.

For a full list of World Girls’ Hockey Weekend activities across the country or to register an activity in your community with Hockey Canada, please CLICK HERE. For more information on the International Ice Hockey Federation’s initiatives for World Girls’ Hockey Weekend, please CLICK HERE.

For more information on Hockey Canada and its female hockey programs, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca and www.hockeycanada.ca/femalehockey, or follow along through social media at www.facebook.com/hockeycanada, www.twitter.com/hockeycanada and www.twitter.com/hc_women.